Issued  June  28, 1913. 

DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE, 

BUREAU   OF   SOILS— BULLETIN    NO.  96. 
MILTON  WHITNEY,  Chief. 


SOILS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

(EDITION,  1913.) 


BY 


CURTIS  F.  MARBUT,  HUGH  H.  BENNETT,  J.  E.  LAPHAM, 
fafflg      and  M.  H.  LAPHAM. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OPPIOE. 

1913. 


Issued  June  28, 1913. 

U.  S.  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE, 

BUREAU  OF   SOILS— BULLETIN   NO.  96. 
MILTON  WHITNEY,  Chief. 


SOILS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

(EDITION,  1913.) 


BY 


CURTIS  F.  MARBUT,  HUGH  H.  BENNETT,  J.  E.  LAPHAM, 
and  M.  H.  LAPHAM. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 

1913. 


BUREAU  OF  SOILS. 


Milton  Whitney,  Chief  of  Bureau. 
Albert  G.  Rice,  Chief  Clerk. 
Charles  H.  Seaton,  Editor. 

SOIL   SURVEY. 

Curtis  F.  Marbut,  in  charge. 

G.  W.  Baumann,  Executive  Assistant. 

Jay  A.  Bonsteel,  Use  of  Soils. 

Henry  J.  Wilder,  Fruit  Soils. 

Charles  A.  Drake,  in  charge,  Map  Section. 

committee  on  the  correlation  and  classification  of  soils. 

Curtis  F.  Marbut,  Chairman. 
Hugh  H.  Bennett,  Inspector,  Southern  Division. 
J.  E.  Lapham,  Inspector,  Northern  Division. 
M.  H.  Lapham,  Inspector,  Western  Division. 
J.  W.  McKericher,  Secretary. 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


United  States  Department  of  Agriculture, 

Bureau  of  Soils, 
Washington,  D.  C,  November  8,  1912. 
Sir:  In  1903  a  small  handbook  entitled  "Instructions  to  Field  Parties  and  Descrip- 
tions of  Soil  Types"  was  issued  as  a  guide  to  the  soil-survey  field  parties.    This  was 
revised  and  brought  up  to  date  in  1904  and  again  in  1906,  the  name  being  changed 
to  Soil  Survey  Field  Book.     In  1909  the  volume  of  work  had  outgrown  the  dimen- 
sions of  a  pocket  notebook,  in  which  form  the  earlier  publication  had  appeared,  and 
the  subject  matter  was  again  revised  and  put  in  somewhat  different  form  and  pub- 
lished as  Bulletin  55  under  the  title  "Soils  of  the  United  States,  Based  upon  the 
Work  of  the  Bureau  of  Soils  to  January,  1908. "    Again  two  years  later  the  work  was 
revised  to  January  1, 1910,  and  published  as  Bulletin  78.     In  the  present  volume  the 
work  is  revised  again  and  brought  down  to  January  1, 1912,  combining  the  features  of 
Bulletin  55,  which  treats  of  the  soil  series,  and  of  Bulletin  78,  which  treats  of  the 
soil  types.     In  addition,  a  discussion  of  the  methods  of  soil  classification  has  been 
included,  which,  together  with  the  large  amount  of  new  information  gathered,  makes 
the  bulletin  considerably  larger  than  the  earlier  works  and  a  very  complete  handbook 
of  the  soils  of  the  United  States. 
I  recommend  that  this  be  published  as  Bulletin  No.  96. 
Respectfully, 

Milton  Whitney, 

Chief  of  Bureau. 
Hon.  James  Wilson, 

Secretary  of  A griculture . 

3 


CONTENTS. 


Page, 

Introduction 7 

Progress  of  the  soil  survey 7 

Area  surveyed 7 

Distribution  by  provinces 7 

Detailed  and  reconnoissance  mapping 9 

Soil  classes  by  provinces 9 

Processes  of  soil  formation 9 

Soils  of  the  provinces 11 

Soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  province 17 

Soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province 49 

Soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province  '. 85 

Soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province 109 

Soils  of  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province 165 

Soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province 221 

Soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province 303 

Soils  of  the  Great  Plains  region 381 

Soils  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  and  Plateau  region 465 

Soils  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region 497 

Soils  of  the  Great  Basin  region 531 

Soils  of  the  Arid  Southwest  region 555 

Soils  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region 573 

Appendix  A.  Areas  survey  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  corre- 
lation of  the  soils  since  the  reports  were  published 733 

Appendix  B.  Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new 

name  and  the  area  in  which  the  soils  were  first  encountered 753 

Index  to  soil  series 767 

Index  to  soil  types 771 

5 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PLATES. 

Page. 

Plate  I.  Map  showing  progress  of  soil-survey  work In  pocket. 

II.  Soil  provinces  and  soil  regions  of  the  United  States In  pocket. 

FIGURES. 

Page. 

Fig.  1 .  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  province 48 

2.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province. .  84 

3.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province 108 

4.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loe.ssial  province 164 

5.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province 220 

6.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province 302 

7.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province 380 

8.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Great  Plains  region 464 

9.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  Plateau  and  Plains  region 496 

10.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region 530 

11.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Great  Basin  region 554 

12.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Arid  Southwest  region 572 

13.  Key  to  the  soils  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region 732 

6 


SOILS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


INTRODUCTION. 

By  Curtis  F.  Marbut. 

PROGRESS  OF  THE  SOIL  SURVEY. 

A  soil  survey  exists  for  the  purpose  of  defining,  identifying,  mapping,  classifying, 
correlating,  and  describing  soils.  The  results  obtained  are  valuable  in  many  ways 
and  to  men  of  many  kinds  of  occupation  and  interests.  To  the  farmer  it  gives  an 
interpretation  of  the  appearance  and  behavior  of  his  soils  and  enables  him  to  compare 
his  farm  with  other  farms  of  the  same  and  of  different  soils.  The  soil  survey  report 
shows  him  the  meaning  of  the  comparison  and  a  basis  for  working  out  a  system  of 
management  that  will  be  profitable  and  at  the  same  time  conserve  the  fertility  of  his 
so il.  To  the  investor,  banker,  real  estate  dealer,  or  railway  official  it  furnishes  a  basis 
for  the  determination  of  land  values.  To  the  scientific  investigator  it  furnishes  a 
foundation  knowledge  of  the  soil  on  which  can  be  based  plans  for  its  improvement 
and  further  investigation  by  experiment.  To  the  colonist  it  furnishes  a  reliable 
description  of  the  soil. 

AREA    SURVEYED. 

There  have  been  surveyed  and  mapped  to  January  1,  1912,  a  total  of  520,234  square 
miles  or  332,949,778  acres.  This  mapping  has  been  done  on  scales  ranging  from 
1  inch  equals  1  mile  to  4  or  6  inches  equals  1  mile  in  reconnoissance  surveys.  In 
addition  to  this  an  area  of  about  58,000  square  miles  in  the  Ozark  region  of  Missouri 
and  Arkansas  has  been  mapped  in  a  more  general  reconnoissance.  Including  this 
and  estimating  the  amount  of  work  done  in  the  6  months  from  January  1  to  June  30, 
the  end  of  the  fiscal  year,  it  is  estimated  that  there  have  been  completed  to  the  latter 
date  622,595  square  miles,  an  area  nearly  equal  to  the  combined  area  of  four  of  the 
most  important  countries  of  Europe,  as  follows: 

Square  miles. 

Germany 208,  780 

France 207,  054 

Great  Britain  and  Ireland 221,  391 

Italy 110,  659 

Total 647,  884 

DISTRIBUTION    BY   PROVINCES. 

For  the  purposes  of  soil  classification  the  United  States  has  been  divided  into  13 
subdivisions,  7  of  which,  lying  east  of  the  Great  Plains,  are  called  soil  provinces,  and 
6,  including  the  Great  Plains  and  the  country  west  of  them,  are  known  as  regions 

A  soil  province  is  an  area  having  the  same  general  physiographic  expression,  in 
which  the  soils  have  been  produced  by  the  same  forces  or  groups  of  forces  and  through- 
out which  each  rock  or  soil  material  yields  to  equal  forces  equal  results. 

A  soil  region  differs  from  a  soil  province  in  being  more  inclusive.     It  embraces  an 
area  the  several  parts  of  which  may  on  further  study  resolve  themselves  in! 
provinces. 

Soil  provinces  and  soil  regions  are  essentially  geographic  features.  They  are  differ- 
entiated on  the  basis  of  geographic  features  rather  than  on  that  of  Boil  character. 

The  soils  occurring  in  a  province  are  brought  together  Into  groups  on  the  basis  of 
certain  characteristics  of  the  soils  themselves,  each  group  constituting  a  soil  series. 


8 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


A  soil  series  may  be  defined,  therefore,  as  a  group  of  soils  having  the  same  range  in  color, 
the  same  character  of  subsoil,  particularly  as  regards  color  and  structure,  broadly  the 
same  type  of  relief  and  drainage,  and  a  common  or  similar  origin. 

The  soils  of  a  soil  province  may  be  grouped  on  the  basis  of  the  soil  texture  also,  and  a 
group  of  soils  within  one  or  more  provinces,  all  having  the  same  texture,  belong  to  the 
same  soil  class.  A  soil  class,  therefore,  includes  all  soils  having  the  same  texture, 
such  as  sands,  clays,  loams,  etc.  A  soil  class  is  not  limited  in  its  occurrence  to  a  soil 
province,  but  the  same  class  occurs  in  all  the  provinces  or  regions. 

The  soil  unit  or  the  soil  individual  is  the  soil  type.  It  connotes  all  the  features 
named  above  and  is  limited  to  a  single  class,  a  single  series,  and  a  single  province. 

A  soil  type,  therefore,  is  a  soil  which  throughout  the  area  of  its  occurrence  has  the 
same  texture,  color,  structure,  character  of  subsoil,  general  topography,  process  of 
derivation,  and  usually  derivation  from  the  same  material. 

The  soil  province  is  named  in  accordance  with  some  generally  accepted  terminology 
for  the  area  represented  or  according  to  the  processes  by  which  its  soil  material 
was  formed.  A  soil  series  is  named  from  some  town,  village,  county,  or  natural 
feature  existing  in  the  area  when  it  was  first  encountered.  The  class  name  is  wholly 
descriptive. 

The  following  table  shows  the  number  of  soil  series  and  soil  types  that  have  been 
recognized  in  the  several  soil  provinces  and  regions  to  January  1,  1912: 

Number  of  soil  series  and  soil  types  mapped  to  Jan.  1,  1912. 


Soil  province. 


Piedmont  Plateau  province 

Appalachian  Mountain  and  Pla- 
teau province 

Limestone  Valley  and  Upland 
province 

Glacial  and  Loessial  province 

Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace 

{)rovince 
lantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains 
province 


Series. 

Types. 

21 

75 

24 

81 

19 

47 

48 
142 

38 

164 

68 

238 

Soil  province. 


River  Flood  Plains  province 

Great  Plains  region 

Rocky  Mountain  region 

Northwest     Intermountain     re- 
gion  

Great  Basin  region 

Arid  Southwest  region 

Pacific  Coast  region 

Total 


534 


Types. 


75 

244 

67 

164 

17 

39 

21 

49 

10 

35 

6 

25 

21 

346 

1.650 


Soil  provinces  of  the  United  States  and  the  area  surveyed  in  each  to  Jan.  1,  1912. 


Province. 


Estimated 
area. 

Area  surveyed. 

Acres. 

Acres. 

Percent. 

47,214,000 

12,193,082 

25.8 

84,837.000 

26,932,477 

31.7 

67,870,000 

10,089,662 

14.9 

366.083,000 

48,995,564 

12.7 

42,788,000 

10,847,498 

25.3 

218,3()2,000 

60,119,138 

27.5 

7f.,  247, 000 

21,673,659 

28.8 

331,968,000 

120,399,738 

36.2 

265,575,000 

1,161.930 

.5 

75,984.  000 

3,160,133 

2.9 

lis. 034, 000 

1,111,079 

.9 

81,14* 

1,375,258 

1.7 

109, 180,000 

15,890,578 

14.6 

1,903,290,000 

332.949,778 

Piedmont  Plateau  province 

Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province 

Limestone  Valley  and  Upland  province 

Glacial  and  Loessial  province 

Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province 

Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province 

River  Flood  Plains  province 

Great  Plains  region 

Rocky  Mountain  region 

Northwest  Intermountain  region 

Great  Hasin  region 

Arid  Southwest  region 

Pacific  Coast  region 

Total 


The  amount  of  work  done  to  January  I,  1912,  as  shown  in  the  fop  Me,  is 

equal  to  L2.3  per  (•(•nt  ol  the  entire  United  stairs,  but  deducting  the  .mo. 711,000  acres 
In  the  sparsely  settled   Rocky  Mountain,  Northwest   [ntennountain,  Ghreal   B 
arid  Arid  Southwest  regions  irhere  the  survey  has  covered  5.808,382  acres,  or  approxi- 
mately 1  per  cent,  the  amounl  <>f  work  don.-  in  the  remainder  of  the  United  States  is 
equivalent  to  24  per  cent  of  th<  1  deluding  the  <  >/ark  survey  and  tie 

ares  done  from  January  1  to  June  80,  L912,  the  area  covered  is  28.8  per  cent  of  the 
0!  the  country  outside  ol  the  sparsely  settl*  ;  to. 


PROGRESS   OF   THE   SOIL  SURVEY. 


DETAILED   AND   RECONNOISSANCE    MAPPING. 

The  soil  survey  has  been  made  and  the  maps  published  for  the  most  part  on  two 
different  scales,  according  to  the  density  of  settlement,  the  uniformity  of  the  soils 
of  the  region,  and  the  degree  of  detail  intended  to"  be  shown  on  the  map.  In  most 
of  the  work  in  the  Great  Plains  region,  where  the  country  is  sparsely  settled,  the 
soils  uniform  over  large  areas,  the  precipitation  light  and  uncertain,  and  where 
intensive  development  may  not  be  expected  for  a  long  time,  the  6cale  has  been  4 
miles  to  the  inch.  On  this  scale  the  smallest  unit  that  can  be  shown  on  the  map  is 
125  or  150  acres.  On  such  a  scale  in  localities  where  the  soil  types  are  much  mixed 
by  reason  of  rough  topography,  complex  structure,  or  variable  conditions  of  soil 
formation  and  deposition,  only  the  soil  material  or  what  is  called  the  soil  series,  which 
may  include  a  number  of  related  soil  types,  can  be  recognized.  Over  most  of  the 
remainder  of  the  country  the  scale  has  been  1  mile  to  1  inch,  and  on  this  scale  areas 
of  8  acres  may  be  readily  shown,  and  each  soil  type  recognized  and  shown  separately 
on  the  map.  The  work  on  the  former  scale,  which  is  called  reconnoissance  work,  is 
of  course  much  less  expensive  per  square  mile,  but  is  wholly  inadequate  for  a  well- 
settled  country,  especially  where  intensive  methods  of  agriculture  are  or  should  be 
used.  In  both  kinds  of  work  there  are  encountered,  of  course,  areas  of  miscellaneous 
material  such  as  Rock  outcrop,  Rough  stony  land,  Sandhill,  Swamp,  and  other  material 
which  is  either  nonagricultural  or  can  be  used  for  agriculture  only  by  expensive 
reclamation  methods.    These  are  not  properly  soil  types. 

There  have  been  surveyed  on  the  detail  scale  162,528,210  acres  and  on  the  recon- 
noissance scale  178,913,280  acres,  with  an  overlap,  or  duplication  of  territory,  of 
8,510,272  acres. 

SOIL   CLASSES   BY  PROVINCES. 

The  following  table  shows  the  percentage  distribution  of  the  different  classes  of 
soils  in  the  several  provinces: 

Relative  proportion  of  the  different  classes  of  soils  in  the  United  States  based  on  the  surveys 

to  Jan.  1,  1912. 


Province. 


Sands. 


Fine 
sands. 


Sandy 
loams. 


Fine 
sandy 
loams. 

Loams. 

Silt 
loams. 

Clay 
loams. 

P.ct. 

P.ct. 

P.ct. 

P.ct. 

5.6 

21.5 

4.6 

8.1 

7.8 

32.8 

18.1 

24.6 

.1 

59.3 

26.0 

7.7 

3.7 

24.5 

48.8 

12.1 

9.8 

21.8 

6.6 

10.1 

34.9 

9.1 

4.1 

6.0 

12.6 

13.0 

35.3 

1.6 

13.7 

11.7 

50.4 

14.7 

15.2 

15.7 

1.8 

31.9 

33.9 

22.6 

20.0 

.8 

21.5 

20.5 

.0 

26.4 

18.7 

7.8 

14.3 

9.2 

9.7 

18.0 

19.4 

9.3 

Clays. 


Piedmont  Plateau  province 

Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau 
province 

Limestone  Valley  and  Upland  prov- 
ince  

Glacial  and  Loessial  province 

Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  prov- 
ince  

Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains 
province 

River  Flood  Plains  province 

Great  Plains  region 

Rocky  Mountain  region 

Northwest  Intermountain  region 

Great  Basin  region 

Arid  Southwest  region 

Pacific  Coast  region 


P.ct. 
0.1 


2.4 


4.6 
10.5 

9.3 
.9 

1.7 
12.6 

8.9 

3.6 
12.2 
10.1 


P.ct. 


1.4 

6.6 

10.9 
1.8 
2.2 
5.0 
9.1 
3.2 
.3 
1.4 


P.ct. 
37.8 


4.9 

16.9 

13.7 

2.1 

3.1 

13.0 

3.9 

22.4 

25.4 

21.9 


P.ct. 
22.3 

5.9 

6.0 

17.7 

12.0 

32.7 

2.5 

4.8 

.8 

2.4 

12.1 

10.2 


Certain  peculiarities  in  this  table  will  be  pointed  out  and  explained  in  treating  of 
the  forces  which  have  operated  in  the  formation  of  the  soils  of  each  province.  In  the 
Piedmont  Plateau  province  the  sandy  loams,  loams,  and  clays  predominate,  and  the 
reason  for  this  will  become  apparent  when  the  forces  which  have  been  operative  are 
understood.  In  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province,  the  loams  and 
clay  loams  predominate.  In  the  Limestone  Valley  and  Upland  province  the  loams 
and  silt  loams  predominate,  with  no  distinctive  sands  or  fine  sands.  In  the  Glacial 
and  Loessial  province  the  silt  loams  predominate,  with  no  distinctive  clay  soils; 
while  in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  there  is  nearly  twice  as  large  a  percentage 
of  clays  as  in  any  other  province  and  the  silt  loams  are  equal  in  extent  to  the  clays. 
In  marked  contrast  to  the  other  provinces  is  the  relatively  large  area  of  sands,  fine 
sands,  sandy  loams,  and  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace 


10 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


province  and  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province,  for  reasons  which  will  be 
readily  understood  when  the  forces  which  have  acted  on  the  soil  material  are  explained. 
Taking  the  soils  as  a  whole,  so  far  as  they  have  been  classified  into  types,  the  domi- 
nant soils  of  the  United  States  are  the  silt  loams,  with  the  other  classes  following  in 
this  order:  Loams,  fine  sandy  loams,  clay  loams,  sandy  loams,  clays,  sands,  and  fine 
sands,  as  shown  in  the  following  table: 

Total  area  of  different  classes  of  soils. 


Class. 


Silt  loams 

Loams 

Fine  sandy  loams 

Clay  loams 

Sandv  loai: 


Acres. 


Per  cent. 


27.0 
17.4 
1G.2 
10.7 
10.2 


Class. 


Acres. 


Clays 20,491,040 

Sands 11, 018, 828 

Fine  sands 9, 164. 862 

Total 220.797,007 


Per  cent. 


9.3 
5.0 
4.2 


PROCESSES    OF    SOIL    FORMATION. 


Probably  the  most  widespread  impression  obtained  from  textbooks  regarding  the 
origin  and  formation  of  soils  is  that  soils  are  derived  directly  from  rocks  through  the 
influence  of  weathering  and  the  breaking  down  of  the  rock  in  place,  leaving  a  dis- 
integrated mass  of  material  on  the  surface  which  constitutes  the  soil.  This  is  only 
remotely  true.  All  soils  are  derived  from  disintegrated  rock  material,  but  large  areas 
of  soils  are  not  derived  from  the  disintegration  of  rocks  which  lay  in  the  same  vertical 
or  horizontal  position  as  that  occupied  by  the  soil.  The  rock  material  from  any 
locality  or  from  any  one  kind  of  rock  may  have  been  carried  from  the  place  of  forma- 
tion, mixed  with  material  from  other  localities  and  other  rocks,  and  deposited  in  another 
locality  either  with  or  without  sorting  according  to  size  and  weight  of  particles.  Xot 
over  2  per  cent  of  the  soils  that  have  been  surveyed  in  the  United  States  are  derived 
from  material  resulting  from  the  disintegration  in  place  of  crystalline  and  meta- 
morphic  rocks,  and  probably  not  over  5  per  cent  has  been  derived  from  the  disin- 

i'ui  in  place  of  secondary  rocks,  such  as  sandstone  and  shale,  so  that  the  greater 
part  of  the  soils  which  cover  the  surface  of  the  United  States  is  derived  from  material 
that  has  been  transported  from  the  locality  where  it  was  formed  from  the  disin 
tioE  of  rocks  and  deposited  in  its  existing  Locality,  often  far  from  the  parent  Iocs 
Upward  of  90  per  cent  of  the  soils  that  have  been  surveyed  are  derived  from  material 
its  existing  occurrence  and  distribution  t  i  ion  of  moving  water, 

e,  and  moving  air.     It  has  been  carried  from  the  place  where  it  was  formed 

k  d6bris  by  weathering  agencies  and  redepoeited  in  ite  existing  position.    During 
the   period   of  transportation    the  materials  from   many   kinds  of  rocks  have  be 

./lily  mixed,  so  thai  the  soils  as  we  encounter  ihem  are  generally  more  hetero- 

d  complex    mineralogically  than   at  the  several  points  of  origin  of  the 

•  it  was  aecessarily  limited  in  its  range  of  characteristic-  aature 

■  rock  whence  it  was  deri 

I  disintegration  and  decomposition  convert   the  rock  material  into 
available  soil  material.    The  forces  of  transportation  and  sedimentation  reduce  further 

I  the  particles  and  lay  them  down  in  their  now  position  more  or  Is 
according  t<>  size  and  weight.   The  conditions  to  which  the  newly  deposited  mal 

ed  and  the  weathering  of  the  imtransported  material  after  its  disintegration 

•■  both  kinds  of  material  profoundly.    The  transported  material,  however,  is 

ted  in  most  cases  t<>  more  profound  changes  than  that  that    has  never 

transported.    Thi  lequenl  cnanges  of  further  weathering,  of  accumulation  of 

d.  of  increasingly  favorable  conditions  for  the  development  of  bacterial 

and  other  forms  of  Life  are  'le-  changes  that  convert  the  disintegrated  rock  material 

The  untransported  rock  material  is  being  acted  upon  during  its  formation  from  the 

J  thai  by  the  time  disintegration  has  extended  to  a  depth  sufficient  to 

orm  a  soil  the  surface  material  baa  already  becomes  soil  through  the  combined  anion 

ithering   and    life.     The    transported    material    laid    down    in    any   -onsid, 

depth  of  water  becoi  in  its  new  position  raw  rock  material.     Bacteria] 

life  i~  destroyed  and  organic  accumulations  dissipated.     It   is  set    backward   to  a 
much  more  primitii  development  than  the  closely  related  material  that 

■  ol    removed    from    it-    parent    locality.     The    conditions    to    which    this 

material  is  subjected  after  deposition  may  he  profoundly  different   from  those  to 


PROGRESS    OF    THE    SOIL   SURVEY.  11 

which  the  original  untransported  material  is  subjected.  Material  removed  from  a 
barren,  excessively  drained «hillside  and  transported  by  water  to  a  swamp  and  left 
for  ages  under  these  conditions  may  be  the  same  mineralogically  as  when  it  left  the 
hill.  In  its  new  position,  however,  it  is  subjected  to  conditions  which  favor  the 
accumulation  of  vegetable  matter,  impede  drainage,  diminish  aeration,  make  it  un- 
favorable to  the  development  of  certain  bacterial  life,  and  retard  chemical  change 
or  such  change  as  takes  place  in  soils  that  have  good  aeration.  The  accumulated 
effect  of  these  conditions  is  to  change  it  markedly. 

The  sorting  of  the  material  which  is  effected  in  its  transportation  and  redeposition 
affects  profoundly  the  rapidity  with  which  the  subsequent  soil-forming  agencies  act. 
On  an  area  of  open  porous  sand  they  operate  rapidly;  on  a  poorly  drained  clay  they 
operate  much  more  slowly  and  probably  in  a  different  way.  It  is  of  vast  importance, 
therefore,  in  the  classification  of  soils  to  recognize  not  only  the  character  of  the  rock 
from  which  the  material  has  been  derived  but  also  the  agencies  which  have  acted 
in  the  transportation  and  deposition  of  the  soil  material  and  the  changes  which  have 
taken  place  since  its  deposition.  The  character  of  the  parent  rock  material,  with 
the  influences  of  general  physiography  dependent  upon  this,  the  transportation  and 
redeposition  of  such  material  or  its  sedentary  character  are  the  factors  on  which  the 
soil  province  is  based.  The  changes  which  have  been  wrought  in  the  material  since 
its  deposition  or  in  the  case  of  untransported  material  since  its  formation,  together 
with  the  influences  in  minor  differences  in  rock  character,  are  the  factors  on  which 
the  next  larger  grouping  of  the  soil,  the  soil  series,  is  based. 

SOILS    OF   THE    PROVINCES. 

The  soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  are  derived  directly  from  the  disintegration  and 
more  or  less  complete  decomposition  of  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks  and  a  relatively 
small  area  of  shales  and  sandstones  in  the  northern  Piedmont  which  have  not  been 
metamorphosed.  The  general  physiography,  however,  of  this  sandstone  area  is  the 
same  as  that  of  the  area  of  crystalline  rocks.  The  soils  are  residual  soils  in  both  cases. 
The  main  factors,  therefore,  on  which  the  existence  of  this  province  is  based  are  those 
of  origin  or  process  of  formation  of  soil  material  and  general  topography.  Rock  char- 
acter is  of  subordinate  importance. 

The  Cecil  series  is  derived  from  the  coarser  grained  crystalline  rock,  the  granites 
and  gneisses,  and  comprises  material  that  has  reached  a  mature  stage  in  soil  weather- 
ing. The  Louisa  series  of  soils  is  derived  from  the  micaceous  crystalline  rocks,  such 
as  the  schists,  and,  like  the  Cecil,  comprises  material  that  is  maturely  weathered. 
The  Penn  soils  are  derived  from  a  series  of  red  shales  and  sandstones  which  have  not 
been  metamorphosed  and  comprise  well-weathered  material,  while  the  Alamance  and 
Georgeville  soils  are  derived  from  slates,  both  thoroughly  weathered  and  oxidized,  the 
latter  to  a  red  color  and  the  former  to  a  yellow  color. 

The  Durham  soils  are  derived  from  granites  and  gneiss  of  a  highly  quartziferous 
nature.  Either  on  account  of  immature  oxidation  or  a  relatively  small  content  of 
ferruginous  material  they  are  yellow  rather  than  red  in  the  subsoil.  The  Iredell  soils, 
on  tne  other  hand,  are  derived  from  quartz-free  crystalline  rocks  and  under  con- 
ditions that  have  not  permitted  the  thorough  oxidation  of  the  subsoil.  They  therefore 
are  soils  with  heavy  gray,  yellow,  greenish,  or  mottled  sticky  plastic  subsoils.  From 
the  same  rock,  for  example  a  quartz  schist,  may  come  gray  soils  with  red  subsoils  and 
gray  soils  with  yellow  subsoils,  the  difference,  due  to  some  inequality  in  the  rock  mass 
or  in  the  stage  of  weathering  reached,  being  sufficient  indication  of  inherent  differences 
of  functioning  to  warrant  mapping  as  different  soil  series  (Herndon  and  Edgemont)  not- 
withstanding a  common  origin. 

The  soils"of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  being  derived  from  the  disintegration  of  rocks  in 
place,  have  had  little  chance  to  mix,  except  from  wind  action,  and  would  show  marked 
uniformity  in  texture  of  material  over  similar  rock  areas  (as  indeed  they  do  in  the 
deep  subsoil)  were  it  not  for  rainwash.  Over  most  of  the  southern  Piedmont  the  sub- 
soil material  is  a  red  clay,  remarkably  uniform  in  texture,  but  nearly  half  of  the  area 
is  covered  with  a  sand  or  sandy  loam  some  6  to  18  inches  deep,  resting  directly  on  the 
red  clay  and  undoubtedly  formed  by  the  carrying  off  of  the  fine  silt  and  clay  particles 
in  gentle  rills  over  the  more  level  portions  of  the  fields,  leaving  the  sand  as  a  residual 
covering.  This  mantle  is  gradually  deepened  as  various  agencies  like  insects,  over- 
turning trees,  and  cultivation,  bring  the  underlying  material  to  the  surface  for  the 
rains  to  act  upon.  On  steeper  slopes  the  run-off  of  rain  water  has  been  sufficiently 
swift  to  erode  and  cany  the  soil  away  bodily,  removing  at  once  both  the  fine  and 
coarse  material,  leaving  a  clay  covering  of  the  surface  or  exposing  the  bedrock. 

The  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  are  similarly  derived  from  the 
disintegration  and,  to  a  certain  extent,  decomposition  of  rocks  in  place,  but  these 


12  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

rocks,  unlike  most  of  those  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  were  themselves  formed  of 
material  which  had  previously  been  transported  by  moving  waters,  separated  and 
segregated  by  wave  and  current  action,  and  afterwards  consolidated.  We  have  here, 
then,  several  different  shale  and  sandstone  formations  which,  to  start  with,  owing  to 
differences  in  the  original  source  or  character  of  the  material  out  of  which  the  rock  was 
consolidated,  to  conditions  under  which  the  material  was  laid  down  or  to  influences 
acting  before  or  after  its  consolidation  have  different  colors.  And  we  have  again  soil 
material  which  differs  in  color  in  top  soil  or  subsoil  owing  to  differences  in  drainage 
or  other  conditions  acting  during  and  subsequently  to  rock  disintegration.  These 
color  differences  are  indicative  of  differences  in  the  functional  activities  of  the  soils 
of  sufficient  importance  to  justify  classification  of  the  material  into  distinct  soil  series 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  rock  origin  may  be,  so  far  as  can  be  seen,  identical. 
It  is  interesting  to  observe  that  although  many  of  the  rocks  of  this  region  are  relatively 
coarse  grained  sandstones,  there  have  been  practically  no  distinctive  sands  or  fine 
sands  encountered  in  this  province. 

The  soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  are  similarly  derived  from  the  dis- 
integration of  rocks  in  place  but  a  very  different  class  of  rocks  from  those  of  the  Pied- 
mont or  Appalachian  provinces  and  disintegrated  in  a  very  different  way  from  those 
of  either  of  the  soil  provinces  just  considered.  These  rocks  consist  of  a  mixture  of  cal- 
cium carbonate  in  the  form  of  small  grains  or  larger  crystalline  masses  of  calcite  mixed 
with  an  amount  of  noncalcareous  material,  usually  clay,  silt,  and  sand,  varying  from 
place  to  place  horizontally  and  from  bed  to  bed  vertically.  As  originally  deposited 
on  the  sea  floor  this  material  was  soft  and  unconsolidated.  Through  pressure  and  the 
more  or  less  complete  crystallization  of  the  calcium  carbonate  the  material  has  been 
consolidated  into  beds  of  hard  limestone  rock. 

The  amount  of  noncalcareous  material  varies  greatly  from  practically  nothing  up  to 
a  pure  noncalcareous  rock.  Interbedded  with  the  calcareous  rocks,  therefore,  may 
occur  shales  and  sandstones,  but  they  are  usually  thin  so  that  in  the  disintegration, 
decomposition,  and  mixing  incident  to  soil  formation  their  material  becomes  mixed 
with  that  from  the  purer  limestone  rocks.  The  limestone  beds  may  become  impreg- 
nated also  with  siliceous  material  in  the  form  of  chert. 

Unconsolidated  calcareous  deposits  are  still  to  be  found  in  other  parts  of  the  country, 
and  in  many  places,  especially  in  swamps  and  in  the  arid  and  semiarid  regions,  clays 
and  sands  have  become  highly  impregnated  with  calcareous  material,  concentrated 
in  such  places  in  recent  times,  but  the  conditions  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  province 
are  not  of  this  kind.  The  rocks  of  this  province  are  highly  resistant  to  the  physical 
forces  of  disintegration,  such  as  change  of  temperature,  but  are  readily  attacked  by  the 
chemical  processes  of  rock  weathering,  especially  by  solution.  Only  the  calcareous 
constituent  of  the  rocks  is  easily  dissolved,  however.  The  noncalcareous  constitu- 
ents are  left  behind,  together  with  a  varying  but  small  percentage  of  the  calcareous 
constituent,  to  form  soil.  In  fact,  the  soil  is  often  found  to  be  remarkably  free  from 
calcareous  material. 

From  what  is  recognized  as  a  pure  limestone,  we  may  have  black,  brown,  red,  gray, 
or  white  soils  with  gray,  brown,  red,  or  yellow  subsoils,  depending  upon  the  conditions 
under  which  the  soil  material  has  accumulated  and  to  which  it  has  been  subjected. 
These  varying  colors  indicate  sufficient  difference  in  the  functional  properties  of  the 
soil  material  to  justify  its  classification  into  different  soil  scries. 

The  soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province  arc  derived  from  material  whose  origin 
differs  entirely  from  that  of  the  provinces  just  considered.  The  glacial  soils  will  first 
be  considered  and  then  the  loessial  soils.  The  glacial  soil  material  has  been  formed 
and  moved  to  its  existing  position  by  moving  ice.  which  lias  collected  rocks  and 
finer  material,  often  from  distant  localities.  This  material,  after  much  grinding  and 
mixing,  the  ice  1ms  left  upon  its  recession  in  deposits  frequently  hundreds  01 
thick.  All  of  this  materia]  is  designated  as  drift.  The  greater  part  of  it  was  dropped 
from  the  ice  and  left  without  further  movement,  while  a  smaller  portion  was  taken  up 
by  the  waters  derived  from  the  melting  ice  and  distributed  as  sorted  material  within. 
Under,   en.    or   bejond    the   ice.     There  are   two  kinds  of   material,    therefore,   in  the 

glacial  pari  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province  -  unassorted  and  unstratified  material 

and    assorn-d     and    stmt  died    material.      None    of     this    ni:i1erial    has    been    di 

:  from  iti  p.irent   rock  and  left    in  place  as  were  the  materials  of   the  Piedmont, 

a  been  previ  orted,  as  was  the  case  of  the  rock*  of  the  Appalachian 

Mountain   and  Plateau  province,  nor  has  it  come  as  a  result  oi  solution  of  rocks 

and  the  Carrying  away  01  the  major  portion  in  solution  as  in  the  Limestone  Valleys 
and  [Jplandl  province,  but  it  does  represent  material  from  hard  igneous  and  mela- 
morphlC    rocks,  limestone,  sandstone,  shale,   and    unconsolidated  deposits  mix< 

gether.     In  the  unassorted  drift  the  line  materia]  ia  mixed  beterogeneously  with  the 

coarse,  the  size-  from  the  finest  clay  to  large  bowlders.     In  the  assorted  drift 


PROGRESS   OF   THE   SOIL  SURVEY.  13 

the  finer  particles  have  been  deposited  in  one  locality  or  one  layer  and  the  coarser  par- 
ticles in  another. 

West  of  the  Allegheny  plateau  the  glacial  deposits  were  laid  down  on  a  relatively 
smooth  country.  Although  the  total  amount  of  such  deposits  per  square  mile  seems 
to  be  about  equal  to  that  on  the  same  area  in  the  northeastern  States,  yet  because  of 
the  smooth  country  on  which  they  were  deposited  they  mantle  it  completely,  so  that 
exposures  of  the  underlying  rock  are  much  more  rare  than  in  the  rougher  country  east 
of  Ohio.  Such  inequalities  of  topography  as  existed  in  the  preglacial  surface  were 
obliterated  in  a  large  part  of  this  region,  leaving  a  topography  dominated  almost  com- 
pletely by  the  glacial  deposits  themselves. 

As  a  whole  there  seems  to  be  a  somewhat  greater  heterogeneity  of  material  west  of 
the  Appalachian  region  than  within  it.  This  is  not  great  enough,  however,  to  cause 
the  predominance  of  local  material  in  the  drift  in  this  region  to  be  as  characteristic  a 
fact  as  is  the  case  elsewhere.  In  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Wisconsin,  and  apparently  the 
same  is  true  elsewhere,  the  boundaries  between  large  areas  of  the  different  kinds  of 
rock  may  be  determined  with  approximate  accuracy  by  an  examination  of  the  drift. 

From  this  material  inorganic  and  organic  agencies  that  have  been  operating  since 
the  deposition  of  the  material  have  produced  the  black  or  brown  soils  and  the  yellow 
or  white  subsoils  of  the  Carrington,  Miami,  Shelby,  and  Williams  series,  differing 
markedly  in  appearance  and  properties  as  a  result  of  the  character  of  the  material, 
the  conditions  under  which  they  were  laid  down,  and  the  conditions  to  which  they 
have  since  been  subjected. 

East  of  the  Ohio-Pennsylvania  line,  however,  the  glacial  deposits,  excepting  a 
narrow  belt  lying  just  south  of  Lake  Ontario,  were  laid  down  on  a  topography  of  strong 
relief.  The  ice  was  concentrated,  especially  during  the  later  stages  of  its  disappear- 
ance and  the  period  of  maximum  deposition,  in  deep  valleys.  On  the  uplands,  there- 
fore, excepting  areas  of  relatively  smooth  upland  plateaus,  the  glacial  deposits  are 
thin,  while  in  the  valleys  they  have  accumulated  often  to  great  thickness.  Even 
where  they  are  thick,  however,  the  predominance  of  local  material  or  of  material 
whose  parent  locality  was  not  far  away  is  very  striking.  In  northern  Pennsylvania 
the  glacial  deposits  are  almost  exclusively  made  up  of  sandstone  and  shale  material 
exactly  like  the  rocks  beneath  the  drift.  In  northern  New  Jersey  the  material  is 
mainly  shale  in  the  Kittatinny  Valley,  except  the  rather  abundant  Kittatinny  sand- 
stone material  along  the  western  side  of  the  valley,  crystalline  gneiss  in  the  Highland 
region,  and  mixed  crystalline  and  Triassic  material  in  the  Piedmont  belt  east  of  the 
Highlands.  In  the  New  England  States  the  glacial  material  is  almost  entirely  from 
crystalline  rocks,  except  the  Triassic  sandstone  material  in  the  Connecticut  lowland 
belt,  the  limestones  of  the  Berkshire  Valley,  and  the  sandstones  of  the  Narragansett 
coal  basin.  It  is  known  that  certain  areas  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  New  Eng- 
land must  be  excepted  from  this  general  statement,  but  to  what  extent  has  not  been 
determined.  In  the  Lake  Ontario  belt  of  New  York  the  material  seems  to  partake 
less  of  the  local  underlying  rocks  than  elsewhere. 

The  soils,  therefore,  east  of  the  Ohio-Pennsylvania  line  are  derived  from  glacial 
deposits  consisting  mainly  of  sandstone  and  shale,  mainly  of  shale,  mainly  of  crystal- 
line gneisses  and  schists,  and  mainly  of  limestone,  and  in  some  cases  of  material  made 
up  of  two  or  more  of  these  without  the  striking  predominance  of  either.  In  all  cases 
the  derivation  of  the  material  is  determined  on  the  basis  of  the  character  of  the  stone 
and  gravel  in  it. 

Each  kind  or  mixture  of  glacial  material  gives  rise  to  a  number  of  soil  series  differing 
in  accordance  with  the  conditions  under  which  the  material  was  laid  down  or  which 
have  existed  since  its  deposition.  The  top  soils  may  be  black,  brown,  yellow,  white, 
or  gray  and  the  subsoil  may  differ  as  greatly  in  color  and  other  physical  properties, 
indicating  differences  in  functional  activities  amply  justifying  the  classification 
adopted . 

Over  approximately  the  southern  third  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province,  west  of 
the  Ohio-Pennsylvania  State  line,  the  glacial  material  is  covered  with  rather  a  thin 
mantle  of  silty  material,  whose  derivation  has  not  been  definitely  determined  in  all 
cases.  Some  of  this  material  is  clearly  loessial,  such  as  that  lying  along  the  bluffs  of 
the  Missouri  and  Mississippi  Rivers.  In  other  cases  its  origin  is  not  so  clearly  evident 
from  its  distribution,  relations,  and  character.  Over  most  of  its  area  of  occurrence, 
except  the  rather  narrow  river-bluff  belts  and  certain  areas  in  close  association  with 
the  terminal  moraines  of  some  of  the  glacial  periods,  this  material  occurs  as  a  rather 
thin  layer  mantling  the  ice-laid  deposits  without  producing  any  essential  change  in 
its  relief.  The  river-bluff  belts  are  thick  and  very  little  change  in  texture  takes  place 
in  the  material  from  the  surface  downward,  but  the  thinner  deposits  are  highly  silty 
on  the  surface  and  become  much  heavier  within  a  few  inches  from  the  surface. 

The  essential  fact,  from  the  soil  point  of  view,  that  is  common  to  all  this  material 
is  that  it  is  very  silty  on  the  surface  at  least  and  practically,  though  not  entirely, 


14  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

stone  free  throughout  its  whole  thickness.  It  is  a  well-known  fact,  based  on  the 
studies  of  this  material  by  Chamberlain  many  years  ago  id  Wisconsin,  that  in  the 
river-bluff  belts  it  is  very  heterogeneous  in  mineral  composition.  Whether  this 
heterogeneity  is  universal  and  coextensive  with  the  distribution  of  both  its  thick 
and  thin  phases  has  not  been  determined.  According  to  the  conditions  under  which 
-  formed  or  that  have  existed  since  its  formation  it  exhibits  itself  now  as  black, 
brown,  or  white  on  the  surface  and  yellow,  drab,  or  gray  beneath,  indicating  marked 
nces  in  functional  activities  and  physical  properties  of  the  material  justifying 
its  classification  into  a  number  of  soil  series.  One  peculiarity  of  this  province  is  that 
no  distinctively  clay  soils  have  been  recognized. 

The  soils  of  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province  are  reworked  glacial  debris 
and  are  thus  still  further  removed  from  definite  and  specific  rock  origin.  The  mate- 
rial carried  by  the  glacial  rivers  into  the  old  glacial  lakes  has  been  subjected  first  to 
the  assorting  action  of  the  flowing  streams  and  then  to  the  wave  and  current  action  of 
the  lakes,  with  the  result  that  considerable  areas  of  clay  soils  have  been  encountered 
where  the  deep  and  quiet  lake  waters  formerly  covered*  the  surface  and  considerable 
areas  of  sands  where  the  waters  were  shallower  and  more  turbulent. 

All  of  these  glacial-lake  deposits  are  of  ve:y  recent  age.  Aside  from  river  flood- 
plain  deposits  which  are  still  in  process  of  formation  they  are  the  most  recent  deposits 
of  any  considerable  extent  in  the  country.  The  forces  of  erosion  have  only  begun 
their  work  and  have  made  so  little  advance  that  the  land  surface  where  these  depos- 
its occur  is  still  essentially  as  it  was  when  the  lake  waters  were  drained  off.  The  first 
step,  therefore,  in  the  classification  of  the  soils  is  to  separate  them  according  to  pn 
drainage  conditions  into  those  in  which  drainage  has  become  well  established,  in 
which  the  proportion  and  circulation  of  water  and  air  are  normal  for  general  farm  crops, 
and  into  those  in  which  the  soils  are  so  very  young  that  drainage  has  not  been  suffi- 
ciently established  and  indeed  in  some  of  Tl.  1  such  as  peat  and  swamp  soil 
functional  activities  are  so  immature  that  they  can  not  as  yet  be  considered  as  soils 
at  all. 

Under  each  of  these  heads  the  material  is  further  classified  according  to  color  of  soil 
and  subsoil  into  black,  brown,  red.  or  yellow  top  soil  and  black,  brown,  yellow,  red, 
or  white  subsoil;  into  calcareous  and  noncalcareous  material  where  these  differ 
are  marked;  and  with  respect  to  gravel  and  hardpan  layers,  friability,  and  pel 
bility  of  topsoil  and  subsoil.     Where  the  material  has  been  derived  from  feebly  gla- 
ciated areas  and  the  general  rock  origin  can  be  determined,  this  has  also  been 
as  a  basis  of  classification  so  far  as  seems  justified  as  a  basis  of  classification  and  sepa- 
ration of  material  into  soil  sei i< 

The  materialsof  the  Coastal  Plain  province  were  laid  down  in  the  relatively  shallow 

■  if  the  Atlantic  Ocean  and  Gulf  of  Mexico  when  their  shore  lines  lay  considerably 
fartln  r  inland  than  they  lie  ai  the  present  time.  These  materials  were  laid  down  not 
only  in  shallow  water,  but  relatively  near  t  he  shore  also,  taking  them  as  a  whole.  Along 
th<  Atlantic  portion  of  the  belt  the  continental  sloce  was  and  is  relatively  steep;  the 
inland  posit  ion  of  i  be  Bhore  line  with  a  given  amount  of  charj  i  I  was  relal 
small.  This  part  of  the  Coastal  Plain  is  therefore  relatively  narrow  and  all  its  parte 
were  aea  r  I  lie  former  shore  line.  The  Bhore  line  also  lay  near  t  he  Appalachian  Moun- 
tains, from  which  Bwiftly  flowing  streams  carried  relatively  coarse  materia]  and  de- 

■  1  ii  in  the  sea.     It  is  inevitable,  therefore,  that  in  that  part  of  the  belt  v. 
tmparatively  narrow,  and,  more  important  still,  in  thai  part  of  it  wh<  re  the 

are;.  from  which  it  received  its  deposits  was  mountainous,  these  deposits  mil 
in  grain. 
In  the  western  pari  of  the  belt,howev<  S  ates  of  Mississippi,  Louisi- 

ana, Arkansas,  and  Texas,  the  shore  line  lay  far  inland  and  the  rivers  which  ca 
material  into  th<  <1  over  broad  areas  of  smooth  plains  before  reaching  the  sea. 

Their  grades  were  then  fore  gentle  and  their  load-  ded  material  correspond- 

:u.  in  grain.     In  this  pari  of  the  belt,  therefore,  there  is  a  much  larger  p<  re 
its . 
The    "il  material  i  rogeneous  •  from  specific  rock  origin  that 

ictor  can  not  be  taken  into  account  in  the  classification,     It  is  noticeable,  hou- 
nd the  facl  is  used  in  the  classification  of  soils,  that  in  certain  parts  of  the  | 
bere  is  soil  material  unlike  thai  found  in  any  oth<  r  portion,  and  this  u 
enera  1  waj  v.  it  h  i  he  oi  igin  of  the  i 
[n  that  part  of  the  Coastal  Plain  north  of  tl  i  of  the  Potomac  R 

i-  its  latest  deposit  must  ha\  be  < Racial, 

and  Appalachian  provinces,  there  are  characteristic  Boils  not  found  else- 
where.   There  are  distinctive  soils  also  in  that  portion  of  tl  Plain  betwe*  a 
the  Poton  ac  and  the  Mi-  issippi  Riv<  r  <                         where  the  material  has 
,  t  be  Piedi  lont  and  Appalacl 


PROGRESS   OF    THE    SOIL   SURVEY.  15 

The  last  extensive  deposit  of  material  that  was  spread  over  the  Coastal  Plain 
consisted  of  gravels  and  sands.  Its  distribution  is  the  widest  of  any  of  the  known 
Coastal  Plain  deposits,  so  that  it  must  have  covered  the  whole  area  not  like  a  mantle, 
but  like  a  flood  wiping  out  preexisting  topography.  There  is  still  some  question  as 
to  the  origin  of  this  deposit — whether  it  was  laid  down  in  the  sea  or  distributed  over 
the  surface  of  the  land  by  rivers  dividing  and  redividing  into  many  distributaries. 
So  far  as  soils  or  soil  classification  is  concerned  the  settlement  of  this  question  can  be 
left  to  geologists.  The  significant  fact  from  the  soil  point  of  view  is  that  there  was  a 
final  deposit  of  sand,  clayey  sand,  and  gravel  spread  over  the  Coastal  Plain  region. 
Where  areas  of  original  undissected  portions  of  the  Coastal  Plain  still  exist  the  soils  are 
derived  from  this  material.  Such  areas,  however,  are  of  rare  occurrence,  so  that  most 
of  this  material  has  become  mixed  with  that  from  other  Coastal  Plain  deposits  or 
furnishes  a  coating  over  these. 

Under  each  of  the  main  divisions  of  the  Coastal  Plain  there  are  the  older  soils,  func- 
tionally, where  drainage  is  well  established,  and  the  younger  soils,  where  drainage  is 
as  yet  poorly  established,  and  in  each  of  these  groups  are  materials  of  different  color 
in  top  soil  and  subsoil,  of  different  conditions  of  plasticity,  of  hardpan  and  gravel 
substratum  which  exhibit  sufficient  differences  in  functional  activities  to  justify 
their  separation  and  classification  as  distinct  soil  series. 

The  River  Flood  Plains  province  occupies  a  somewhat  intermediate  place  between 
the  Coastal  Plain  and  the  other  soil  provinces.  The  rivers  receive  material  from  each 
of  the  soil  provinces  and  carry  it  down  more  or  less  directly  and  quickly  to  the  coast 
to  be  worked  over  into  some  future  extension  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  or  they  leave  it,  for 
the  time  being  at  least,  as  a  valley  filling  in  the  form  of  bottom  lands  or  terraces 
now  far  above  present  overflow  of  the  stream. 

Unlike  the  Coastal  Plain  province,  which  has  a  very  large  proportion  of  sands  and 
sandy  loams,  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  has  practically  no  distinctively  sand 
soils,  except  such  as  have  been  left  in  old  abandoned  channels  and  in  the  bottoms  along 
the  smaller  streams.     There  is  even  very  little  sandy  loam. 

Rivers  do  not  begin  the  formation  of  a  flood  plain  until  they  have  reached 
grade  or  established  a  profile  of  equilibrium— a  balance  between  the  fall  and  the 
character  of  the  load  carried.  This  stage  in  the  life  of  a  stream  is  reached  only 
after  the  country  drained  by  it  has  attained  a  relatively  advanced  stage  of  devel- 
opment, after  the  whole  drainage  basin  has  been  dissected  and  valley  slopes  not 
only  produced  but  worked  backward  to  a  weathered  slope — in  short,  a  stage  in 
which  the  material  delivered  to  the  streams  is  chemically  weathered  material 
rather  than  mechanically  weathered  material.  The  predominant  material  is  there- 
fore relatively  fine  in  grain.  The  streams  adjust  their  slopes  or  grades  to  the 
character  of  this  predominant  material.  The  velocity  of  the  streams  becomes  a 
velocity  sufficient  to  carry  in  suspension  material  of  this  size  as  a  maximum.  What 
coarser  material  is  delivered  to  the  stream,  therefore,  is  left  in  the  channel  serving 
to  build  it  up  or  else  is  rolled  along  the  bottom.  The  significant  fact  is  that  this  coarse 
material  is  not  carried  in  suspension.  When  the  stream  overflows  its  banks  and 
spreads  over  its  flood  plain  the  coarsest  of  the  suspended  material  is  deposited  near 
the  channel,  building  up  a  channel  belt  rather  rapidly,  corresponding  in  the  long 
run  to  the  rate  of  upbuilding  of  the  channel  bottom  by  the  material  too  coarse  to  be 
carried  in  suspension.  The  finer  suspended  material  is  deposited  in  the  places  where 
the  flood  waters  became  practically  stagnant.  Since  sands  and  gravels  are  not  carried 
in  suspension  they  can  not  be  deposited  on  the  flood  plains.  These,  however,  where 
they  have  been  rolled  along  the  bottoms  of  the  channels,  as  is  the  case  of  rivers  to 
which  they  are  delivered  by  their  tributaries,  are  found  as  a  more  or  less  deep 
substratum  underlying  the  material  deposited  from  suspension. 

The  River  Flood  Plains  province,  extending  as  it  does  like  fingers  through  all 
the  other  soil  provinces,  to  pick  up  through  the  agency  of  the  rivers,  streams,  and 
rivulets  material  from  each  acre  of  land,  contains  a  very  heterogeneous  mixture  of 
rock  material,  but  the  principal  source  of  this  material  can  usually  be  traced  at  least 
to  trie-soil  province  from  which  it  was  derived.  Thus  we  have  a  division  of  the  River 
Flood  Plains  province  made  up  of  material  of  mainly  glacial  origin;  another  division 
of  the  Piedmont  material;  and  so  for  Appalachian,  Appalachian  and  limestone  mixed, 
Appalachian,  limestone,  and  Piedmont  mixed ,  Glacial  and  Appalachin  mixed,  loessial 
material,  Coastal  Plains,  and  Residual  Prairie  material.  Each  of  these  divisions  show 
soil-forming  material  differing  markedly  from  the  same  material  in  its  original  posi- 
tion. Thus  the  Congaree  series  is  derived  directly  from  Piedmont  material  and  still 
shows  some  of  the  characteristics  of  Piedmont  material,  but  the  Congaree  is  entirely 
unlike  any  of  the  specific  Piedmont  series.  It  has  certain  River  Flood  Plains  char- 
acteristics which  show  definitely  to  which  province  it  belongs  and  enough  of  the 


16  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Piedmont  characteristics  to  show  in  what  division  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province 
it  falls. 

In  many  parts  of  the  country  the  former  flood  plains  of  the  streams,  especially  of 
small  streams,  have  been  covered  by  a  coating  of  considerable  thickness  of  colluvial 
and  alluvial  fan  material  washed  in  from  the  valley  slopes.  This  has  taken  place  as 
a  consequence  of  the  clearing  and  cultivation  of  these  slopes  and  their  consequent 
severe  erosion.  Nature's  cover  of  vegetation  before  the  advent  of  man  to  the  region 
protected  them  from  excessive  erosion  to  such  an  extent  that  the  stream  in  the  adjacent 
valley  was  able  to  control  the  material  delivered  to  it  and  to  distribute  it  in  accordance 
with  its  current.  The  sudden  great  increase  of  material  washed  into  the  valley, 
however,  in  recent  years  has  completely  overloaded  the  stream,  rendering  it  wholly 
incapable  of  shaping  its  flood  plain  as  formerly.  The  new  material  is  dropped,  there- 
fore, by  the  small  rills  as  soon  as  their  carrying  power  is  checked  on  reaching  the 
bottom  of  the  valley  slope.  It  accumulates  as  alluvial  fan  material  and  varies  in 
texture  from  place  to  place  and  from  top  downward  very  greatly,  depending  upon  the 
amount  of  water  and  its  distribution  in  each  rill  that  made  the  deposit.  It  was  not 
deposited,  therefore,  under  the  uniform  conditions  existing  in  every  flood  plain, 
but  under  the  local  conditions  existing  for  each  hillside  rill.  It  has  no  uniform  tex- 
ture therefore.  It  has  been  mapped  by  the  soil-survey  field  men  as  Meadow.  It 
not  only  lacks  uniformity  in  texture  over  any  mapable  area,  but  it  is  as  a  rule  poorly 
drained.  This  is  also  the  case  with  other  phases  of  river  flood-plain  deposits,  so  that 
a  first  stage  in  the  classification  is  to  divide  the  material  in  each  division  of  the  prov- 
ince into  mature  soil  with  drainage  well  established  and  less  mature  soils  with  drain- 
age poorly  established.  In  each  of  these  subgroups  the  color  of  top  soil  and  subsoil 
the  presence  of  gravel  layers  or  of  iron  or  lime  concretions,  the  porosity  of  the  mate- 
rial, the  stage  of  oxidation,  particularly  of  the  substratum,  and  the  elevation  above 
normal  or  flood-water  level  of  the  streams  are  all  considered  in  the  classification  and 
final  establishment  of  the  several  soil  series. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  in  any  written  document  the  many  natural  phenomena  that 
assist  the  field  man  in  the  mapping  and  classifying  of  soils.  Experience  has  taught 
him  to  associate  with  a  change  in  soil  type,  conditions  such  as  the  topography  and 
physiography,  the  kind  of  native  vegetation  and  the  character  of  growth,  the  physical 
peculiarities  of  road  cuts,  the  records  of  well  borings,  the  form  of  surface  erosion,  the 
feel  of  the  soil,  and  other  obvious  physical  characters.  All  these  he  has  come  to 
look  for  and  value,  as  his  experience  dictates,  in  confirmation  of  his  judgment  as  to 
the  proper  place  for  the  material  in  the  scheme  of  soil  classification. 

Having  given  this  general  statement  describing  the  forces  which  have  operated  to 
form  the  soils  of  the  seven  great  soil  provinces  into  which  the  eastern  half  of  the  United 
States  has  been  divided  and  of  the  basis  of  classification  of  the  different  kinds  of  ma- 
terial or  the  soil  series  in  each  province,  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  describe  the  western 
soil  regions,  for  these  are  each  described  at  length  in  subsequent  pages.  It  will  be 
seen  that  each  of  these  regions  is  subdivided  into  seven  divisions,  corresponding 
with  the  eastern  provinces,  and  that  the  same  forces  have  operated  here  as  in  the 
East.  All  these  matters  are  also  shown  in  the  diagrammatic  keys  placed  at  the  end 
of  the  section  devoted  to  each  province  and  region.  In  these  keys  the  differences  in 
the  soil  series  can  be  seen  at  a  glance. 


SOILS  OF  THE  PIEDMONT  PLATEAU  PROVINCE. 

By  Hugh  H.  Bennett. 
DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  Piedmont  Plateau  comprises  the  rolling  to  hilly  region  lying  between  the 
eastern  foot  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  the  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain.  The  north- 
em  end  of  this  province  lies  in  northeastern  New  Jersey,  along  the  glacial  boundary, 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  Hudson  River.  It  extends  southwestward  through  New  Jersey, 
across  southeastern  Pennsylvania,  central  Maryland,  and  the  District  of  Columbia  to 
central  Virginia  in  a  belt  ranging  from  20  to  50  miles  in  width.  Widening  here,  it 
continues  in  a  southwesterly  direction  across  Virginia,  central  North  Carolina,  western 
South  Carolina,  and  northern  Georgia,  to  the  vicinity  of  Clanton,  in  central  Alabama, 
with  an  average  width  of  approximately  115  miles.  The  province  has  a  length  of 
900  miles  and  embraces  an  area  of  approximately  73,770  square  miles. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

While  the  region  exhibits  a  diversity  of  topographic  forms,  it  has  certain  general 
features  which  define  it  as  a  distinct  topographic  unit.  The  general  surface  configura- 
tion is  that  of  a  broad  plain  of  moderate  elevation  sloping  gently  southeastward.  It 
is  dissected  by  the  valleys  of  intricate  systems  of  perennial  streams  and  intermittent 
drainage  ways.  The  valleys,  gorges,  and  gullies  of  these  waterways  have  invaded  the 
region  so  thoroughly  that  no  areas  of  any  considerable  size  remain  entirely  undis- 
sected.  The  topography  may  be  broadly  characterized  as  rolling  to  hilly  and  ridgy. 
The  valley  slopes  are  usually  smooth  and  rounded  rather  than  rough  and  angular,  so 
that  a  large  proportion  of  the  region  is  tillable  from  the  edge  of  the  stream  bottoms  to 
the  crests  of  ridges  and  tops  of  hills.  Areas  of  rough,  gullied  land  are  not  uncommon, 
however,  especially  in  some  localities  near  the  Coastal  Plain  border  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  deeper  valleys  of  the  major  streams.  These  gullied  areas  are  more  common 
in  that  part  of  the  province  lying  south  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay  section  than  north 
of  this  section. 

The  broader  stream  divides  are  naturally  smoother  than  the  narrow  ridges  between 
the  deep  stream  valleys.  Over  many  of  these  broad  divides  there  are  plateaulike 
areas  of  considerable  extent  which  have  a  gently  rolling  to  undulating  topography. 
Also  the  relief  is  not  so  pronounced  over  much  of  the  border  zone,  where  the  Piedmont 
frequently  grades  imperceptibly  into  the  Coastal  Plain.  There  are  many  scattered 
patches  and  some  considerable  bodies  of  distinctively  flat  to  undulating  or  gently  roll- 
ing land  where  the  uniform  weathering  of  the  underlying  rocks  has  favored  the  devel- 
opment of  a  smooth  topography.  This  is  true  of  areas  of  the  Iredell  soils,  derived  from 
diorite  and  associated  rocks.  These  soils  have  a  prevailingly  smooth  topography  and 
usually  occupy  peculiar  low,  basinlike  positions  with  respect  to  the  surrounding 
soils  underlain  by  granites,  gneisses,  and  schists.  The  soils  derived  from  rocks  of  the 
included  Triassic  basins,  particularly  the  Penn  group,  are  characteristically  much  less 
rolling  in  topography  than  those  from  the  granitic,  gneissic,  and  schistose  rocks. 

The  sky  line  of  the  Piedmont  country  as  seen  from  one  of  its  summits  stands  out  with 
striking  evenness,  except  for  an  occasional  conspicuous  hill  or  ridge  reaching  sometimes 
several  hundred  feet  above  the  general  upland  level.  These  isolated,  prominent 
elevations,  known  as  monadnocks,  represent  areas  where  the  rocks  have  been  more 
resistant  to  the  effects  of  weathering,  and  show  a  correspondingly  slower  wearing  down 
of  the  surface  by  erosion.  Notable  examples  of  monadnock  hills  and  ridges  are  Kings 
Mountain  in  North  Carolina,  Southwest  Mountain  in  Virginia,  and  Sugar  Loaf  Moun- 
tain in  Maryland. 

The  seaward  border  of  the  province  for  a  considerable  distance  is  fairly  sharply  defined 
by  the  "fall  line,"  constituting  a  border  zone  through  which  the  waters  of  the  larger 
Piedmont  streams  cascade  over  rocky  ledges  or  rush  swifty  over  rocky  bottoms  of 

79619—13 2  17 


18  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

ocally  accentuated  slope  directly  into  navigable  waters  of  Coastal  Plain  streams, 
either  of  a  tidal  character  or  of  relatively  slow  current.  The  boundary  is  not  every- 
where distinct,  either  as  regards  topography  or  character  of  soil.  In  places  there  is  a 
zone  having  only  a  thin  apron  of  Coastal  Plain  material  overlapping  the  Pierjmont 
formations,  and  including  frequent  outcrops  of  soil  of  the  latter  province.  Here  the 
topography  is  often  of  no  assistance  in  locating  the  boundary,  and  the  soil  frequently 
must  be  very  carefully  examined  in  order  to  establish  the  true  line  of  separation. 
From  the  base  of  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains  in  Georgia,  North  Carolina,  and  Vir- 

finia,  of  Catoctin  and  South  Mountain  in  northern  Virginia,  Maryland,  and  southern 
'ennsylvania,  of  the  Durham  and  Reading  Hills  of  eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  their 
extension,  the  Highlands  of  New  Jersey,  in  northern  New  Jersey,  the  Piedmont 
Plateau  gradually  descends  to  the  southeast  from  an  elevation  varying  from  700  to 
1,500  feet  along  the  inner  margin  to  altitudes  of  100  to  700  feet  along  the  Coastal  Plain 
boundary.  Both  the  seaward  and  inland  borders  rise  gradually  from  the  lower  alti- 
tudes in  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Maryland,  to  the  highest  elevations  in  Vir- 
ginia, the  Carolinas,  and  Georgia. 

Inasmuch  as  the  boundary  line  between  the  Piedmont  and  Appalachian  provinces 
is  mainly  one  of  elevation  rather  than  of  distinct  soil  difference,  it  follows  that  the 
line  of  separation  is  one  of  intricate  curvature  and  frequently  indistinct  location 
except  as  viewed  in  panorama.  In  Alabama,  Virginia,  and  the  region  to  the  north 
the  Piedmont  occasionally  abuts  for  short  distances  in  relatively  low  positions  against 
the  soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys.  Near  the  western  border  of  the  province  there  are 
some  occasional  outlying  patches  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Appalachian  provinces. 
As  with  the  Coastal  Plain,  the  most  uneven  portion  of  the  Piedmont  is  found  imme- 
diately along  the  inland  boundary  where  the  hills  and  winding  ridges  rise  to  altitudes 
of  1,000  to  1,500  feet,  and  where  the  streams,  though  frequently  representing  merely 
headwater  drainageways,  have  cut  deep  valleys.  The  interior  portion  of  the  province, 
with  a  lower  relief  than  the  Appalachian  border  zone,  is  ordinarily  more  rolling  than 
the  marginal  strip  bordering  the  Coastal  Plain.  The  lowest  elevations  of  the  province 
are  found  in  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Maryland. 

DRAINAGE. 

The  primary  waterways  of  the  Piedmont  divide  into  secondary  streams  which  in  turn 
divide  into  smaller  brooks  or  "branches,"  which  dwindle  to  mere  wet -weather  drain- 
ageways or  "gullies."  This  network  of  waterways  ramifies  the  region  thoroughly, 
providing  excellent  drainage  for  the  entire  region.  With  few  exceptions  the  Larger 
streams  traverse  the  region  with  little  or  no  regard,  so  far  as  their  general  direction  is 
concerned,  for  inequalities  in  the  hardness  of  the  rocks,  crossing  the  province  at  wide 
angles  to  the  northeast-southwest  trend  of  the  rock  formations.  In  Alabama  and 
Georgia  the  main  streams  follow  for  considerable  distances  the  general  direction  of  the 
strike  of  the  rocks.  The  smaller  streams  are  more  dependent  upon  the  structure  and 
character  of  the  rocks  and  their  courses  frequently  snow  adjustment  with  the  strike, 
following  Lt8  general  direction  into  the  main  drainageways.  The  minor  ravines  spread 
out  widely,  with  no  dependence  upon  the  character  of  rook  structure. 

With  regard  to  the  width  of  the  stream  flood-plains,  the  variations  of  rock  ha- 
have  considerable  influence.  They  gradually  widen  out  within  the  limits  of  the 
softer  rocks  and  narrow  down  or  completely  disappear  where  the  streams  traverse  the 
more  resistant  formations.  The  width  of  the  Piedmont  stream  bottoms  averages  much 
ii;m  thai  oi  the  streams  of  the  '  '<>.ista*l  Plain,  owing  to  the  more  resistant  character 
of  the  Piedmont  rocks  as  compared  with  t he  unconsolidated  deposits  ami  comparatively 
soft  rocks  of  the  Coastal  Plain.  Also,  for  the  same  reason,  stream  terraces  are  very 
much  less  in  evidence,  and  as  a  general  rule  narrower  than  those  of  the  <  oastal  Plain. 

North  of  the  Roanoke  River  the  headwaters  of  the  major  streams  extend  well  out 
into  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  the  Limestone  Valleys,  whereas  to  the  south  the 

large  either  hardy  reach  the  Appalachian  edge  or  have  their  sources  com- 

pletely within  the  Piedmont  Plateau. 

GEOLOGY. 

The  Piedmont  Plateau  is  a  region  of  complex  rocks,  including  principally  (1)  old 
igneous  rocs  i,  such  as  diorite,  diabase,  ejabbro,  and  granite,  with  more  recent,  i. 

and  intn  ic  basins;  (2)  the  old  metamorphosed  igneous 

and  sedimentary  red.-.  Buch  phyllite.  and  slate;  and  (3)  young 

sediments  as  the  Tn  nglomerates,  and  shales.    The 

older  th   IgneOU  Limentary,    have   been   tilted  and    warped  out  of  all 

semblance  tot:  > .    <  >wing  to  the  irregularity  of  the  disturbances  in 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU  PROVINCE.  19 

the  original  positions  of  the  rocks,  to  the  abundance  of  irregularly  distributed  intrus- 
ives  and  extrusives,  and  to  the  effects  of  long-continued  erosions,  this  region  is  one  in 
which  constructional  topography  is  practically  wanting,  the  surface  configuration 
being  nearly  everywhere  at  variance  with  the  rock  structure.  Some  topographic  con- 
formity with  the  rock  structure  is  shown  in  portions  of  the  Triassic  basins  where  the 
relatively  smooth  surface  is  apparently  more  or  less  dependent  upon  the  uniformity  in 
the  character  of  the  rocks  and  the  comparative  horizontality  of  their  strata  and  conse- 
quent even  weathering. 

The  Triassic  rocks  constitute  a  distinct  geological  formation,  although  the  included 
dikes,  as  soil-formers,  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  older,  igneous  Piedmont  rocks, 
It  is  the  sedimentaries  of  this  group,  the  sandstones,  conglomerates,  and  shales,  repre- 
senting consolidated  sediments  laid  down  in  erosional  troughs,  that  are  so  distinctly 
different  from  the  igenous  and  metamorphic  rocks  of  the  province.  These  really 
form  a  subdivision  of  the  province  as  regards  both  the  character  of  the  rocks  and  o| 
the  derivative  soils,  but  their  distribution  and  land  form  are  such  that  they  properly 
constitute  a  part  of  the  physiographic  region,  being  unlike  the  detached  areas  of  the 
Limestone  Valleys,  Appalachian  Mountains,  and  Coastal  Plains.  These  latter  repre- 
sent outlying  or  subordinate  developments  of  the  great  provinces  which  have  their 
typical  development  outside  of  the  limits  of  the  Piedmont. 

SOILS. 

The  soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  consist  of  residual  products  formed  in  place  by 
the  decay  of  the  underlying  rocks.  Under  the  influence  of  the  solvent  action  of 
a  tmospheric  water,  the  loosening,  splitting,  and  chipping  forces  of  temperature  changes, 
freezing  water,  and  plant  roots,  the  rocks  have  been  loosened  structurally,  disinte- 
grated, and  decomposed  to  depths  varying  from  a  few  inches  to  50  feet  or  more,  and  the 
re  sidues  of  such  decay  have  been  left  in  the  form  of  a  mantle  of  soil  either  directly  over 
or  near  the  parent  rocks.  Thus,  with  little  chance  for  mixing  the  material,  aside  from 
the  relatively  unimportant  work  of  gravitational'creep  and  colluvial  action,  the  texture 
and  character  of  the  soil  are  dependent  to  a  very  large  extent  upon  the  character  of  the 
underlying  rocks. 

The  most  effective  work  of  water  with  respect  to  soil  differentiation  has  consisted, 
first,  of  the  washing  out  of  the  finer  particles  through  superficial  erosion  to  leave 
coarser  textured  surface  soils,  and  second,  of  the  bodily  removal  of  superficial  layers  of 
both  coarser  and  finer  material  to  expose  the  heavier  subsoils.  Occasionally  loamy 
soils  have  been  formed  on  the  lower  slopes  by  the  downward  creeping  and  washing  of 
fine  particles,  while  in  other  instances,  sandy  material  has  been  swept  from  higher 
elevations  during  torrential  rains  to  cover  with  coarser  textured  soils  the  slopes  origi- 
nally occupied  by  fine  material. 

The  two  important  factors  which  have  governed  soil  differentiation  in  this  province, 
then,  have  been  the  character  of  the  original  rocks  and  the  effects  of  subsequent 
erosion.  There  has  thus  been  far  less  opportunity  for  the  wide  differentiation  of  tex- 
ture and  the  thorough  mixing  of  material  than  has  obtained  in  the  Coastal  Plain  where 
an  enormous  amount  of  reworking  by  streams,  waves,  and  tides  has  taken  place. 
Accordingly  the  soil  material  of  the  Piedmont  is  much  more  uniform  in  character  than 
in  the  case* of  soils  within  the  Coastal  Plain.  Also,  the  Piedmont  soils  have  a  corre- 
spondingly narrower  range  in  crop  adaptation  and  more  nearly  uniform  productiveness. 

The  control  of  erosion  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  problems  connected  with  the  farm- 
ing of  the  Piedmont  soils.  Especially  in  the  southern  division  is  much  of  the  land 
peculiarly  susceptible  to  erosion.  There  are  many  slopes  and  gullied  areas  where 
erosion  has  kept  close  pace  with  rock  weathering  or  has  removed  completely  the  soil 
material.  This  wasteful  wash  can  be  checked  if  not  prevented  by  terracing  the  slopes, 
increasing  the  absorptive  power  of  the  soil  by  deeper  plowing,  by  incorporating  vege- 
table matter,  and  by  seeding  the  land  to  soil-binding  grasses. 

Deep  sandy  soils  are  practically  wanting  in  the  Piedmont.  The  subsoil  portion  of 
the  normal  soils  of  this  region  nearly  always  consists  of  a  brittle  heavy  clay.  The 
surface  soils  are  also  prevailingly  much  heavier  than  those  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region, 
and  where  the  surface  portion  does  consist  of  sandy  material  it  is  seldom  more  than 
8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  friable,  sandy  clay  subsoils  of  the  Coastal  Plain  find  their 
textural  equivalent  in  comparatively  small  areas  of  the  Piedmont  lands.  The  sandy 
loams,  clay  loams,  and  clays  occupy  by  far  the  greater  proportion  of  the  region. 

In  their  distribution  certain  soil  series,  such  as  the  Chester  and  Manor,  are  confined 
largely  to  that  portion  of  the  Piedmont  lying  to  the  north  of  a  line  crossing  the  province 
in  the  vicinity  of  Culpeper,  Va.,  while  other  prominent  series,  such  as  the  Cecil, 
Louisa,  and  Durham,  are  generally  found  south  of  this  latitude.    This,  however,  is  not 


20  SOILS  OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

an  arbitrary  line  of  separation  since  certain  soils  are  developed  in  both  divisions,  the 
Cecil,  for  example,  having  been  mapped  all  the  way  from  the  southern  limits  of  the 
Piedmont  in  central  Alabama  to  northern  Maryland. 

CLIMATIC    INFLUENCE. 

The  Piedmont  Plateau,  running  diagonally  to  the  parallels  of  latitude  for  an  approxi- 
mate distance  of  900  miles,  extends  from  latitude  32°  30/  north  to  latitude  41°  north. 
This  broad  range  in  latitude,  coupled  with  a  range  in  altitude  of  nearly  1,400  feet, 
is  necessarily  accompanied  by  a  wide  variation  of  temperature,  represented  by  an 
annual  mean  of  66°  F.  in  central  Alabama  and  52°  F.  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York 
City,  with  a  measurable  difference  between  the  eastern  and  western  borders.  There 
is  no  very  important  variation  in  the  precipitation,  the  average  rainfall  for  the  region 
being  about  45  inches. 

DISTRIBUTION   OF    CROPS. 

The  distribution  of  crops  is  governed  to  a  considerable  degree  by  temperature 
variations,  and  is  but  slightly  affected  by  the  precipitation.  Crops  like  corn,  small 
grains,  Irish  potatoes,  and  tobacco  will  succeed  throughout  the  province.  Cotton  is 
restricted  to  that  portion  lying  to  the  south  of  a  diagonal  line  extending  from  about 
the  western-central  boundary  in  North  Carolina  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
Virginia-North  Carolina  line,  about  the  point  of  contact  of  the  Coastal  Plain  and 
Piedmont.  A  few  winter  apples,  especially  the  Winesap,  succeed  along  the  western 
border  from  central  Virginia  to  northern  Georgia,  while  a  number  of  varieties  do  well 
in  the  area  from  northern  Virginia  to  New  York.  Timothy  begins  to  thrive  in  northern 
Virginia,  and  buckwheat  does  quite  well  in  the  Pennsylvania-New  Jersey  portion  of 
the  province. 

EFFECT   OF   CLIMATE    ON   EROSION. 

The  freezing  of  the  soil  to  greater  depths  in  the  northern  Piedmont  undoubtedly 
has  assisted  in  making  the  land  here  less  susceptible  to  erosion  than  in  the  southern 
division.  Freezing  effects  a  more  open  structure,  to  the  depth  to  which  frost  extends, 
with  a  consequent  increase  in  the  capacity  of  the  soil  to  absorb  the  rainfall,  thus 
reducing  the  run-off  and  its  disastrous  results.  Also,  the  protracted  winter  freezes 
serve  to  hold  the  soil  in  place  against  winter  erosion,  while  the  more  persistent  growth 
of  grass  in  the  cooler  northern  latitudes  helps  to  lessen  the  damage  from  summer  rains. 

SOILS    OF   THE    SOUTHERN   PIEDMONT. 

The  most  important  soils  of  the  Southern  Piedmont  region  in  point  of  extent  and 
agricultural  importance  are  found  in  the  Cecil  series,  which  is  extensively  developed 
throughout  the  entire  southern  division.  The  next  important  group  is  represented  by 
the  Louisa  series,  the  members  of  which  have  red  and  gray  soils  witn  red  clay  subsoils, 
like  the  Cecil,  though  differing  from  the  latter  in  origin,  in  agricultural  value,  and  in 
having  a  highly  micaceous  subsoil.  The  Cecil  soils  are  derived  chiefly  from  granites 
and  gneisses,  while  the  Louisa  are  derived  from  ta,lcose  and  micaceous  schists. 

The  members  of  these  series,  respectively,  consist  of  essentially  the  same  materials, 
mineralogically  and  chemically.  The  respective  subsoils  show  marked  similarity 
in  character  of  material,  the  type  classification  being  based  upon  differences  in  the 
texture  of  the  relatively  shallow  surface  soil. 

Subordinate  soils  of  the  Southern  Piedmont — subordinate  both  in  extent  and  in 
general  agricultural  value — arc  derived  from  various  igneoui  rooks  giving  more  or 
leas  varied  residual  products.  These,  however,  do  not  rive  rise  to  complete  soil 
series,  which  can  hardly  be  effected  where  the  products  of  decay  are  so  similar  in  their 
textural  characteristics  and  where  erosion  has  been  probably  the  only  important 
factor  in  modifying  the  mantle  oi  decayed  rock  material. 

The  Iredell  and  Durham  soils,  while  not  nearly  bo  extensive  as  the  Cecil  group, 
occupy  a  considerable  area.    The  [redell  soils,  derived  largely  bom  diorite,  have 

yellowish-brown   to  grayish-yellow,    very  sticky  subsoils  of  heavy  intractable 

while  the  Durham,  derived  from  granites  and  gneiss,  consisting  largely  of  quart!  and 
feldspiir,  have  yellow,  [liable  sandy  clay  subsoils.  Texturally  the  subsoils  of  the 
Iredell  and  the  related  Mecklenburg  series  are  the  nearest  Piedmont  equivalents  of 
the  heavy,  plastic  clay  subsoils  of  the  Coastal  Plain  soils,  typically  represented  by 
the  Busquehann  while  the  Durham  and  the  related  Appling  series,  together 

with  the  Granville,  are  in  characteristics  of  both  the  soils  and  subsoils  nearest  like 
the  Norfolk  soils. 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU  PROVINCE.  21 

The  Iredell  soils  are  widely  distributed  throughout  the  southern  division  of  the 
province.  Some  of  the  most  important  areas  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of  Chester, 
S.  C;  Statesville,  N.  C;  and  the  region  through  Culpeper  and  Warrenton,  Va.  The 
Durham  series  is  most  prominently  developed  in  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas,  while 
the  related  Appling  soils,  so  far  as  mapped,  hold  a  corresponding  place  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  Piedmont  region. 

Two  rather  extensively  developed  series  are  represented  by  the  Alamance  and 
Georgeville,  the  silt-loam  members  of  which  dominate  the  central  portion  of  North 
Carolina,  where  the  peculiar  series  of  fine-grained  slates  known  as  the  Carolina 
slates  are  responsible  for  these  compact  silt  loams,  having,  respectively,  gray  and 
reddish  soils  and  yellow  and  red  silty  clay  subsoils. 

SOILS  OF  THE  NORTHERN  PIEDMONT. 

The  northern  extension  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  which  is  comparatively  narrow, 
is  dominated  by  the  Chester  series,  derived  chiefly  from  gneiss,  granite,  and  schist, 
and  the  Penn  series,  derived  from  the  dark  Indian-red  sandstone,  shale,  and  con- 
glomerate of  Triassic  age  (Newark). 

The  Chester  series,  characterized  by  its  grayish  or  grayish-brown  soils  and  yellow, 
moderately  dense  clay  subsoils,  is  extensively  developed  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland, 
and  northern  Virginia.  In  color  these  soils  correspond  to  the  Durham  of  the  southern 
portion  of  the  province,  although  there  is  a  wide  difference  in  texture.  The  Chester 
is  derived  largely  from  fine-grained  rocks  and  in  its  typical  development  has  clay 
subsoils  with  a  relatively  small  sand  content,  whereas  the  Durham  is  chiefly  from 
coarse-grained  rocks,  and  has  sandy  clay  subsoils  of  friable  structure.  The  Chester 
soils  are  more  productive  than  the  Durham. 

The  Penn  series  is  quite  extensively  developed  in  a  nearly  continuous  belt  from 
New  York  City  to  the  vicinity  of  Orange,  Va.  It  occupies  the  greater  part  of  the 
province  in  New  Jersey,  is  extensive  in  Pennsylvania,  and  of  considerable  importance 
in  both  Maryland  and  Virginia.  Smaller  bodies  of  the  Penn  and  the  related  Gran- 
ville occur  over  the  scattered  areas  of  Triassic  rocks  in  the  southern  division  of  the 
province  as  far  south  as  the  vicinity  of  Wadesboro,  N .  C.  The  most  important  develop- 
ments are  the  narrow  interrupted  belt  in  Campbell  and  Pittsylvania  Counties,  Va., 
Rockingham  and  Stokes  Counties,  N.  C,  and  the  wide  belt  extending  from  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Oxford,  N.  C,  southwesterly  to  the  South  Carolina  line  near  Wadesboro. 

The  Penn  and  Granville  are  the  only  important  Piedmont  soils  derived  from  unmodi- 
fied sedimentary  rocks.  In  the  Penn  series  the  loams  are  the  important  types,  while 
the  sandy  loams  predominate  in  the  Granville.  The  more  important  members  of  the 
Granville  soils  are  derived  from  a  coarser  textured  sandstone  than  the  Penn  types, 
and  have  doubtless  undergone  more  complete  weathering  or  have  been  influenced  more 
through  the  elutriation  processes  of  erosion.  The  Granville  soils  are  very  much  like 
the  Durham  in  color  and  textural  characteristics.  Both  the  Penn  and  Granville  series 
include  good  agricultural  soils. 

Another  northern  Piedmont  series  has  been  given  the  name  Manor.  These  soils 
have  an  especially  important  development  in  Pennsylvania.  They  are  derived  from 
schists  and  have  a  reddish  clay  subsoil  with  a  greasy  feel,  and  are  closely  related  to 
the  Louisa  soils  of  the  southern  Piedmont.  Agriculturally  these  soils  are  of  medium 
value. 

The  Iredell  series  is  not  prominent  in  the  northern  division,  its  place  being  taken 
by  the  Montalto  series,  which  resembles  it  in  a  few  particulars. 

A  very  large  proportion  of  the  northern  Piedmont  Plateau  is  occupied  by  loam  soils, 
whereas  the  loam  group  in  the  southern  division  is  of  relatively  little  importance, 
at  least  in  extent.  This  is  largely  accounted  for  by  the  prevailing  finer  textures  of 
the  northern  Piedmont  rocks,  although  a  difference  in  the  processes  of  erosion  possibly 
has  been  a  contributing  factor. 

There  have  been  surveyed  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau  Province,  on  the  scale  of  1  inch  to 
a  mile,  12,161,722  acres,  and  on  a  reconnoissance  scale  of  4  to  6  inches  to  a  mile,  254,272 
acres.  Deducting  222,912  acres  representing  an  overlap  of  the  two  surveys,  the  total 
area  surveyed  is  12,193,082  acres.  Of  this  total  an  area  of  12,015,834  acres  has  been 
mapped  in  sufficient  detail  to  show  the  soil  series  and  11,984,474  acres  in  detail  great 
enough  to  show  the  individual  types.  In  addition  to  this  there  are  177,248  acres 
of  miscellaneous  material,  which  because  of  low  agricultural  value  has  not  been 
differentiated  on  a  type  basis. 


22 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

r 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 


Alamance  series. — The  surface  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  almost  white  and  of 
silty  texture.  The  subsoils  are  composed  of  yellow  rather  compact  silty  clay.  Scat- 
tered over  the  surface  are  fragments  of  the  parent  rocks  which  belong  to  the  "Caro- 
lina slates."  forming  a  belt  in  central  North  Carolina,  and  extending  a  short  distance 
into  South  Carolina.  These  slates  are  usually  quite  fine  grained  and  contain  little 
mica.  They  differ  in  structural  and  mineralogical  characteristics  from  the  sericitic 
and  micaceous  schists  giving  rise  to  the  York  soils  of  the  Piedmont,  the  Alamance  soils 
being  gless  micaceous  and  lacking  the  greasy  feel  of  the  York  subsoils.  The  topo- 
graphy varies  from  nearly  flat  to  rolling  or  in  some  places  steeply  rolling. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Alamance  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

North  Carolina  3 

5,824 

silt  loam 

North  Carolina  l,  3,  11, 17,  23;  South  Carolina  9 

105,844 

Total 

111,668 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733.  J 

Appling  series. — The  types  of  this  series  are  characterized  by  the  grayish  to  pale 
yellow  color  of  the  surface  soils  and  the  mottled  or  streaked  red  and  yellow  color  of  the 
subsoils.  In  places  the  yellow  color  varies  from  yellow  to  red  in  different  situations, 
while  grayish  or  drab  colors  are  also  occasionally  noted  in  the  subsoil.  These  soils  are 
derived  principally  from  schist  of  grayish  color  and  undetermined  composition,  from 
hornblende  schist,  and  from  gneiss.  Occasional  small  areas  of  the  red  Cecil  material 
suggest  that  fields  of  this  type  belong  in  the  Cecil  series,  requiring  examination  of  the 
subsoil  underlying  the  associated  grayish  soils  to  determine  the  character  of  the  pre- 
vailing type.  The  topography  averages  about  the  same  as  that  of  the  Cecil,  possibly 
somewhat  less  rolling.  The  soils  are  fairly  productive,  although  slightly  inferior  in  this 
respect  to  the  Cecil  and  corresponding  more  closely  with  the  Durham.  Their  crop 
adaptation  is  also  very  close  to  that  of  the  Durham.  Oats,  rye,  corn,  cotton,  peanuts, 
forage  crops,  sweet  potatoes,  and  other  vegetables,  and  melons  give  the  best  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Appling  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or 


Acres. 


A  ppling  coarse  sand 

sandy  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam... 
silt  loam 


.  "> 

i  ">;  South  Carolina  9. 

.  ■"> 

..do 

..do 


320 

32,  193 

61,440 

4,234 


Total 


102, 404 


i  For  key  to  nomben  in  this  column,  see  p.  7:?:i. 

Cardiff  series.— -The  Cardiff  series  i-  characterized  by  the  yellowish-brown  color  of 

the  soil,  the  yellow  colorof  the  subsoil,  and  by  a  substratum  of  slate.    Fragments  of  the 

parent  rock  are  of  common  occurrence  throughout  the  soil  section.    These  soils  are  most, 

lly  developed  in  the  northern  Piedmont  near  the  Maryland-Pennsylvania  line. 

Fair  to  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  rye  are  obtained.     Peaches  and  apples 

gOOCl  result--. 

Area  and  distribution  <>f  the  soil  of  the  Cardij) 


State  or  area,  i 

Acres 

Pennsylvania  l 

2,458 

For  key  to  numlxTs  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 
I 


23 


Cecil  series. — The  Cecil  series  includei  the  most  important  and  widely  distributed 
soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  The  heavier  members  are  known  as  the  "red-clay 
lands."  These  soils  are  characterized  by  their  red  clay  subsoils  and  gray  to  red  soils 
ranging  in  texture  from  sand  to  clay,  the  lighter  colors  prevailing  in  the  sandy  members. 
A  characteristic  of  the  subsoil  is  the  content  of  sharp  quartz  sand  and  the  frequent 
occurrence  of  veins  of  quartz.  Mica  flakes  are  also  usually  present  in  the  subsoil. 
The  soils  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  principally  from  granite  and  gneiss,  weath- 
ered to  great  depths  so  that  rock  outcrops  are  rare.  Fragments  and  bowlders  of  the 
parent  rock  are,  however,  found  in  places  on  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  to 
hilly  with  level  to  undulating  areas  in  situations  where  stream  erosion  has  not  been  too 
active.  The  soils  of  the  Cecil  series  are  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops.  In  the 
South  cotton  is  an  important  crop.     Heavy  export  tobacco  is  also  grown  extensively. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Cecil  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Cecil  sand !  South  Carolina  9 

sandy  loam Alabama  7,  24,  33,  36;  Georgia  4,  5,  6,  9,  12,  13,  14;  North  Caro- 
lina 3,  4,  5,  10,  11,  14,  15, 17,  22,  23,  26;  South  Carolina  1,  2,  3, 
5,9,  11,  13,  15,  17;  Virginia  1,  2,  3,  6,  8,  11. 

stony  sandy  loam |  Alabama  7,  33,  36;  Georgia  9;  North  Carolina  15;  South  Caro- 
lina 2. 

coarse  sandy  loam Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  3,  10,  15, 17;  South  Carolina  9,  15. . . . 

fine  sandy  loam Alabama  33;  Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  3, 10, 11, 15, 17;  South 

Carolina  9,  13. 

very  fine  sandy  loam Georgia  5 

loam North  Carolina  3, 10;  South  Carolina  15 

stony  loam Alabama  7,  24,  33,  36;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  10;  Penn- 
sylvania 9,  10;  South  Carolina  3,  5. 

gravellv  loam j  Georgia  12;  North  Carolina  23;  South  Carolina  9,  11 

clay  loam Alabama  7,  33,  36;  Georgia  5,  12;  North  Carolina  3,  10,  11,  15, 

17;  South  Carolina  9. 

clay Alabama  24;  Georgia  4,  6,  9,  13,  14;  Maryland  3,  5,  7;  North 

Carolina  1,  3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 17, 22, 23, 26;  Pennsylvania  6;  South 
Carolina  1,  2,  3,  5, 11, 13, 15,  17;  Virginia  1,  2,  3,  4,  6,  7,  8, 11. 

stony  clay Alabama  7,  24,  36;  South  Carolina  17 


Total 7,473,924 


Acres. 


3,331,480 


202,048 

124,352 
191,552 

4,736 
190,208 
239,273 

33,664 
566.272 

2,543,939 


45,504 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Chester  series. — The  Chester  series  occurs  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Piedmont 
Plateau,  having  been  mapped  only  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia.  The 
types  in  this  series  differ  from  those  of  the  Cecil  series  in  having  yellow  or  only  slightly 
reddish  yellow  subsoils  and  gray  or  brown  surface  soils,  the  latter  being,  on  the 
whole,  lighter  and  more  friable  than  the  Cecil.  The  members  of  this  series  are  preva- 
lently more  micaceous  than  the  Cecil  soils.  Locally  they  are  known  as  "gray  lands" 
to  distinguish  them  from  the  "red  lands"  of  the  Cecil  series.  The  topography  in 
general  is  not  so  rough  as  over  Cecil  areas,  being  rolling  to  moderately  hilly.  The 
soils,  which  are  of  residual  origin,  are  derived  from  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks, 
principally  gneiss,  granite,  and  schist.  Weathering  has  not  reached  to  such  great 
depth  as  in  the  case  of  the  Cecil  series,  the  underlying  rock  often  being  encountered 
within  2  feet  of  the  surface  on  eroded  slopes. 

The  soils  are  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  especially  corn,  and  also  to  fruit  and 
canning  crops.  Of  the  latter,  tomatoes  and  sugar  corn  are  the  most  important.  The 
soils  are  not  so  strong  as  those  of  the  Cecil  series,  requiring  more  careful  treatment 
to  maintain  the  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chester  series. 


Soil  name. 


Chester  sandy  loam . 
fine  sandy  1c 
loam 


stony  loam. 
Total 


State  or  area.1 


Maryland  7;  Virginia  7 

Pennsylvania  6,  12 

Maryland  3,5, 7;  Pennsylvania  1, 

Virginia  3. 
Pennsylvania  3,  6 


■],  <>,  12;  Virginia  l,  '. 


Acres. 


27,968 

600,680 

Si,  864 


719,592 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


24 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Conowingo  series. — The  soils  of  the  Conowingo  series  are  grayish  yellow  to  brownish 
and  the  subsoils  yellowish.  Some  of  the  areas  mapped  have  a  red  subsoil  and  pos- 
sibly represent  soils  that  should  be  separated  from  those  having  a  yellow  subsoil. 
The  Conowingo  soils  are  derived  from  serpentine  and  talcose  rocks.  Those  areas 
derived  from  talcose  material  have  a  decidedly  greasy  subsoil  and  are  locally  known 
as  "soapstone  lands."  The  topography  is  in  general  rolling  to  hilly,  although  there 
are  occasional  poorly  drained,  flat  areas  locally  known  as  "glades."  A  considerable 
portion  of  the  clay  member  of  this  series  is  fairly  well  suited  to  the  production  of 
general  farm  crops.  The  "barrens"  phase,  which  in  places  is  very  stony,  with  a 
hilly  to  broken  topography,  is  generally  unproductive  and  practically  worthless  for 
agricultural  purposes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Conowingo  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maryland  3,  5;  North  Carolina  14;  Pennsylvania  6;  Virginia  1.. 

49,894 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Durham  series. — The  soils  of  the  Durham  series  are  characterized  by  the  grayish 
color  of  the  surface  soils  and  the  yellow  color  of  the  subsoil.  They  are  derived  from 
light-colored,  rather  coarse  grained  granite  and  gneiss,  consisting  principally  of 
quartz  and  feldspar  with  some  mica.  The  topography  is  generally  gently  rolling 
and  the  drainage  thorough  or  in  places  excessive,  owing  to  the  sandy,  porous  texture 
of  the  subsoil.  The  soils  are  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  require  applications  of 
manure  or  fertilizer  in  order  to  give  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Durham  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Durham  coarse  sand, 
sandy  loam. 


coarse  sandy  loam . . 
fine  sandy  loam 


Georgia  12 

Alabama  33;  Georgia  14;  North  Carolina  1,  3,  4,  11,  14,  15,  17, 

22,  26;  South  Carolina  1,  2,  3,  5,  15,  17;  Virginia  2,  6,  8,  11. 
Alabama  7, 36;  North  Carolina  3, 5, 10, 11, 15;  South  Carolina  15. 
Alabama  33;  North  Carolina  11 


Total 


3,584 
310,880 

89,536 
25,408 


1L"J,4(>S 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Edgemont  series. — The  Edgemont  series  has  gray  soils  and  yellowish  colored  subsoils. 
These  soils  occupy  high  ridges  and  isolated  hills  in  the  Piedmont  region.  They  are 
derived  mainly  from  quartz-schist,  and  quartzite.  They  are  of  low  agricultural 
value  and  probably  best  suited  to  fruit  growing  and  forestry. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Edgemont  series. 


Soil  name. 


Edgemont  silt  loam Get 


State  or  area.1 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Georgeville  series. — The  Georgeville  types  are  characterized  by  t  lie  rod  dish-brown 
color  and  prevailingly  silty  character  of  the  surface  soils  and  by  the  red  clay  subsoils. 
Like  the  Alamance  these  soils  arc  derived  from  the  "slates"  "i"  the  <  larolina  slate  belt 
It  is  believed  that  the  rocks  of  this  group  giving  rise  to  this  series  are  higher  in  content 
of  iron-bearing  mineral!  than  those  giving  rise  to  the  Alamance.  The  topography 
from  undulating  to  rolling  or  broken  along  stream  slopes.  The  drainage  is 
good.  These  an-  somewhat  stronger  agricultural  soils  than  the  corresponding  members 
•  if  the  Alamam  i 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Georgeville  series. 


25 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

North  Carolina  3,  11,  23;  South  Caro- 
lina 9. 

102, 656 

|i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Granville  series. — The  Granville  series  includes  types  of  grayish  colored  surface 
soils  and  the  yellow,  friable,  sandy  clay  subsoils.  In  the  lower  part  of  the  subsoil 
the  Indian  red  clay  (Penn  material)  and  a  grayish  clay  of  plastic  structure  are  fre- 
quently encountered.  In  physical  characteristics  these  soils  are  similar  to  the  Durham 
types,  but  the  subsoils  are  slightly  more  plastic  and  somewhat  heavier.  The  deep 
subsoil  or  substratum  also  differs  from  that  of  the  typical  Durham  in  the  variegated 
color,  which  frequently  includes  Indian  red,  greenish-gray,  purplish,  drab,  and 
white. 

The  agricultural  value  of  these  soils  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the  Durham  series. 
They  are  particularly  adapted  to  bright  or  yellow  tobacco,  corn,  peanuts,  sweet  or 
Irish  potatoes,  forage  crops,  and  vegetables.  Wheat  and  grass  do  not  give  as  good 
results  as  on  the  Indian-red  Penn  soils.  The  parent  rock  of  the  series  is  Triassic 
sandstone.  It  is  possible  that  the  lighter  color,  as  compared  with  the  Penn  soils, 
which  are  also  derived  from  Triassic  sandstone,  is  due  to  leaching  processes.  The 
topography  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  slightly  hilly  and  the  drainage  is  good. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Granville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Granville  coarse  sandy  loam 

North  Carolina  11,  23 

North  Carolina  23 

46,400 
3,776 

fine  sandy  loam 

...do 

640 

Total 

50, 816 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Herndon  series. — The  types  in  the  Herndon  series  have  gray  soils  and  red  subsoils. 
They  occupy  high,  isolated  hills  or  ridges  in  the  Piedmont  region  and  are  derived 
principally  from  quartzite  and  quartzite  schist.  They  are  of  low  agricultural  value, 
being  best  suited  to  forestry.    The  better  located  areas  can  probably  be  used  for  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Herndon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  ar  area.1 

Acres. 

Herndon  stony  loam 

North  Carolina  5 

384 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see,  p.  733. 

Iredell  series. — The  soils  of  the  Iredell  series  are  light-brown  to  almost  black  in  color 
and  frequently  carry  small  iron  concretions.  The  subsoils  consist  of  extremely  plastic, 
sticky,  or  waxy  clay  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  greenish-yellow  color.  Disintegrated 
rock  is  very  often  encountered  within  the  3-foot  section.  The  topography  varies 
from  nearly  flat  to  gently  rolling.  The  parent  rocks  consist  mainly  of  diorite,  horn- 
blende schist  or  hornblende  gneiss,  and  chloritic  rocks.  The  intractable  subsoil 
in  places  lies  near  the  surface,  making  cultivation  difficult,  but  over  the  deeper 
areas  having  a  soil  lighter  than  a  clay  a  very  fair  seed  bed  can  be  maintained.  Soils 
of  this  series  are  best  suited  to  small  grain  and  grass.  Under  certain  conditions  corn 
and  cotton  do  fairly  well. 


26 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Iredell  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  are  \.1 

Acres. 

Iredell  sandy  loam 

. .    North  Carolina  5;  South  Carolina  9 

96,960 
3,840 

stonv  sandy  loam 

. .   Alabama  36 

coarse  sandv  loa 

3,456 

fine  sandy  loam 



:  >lina  3,  11,  17;  Virginia  4 

45,312 

..    Alabama  33;  North  Carolina  3,  11,  17,  23 

54,720 

stony  loam 

clay  "loam 

5;  North  Carolina  11 

2,304 

..    G'eoruia  9;  North  Carolina  1,  10,  11,  26;  South  Carolina  1,  5,  9, 
17;  Virginia  2,  4,  7,  8,  11. 

282,026 

Total 

488,618 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Lansdale  series. — The  Lansdale  series  is  characterized  by  the  gray,  drab,  or  brownish 
color  of  the  soils  and  by  the  slaty  gray  to  pale  yellowish  color  of  the  subsoil.  These 
soils  occur  in  close  association  with  the  Penn  series  and  are  derived  from  meta- 
morphosed, Triassic  sandstone  and  shale  prevailingly  of  grayish  color.  The  meta- 
morphism  has  resulted  chiefly  from  the  heat  of  the  intrusive  rocks  with  which  the 
typical  Lansdale  soils  are  associated.  The  topography  ranges  from  rolling  to  hilly, 
and  the  drainage  is  good.  The  agricultural  value  of  these  soils  is  somewhat  lower 
than  that  of  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Penn  series.  Moderate  yields  of  corn, 
oats,  wheat,  Irish  potatoes,  and  hay  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lansdale  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pennsylvania  3 

3, 648 

Pennsylvania  3,  6,  12;  Virginia  7 

10S, 288 

Total 

111,936 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Louisa  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  predominantly  gray  to  light  gray  and  the 
subsoils  red.  The  material  is  derived  from  talcose  and  micaceous  schists  and  imper- 
fectly crystalline  slates.  The  structure  is  unfavorable  to  the  maintenance  of  good 
tilth,  and  the  soils  especially  have  a  tendency  to  bake  and  check  on  drying.  The 
members  of  this  series  are  slightly  less  productive  than  the  corresponding  types  of  the 
Cecil  series.  They  can,  however,  be  improved,  especially  by  fall  plowing,  the  grow- 
ing of  legumes  and  winter  cover  crops,  liming,  and  the  incorporating  of  organic  matter. 
They  are  best  suited  to  general  farm  crops,  such  as  corn,  grain,  forage  crops,  and  cotton 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Louisa  series. 


Soil  name. 

■     ■ 

Acres. 

Alabama  14 



fine  sandy  loam 

s 

Alabama  8, 33;  North  Carolina  26;  Vi                    

371,370 

Uabai                                                         

South  Carolina  5 



Total . . . 

1,068,458 

to  numbers  In  thJ  a  p.  788, 


Manor  series. — The  Manor  soils  are  characterized   by   their  yellowish-brown  to 

brown  surface  color  and  the  yellow  to  yellowish-red  or  dull  red  color  ol  the  subsoils. 

This  series  Is  also  high  in  mica  in  both  soil  and  the  subsoil.    This  constituent  gives 

el,  particularly  to  the  subsoil  material.    The  soils  of  tl  ire  derived 

phyllites,  including  mica  schist  and  chlorite  schists.    Fragment  rocks 

are  of  common  occurrence  throughout  the  soil  section.  as  being  very  stony. 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


27 


The  members  of  this  series  are  confined  to  the  northern  Piedmont,  where  they  occupy 
gently  rolling  to  hilly  areas.  Properly  handled,  the  better  lying  areas  give  good 
yields  of  oats,  corn  and  wheat,  Irish  potatoes,  and  hay.  These  soils  are  locally  known 
as  "slate  lands,"  "dark  slate  lands,"  and  "white  slate  lands,"  the  last  two  designa- 
tions originating  from  local  variations  in  the  color  of  the  surface  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Manor  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

j    Acres. 

Maryland  3,  5,  7,  8;  Pennsylvania  6,  9, 12;  Virginia  7 

Pennsylvania  6,  9, 12 

....       166,514 

stony  loam 

....         38,956 

Total 

205. 470 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Mecklenburg  series. — The  types  of  the  Mecklenburg  series  have  reddish-brown  to 
red  surface  soils  and  yellowish -brown,  stiff  clay  subsoils  grading  usually  into  disinte- 
grated rock  within  the  3-foot  section.  The  upper  part  of  the  subsoil  frequently  has 
somewhat  the  characteristics  of  the  Iredell  soils.  The  material  forming  the  types 
of  this  series  is  derived  from  diorite,  metagabbro,  and  similar  rocks.  In  some  places 
the  soils  appear  to  represent  Iredell  material  in  an  advanced  stage  of  weathering. 
The  topography  is  gently  rolling  and  the  surface  drainage  good.  The  soils  are  pro- 
ductive, closely  approximating  in  agricultural  value  the  corresponding  Cecil  types. 
Cotton,  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  grass  and  forage  crops  give  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Mecklenburg  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mecklenburg  sandy  loam 

North  Carolina  3 

6,464 
5,824 
24,960 

loam 

clay  loam 

North  Carolina  3,17 

Total 

37,248 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


Molena  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Molena  series  are  gray  to  reddish  brown  and 
the  subsoils  red.  The  types  are  developed  over  broad,  dome-shaped  hills  with  smooth 
slopes  found  near  stream  courses.  The  material  appears  to  have  been  modified  by 
the  action  of  water.  The  drainage  is  good,  and  the  soils  are  adapted  to  cotton,  corn, 
forage  crops,  watermelons,  and  sweet  potatoes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Molena  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Molena  sand 

5,888 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Montalto  series. — The  Montalto  soils  occur  in  the  northern  Piedmont  plain  and  are 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  dikes  of  trap  rock,  being  locally  known  as  "ironstone 
soils."  The  surface  colors  are  reddish  brown  or  dull  yellowish  red,  though  tilled 
fields  often  present  a  rusty-brown  appearance.  The  Montalto  soils,  as  a  whole,  are 
difficult  to  till,  and  especial  care  must  be  taken  to  cultivate  only  under  favorable  con- 
ditions of  moisture.  In  spots  the  soils  have  a  tendency  to  stick  to  the  moldboard. 
They  are  not  especially  desirable  for  general  farming  for  the  above  reasons,  but  are 
productive  when  properly  handled,  being  especially  adapted  to  apple  and  peach 
production. 


28 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Montalto  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Montalto  stony  loam 

Pennsylvania  1,  3, 12 

Pennsylvania  1, 12 

25.472 
45.376 
30,144 

clay  loam 

undifferentiated 

Pennsylvania  15 

Total 

100,992 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Penn  series. — The  Penn  series  includes  Indian-red  soils  derived  through  the  proc- 
esses of  weathering  from  red  sandstone  and  shales  of  Triassic  age.  Detached  areas  of 
these  rock  formations  occur  in  shallow  basins  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau  from  the  vicin- 
ity of  New  York  City  to  South  Carolina.  In  productiveness  and  crop  adaptation  the 
Penn  series  may  be  considered  as  intermediate  between  the  Hagerstown  and  Cecil 
soils.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  grass,  apples,  and  peaches  are  produced  on  differ- 
ent types  of  the  series  in  the  more  northern  States.  Tobacco  is  grown  in  Virginia  and 
tobacco  and  cotton  in  the  Carolinas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Penn  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Penn  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam . 
loam./. 


stony  loam 

gravelly  loam... 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

clay  loam 

clay 

undifferentiated . 


New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  1, 10;  Virginia  1,4 

Pennsylvania  3 

Maryland  7;  New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  1, 3,  6, 10;  Virginia  4, 
7. 

New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  3,  6, 10, 11;  Virginia  7 

Maryland  7;  Virginia  7 

Pennsylvania  1,3 

North  Carolina  23;  Pennsylvania  12 

Pennsylvania  3 

Maryland  7;  Virginia  1,7 

Pennsylvania  15 


61,774 

17  344 

320^266 

77,704 

704 

118,784 

65,  OSS 

896 

27,904 

1.216 


Total. 


691, 6S0 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

Worsham  series. — The  soils  of  the  Worsham  series  are  composed  of  light  gray  surface 
soils  and  yellowish  or  mottled  yellow,  gray,  and  red,  plastic  clay  subsoils.  They 
occur  through  the  Piedmont  region  in  comparatively  small  areas,  in  which,  owing  to 
the  imperviousness  of  the  subsoils,  the  drainage  is  poorly  established.  The  parent 
rocks  consist  principally  of  granite,  gneiss,  and  associated  formations.  The  agricul- 
tural value  is  low. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Worsham  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Akilumi;i  :<»',;  Virginia  11 

10,952 

kl3 

15,040 

Total... 

25,992 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

York  series. — The  types  included  in  the  York  series  are  predominantly  gray  to  light 
at  the  surface  and  have  yellow  subsoils.    They  are  derived  I'n (in  tali  ose  and  mica- 
ceous schists  and  imperfectly  crystalline  slates.  '  The  texture  and  structure  of  the 
oil  are  unfavorable  to  the  maintenance  of  good  tilth,  as  the  surface  bakes  and  checks 
readily,  making  cultivation  difficult.    Crop  yields  are  generally  low  and  the  soils  are 
exceedingly  difficult  to  improve. 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  York  series. 


29 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

York  sandy  loam 

Alabama  14 

3,008 

fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  33;   South  Carolina  11, 15, 17;  Virginia  4 

113,088 
4,032 
2,4% 

111,424 

Virginia  2,  4 

stonv  loam 

Alabama  8 

silt  loam 

South  Carolina  11, 17 

Total 

234, 04S 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 

THE    SOIL   TYPES  AND   THEIR   USE. 

SAND   GROUP. 

The  sands  are  of  relatively  little  importance  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  as  they  are 
of  rare  occurrence  and  occupy  only  a  very  small  acreage.  They  are  of  loose,  open 
structure,  and  require  liberal  additions  of  vegetable  matter  and  rather  heavy  appli- 
cations of  manure  to  produce  yields  even  approximating  the  ordinary  yields  on 
heavier  classes  of  soils.  They  are  best  suited  to  the  production  of  vegetables,  pota- 
toes, melons,  cucumbers,  and  cowpeas.  Only  two  series  are  represented,  the  Cecil 
and  Molena  of  the  southern  Piedmont,  both  of  which  occupy  only  small  areas. 

Cecil  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-gray  sand  from  24  to  36  inches  deep  underlain 
by  the  characteristic  red  clay.  The  type  is  usually  developed  on  slopes  where  sandy 
material  has  accumulated  from  above  through  colluvial  action.  The  soil  does  not  retain 
moisture  well  and  crops  often  suffer  during  dry  seasons.  Some  of  the  areas  are  culti- 
vated but  the  yields  are  low.  Only  occasional  small  patches  of  this  soil  have  been 
encountered  in  the  survey. 

Molena  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  or  reddish  colored  loamy,  medium  to 
rather  fine  sand  in  places  sufficiently  incoherent  to  be  wind  drifted/  The  subsoil 
varies  from  a  loamy  sand  to  medium  sandy  loam  of  yellowish-brown  to  yellowish-red, 
or  in  some  places  a  deep,  dark-red  color.  A  deep  red  sandy  clay  is  frequently  encoun- 
tered below  3  feet.  The  type  occurs  in  a  somewhat  broken  belt  extending  parallel 
with  and  some  distance  back  from  rivers  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  It  occupies  broad, 
dome-shaped  hills,  the  crests  rising  to  a  height  of  200  feet  above  the  streams.  The  ori- 
gin of  this  soil  is  somewhat  obscure,  but  it  is  probably  derived  from  weathered  crystal- 
line rocks.  The  soils  are  easily  cultivated  but  droughty.  Low  yields  of  a  good 
quality  of  cotton  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area1 

Acres. 

Molena  sand 

Georgia  13 

5,888 
896 

Cecil  sand 

South  Carolina  9 

Total 

6,784 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


COARSE    SAND   PHASE. 


Like  the  sands,  the  coarse  sands  of  the  Piedmont  are  of  small  extent  and  low  agri- 
cultural value.  They  are  adapted  to  the  same  crops  and  require  the  same  treatment 
as  the  sands,  the  principal  difference  being  their  somewhat  lower  agricultural  value. 

So  far  only  small  areas  of  the  Appling  and  Durham  soils  have  been  mapped,  no  rep- 
resentative of  the  group  having  been  encountered  in  the  northern  division  of  the 
province. 

Appling  coarse  sand. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  6  inches  is  a  gray,  coarse  sand 
to  loamy  coarse  sand.  In  texture  the  subsoil  is  about  the  same  as  the  soil,  but  the 
color  is  slightly  yellower.  The  parent  rock  is  sometimos  encountered  within  18 
inches  of  the  surface,  but  usually  the  soil  is  3  feet  or  more  in  depth. 

Durham  coarse  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  coarse,  light-gray,  im-oherent  sand 
which  becomes  yellow  at  a  depth  of  7  to  9  inches  and  increases  in  loaminess  with 


30  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

depth  until  at  20  to  24  inches  a  yellowish  sandy  clay  is  encountered.  The  lower 
subsoil  is  predominantly  yellow,  although  in  some  places  of  a  reddish  color.  The 
type  is  derived  from  granites  and  gneisses.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  varying 
amounts  of  quartz  and  other  rock  fragments.  On  account  of  its  coarse  texture  and 
open  structure,  the  type  is  decidedly  droughty.  Special  crops,  such  as  sweet  pota- 
toes, melons,  and  a  number  of  early  vegetables  and  peaches,  do  quite  well,  but  only 
moderate  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area,  i 

Acres. 

Durham  coarse  sand 

Georgia  12  ... 

3,584 
320 

Total 

3,904 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 
SANDY   LOAM    GROUP. 

The  sandy  loams  form  the  most  important  group  of  soils  in  the  southern  division  of 
the  Piedmont  Plateau.  The  larger  proportion  of  these  soils  occurs  in  areas  where 
erosion  has  been  of  such  character  as  to  leave  a  covering  of  at  least  6  or  8  inches  of  the 
light,  sandy  loam  forming  the  general  surface  stratum  of  the  region  over  the  clay. 
These  soils  carry  in  the  surface  mantle  the  more  thoroughly  disintegrated  and  weathered 
remnants  of  the  original  clay  mass.  The  coarser  particles  consist  largely  of  quartz 
grains,  which  have  been  the  more  difficult  for  surface  waters  of  low  velocity  to  remove 
on  account  of  the  greater  weight  of  the  particles. 

On  the  sandy  loam  soils  a  lighter  type  of  farm  equipment  is  adequate  to  maintain 
them  in  the  highest  state  of  efficiency  than  is  necessary  in  case  of  the  heavier  groups. 
The  sandy  loams,  together  with  the  lighter  phase,  the  coarse  sandy  Loams,  are  the 
lightest  soils  of  the  region  desirable  for  general  farming.  They  are  not  well  adapted 
to  hay,  nor  are  they  nearly  BO  well  suited  to  wheat  and  oats,  dairying,  or  stock  raising 
as  the  heavier  soils.  Nevertheless,  they  are  relatively  better  suited  to  general  farm- 
ing than  are  the  corresponding  types  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  as  the  clay  subsoil  is  much 
nearer  the  surface  than  in  the  sandy  loam  soils  of  the  Coastal  Plain.  The  sandy 
loams  of  the  Piedmont  are  also  naturally  more  productive  than  the  average  of  the 
corresponding  group  in  the  Coastal  Plain  because  of  the  shallower  depth  of  the  loose 
sandy  surface  portion  and  the  more  retentive  nature  of  the  denser  clay  subsoil. 

Another  apparent  iniluence  of  the  closeness  of  the  clay  subsoil  to  the  surface  is  to 
minimize  the  harmful  effects  of  drought;  With  a  good  supply  of  moisture  as  close  to 
irface  as  in  most  of  the  Piedmont  subsoils,  and  with  the  control  of  evaporation 
made  possible  by  the  easily  mulched  and  friable  sandy  surface  material,  crops  do  not 
suffer  bo  severely  in  dry  spells  as  they  do  on  deeper  sandy  soils  having  more  open 
Bandy  clay  subsoils,  such  as  occur  in  the  Coastal  Plain.  It  frequently  happens  that 
crops  withstand  the  effects  of  drought  upon  the  Piedmont  sandy  loams  to  much  better 
advantage  than  on  the  clays,  particularly  where  the  latter  are  not  kept  i 
pulverulent  condition  by  careful  cultivation. 

The  maiu  crops  on  the  sandy  Loams  of  the  southern  Piedmonl  are  cotton,  corn,  and 
tobacco.  These  mature  earlier  and  in  general  produce  lighter  yields  than  could  be 
obtained  from  the  corresponding  h<  There  i  osating  advantage  in 

that  these  crop*  «■;  D  be  produced  with  a,  less  extensive  farm  equipment  and  with  less 
labor,     in  the  case  of  cotton  particularly  the  variety  should  he  carefully  selected  to 

maintain   the  host    yields.      The  later  maturing   varieh-  l  ly  to  he  hastened  to 

maturity  ;<>  a  measurable  rith  the  same  varieties  on  the  later 

day  Loams  and  claj  s.    Cowpeas,  crimson  clover,  soy  beans,  and  vetch  are  grown  both 

iop-  and  for  .-"il  improvement.    The  production  of  these  crops,  especially 

in  rotation  with  cotton,  corn,  and  tobacco  should  be  greatly  extended  throughout  the 

ion. 

Of  ;  i  ultivation,  peaches  are  impoi 

Oare  must  he  exercised  in  the  selecl  hi"  of  site.-  of  proper  exposures,  especially  in  the 

southern  pari  Of  the  area.     There  is  also  coiisidorahlo  opportunity  lor  the  production 

of  vegetables  to  supply  the  Local  summer  Mid  fall  demands  of  the  Large  and  growing 
of  t he  South.    Some  apple-  can  he  produ<  ed  t<>  advantage  for  Local  market 

most  of  the  area  of  the  sandy  loam  of  winter  apples,  such  as  the 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU  PKOVINCE.  31 

winesap,  do  fairly  well  near  the  western  boundary  from  northern  Georgia  throughout 
the  region  northward  to  Maryland. 

The  sandy  loams  require  frequent  additions  of  organic  matter  for  best  results.  This 
can  be  advantageously  supplied  by  turning  under  green  or  partially  cured  crops. 
Rye,  oats,  cowpeas,  vetch,  and  crimson  clover  are  good  crops  for  the  purpose.  Fall 
plowing  should  be  practiced,  especially  where  the  surface  soil  is  sufficiently  shallow 
to  permit  the  turning  up  of  clay  from  beneath.  Generally  these  soils  should  be 
occupied  in  winter  by  some  cover  crop  such  as  rye,  oats,  or  vetch,  to  check  erosion 
and  leaching.  While  barnyard  manure  is  highly  efficacious  on  these  lands  the  supply 
is  generally  inadequate,  and  it  has  been  necessary  to  use  more  or  less  commercial 
fertilizers  in  order  to  maintain  good  yields.  The  best  results  are  had,  particularly  on 
the  Cecil  sandy  loams,  with  brands  containing  relatively  high  percentages  of  nitrog- 
enous and  phosphatic  materials.  Potash  salts  do  not  seem  to  be  as  efficacious  on 
this  land  as  on  the  deeper,  sandier  soils,  and  on  the  Iredell  sandy  loam. 

The  Cecil  sandy  loam  is  by  far  the  most  important  member  of  the  group.  As  a 
matter  of  fact,  it  is  the  most  extensive  soil  of  the  entire  Piedmont  region,  occurring 
throughout  the  southern  division  of  the  province.  It  is  adapted,  in  varying  degrees, 
to  the  production  of  all  crops  suited  to  the  latitude  in  which  it  is  developed,  except 
bright  tobacco  and  certain  grasses.     Dark  export  tobacco  does  well  on  this  type. 

The  Durham  sandy  loam  occurs  most  extensively  in  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and 
South  Carolina.  This  type  is  the  nearest  Piedmont  equivalent  of  the  Coastal  Plain 
Norfolk  sandy  loam,  and  its  crop  adaptation  is  somewhat  similar.  Bright  tobacco, 
peanuts,  potatoes,  melons,  and  a  variety  of  vegetables  give  yields  rather  closely 
corresponding  to  those  secured  from  theNorfolk  sandy  loam.  This,  together  with  the 
coarse  sandy  loam  member  of  the  series,  is  the  best  trucking  soil  of  the  region.  General 
farm  crops  do  not  yield  so  heavily  as  in  the  case  of  some  of  the  other  sandy  loams, 
particularly  the  Cecil. 

The  Appling  sandy  loam  seems  to  take  the  place  of  the  Durham  in  the  eastern  part 
of  the  Piedmont  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia.  Its  crop  adaptation  and  agricultural 
value  correspond  quite  closely  with  those  of  the  Durham.  Cotton  and  corn  give 
slightly  heavier  yields  than  on  the  corresponding  Durham  type. 

The  Iredell  sandy  loam  is  distributed  throughout  the  southern  Piedmont.  It  is  not 
adapted  to  the  production  of  bright  tobacco,  but  gives  fairly  good  returns  with  the 
dark  type,  suitable  for  export  and  the  manufacture  of  plug  tobacco.  It  is  adapted  to 
about  the  same  crops  as  the  Cecil  sandy  loam,  but  may  not  yield  so  well,  except 
under  favorable  seasonal  conditions. 

The  Mecklenburg  sandy  loam  is  found  associated  with  the  Iredell  sandy  loam, 
particularly  in  North  and  South  Carolina.  It  is  suited  to  the  same  crops,  but  gives 
heavier  yields.  The  Worsham  sandy  loam  is  of  little  importance.  It  is  the  poorest 
drained  and  least  productive  of  the  southern  Piedmont  soils. 

In  the  northern  Piedmont  region  the  sandy  loams  are  relatively  of  much  less 
importance  than  in  the  southern  division.  The  only  important  representatives  are 
the  members  of  the  Penn  and  Chester  series,  which  are  not  extensively  developed. 
These  are  the  best  truck,  vegetable,  and  small-fruit  soils  of  the  northern  Piedmont, 
and  the  lightest  desirable  soils  for  general  farm  crops. 

Appling  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  consists  of  a  gray  sandy 
loam  becoming  pale  yellow  and  slightly  heavier  in  the  lower  portion.  The  subsoil 
is  a  heavy  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay,  heavier  and  more  plastic  in  the  lower  portion 
and  mottled  or  streaked  with  various  shades  of  red  and  yellow.  The  type  occupies 
gently  rolling  to  low  hilly  country.  Cotton,  corn,  peanuts,  oats,  rye,  sweet  and  Irish 
potatoes,  forage  crops,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  give  good  results  with  moderate 
fertilization,  deep  plowing,  and  the  incorporation  of  organic  matter. 

Cecil  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  or  yellowish 
color  about  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  red.  brittle  clay  containing  coarse 
sand,  both  soil  and  subsoil  carrying  fragments  of  quartz.  There  is  usually  considerable 
fragmental  quartz  on  the  surface.  The  type  occupies  the  high  rolling  to  smooth  inter- 
stream  plateau  land  of  the  Piedmont  and  is  derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  and  to  a  less 
extent,  from  other  crystalline  rocks.  In  Virginia  it  is  used  for  both  bright  and  dark 
shipping  tobacco.  This  is  the  lightest  soil  of  this  region  desirable  for  general  fanning 
purposes.  It  is  successfully  used  for  cotton,  corn,  oats,  cowpeas,  and  a  number  of  the 
other  forage  crops. 

Chester  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  gray  sandy  loam  about  8 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  heavy,  yellow  loam  or  clay  loam  characterized  in  places 
by  a  high  content  of  medium  and  coarse  sand.  The  surface  material  is  nol  a  loose 
sandy  loam,  but  has  more  the  properties  of  a  loam,  containing,  however,  considerable 
quantities  of  coarse  quartz  fragments.  The  type  occupies  rolling  to  somewhat  hilly 
areas,  which  are  generally  well  drained,  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  granite, 
gneiss,  and  coarse-textured  schist,  the  rocks  carrying  a  relatively  large  proportion  of 


32  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

feldspar.  This  is  a  good  soil  for  corn,  which  yields  from  40  to  50  bushels  per  acre.  It  is 
not  sufficiently  retentive  of  moisture  for  the  best  results  with  wheat,  which  produces 
only  10  to  15, bushels  per  acre.     It  is  a  fairly  good  soil  for  the  grasses. 

Durham  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  medium,  loamy  sand  or  light  sandy  loam,  under- 
lain at  a  depth  of  4  to  6  inches  by  pale-yellow  sand  extending  to  a  depth  of  12  to  22 
inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow,  grayish-yellow  or  yellowish-brown  sandy  clay. 
Angular  quartz  fragments  occur  throughout  the  soil  mass  in  varying  proportions,  but 
rarely  ever  in  sufficient  amounts  to  interfere  seriously  with  cultivation.  The  type  is 
derived  mainly  from  a  light-colored,  medium-grained  granite.  Gneiss  and  mica 
schists  enter  into  its  composition  to  a  small  extent.  Along  the  boundary  between  the 
Piedmont  and  Coastal  Plains  regions  it  is  sometimes  difficult  to  distinguish  between 
this  and  the  Norfolk  sandy  loam,  as  frequently  neither  is  typically  developed  in  such 
localities.  The  absence  of  waterworn  gravel  or  the  presence  of  angular  quartz  frag- 
ments offers  much  assistance  in  establishing  the  identity  of  the  Cecil  sandy  loam  in 
such  gradational  regions.  Owing  to  lack  of  organic  matter  the  type  is  somewhat 
droughty.  General  farm  crops,  including  cotton,  corn,  bright  tobacco,  and  forage,  are 
grown  principally,  with  fairly  good  yields.  Truck  crops  do  well,  especially  "sweet 
potatoes  and  melons. 

Iredell  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  dull-brown  medium  loam, 
underlain  at  a  depth  of  6  to  10  inches  by  a  yellowish  light  brown,  sticky,  impervious 
clay  grading  into  soft  disintegrated  diorite,  or  similar  rocks,  at  24  to  30  inches.  The 
type  is  derived  mainly  from  diorite.  The  native  timber  growth  consists  of  post,  red, 
white,  and  black-jack  oak,  and  cedar  pine.  The  type  is  locally  styled  "  blackjack 
land"  or  "beeswax  land."  It  is  suited  to  oats,  wheat,  grass,  and  corn,  and  can  be 
used  to  advantage  for  stock  raising.  Under  ordinary  conditions  tobacco  does  not 
do  well. 

Louisa  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish  to  slightly  reddish  sandy  loam 
from  5  to  10  inches  deep,  carrying  a  moderate  amount  of  quartz  and  micaceous  schist 
fragments.  The  subsoil  is  a  brittle,  red  clay  having  a  greasy  feel  as  the  result  of  the 
presence  of  a  considerable  quantity  of  mica  flakes.  Fragments  of  quartz  and  micaceous 
schist  are  frequently  encountered  in  the  subsoil  portion.  The  type  occupies  gently 
rolling  to  rolling  country  where  the  drainage  is  well  established.  Some  of  the  steeper 
slopes,  unless  carefully  managed,  are  likely  to  suffer  from  erosion.  The  soil  is  adapted 
to  the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  cotton,  corn,  oats,  cowpeas,  and  sorghum.  Vegetables 
do  fairly  well,  especially  on  the  deeper  phases.  The  yields  range  from  fair  to  good, 
according  to  treatment.  Generally  they  do  not  average  as  high  with  the  same  manage- 
ment as  on  the  Cecil  sandy  loam.  The  soil  is  usually  quite  deficient  in  organic  matter, 
but  this  condition  can  be  corrected  by  growing  and  occasionally  plowing  under  cow- 
peas,  vetch,  oats,  or  rye.  Moderate  applications  of  commercial  fertilizers  can  be 
profitably  made  on  most  of  the  type. 

Mecklenburg  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  reddish-brown  light 
loam  to  sandy  loam,  from  6  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to 
ocherous  yellow,  plastic  and  impervious,  heavy  clay  underlain  at  depths  varying 
from  20  to  36  inches  by  disintegrated  diorite,  micadiorite,  gabbrodiorite,  or  metagabbro. 
Hardwoods,  principally  oak  and  hickory,  constitute  the  chief  growth  of  forested  areas. 
Under  ordinary  methods  of  cultivation  corn  yields  from  15  to  30  bushels  per  acre  and 
oats  from  15  to  40  bushels.     Wheat,  cowpeas,  and  soy  beans  do  fairly  well. 

Perm  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  from  (j  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by 
Indian-red  loam  or  clay  loam.  Sandstone  and  shale  fragments  usually  form  5  to  20 
per  cent  of  the  soil  mass.  The  type  is  derived  from  Triaesic  red  sandstone  and  shale. 
The  topography  varies  from  rolling  to  moderately  hilly.  The  soil  is  easily  tilled. 
Crops,  though  of  good  quality,  give  only  light  yields. 

Worsham  sandy  loam.  The  soil  is  a  gray  to  white  sandy  loam,  having  an  average  depth 
of  about  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  or  nearly  while,  sticky  Bandy  loam  or 
loam  to  Stiff,  plastic,  yellow  clay,  mottled  with  white.     The  type  is  of  residual  origin, 

being  derived  from  granites,  gneisses,  and  schists.    The  soil  gives  Light  yields  of  the 

general  farm  crops. 

York  sandy  loam.— The  soil  is  a  gray  to  Light  yellowish  brown  Bandy  loam  ranging 

from  6  to  10  inches  in  depth.     The  subsoil  is  a  yoilow,  micaceous  clay.     Quarts  and 

schist  fragments  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  disseminated  throughout  the  soil 
The  agricultural  value  is  low,  cotton,  corn,  cowpeas,  and  oats  giving  the  bet ; 

il  is  much  in  need  of  organic  matter  ami  requires  Libera]  additions  of 

complete  commercial  fertilizers  before  good  yields  can  be  obtained. 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


33 


Soil  name. 


Cecil  sandy  loam 

Durham  sandy  loam. 


Iredell  sandy  loam 

Penn  sandy  loam 

Louisa  sandy  loam 

Appling  sandy  loam 

Chester  sandy  loam 

Worsham  sandy  loam 

Mecklenburg  sandy  loam. 
York  sandy  loam 


State  or  area. i 


Total. 


Alabama  7, 24, 33, 36;  Georgia  4, 5, 6. 9, 12, 13, 14;  North  Carolina  3, 
4,  5,  10, 11, 14, 15,  17,  22,  23,  26;  South  Carolina  1,  2,  3,  5,  9, 11, 
13,  15,  17;  Virginia  1,  2,  3,  6,  8,  11. 

Alabama  33;  Georgia  14;  North  Carolina  1,  3,  4, 11, 14, 15, 17,  22, 
26;  South  Carolina  1,  2,  3,  5,  15, 17;  Virginia  2,  6,  8, 11. 

North  Carolina  5;  South  Carolina  9 

New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  1 ,  10;  Virginia  1,4 

Alabama  14 

Georgia  5;  South  Carolina  9 

Maryland  7;  Virginia  7 

Alabama  36;  Virginia  11 

North  Carolina  3 

Alabama  14 


Acres. 


3,331,480 
310,880 


61,774 
51,520 
32,192 
27,968 
10,952 
6,464 
3,008 


3,933,198 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  stony  sandy  loams  are  of  little  importance  in  point  of  extent  and  agricultural 
value.  They  are  confined  chiefly  to  areas  of  sloping  and  rolling  topography  where 
erosion  has  been  fairly  active.  Both  the  unfavorable  topography  and  the  abundance 
of  stone  interfere  with  tillage  operations.  These  soils  can  never  be  made  to  produce 
as  well  as  the  sandy  loams.  The  representatives  of  the  Cecil  and  Iredell  series  are 
the  only  types  so  far  mapped . 

Cecil  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  or  reddish-brown  sandy 
loam  carrying  angular  rock  fragments  in  sufficient  quantity  to  interfere  with  cultiva- 
tion. The  subsoil  varies  from  a  red  heavy  sandy  loam  through  red  sandy  clay  to  a 
brownish  loamy  material  consisting  of  soft,  partially  decomposed  rock,  clay,  and  sand. 
The  type  sometimes  includes  variations,  too  small  to  separate,  in  the  form  of  areas 
having  a  yellow  subsoil.  The  soil  is  derived  principally  from  granite,  gneiss,  and 
schist.  Though  mainly  rolling  to  hilly,  considerable  areas  are  steeply  broken.  Only 
moderate  yields  of  cotton  and  corn  are  secured.  The  type  is  best  suited  to  fruit, 
pasturage,  and  forestry.  Apples  do  well,  and  peaches  frequently  give  good  results. 
Bermuda  grass  will  prove  a  valuable  grass  for  this  land. 

Iredell  stony  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  to  greenish-brown  loamy  sand 
to  light  sandy  loam  with  a  large  content  of  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish- 
brown,  plastic,  adhesive  clay,  usually  having  a  greenish  cast.  The  type  is  derived 
mainly  from  diorite.  It  is  rather  poorly  drained  and  is  locally  styled  "spouty"  or 
"blue"  land.  Stones  are  abundant  over  the  surface.  Moderate  yields  of  cotton  and 
corn  are  obtained.    Wheat  and  oats  should  do  fairly  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cecil  stony  sandy  loam 

Iredell  stony  sandy  loam 

Alabama  7,  33,  36;  Georgia  9;  North  Carolina  15;  South  Caro- 
lina 2. 

202,048 
3,840 

Total 

205,888 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   SANDY   LOAM   PHASE. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loam  class  is  inextensive,  only  two  tyj>es,  the  Penn  and  Louisa, 
having  been  mapped.  The  former  is  derived  from  Triassic  conglomerate;  hence  its 
gravelly  character.  The  Louisa  is  formed  from  quartz  and  schist.  It  is  doubtful  if 
the  gravelly  sandy  loams  in  the  Piedmont  should  be  considered  as  of  any  more  im- 
portance than  a  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group. 

Louisa  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  reddish  sandy  loam 
from  4  to  12  inches  deep,  containing  considerable  quantities  of  quartz  and  micaceous 

79619—13 3 


34 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


schist  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  a  brittle,  red  micaceous  clay  having  a  greasy  feel, 
and  carrying  fragments  of  quartz  or  schist.  The  type  occupies  broken  or  dissected 
areas,  stream  slopes,  and  rolling  to  hilly  country.  Drainage  is  good,  the  steeper  slopes 
suffering  from  erosion  owing  to  the  rapid  run-off  of  rain  water.  In  many  areas  plowing 
is  difficult  owing  to  the  resistance  offered  by  the  rock  fragments.  The  type  is  adapted 
to  the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  cowpeas.  The  ordinary  yields' 
are  light.  Liberal  additions  of  organic  matter  and  complete  commercial  fertilizers 
are  necessary  for  the  production  of  moderate  to  good  yields. 

Penn  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  Indian-red  gravelly 
sandy  loam,  about  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  sandy  loam,  loam,  or 
even  clay  loam  which  continues  to  a  depth  of  24  inches,  below  which  a  sandy 
clay  is  frequently  encountered.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  from  20  to  60 
per  cent  of  large  and  small  quartz  or  red  sandstone  gravel,  while  fields  often  pre- 
sent a  gray  appearance  due  to  surface  accumulations  of  quartz  fragments.  The  soil 
material  is  derived  from  conglomerates  of  Triassic  age.  The  topography  is  rolling  to 
hilly.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  mostly  under  cultivation.  General  farming  is  the 
most  common  form  of  agriculture,  although  the  soil  is  apt  to  be  droughty  and  crops 
suffer  from  this  cause. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

34,560 
17,344 

Penn  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Pennsylvania  3 

Total 

51,904 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
COARSE    SANDY   LOAM   PHASE. 


The  coarse  sandy  loams  are  rather  extensively  developed  throughout  the  southern 
Piedmont.  They  are  adapted  to  the  same  crops,  though  giving  somewhat  lighter 
yields,  and  require  about  the  same  kind  of  tools  and  management  as  the  sandy  loams. 
Owing  to  the  closeness  of  the  usually  dense  clay  subsoil  to  the  surface  this  group  does 
not  differ  as  much  from  the  sandy  loams  in  agriculture  as  do  the  coarse  sandy  loams  of 
the  Coastal  Plain,  with  their  usually  deeper  surface  soils  and  lighter  textured  subsoils, 
from  the  sandy  loams  of  that  province. 

The  coarse  sandy  loam  members  of  the  Appling,  Cecil,  Durham,  and  Iredell  series 
occur  in  scattered  areas  associated  with  the  sandy  loams  of  these  series.  The  Dur- 
ham and  Appling  coarse  sandy  loams  are  about  equal  in  importance  to  the  sandy 
loam  members  of  these  series.  The  Worsham  coarse  sandy  loam  is  of  little  impor- 
tance. The  Granville,  derived  from  Triassic  rocks,  is  similar  to  the  Durham  in  both 
physical  properties  and  crop  value. 

Appling  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  coarse  Bandy  Loam  to  light  coarse  Bandy 
Loam,  8  to  L6  indies  deep,  gray  in  the  upper  portion  and  pale  yellow  below.  The  soil 
becomes  slightly  heavier  witn  depth  and  finally  passes  into  a  yellow,  heavy  sandy 
clay  which  Becomes  abruptly  heavier  and  more  plasl  Lc  with  depth  and  shows  mottling 
or  si  reaks  of  red,  gray,  or  drab.  Quartz  fragments  are  Eon  u<  1  in  t  he  surface  and  through- 
out the  s<»il  section.  The  topography  is  gently  to  moderately  rolling.  With  deep 
plowing,  frequent  incorporation  oi  vegetable  matter,  ami  Liberal  applications  of  com- 
mercial fertilizers,  good  yields  of  oats,  rye,  cotton,  com,  peanuts,  cowpeas,  bur  clover, 
crimson  clover,  sweet  potatoes,  watermelons,  and  a  number  of  garden  vegetables  are 
secured. 

Cecil  coarti  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of  5  or  6  inches  consists  of  a 

browniflh-gray  to  brown  coarse  sandy  Loam,     A  considerable  proportion  of  the  sand 

from    very  fine  tO  medium   in   texture,   but    there  is  always  present  sufficient 

quarts  sand  and  fine  angular  quartz  nave]  or  coarser  fragments  to  impart  a 
decidedly  coarse  texture  to  the  soil.    The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  red  clay,  also  carry- 

onsiderable  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  Large rounaed  masses ca granite-like 
glacial  bowlders  are  frequent  ly  encountered  in  fields.    The  soil  is  derived  from  a  gray 

sprained  granite.    Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal  crops  grown,  the  yields  being 

abmi I  the  Bame  as  upon  the  Cecil  sandy  loam.  Better  results  are  obtained  in  seasons 
of  more  than  avenge  rainfall.  (  >wing  to  the  open  structure  of  the  soil  crops  are  apt 
to  suffer  from   lack  of  moisture  during  dry  seasons. 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


35 


Durham  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  coarse  loamy  sand  or  light  sandy  loam, 
from  5  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff  yellow  clay  containing  more  or  less 
angular  quartz  grains  and  fragments.  The  type  is  residual  in  origin  and  derived 
mainly  from  coarse-grained  granite.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  bright  tobacco  and 
fairly  well  suited  to  the  production  of  sweet  potatoes,  watermelons,  and  a  number  oi 
garden  vegetables,  such  as  peas,  cucumbers,  string  beans,  and  radishes. 

Granville  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  grayish  coarse  sandy  loam, 
which  usually  at  a  depth  of  about  5  inches  becomes  pale  yellow  in  color  and  slightly 
heavier  in  texture.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale  yellow  sandy  clay  sometimes  mottled  with 
gray  and  occasionally  including,  especially  in  the  lower  portion,  some  Indian-red 
plastic  clay  (Penn  material).  The  physical  characteristics  of  a  section  of  the  type 
are  very  similar  to  those  of  the  Durham  coarse  sandy  loam,  except  for  the  frequent 
occurrence  of  Indian-red  and  grayish  colored  clay  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  subsoil 
or  its  substratum.  The  clay  content  of  the  subsoil  is  sliglftly  higher  and  the  material 
more  plastic  than  in  the  case  of  the  Durham  coarse  sandy  loam.  The  substratum  is 
usually  variegated  in  color,  showing  patches  of  Indian-red,  purple,  green,  gray,  drab, 
and  white.  "Gall  spots,"  representing  areas  from  which  the  surface  soil  has  been 
washed  off,  are  of  common  occurrence.  In  such  areas  the  surface  material  is  usually 
a  plastic  clay  of  Indian-red  or  grayish  color.  The  type  is  derived  from  Triassic 
sandstone.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling  or  slightly  hilly  and  the 
drainage  good  to  excessive.  The  agricultural  value  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the 
Durham  coarse  sandy  loam.  Good  yields  of  a  fine  grade  of  bright  or  yellow  tobacco 
are  obtained.  Corn,  oats,  peanuts,  sweet  and  Irish  potatoes,  forage  crops,  and  a 
number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Iredell  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  brown  or  grayish-brown  moder- 
ately coarse  sandy  loam,  having  an  average  depth  of  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  dingy 
or  greenish  yellow,  dense,  plastic  clay,  usually  underlain  by  decomposed  rock  within 
the  3-foot  section.  Iron  concretions  are  numerous  on  the  surface.  The  type  is 
derived  principally  from  diorite  and  hornblende  or  chlorite  schist.  The  topography 
is  mainly  sloping  and  considerable  areas  are  eroded  and  gullied.  The  agricultural 
value  of  the  type  is  low  and  much  of  it  is  best  used  for  pasturage. 

Worsham  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  loamy  coarse 
sand  to  coarse  sandy  loam,  from  8  to  20  inches  deep,  becoming  yellowish  gray  or  pale 
yellow  with  depth.  The  material  is  coarse  and  incoherent  in  the  surface  few  inches, 
but  slightly  sticky  below.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale  yellow  to  white  heavy  coarse  sandy 
loam  resting  at  30  inches  upon  an  impervious  plastic  yellow  sandy  loam  mottled  with 
red  or  light  shades  of  drab.  The  type  is  derived  from  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks, 
such  as  diorite,  granite,  and  schist.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  sloping  to 
flat  or  undulating.  Owing  to  its  imperfect  drainage  the  soil  is  cold  and  late.  Little 
of  it  is  under  cultivation,  on  account  of  the  low  average  yields  and  difficulty  of  culti- 
vation. Potash  is  required  to  prevent  cotton  rust.  Lime  should  be  used  liberally 
and  barnyard  manure  and  green  crops  plowed  under  to  build  up  the  organic  content. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


Cecil  coarse  sandy  loam 

Durham  coarse  sandy  loam . . 

Appling  coarse  sandy  loam. . 
Granville  coarse  sandy  loam. 
Worsham  coarse  sandy  loam . 
Iredell  coarse  sandy  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  3, 10, 15, 17;  South  Carolina  9, 15. 
Alabama  7,  3G;  North  Carolina  3,  5,  10,  11,  15;  South  Caro- 
lina 15. 

Georgia  5 

North  Carolina  11,  23 

Georgia  13 

Georgia  5 


124,352 
89,536 

61,440 

46,400 

15,048 

3,456 


340,224 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
FINE    SANDY   LOAM    GROUP. 


The  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Piedmont  occupy  a  less  important  position  than  the 
sandy  loams  and  coarse  sandy  loams,  and  occur  in  scattered  areas  in  association  with 
the  former  soils.     The  Louisa,  York,  and  Cecil  comprise  the  largest  areas. 

Of  the  soils  embraced  in  this  group,  the  Cecil,  Louisa,  Iredell,  and  York  have  dense 
clay  subsoils.  The  crop  value  of  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Piedmont  as  compared 
with  the  coarse  sandy  loams  of  the  same  province  is  hardly  the  equivalent  of  the  fine 
sandy  loams  of  the  Coastal  Plain  in  their  relation  to  the  coarser  sandy  soils  of  that  prov- 


36  SOILS  OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

ince,  the  Coastal  Plain  soils  having  a  friable  sandy  clay  subsoil.  The  Piedmont  soils 
are  usually  more  silty  than  those  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  the  proximity  of  the  dense  clay 
subsoil  to  the  surface  favoring  puddling  during  times  of  heavy  precipitation  and  facili- 
tating the  natural  tendency  to  crack  and  check  during  subsequent  periods  of  dry 
weather.  These  features  induce  a  condition  of  structure  which  makes  cultivation 
practically  impossible  except  under  the  most  favorable  conditions  of  moisture.  The 
coarser  sandy  loams  are  more  favored  in  this  respect.  A  heavy  farm  equipment  is 
necessary  and  yields  are  often  lower  than  those  secured  from  the  corresponding  types 
of  the  Coastal  Plain.  Crops  are  noticeably  later  in  reaching  maturity  and  the  soils 
not  generally  well  suited  to  the  production  of  vegetables.  The  grasses  and  wheat 
give  better  average  returns  than  on  the  coarser  sandy  loams.  "Where  cotton  is  grown, 
the  early  maturing  varieties  should  be  selected.  Lands  of  this  type  should  be  fall- 
plowed  and  receive  liberal  applications  of  organic  manures. 

The  Durham,  Granville,  ffnd  Appling  fine  sandy  loams  are  much  more  nearly  related 
to  the  Coastal  Plain  soils,  such  as  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam,  than  the  soils  of  the  series 
just  mentioned.  They  have  about  the  same  crop  adaptation  and  value  and  require 
practically  the  same  treatment.  These  are  earlier  types  than  the  Piedmont  soils, 
which  have  heavier  clay  subsoils,  and  are  more  easily  kept  in  good  structural  condi- 
tion by  reason  of  the  greater  average  depth  of  the  soils  and  the  lighter  texture  of  the 
subsoils.  Wheat  and  grass  do  not  give  as  good  returns  as  on  the  Piedmont  fine  sandy 
loams  having  dense  clay  subsoils  and  shallower  surface  soils,  but  the  earlier  maturing 
crops,  especially  vegetables,  find  this  land  better  suited  to  their  requirements. 

The  Chester  fine  sandy  loam  is  the  only  representative  of  this  group  occurring  in  the 
northern  Piedmont.  Its  subsoil,  in  the  areas  so  far  mapped,  is  sometimes  decidedly 
sandy,  thus  departing  from  the  typical  characteristics  of  rather  dense,  brittle  subsoils. 

Appling  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam  becoming 
slightly  heavier  and  yellowish  with  depth.  The  subsoil  is  encountered  at  depths  of 
16  to  20  inches  and  ranges  from  a  fine  sandy  clay  in  the  upper  portion  to  a  rather 
heavy  and  in  places  plastic  clay  in  the  lower  portion.  The  color  of  the  subsoil  is 
prevailingly  yellow,  streaked  or  mottled  with  red.  The  type  occupies  gently  sloping 
areas,  ridges,  and  low  hills  and  has  good  drainage.  With  careful  methods  of  farming 
the  legumes,  oats,  rye,  sweet  and  Irish  potatoes,  and  a  number  of  garden  vegetables  I 
do  well.     The  soil  needs  organic  matter  and  moderate  applications  of  fertilizer. 

Cecil  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam,  becoming 
pale  yellow  and  slightly  more  compact  with  depth,  and  underlain  at  10  to  15  inches 
by  a  stiff,  red  clay  showing  traces  of  yellow  in  local  areas.  Quartz  fragments  are 
usually  present  in  the  soil,  and  veins  and  fragments  of  the  same  material  occur  in  the 
subsoil.  The  type  occupies  undulating  to  rolling  uplands  and  has  good  drainage. 
It  has  been  formed  chiefly  by  the  weathering  of  schists  and  fine-grained  gravel  and 
gneiss.  Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal  crops,  although  the  soil  is  also  adapted 
to  stone  fruits  and  small  grains.  It  produces  a  fine-textured  tobacco.  The  timber 
growth  consists  of  hickory,  oak,  and  pine,  with  gum  in  the  swales  and  depressions. 

Chester  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  yellow  fine  sandy 
loam,  about  10  inches  deep,  generally  quite  sandy  on  the  lower  slopes.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellow,  fine  sandy  loam  to  fine  sand.  It  often  contains  considerable  fragmen- 
tary rock  and  occasionally  is  distinctly  micaceous.  The  type  is  derived  from  fine 
grained  sandstone  and  schist.  It  occupies  moderately  to  steeply  rolling  country  and 
generally  has  good  surface  and  under  drainage1.  Where  the  topography  is  suitable,  this 
soil  is  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  garden  crops  and  potatoes. 

Durham  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  yellowish  fine  to  medium 
sandy  loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep  underlain  by  a  triable,"  yellow,  tine  sandy  clay. 
The  topography  varies  from  undulating  to  gently  rolling  and  the  drainage  is  good. 
The  sod  is  derived  principally  from  fine-grained  granite  and  gneiss.  It  is  well  suited 
to  bright  tobacco,  peanuts,  sweet,  and  Irish  potatoes,  garden  peas,  cowpeas,  crimson 
clover,  watermelons,  and  cantaloupes.  Rye,  corn,  oats,  and  cotton  give  fair  to  good 
yields  with  fertilization. 

Granville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  porous  line  sandy  loam  from 
6  to  14  inches  deej).    The  subsoil  is  a  yellow,  or  mottled  yellow  and  gray,  friable  fine 

sandy  clay  which  in  the  lower  port  ion  is  often  mot !  led  with  yellow,  yellowish  red,  and 

Indian-red.    The  parenl  Triassic  sandstone  is  in  many  places  encountered  within 
the  3-fooi  section,  often  at  a  depth  of  about  30  inches.    The  type  is  adapted  to  the 
production  of  cotton,  corn,  forage  crops,  oats,  rye,  peanuts,  melons,  and  vegetables. 
Iredell  jni'  aandyloam.    The  soil  co  i  moderate^  heavy  and  compact  grayish 

fine  i  ind\  loam  from  3  i"  L0  inches  deep.    The  subsoil  ia  a  yellowish-brown  to  dirty- 
brown  clay  extremely  adhesive  and  plastic.     Iron  concretions  are  conspicuous  in  the 

poorly  drained  situations.     The  type  is  derived  from  intrusive  rooks,  such  as  dioritc 

and  chlorit  I  Owing  to  its  inl  ractable  structure,  Li  is  rat  her  difficult  to  main- 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


37 


tain  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth.  Grass,  oats,  corn,  and  cotton  are  the  principal 
crops  and  under  favorable  seasonal  conditions  fair  yields  are  obtained. 

Louisa  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam  which  usually  at  a 
shallow  depth  grades  into  pale  yellow  fine  sandy  loam  of  slightly  more  compact  struc- 
ture. This  is  underlain  at  5  to  15  inches  by  a  stiff  red  clay,  which  in  places  grades 
into  partially  decomposed  schistose  or  slaty  rocks  at  a  depth  of  3  feet.  Quartz  frag- 
ments and  veins  are  of  common  occurrence.  The  type  occupies  gently  rolling  to  roll- 
ing uplands  and  the  drainage  is  good .  1 1  has  been  formed  chiefly  through  the  weather- 
ing of  talcose  and  micaceous  schist  and  imperfectly  crystalline  slates.  Cotton,  corn, 
tobacco,  and  forage  crops  are  the  leading  crops.  A  fine-textured  tobacco  is  produced 
on  the  lighter  and  deeper  phases,  while  heavier  bodied  tobacco  is  obtained  from  areas 
where  clay  comes  closer  to  the  surface.  Under  ordinary  methods  the  average  yields 
are  low.     For  best  results  liberal  applications  of  organic  manures  are  necessary. 

York  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray,  fine  sandy  loam 
assuming  a  pale  yellow  color  and  more  compact  structure  at  a  depth  of  8  inches.  At 
12  to  15  inches  it  is  underlain  by  a  subsoil  of  compact  yellow  clay.  Quartz  fragments 
are  of  common  occurrence  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  type  is 
derived  principally  from  metamorphic  rocks,  chiefly  talcose  and  micaceous  schists. 
It  occupies  gently  rolling  to  hilly  uplands  and  has  good  drainage.  Cotton,  corn,  and 
forage  are  the  usual  crops.  The  yields  are  somewhat  better  than  on  the  silt  loam, 
although  the  average  is  low.  To  obtain  best  results  organic  manures  should  be  applied 
in  liberal  quantities. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  33;  South  Carolina  1,  5;  Virginia  4,  8 

280, 128 

Alabama  33;  Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  3,  10,  11,  15,  17; 

South  Carolina  9, 13. 
Alabama  33;  South  Carolina  11, 15,  17;  Virginia  4 

191,552 

113,088 
45,312 
25,408 

Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  3,  11^  17';  Virginia  4 

Alabama  33:  North  Carolina  11 

Durham  fine  sandy  loam 

6,080 

Appling  fine  sandy  loam 

Georgia  5 .' 

4,224 

Granville  fine  sandy  loam 

North  Carolina  23 

3,776 

Total 

669, 568 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


VERY  FINE    SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  very  fine  sandy  loams  occupy  relatively  small  areas  in  the  southern  Piedmont, 
the  member  of  the  Cecil  series  being  the  only  type  of  this  class  so  far  mapped.  As  in 
the  case  of  the  fine  sandy  loams,  the  very  fine  sandy  loams  with  heavy  clay  subsoils 
are  apt  to  assume  unfavorable  structural  conditions  and  to  require  intensive  treat- 
ment for  the  production  of  good  crops.  Such  soils  are  *naturally  later  in  maturing 
crops  and  are  consequently  better  suited  to  grass  and  small  grains  and  less  suited  to 
vegetables  than  the  coarser  sandy  loams. 

Cecil  very  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  surface  soil  of  grayish  to  grayish- 
brown  or  reddish-brown  very  fine  sandy  loam  from  4  to  10  inches  deep,  underlain 
by  the  characteristic  red  clay  subsoil  of  the  series.  The  type  is  derived  from  fine- 
grained schist  and  gneiss.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  hilly.  Cotton,  corn,  for- 
age crops,  and  small  grain  produce  good  yields. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cecil  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Georgia  5 

4,736 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  (his  column  see  p.  733. 


#8  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

LOAM    GROUP. 

The  loam  soils  have  a  fairly  extensive  development  in  the  southern  Piedmont  region, 
and  in  the  northern  division  they  constitute  the  most  important  group  both  in 
point  of  area  and  agricultural  value.  They  form  the  medium  class  of  general  farming 
soils,  being  probably  best  suited  for  corn  and  oats,  with  wheat  and  hay  as  second 
choice.  They  are  also  good  soils  for  grazing  and  summer  fattening  of  cattle  and  for 
the  type  of  dairying  where  pasture  is  largely  used  for  summer  and  fall  feeding. 
Grasses  remain  green  to  much  better  advantage  throughout  the  summer  and  fall 
than  on  the  lighter  textured  lands.  Soils  of  loam  texture  can  not  be  cultivated 
over  as  wide  a  range  of  moisture  conditions  as  the  lighter  soils,  although  intensive 
cultivation  is  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  good  tilth.  As  compared  with  the 
heavier  soils  they  are  more  easily  managed  and  can  be  improved  by  incorporating 
vegetable  matter  and  adding  moderate  applications  of  lime.  They  do  not  require 
as  heavy  fertilization  as  the  sandier  types,  although  manures  and  commercial  ferti- 
lizers can  be  used  profitably. 

The  Cecil,  Iredell,  Louisa,  Mecklenburg,  and  York  loams  are  the  southern  Pied- 
mont representatives  of  this  group  so  far  mapped.  The  Louisa  is  the  most  extensive 
type,  but  somewhat  less  productive  than  the  other  types,  with  the  exception  of  the 
York. 

The  Chester  loam  is  the  most  extensive  soil  in  the  northern  division  of  the  Pied- 
mont. It  is  an  excellent  type  for  general  farming  and  gives  good  returns  with  certain 
varieties  of  apples.  The  Penn  loam  also  is  extensively  represented.  It  is  likewise 
a  very  valuable  soil  for  the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region.  With  proper  treatment, 
including  moderate  applications  of  lime,  alfalfa  can  be  successfully  produced  on  it. 
Next  to  this  the  Manor  loam,  a  fair  to  good  general  farm  crop  soil,  is  the  most  impor- 
tant type. 

Cecil  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  pale  yellow  to  brownish  or  reddish-brown  triable 
loam  from  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  clay.  Varying  quantities  of 
quartz  occur  scattered  over  the  surface  and  to  a  less  extent  throughout  the  soil  sec- 
tion. The  type  is  derived  principally  from  gravel  and  gneiss  and  occupies  level  to 
gently  rolling  uplands.  Drainage  is  generally  well  established.  The  type  produces 
good  yields  of  wheat,  oats,  and  corn.  It  is  easily  tilled  and  responds  readily  to  any 
system  of  soil  improvement. 

Chester  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  or  brownish-yellowish  loam,  sometimes 
■lightly  sandy  and  containing  some  mica.  It  is  underlain  by  a  heavy  yellow  loam 
subsoil  grading  into  clay  loam,  which  in  the  lower  depths  becomes  somewhat  lighter 
in  texture  and  more  micaceous.  The  color  in  some  areas  is  reddish-yellow  or  red.. 
Fragments  of  quartz  and  other  rocks  are  usually  found  on  the  surface  and  throughout 
the  soil  section.  It  is  a  residual  soil  derived  largely  from  gneiss  and  mica  schist, 
but  other  metamorphic  and  igneous  rocks  may  also  enter  into  its  composition.  The 
surface  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  drainage  is  good.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to 
general  farming,  but  requires  careful  treatment  on  slopes,  where  it  washes  badly. 

Iredell  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  heavy  fine  Bandy  loam  to  light  loam  from  4 
to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  impervious,  waxy,  Bticky  clay, 
which  at  20  to  30  inches  is  underlain  by  disintegrated  rock.  Black  iron  concretions 
are  abundant  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  topography  is  Hat 
or  undulating  to  gently  rolling.  Surface  drainage  is  good,  excepl  in  the  more  level 
areas,  which  oeeo  ditching.  The  impervious  subsoil  retards  the  proper  circulation 
of  moisture  and  air.  Diorite  is  the  most  common  parent  rock.  Oak,  principally 
blackjack,  cedar, and  old-field  pine  arc  the  predominating  tree  species.    The  type 

is  highly   prized   for  oats,   cotton,   wheat,  corn,  and    grasses.      It    requires   dee])    fall 

plowing  to  obtain  the  besl  possible  tilth. 

Louisa  lo'tm.— The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  pale  yellow  friable  loam,  which  at  a 
depth  of  5  to  8  Lnchee  gradet  into  a  pale  yellow  clay  loam.    This  is  underlain  at  a 

depth  of  aboul    12   inches  by  a  rather  stilt  red  clay,  grading  in  places  at   24   inches 

into  sofl  partially  decom] !  rock,    (mart/ and  schistose  m  varying  quantities  are 

found  over  the  surface  and  to  a  l<  b  extent  mingled  with  the  sou  mass.    The 

type  is  derived  from  talcoseand  micaceous  schists  and  imperfecta  crystalline  slates. 
It  occupies  undulating  to  rolling  uplands  and  is  generally  well  drained.  The  Boil 
.  maintained  in  good  structural  condition,  as  it  i  inclined  to  run  together 
and  bake.  Crop  yields  arc  low  under  prevailing  methods  of  cultivation,  bul  the 
soil  n  bdily  to  any  system  of  improvement.  wn  are 

wheat .  q,  col  ton.  and  b  bacco. 

Manor  loam.'  The  soil  consists  of  a  yellow  or  yellowish  brown  heavy  loam  about 
8  i  ches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  reddish-yellow  heavy  loam  which  grades 
into  clay  loam  al  a  lower  depth.    Mica  schisl  fragments  occur  in  places  throughout 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


39 


the  soil  profile,  while  occasionally  the  lower  portion  of  the  subsoil  consists  largely  of 
small  mica  particles,  which  render  it  feathery  and  fluffy.  The  material  forming  this 
type  is  derived  from  hydromica  schists.  The  topography  ranges  from  gently  to  moder- 
ately rolling,  with  occasional  hilly  areas.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  steeply 
rolling  areas  somewhat  eroded.     This  soil  produces  fair  yields  of  general  farm  crops. 

Mecklenburg  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  6  or  8  inches  is  a  reddish-brown  to 
red  loam  or  light  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  or  ocherous-yellow,  plastic, 
tenacious  clay,  becoming  more  friable  at  a  depth  of  24  to  30  inches,  as  the  result  of  the 
presence  of  partially  decomposed  fragments  of  the  parent  rock.  Disintegrated  rock 
with  little  if  any  fine  earth  is  usually  encountered  within  the  3-foot  section.  In 
places  the  subsoil  resembles  that  of  the  Iredell,  giving  a  section  having  somewhat 
the  appearance  of  Cecil  material  over  Iredell.  The  topography  is  usually  undulating 
to  gently  rolling  and  the  surface  drainage  good.  The  characteristic  timber  growth 
consists  of  white,  red,  post  and  blackjack  oak  with  considerable  hickory  and  a  sprink- 
ling of  cedar  and  pine.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  oats,  wheat,  grass, 
and  forage  crops.  Yields  of  15  to  30  bushels  of  corn,  15  to  40  bushels  of  oats,  and  from 
J  to  1  bale  of  cotton  per  acre  are  obtained. 

Penn  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark  Indian-red  loam  from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain 
by  an  Indian-red  clay  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  occasionally  contain  from  5  to  20 
per  cent  of  sandstone  fragments.  The  type  is  derived  from  fine-grained  brown  or  red 
Triassic  sandstone.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  and  the  drainage  is  fair,  but 
plowing  in  beds  is  generally  practiced  to  assist  the  natural  drainage  agencies.  The 
soil  is  considered  almost  equal  in  fertility  to  the  associated  limestone  soils.  Corn, 
oats,  wheat,  grass,  clover,  and  alfalfa  do  well.  Applications  of  lime  improve  the  land, 
particularly  where  alfalfa  is  to  be  grown. 

York  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish-yellow,  compact  loam  to  silty  loam  about 
10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellow  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  loam  having  a  greasy 
feel.  This  in  turn  rests  upon  partially  decomposed  talcose  and  mica  schist  at  depths 
ranging  from  20  to  30  inches.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  rock  fragments  of  schist 
and  quartz.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  soil  but  poorly  adapted  to 
crops.     It  is  best  used  for  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams.     . 


Soil  name. 


Chester  loam. 


Louisa  loam 

Perm  loam 

Cecil  loam 

Manor  loam 

Iredell  loam 

Mecklenburg  loam . 
York  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Maryland  3,  5,  7;  Pennsylvania  1,  3,  6,  7,  12;  Virginia  1,  7;  West  600, 080 
Virginia  3. 

Alabama  8,  33:  North  Carolina  26;  Virginia  4,  8 '  371, 370 

Maryland  7;  New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  1,  3,  6, 10;  Virginia  4, 7.  j  320, 266 

North  Carolina  3,  10;  South  Carolina  15 i  190, 208 

Maryland  3.  5.  7,  8;  Pennsylvania  6,  9,  12;  Virginia  7 !  166, 514 

Alabama  33;  North  Carolina  3,  11,  17,  23 1  54,720 

North  Carolina  17 1  5, 824 

Virginia  2,  4 4, 032 

1, 713, 614 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  loam  soils  hold  a  fairly  important  position  in  both  the  southern  and 
northern  divisions  of  the  Piedmont.  They  occupy  rolling  and  eroded  areas  where 
both  the  topography  and  rock  content  interfere  with  cultivation.  But  for  these 
features  this  group  would  in  agricultural  value,  crop  adaptation,  and  cultural  require- 
ments correspond  quite  closely  with  the  loam  types. 

The  Cecil,  Iredell,  and  Herndon  are  the  only  representatives  of  the  group  so  far 
mapped  in  the  southern  Piedmont  Plateau.  The  Penn,  Chester,  and  Manor  are  the 
important  northern  types. 

Cecil  stony  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  sandy  loam  to  brown 
or  red  loam  with  an  average  depth  of  8  inches.  This  subsoil  is  a  red  clay  loan;  or 
clay.  From  30  to  60  per  cent  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  is  composed  of  stones  and  bowlders. 
This  is  a  residual  type  derived  principally  from  the  weathering  of  granite,  gnei^ 
intrusive  dikes  of  trap  rock.  The  surface  is  usually  hilly  and  broken.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  apples,  and  peaches.  Yields  are  generally  low.  owing 
to  the  difficulty  of  cultivation  caused  by  the  stones  and  the  unfavorable  topography. 


40  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Chester  stony  loam. — The  surface  soil  has  an  average  depth  of  10  inches,  and  consists 
of  medium  to  heavy  brown  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  yellowish-red  clay  loam 
that  usually  grades  into  a  stiff  clay  at  depths  ranging  from  24  to  36  inches.  Stone 
and  bowlders  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  mixed  with  both  soil  and  subsoil  in 
quantities  varying  from  30  to  60  per  cent.  The  type  is  derived  mainly  from  the 
weathering  of  gneisses  and  schists,  although  a  few  areas  are  derived  from  granite. 
The  type  occurs  in  small  irregular  areas  associated  with  the  Chester  loam.  The  topog- 
raphy varies  from  moderately  rolling  to  hilly.  The  drainage  is  good.  Much  of  this 
type  is  used  as  permanent  pasture,  though  where  the  slopes  are  not  too  steep  good 
crops  are  obtained.  In  normal  seasons  corn  yields  50  bushels,  oats  35  bushels,  wheat 
20  bushels,  potatoes  120  bushels,  and  hay  1J  tons  per  acre. 

Herndon  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  grayish-brown  loam,  carrying  rock 
fragments  in  quantities  ranging  from  20  to  60  per  cent  of  the  soil  mass.  The  subsoil 
is  a  reddish-yellow  to  yellow  clay  which  also  contains  rock  fragments.  The  type  is 
of  residual  origin  and  derived  mainly  from  quartzite  and  slates,  though  modified  in 
some  cases  by  diorite  and  schists.  Where  cultivated  it  is  well  adapted. to  fruit, 
especially  peaches.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  type  for  the  most 
part  is  in  forest. 

Iredell  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  6  inches  of  a  brown  loam  having  a  slight 
greenish  cast.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  variable  but  prevailingly  a  yellowish-brown 
silty  clay  loam  which  passes  abruptly  into  a  plastic  and  sticky,  reddish-yellow,  heavy 
clay  changing  in  color  to  greenish  brown  with  depth  and  resting  upon  partially  decom- 
posed rock  fragments  at  24  inches.  Fragments  of  greenish  and  grayish  schistose 
rocks,  diorite,  and  sometimes  quartz,  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  disseminated 
through  the  soil  in  sufficient  quantities  to  hinder  cultivation.  Rock  outcrops  are 
also  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  type  is  derived  from  andesite,  altered  andesite, 
and  diorite  or  similar  rocks.  Of  the  crops  ordinarily  grown,  wheat,  oats,  and  grass 
give  the  best  results. 

Landsdale  stony  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  drab,  slate-colored,  or  gray  silty  clay 
loam  or  silt  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  slate-colored  or  lighter  gray 
heavy  silty  loam  grading  with  depth  into  a  silty  clay  loam.  The  surface  is  usually 
strewn  with  fragments  of  metamorphosed  Triassic  sandstone,  from  which  the  type 
is  derived.  Stones  are  abundant  and  bedrock  may  be  encountered  at  a  depth  of  2 
to  4  feet  below  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.  Drainage  is  thorough 
and  crops  suffer  from  drought  on  much  of  the  type.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye,  and 
grass  are  grown,  but  the  yields  are  considerably  lower  than  on  the  Landsdale  silt 
loam. 

Manor  stony  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  consists  of  a  clay  loam  or 
heavy  loam  containing  large  quantities  of  small  rock  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  a  light- 
yellow  or  grayish  loam  to  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  always  contains  a  large  proportion 
of  small  schist  fragments  which  sometimes  represent  the  entire  subsoil  section  with 
only  the  interstitial  spaces  filled  with  soil.  The  type  is  derived  principally  from 
mica  schists.  The  topography  is  hilly  to  mountainous.  Where  cultivation  is  practi- 
cable, the  soil  produces  fair  yields  of  the  staple  crops.     Much  of  the  type  is  in  forest. 

Montalto  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown,  rusty,  or  light-brown  heavy  silty 
loam  with  an  average  depth  of  8  inches.  Ironstone  fragments  arc  found  on  the  surface 
and  throughout  the  soil  in  amounts  ranging  from  20  to  40  per  cent  of  its  mass.  The 
rob  ''il  consists  of  reddish-brown,  yellowish-brown  or  dull-red.  heavy  gritty  loam 
today  loam,  usually  resting  on  bedrock  at  2  to  (>  feet.  The  subsoil  contains  numerous 
large  and  small  rock  fragments,  often  sufficient  to  prevent  boring  more  than  15  inches 
below  the  surface.  This  is  a  strong  soil,  used  Largely  for  general  farming.  Corn 
averages  40  bushels  per  acre,  wheat  L8  bushels,  oats  3d  bushels,  and  hay  \\  tons.  The 
type  is  adapted  to  apples,  peaches,  and  grapes. 

Penn  stony  loam.—  '\li\-<  type  consists  I  I  I  rather  heavy  Indian-red  loam,  S  to  10 
inches  (loop,  containing  from  30  to  60  per  cent  <>f  red  or  brown  sandstone  fragments, 
with  a  subsoil  of  much  the  same  character  as  the  .-oil  and  extending  to  a  great  depth. 
This  type  is  derived  from  a  more  siliceous  or  hardened  phase  of  the  Triassic  Bandstone. 
The  topography  is  hilly  to  mountainous  and  the  natural  forest  growth  Is  Largely  of 
oho. i nut  ;,n«i  oak.    The  i >  pe  is  well  adapted  to  forestry  and  orcharding,  and  the  more 

level  areas,   whoi   tho   stones  are  removed,   to  general   larm   CT  | 

York  ttony  loam.     Tic  to  pah-  yellow  loam  or  sandy  loam  underlain  by 

yellow  siii  SChisI    ai'd   (piarl/ile  are  abundant    on   the  surfaoe 

and  to  a  Lett  extent  throughout  the  -oil  section.     The  agricultural  value  is  low.     Cot- 
ton, corn,  and  cowpeas  are  the  crops  usually  grown. 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU   PKOVINCE. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


41 


Soil  name. 


Cecil  stony  loam. 


Chester  stony  loam — 

Penn  stony  loam 

Manor  stony  loam 

Montalto  stony  loam. . 
Landsdale  stony  loam. 

York  stony  loam 

Iredell  stony  loam 

Herndon  stony  loam. . 


Total. 


State  or  area.* 


Alabama  7,  24,  33,  36;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  10;  Penn- 
sylvania 9, 10;  South  Carolina  3,  5. 

Pennsylvania  3,6 

New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  3, 6, 10, 11;  Virginia  7 

Pennsylvania  6,  9, 12 

Pennsylvania  1,  3, 12 

Pennsylvania  3 

Alabama  8 

Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  11 

North  Carolina  5 


Acres. 


239,273 

84,864 

77,704 

38,956 

25,472 

3,648 

2,496 

2,304 

384 


475, 101 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  loam  group  in  the  southern  Piedmont  is  represented  by  two  types, 
the  Cecil  and  Granville.  These  soils  occupy  rolling  to  high,  broken  areas  where 
erosion  has  badly  dissected  the  surface.  The  agricultural  value  of  this  soil  is  com- 
paratively low  on  account  of  the  rough  topography,  the  difficulty  in  cultivation 
caused  by  the  high  content  of  gravel,  and  the  fact  that  the  soils  are  droughty. 

The  gravelly  nature  of  the  nothern  representative  of  the  group,  the  Penn  gravelly 
loam,  resulted  partly  or  mainly  from  the  presence  of  gravel  in  the  parent  rock — a 
Triassic  conglomerate.  Erosion  is  active  on  this  type,  owing  to  the  uneven  surface 
configuration. 

Cecil  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  sandy  loam  about  7  inches 
deep,  carrying  varying  quantities  of  angular  quartz  and  gneissic  and  granitic  frag- 
ments, ranging  in  size  from  very  small  particles  to  pieces  one-half  inch  in  diameter. 
The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  micaceous,  red  loam  or  clay  loam,  containing  considerable 
angular  gravel.  Outcrops  of  granite  frequently  appear.  The  type  is  derived  from 
the  disintegration  of  coarse-grained  granites  and  represents  a  less  complete  weathering 
of  the  rocks  than  some  of  the  other  types  of  the  Cecil  soils.  A  characteristic  feature 
of  this  type  is  a  lack  of  tenacity  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  as  a  result  of  which  the  land 
erodes  and  gullies  extensively.  It  occupies  high,  broken  uplands.  Drainage  is 
good.  Cotton,  corn,  and  cowpeas  are  the  principal  crops.  Parts  of  the  type  are 
suited  to  the  production  of  small  fruits.  The  characteristic  timber  growth  is  hickory, 
shortleaf  pine,  and  cedar. 

Granville  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  consists  of  a  gray  to 
yellowish-gray  fine  sandy  loam  to  loam,  containing  from  25  to  50  per  cent  of  quartz 
fragments  and  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  reddish,  plastic  clay 
mottled  with  yellowish  gray  and  red.  The  surface  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  drainage 
good.  The  soil  is  derived  from  Triassic  sandstone  and  some  granite.  Cotton,  corn, 
and  oats  are  the  best  crops. 

Penn  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-red  or  brown  sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep, 
containing  10  to  60  per  cent  of  small,  rounded,  sandstone  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark 
Indian-red  loam  or  clay  loam.  The  type  occupies  high,  rolling  uplands  and  is  derived 
generally  from  red  Triassic  standstone.  Drainage  is  good,  but  the  soil  is  inclined  to 
erode  badly.     It  produces  fair  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  vegetables,  and  small  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Cecil  gravelly  loam 

Georgia  12;  North  Carolina  23;  South  Carolina  9, 11 

33,664 

Penn  gravelly  loam 

Maryland  7;  Virginia  7 

704 

Granville  gravelly  loam 

North  Carolina  23 

640 

Total 

35.008 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


42 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


SLATE   LOAM   PHASE. 


The  slate  loams  have  a  fairly  extensive  development  in  the  southern  Piedmont 
Plateau.  The  group  is  represented  only  by  the  members  of  the  Alamance  and  Louisa 
series,  and  the  type  will  probably  not  be  encountered  in  the  other  series,  except  pos- 
sibly the  York  and  Georgeville,  for  the  reason  that  the  slaty  rocks  are  largely  confined 
to  these  particular  series.  In  crop  adaptation,  agricultural  value,  and  requisite 
methods  of  treatment  these  soils  are  about  equal  to  the  loams,  except  for  the  rock  con- 
tent and  rougher  topography,  a  condition  which  is  reflected  in  the  lower  yields  as  com- 
pared with  the  loam  soils. 

In  the  case  of  the  Louisa  type  the  rocks  are  more  properly  schist  than  slates,  although 
they  usually  have  a  more  or  less  slaty  structure. 

In  the  Northern  Piedmont  the  elate  loams  are  inextensive,  the  Cardiff  being  the 
only  representative. 

Alamance  slate  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  nearly  white  silt  loam  about  8 
inches  deep,  having  a  gritty  feel,  owing  to  the  presence  of  numerous  small  fragments 
of  slate  rock.  In  some  places  there  is  a  thin  layer  of  yellow  silty  clay  subsoil,  but 
usually  the  gray  silt  loam  is  underlain  by  the  parent  slate  rock.  Slate  fragments  up  to 
an  inch  or  more  in  diameter  are  present  in  the  soil  in  sufficient  quantities  to  interfere 
materially  with  cultivation.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  rolling 
and  broken.  Much  of  the  type  is  forested  with  valuable  timber  of  oak,  pine,  and 
hickory.  Owing  to  the  rolling  topography,  open  structure,  and  proximity  of  the  bed- 
rock to  the  surface,  the  drainage  is  usually  excessive.  The  average  yields  are  low, 
but  the  deeper  areas  of  less  slaty  soil  give  moderate  yields  of  cotton,  wheat,  corn,  and 
oats.     In  favorable  situations  certain  varieties  of  apples,  pears,  and  peaches  do  well. 

Cardiff  slate  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  yellowish-brown  loam  about  8  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  heavy  yellow  silty  clay  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  Both  soil  and  sub- 
soil contain  from  15  to  40  per  cent  of  partially  decomposed  slate  fragments.  The  type 
occurs  on  prominent  narrow  ridges  and  is  derived  from  the  decomposition  and  break- 
ing up  of  fine-grained  slate.  The  presence  of  the  slate  fragments  in  the  soil  makes 
quite  friable  what  would  otherwise  be  a  refractory  clay.  Much  of  the  type  is  forested 
with  oak,  chestnut,  and  other  hardwoods.  This  soil  produces  fair  crops  of  corn,  wheat, 
rye,  oats,  and  grass. 

Louisa  slate  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  loam  to  silt  loam  carrying  considerable 
quantities  of  schist,  phyllite,  and  sandstone  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  a  dull-red  clay 
loam  to  clay,  also  containing  rock  fragments.  The  material  is  derived  from  meta- 
morphic  rocks  such  as  schists,  phyllite,  slabby  sandstone,  and  imperfectly  crystalline, 
rather  schistose  slate.  Occasional  areas  having  a  yellowish  subsoil  have  been  included 
on  account  of  their  small  size.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  broken.  Fair 
yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  oats  are  made  in  wet  years,  but  in  dry  seasons  crops  often 
suffer  for  lack  of  moisture.     Certain  varieties  of  apples  do  very  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  slate  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Alabama  7,  8,  33,  36 

226.304 

• 

2,458 

Total 

234, 586 

I  <>r  key  to  numbers  In  this  oommn  bo 


SHALE    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  shale  loan  represi  ated  by  a  Bingle  type,  the  Perm  shale  loam, 

ho  Ear  mapped  only  in  Pennsylvania.  In  this  soil  shale  fragments  from  the  parent 
i  ic  rock  are  found  in  amounts  sufficienl  to  offer  some  hindrance  to  cultivation; 
otherwise  the  i  gricultural  value  of  the  Boil  is  about  the  same  a    thai  of  the  loams. 

Penn  thaU  warn.  The  soil  is  a  dark  Indian-red  loam  aboul  8  inches  deep.  The 
subsoil  d  ii  I  of  a  heavy  day  loam  the  same  color  as  the  surface  soil,  grading  inio 
day,  and  i-  of  variable  depth,  always  resting  upon  the  shale  rock  from  which  it  is 
derived.  From  L0  to  40  per  cent  of  shale  fragments  occur  in  the  surface  soil,  giving 
ii  the  local  nan  !  land."    The  quantity  of  such  coarse  material  is  always 

neater  in  the  sub  oil  than  in  the  soil.    The  d  be  i>  pe  depend  upon 

Its  topography,  SS  the  Underlj  i  A  shale  prevent   the  downward  percolation  of 


PIEDMONT   PLATEAU   PKOVINCE.  43 

water  to  any  great  depth.  This  type  is  derived  from  the  underlying  beds  of  shale,  ex- 
cept on  the  lower  slopes  and  hollows,  where  the  soil  contains  varying  quantities  of 
material  washed  from  higher  elevations.  It  usually  occurs  as  broad,  rolling  valley 
land,  with  surface  features  sometimes  sharply  broken.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  wheat, 
oats,  corn,  and  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  shale  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pennsylvania  1,  3 

118, 784 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILT    LOAM    GEOUP. 

The  silt  loams,  which  owe  their  textural  characteristics  chiefly  to  the  nature  of  the 
fine-grained  parent  rocks,  approximate  the  type  of  soils  which  may  be  designated  as 
heavy  farming  land.  More  labor  is  required  to  keep  them  in  a  good  condition  of 
tilth  than  in  the  case  of  the  sandy  loams  and  loams,  and  heavier  teams  must  be  used . 
Wheat  and  hay  come  in  as  crops  of  nearly  first  rank,  although  corn  is  still  an  important 
field  crop.  Grass  is  of  more  importance  for  grazing  than  for  hay,  particularly  in  the 
southern  Piedmont. 

Deep  fall  plowing,  the  incorporation  of  vegetable  matter,  applications  of  lime,  and 
frequent  tillage  are  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  a  proper  structural  condition  for 
best  plant  development.  If  plowed  when  wet  or  grazed  when  in  a  miry  condition 
the  soils  bake,  and  in  subsequent  cultivation  clod  badly.  They  therefore  can  not  be 
pastured  over  as  wide  a  range  of  moisture  conditions  as  the  loams.  Less  manure 
and  fertilizer  is  required  than  on  the  sandy  loams,  although  applications  of  fertilizers, 
particularly  of  pkosphoric  acid,  can  be  used  profitably.  These  soils  are  so  late  and 
cold  natured  that  vegetables  can  not  be  grown  on  any  extensive  commercial  scale. 
Early  varieties,  particularly  of  cotton,  should  be  selected  for  this  land.  Applications 
of  phosphatic  fertilizers  are  advisable,  especially  to  hasten  the  maturity  of  cotton. 

The  Alamance  and  Georgeville  silt  loams  are  the  most  extensive  soils  in  central 
North  Carolina,  and  adjacent  portions  of  South  Carolina  where  the  parent  rocks,  the 
1 '  Carolina .  slates, ' '  occur.  The  Appling  and  Louisa  silt  loams  have  a  .  scattering 
development. 

The  silt  loam  type  is  probably  the  most  extensive  representative  of  the  York  series, 
in  which  it  constitutes  a  late  soil  of  low  agricultural  value. 

The  Lansdale  and  Penn  silt  loams  are  the  northern  representatives.  Both  are 
good  general  farming  soils,  while  the  latter  can  be  successfully  used  for  alfalfa. 

Alamance  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  white  floury  but  rather  compact 
silt  loam  from  6  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale  yellow  heavy  silt  loam  which 
quickly  grades  into  a  rather  compact  yellow  silty  clay.  Fragments  of  the  parent 
rock  are  found  over  the  surface,  sometimes  in  sufficient  abundance  to  develop  patches 
of  slate  loam.  The  greasy  feel  frequently  noticed  in  the  subsoil  of  the  York  series  is 
absent  in  this  type.  The  topography  is  flat  to  rolling.  "White  oak,  post  oak,  black- 
jack oak,  and  pine  constitute  the  principal  forest  growth.  The  soil  is  low  in  organic 
matter  and  is  inclined  to  run  together  and  puddle  in  wet  weather.  It  is  considered 
an  excellent  grain  soil,  and  when  properly  supplied  with  vegetable  matter  and  mod- 
erately fertilized  good  yields  of  corn,  cotton,  and  forage  crops  are  obtained. 

Appling^  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  silt  loam  about  11  inches  deep  carrying 
an  appreciable  proportion  of  very  fine  saud  and  varying  in  color  from  gray,  or  gray 
with  .a  slight  reddish  cast  in  the  surface  portion,  to  yellowish-gray  or  reddish-yellow 
below.  The  subsoil  is  a  fine  sandy  to  rather  si  i if  sill  y  clay  of  a  dull-red  to  a  deep-red 
color,  mottled  or  streaked  with  lighter  shades  of  red  and  yellow.  Small  fragments 
of  the  parent  rocks,  which  consist  principally  of  chlorite  schists,  are  found  on  the 
surface  and  throughout  the  soil,  and  the  partially  decomposed  bedrock  is  in  many 
places  encountered  at  20  to  30  inches  below  the  surface.  The  type  is  often  called 
locally  "slaty  land."  The  topography  varies  from  smooth  to  rather  broken.  Fair  to 
good  yields  of  corn,  cotton,  and  oats  are  obtained  with  light  applications  of  commercial 
fertilizers. 

Edgemont  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  or  8  inches  consists  of  a  drab  or  dull- 
gray  to  yellowish -gray  floury  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale  yellow  compact  silt 
loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth  and  grading  usually  al  a  depth  of  30  inches  into 


44  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

reddish  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  Rock  fragments  occur  on  the  surface,  sometimes 
in  sufficient  amounts  to  interfere  with  cultivation  and  generally  in  varying  amounts 
throughout  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  soil  material  is  derived  principally  from 
quartzite  and  quartz  schist.  The  type  occupies  the  crests  and  upper  slopes  of  high 
monadnock  hills  and  peaks.  The  surface  configuration  permits  of  ready  surface 
drainage,  though  the  soil  itself  becomes  more  or  less  soggy  dining  wet  seasons,  owing 
to  the  impervious  nature  of  the  subsoil.  This  is  a  cold-natured  soil,  though  subject 
to  excessive  surface  loss  of  moisture  during  dry  weather.  Very  little  of  the  type  is 
under  cultivation,  although  certain  varieties  of  fruits  should  do*  well.  Deep  plowing 
and  applications  of  lime  and  organic  matter  are  needed  on  this  soil. 

Georgeville  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown,  rather  heavy  silt  loam  from  4  to 
8  inches  deep.  The  forested  areas  are  grayish  in  the  immediate  surface  portion  and 
rather  compact  in  structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  heavy  clay,  underlain  at  a  depth  of 
36  inches  by  partially  decomposed  rock,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  bedrocks,  closely 
related  to  those  giving  rise  to  the  Alamance  soils.  The  reddish  color  is  believed  to  be 
due  to  the  higher  content  of  ferruginous  minerals  in  the  former  rocks.  The  topography 
is  undulating  and  broken  along  stream  courses.  The  forest  growth  consists  principally 
of  oak,  hickory,  dogwood,  and  pine.  This  is  a  better  agricultural  soil  than  the  Ala- 
mance silt  loam,  being  well  suited  to  oats,  wheat,  corn,  and  forage  crops.  Cotton  is 
slow  in  maturing  and  the  late  bolls  are  sometimes  killed  by  frost. 

Lansdale  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  or  slate-colored  medium  to  heavy 
silt  loam  from  10  to  14  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  or  more 
consists  of  a  silty  clay  loam  or  heavy  silty  loam,  grading  into  silty  clay  loam  at  an 
average  depth  of  20  inches.  The  subsoil  ranges  from  pale  yellow  to  yellowish  gray  in 
color  and  is  generally  lighter  than  the  surface  soil.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from 
fine-grained  sandstones  and  shales  of  the  Mesozoic  age.  The  surface  ranges  from 
gently  to  moderately  rolling  and  the  drainage  is  adequate.  This  tvpe  is  adapted  to 
the  production  of  general  farm  crops.  Corn  gives  an  average  yield  of  50  bushels;  oats, 
35  bushels;  wheat,  20  bushels;  rye,  25  bushels;  hay,  If  tons;  and  potatoes,  135  bushels 
per  acre. 

Louisa  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  nearly  white,  compact  silt  loam 
about  8  inches  deep.  This  grades  through  compact  red  silt  loam^into  the  subsoil 
proper — a  stiff  red  silty  clay — at  a  depth  of  about  14  inches.  Quartz  fragments  are  of 
common  occurrence  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil.  The  soil  is  rather  refrac- 
tory and  inclined  to  bake  and  crack,  making  plowing  difficult  except  under  favorable 
moisture  conditions.  The  material  is  derived  from  fine-grained  imperfectly  crystal- 
line metamorphic  rocks,  consisting  chiefly  of  talcose  and  micaceous  schists.  The 
type  occupies  nearly  level  to  rolling  uplands  and  is  ordinarily  well  drained.  It  is 
used  principally  for  cotton,  corn,  and  grain,  the  yields  being  poor. 

Penn  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  reddish  to  reddish-brown  silt  loam  from  8  to 
12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  an  Indian-red  or  light-brown  silt  loam  somewhat 
heavier  than  the  soil  and  grading  usually  into  a  red  silty  clay  in  its  lower  depths. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  from  5  to  15  per  cent  of  shale  and  sandstone  fragments. 
The  type  is  derived  from  sandstone  of  Triassic  age.  The  surface  ranges  from  slightly 
to  steeply  rolling.  Drainage  over  most  of  the  type  is  very  good,  but  on  slopes  where 
the  bedrock  lies  near  the  surface  seepy  tracts  are  often  encountered.  Tnis  soil  is 
adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  of  which  corn  will  average  50  bushels,  oats  30 
bushels,  wheat  20  bushels,  and  hay  1|  tons  per  acre. 

York  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  nearly  white  compact  silt  loam,  resting 
at  a  depth  of  8  inches  upon  a  yellow,  slightly  heavier  silt  loam,  which  in  turn  is  under- 
lain at  a  depth  of  10  to  L€  indies  by  stiff  yellow  silly  clay.  Quarts  fragments  are  of 
frequent  occurrence  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  type  is  derived 
from  imperfectly  crystalline  metamorphic  rocks  consisting  principally  ol  talcose  and 
micaceous  schists.  [1  occupies  undulating  to  gently  rolling  uplands  and  is  usually 
well  drained,  [t  is  locally  known  as  "blackjack"  [and  or  ''white"  land.  It  bakes 
readily  and  ij  peiy  difficult  to  maintain  in  good  structural  condition.  Cotton  and  corn 
are  the  principal  crops,  the  yields  being  poor. 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU  PROVINCE. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


45 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


York  silt  loam 

Landsdale  silt  loam . 
Alamance  silt  loam. . 
Georgeville  silt  loam . 

Perm  silt  loam 

Louisa  silt  loam 

Appling  silt  loam . . . 
Eagemontsitt  loam. 


Total. 


South  Carolina  11,  17 

Pennsylvania  3,  6,  12;  Virginia  7 

North  Carolina  1,  3,  11,  17,  23;  South  Carolina  ! 

North  Carolina  3,  11,  23;  South  Carolina  9 

North  Carolina  23;  Pennsylvania  12 

South  Carolina  5 

Georgia  5 

Georgia  13 


111,424 
108,288 
105,844 
102,656 
65,088 
48,384 
4,288 
2,240 


548,212 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   LOAM   GROUP. 


The  clay  loams  occupy  a  large  area  in  the  southern  Piedmont  region.  They  are 
found  associated  with  the  lighter  members  of  the  prominent  series,  and  represent  areas 
from  which  the  coarser  particles  have  been  swept  away  by  erosion.  In  these  soils 
erosion  has  not  advanced  as  far,  however,  as  in  case  of  the  clays.  Cultural  operations 
are  restricted  to  a  narrower  range  in  moisture  conditions  on  clay  loam  lands  than  on 
any  of  the  lighter  textured  soils.  Grazing  and  plowing  when  the  soil  is  in  a  6ticky 
condition  are  invariably  followed  on  drying  out  by  a  hardened  structure  favorable  to 
rapid  loss  of  capillary  moisture  through  surface  evaporation  and  to  the  formation  of 
intractable  clods.  More  labor  and  heavier  teams  are  required  for  the  maintenance  of 
a  good  pulverulent  structure,  and  heavier  applications  of  lime  can  be  used  profitably. 
Fall  plowing,  where  the  land  is  seeded  to  winter  cover  crops,  is  commendable  on  all 
the  clay  loams. 

These  soils,  in  the  southern  division,  are  best  suited  to  the  production  of  cotton, 
corn,  wheat,  grass,  and  cowpeas  for  hay,  and  in  case  of  certain  series,  of  dark  export 
tobacco.  Apples  of  relatively  good  keeping  quality  are  produced  over  the  type  in 
northern  Georgia,  over  western  developments  in  the  Carolinas  and  southern  Virginia, 
and  over  most  of  the  province  to  the  north.  Vegetables,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
such  crops  as  lima  beans,  give  poor  results.  The  clay  loams  require  less  fertilization 
and  are  heavier  producers  than  the  lighter  soils.  Nevertheless,  phosphatic  and  nitrog- 
enous mixtures  in  moderate  applications  are  beneficial. 

The  Cecil,  Iredell,  Louisa,  and  Mecklenburg  clay  loams  are  of  common  occurrence 
on  the  moderately  rolling  and  sloping  areas  of  the  southern  Piedmont.  They  are  fre- 
quently developed  in  such  small  patches  in  association  with  the  sandy  loams  that  it 
is  difficult  to  separate  them  from  the  associated  soils  on  maps  of  the  scale  used. 

The  Montalto  clay  loam  has  a  fairly  extensive  development  in  scattered  areas  over 
the  northern  Piedmont,  particularly  in  Pennsylvania.  A  little  of  the  Penn  clay 
loam  has  been  mapped  in  this  division. 

Cecil  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  or  light-brown  loam  to  clay  loam 
from  6  to  12  inches  deep.  The  first  2  or  3  inches  may  be  somewhat  sandy  over  small 
patches.  The  subsoil  becomes  heavier  with  depth,  passing  from  a  red  clay  loam  into 
heavy  red  clay  at  an  average  depth  of  about  24  inches.  Fragments  of  quartz  and  of 
the  parent  rock,  granite  or  gneiss,  are  sometimes  scattered  over  the  surface  in  small 
quantities.  The  topography  is  moderately  to  rather  steeply  rolling.  The  soil  absorbs 
moisture  well  and  is  not  so  susceptible  to  erosion  as  some  of  the  more  rolling  and  less 
absorptive  members  of  the  Cecil  series.  It  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  oats,  corn,  export 
tobacco,  early  maturing  varieties  of  cotton,  and  forage  crops. 

Iredell  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  loam  about  8  inches  .deep,  carrying 
small,  rounded  iron  concretions  on  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  impervious,  yel- 
lowish clay,  underlain  by  soft  decomposed  rock.  The  type  occupies  level  or  slightly 
rolling  areas,  and  is  of  residual  origin,  being  derived  from  diorite  and  similar  intrusive 
rocks.  It  is  locally  known  as  "blackjack"  or  "beeswax"  land,  the  latter  term  being 
suggested  by  the  character  of  the  subsoil.  Level  areas  are  inclined  to  be  swampy  on 
account  of  the  impervious  nature  of  the  clay  subsoil.  The  type  is  considered  a  fair 
cotton,  corn,  and  wheat  soil.     Grass  does  well. 

Louisa  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  clay  loam  to  sandy  clay 
loam  from  3  to  6  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  red  clay  which  usually  extends  to  a  depth 
of  3  feet.  In  some  places,  however,  the  parent  schist  rock  is  encountered  within  the 
3-foot  section.     The  subsoil  has  a  characteristic  greasy  feel,  owing  to  the  presence  of 


46 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


particles  of  mica.  Cotton,  corn,  small  grains,  and  forage  crops  give  fair  to  good  yields 
particularly  where  the  bedrock  is  not  encountered  within  3  feet  of  the  surface.  Crops 
suffer  considerably  during  dry  spells  on  those  areas  in  which  the  rock  lies  at  less  depth. 

Mecklenburg  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  8  inches  is  a  reddish-brown 
to  red  loam  to  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  yellowish-brown  or  ocherous-yellow  stiff 
plastic  clay.  At  18  to  24  inches  the  partially  decomposed  parent  rock  is  encountered. 
Iron  concretions  occasionally  occur  on  the  surface.  The  topography  varies  from  undu- 
lating to  gently  rolling  or  sometimes  slightly  broken  along  stream  slopes.  Surface 
drainage  is  usually  good,  except  on  some  of  the  more  nearly  level  areas.  These  can  be 
effectively  drained  by  open  ditches.  White,  post,  red,  and  blackjack  oak,  with 
hickory,  pine,  and  cedar,  constitute  the  usual  forest  growth.  Cotton  yields  from 
one-half  to  1  bale  per  acre,  corn  from  20  to  40  bushels,  oats  about  the  same,  and  wheat 
from  12  to  20  bushels  per  acre.  The  large  yields  are  made  under  careful  methods  of 
soil  management.     Clovers,  vetches,  soy  beans,  cowpeas,  and  Johnson  grass  do  well. 

Montalto  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  brownish-red  clay  loam 
averaging  from  8  to  10  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  yellowish- 
red  clay,  which  sometimes  carries  a  considerable  amount  of  small  gravel  from  the 
parent  rock.  The  type  is  derived  chiefly  from  trap  rocks.  It  occupies  rolling  to 
hilly  uplands,  sometimes  occurring  in  narrow  strips  following  the  line  of  the  intrusive 
dikes  from  which  it  is  derived.  The  drainage  is  good,  the  run-off  in  places  being  so 
rapid  as  to  cause  excessive* erosion.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  hay  are  the  principal 
crops.  Under  ordinary  methods  corn  yields  from  30  to  40  bushels,  wheat  15  bushels, 
oats  30  bushels,  and  hay  1£  tons  per  acre. 

Penn  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brownish-red  material,  ranging  from 
heavy  loam  or  silt  loam  to  a  clay  loam  or  even  clay,  with  an  average  depth  of  8  inches. 
In  its  typical  development  the  soil  material  is  a  distinct  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  to  a 
depth  of  36  inches  is  a  dark  Indian-red  clay  of  a  very  plastic  structure  and  distinctly 
greasy  feel.  This  type  has  been  formed  by  the  decomposition  of  Triassic  shale,  frag- 
ments of  which  are  occasionally  found  on  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  to 
hilly.  It  is  somewhat  harder  to  handle  than  the  Penn  loam,  because  of  its  heavier 
texture  and  closer  structure,  but  is  more  resistant  to  drought  and  consequently  pro- 
duces better  crops  in  dry  seasons.  It  is  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops.  Alfalfa 
can  be  grown  by  liming  the  land. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Cecil  clay  loam... 
Iredell  clay  loam . 


Louisa  olay  loam 

Montalto  clay  loam 

M'ikleriburgclay  loam. 
Penn  clay  loam 


Alabama  7,  33,  36;  Georgia  5,  12;  North  Carolina  3,  10, 11,  15, 

17;  South  Carolina  9. 
Georgia  9;  North  Carolina  1, 10, 11,  26;  South  Carolina  1,  5,  9, 

17;  Virginia  2,4,7,8, 11. 

Alabama  33 

Ivania  l.  12 

Not  t  h  Carolina  3,  17 

Pennsylvania  3 


566, 272 
283,036 

66, 199 

4.v<:t; 

24, 960 
886 


Total. 


975, 722 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY  GROUP. 


The  clay  Boili  occupy  a  prominent  position  in  tin-  southern  Piedmont,  being  devel- 
oped  extensively  in  I  Fie  more  rolling  areas  and  on  the  steeper  slopes  where  erosion  has 
been  sufficiently  active  to  prevenl  the  accumulation  of  a  superficial  layer  of  light- 
textured  maternal.  Borne  area-  derived  from  the  finer-textured  rocks  have  probably 
never  bad  a  surface  cov< oring  of  coarse  material,  but  the  large  proportion  of  the  type 
represents  land  where  a  sandy  mantle  has  previously  existed.  The  "gall  spots"  found 
in  the  fields,  which  have  been  denuded  of  the  sandy  surface  soil  since  the  land  has 
brought  under  cultivation,  illustrate  the  process  involved  in  the  formation  <>f 

much  of  t  ho  ell 

The  clays  are  the  b  Us  and  the  most  difficult  to  worl  and  keep  in  good  tilth, 

hi  it  when  properly  bandied  they  give  the  best  average  yields  of  the  general  farm  i 
especially  of  small  grains  and  hay.    Glover  does  well,  ami  forage  crops  for  curing  or  tor 
ensilage  give  very  large  yields,  so  that  the  most  intensive  form  of  dairying,  where 
pasturage  is  not  necessary  but  where  the  cows  are  fed  throughout  the  year  for  large 
milk  and  butter  production,  can  be  practiced.    The  limits  of  cultivation  are  restricted 


PIEDMONT  PLATEAU   PKOVINCE. 


47 


to  a  very  narrow  range  by  the  stickiness  oi;  the  soil  when  wet,  and  its  hardened,  compact 
condition  when  dry.  Grazing  is  particularly  apt  to  produce  unfavorable  structural 
conditions,  so  that  stock  should  not  be  permitted  to  roam  over  these  lands  when  wet. 
By  plowing  when  in  a  moderately  moist  condition  and  following  with  repeated  har- 
rowing a  favorable  tilth  can  be  worked  up.  To  maintain  this  condition  the  soil  should 
be  limed  heavily  and  subsequently  cultivated  frequently  when  in  just  the  proper 
moisture  condition.  In  a  hardened  condition  moisture  is  rapidly  evaporated  at  the 
surface  and  crops  suffer  severely  from  drought  unless  a  loose  surface  mulch  is  main- 
tained during  dry  periods.  Owing  to  the  difficulty  of  keeping  such  a  mulch,  crops 
surf er  more  from  drought  on  the  clay  lands  than  on  the  sandy  soils.  Freshly  eroded 
areas  in  which  the  raw  un weathered  clay  is  exposed  are  generally  intractable  and 
very  unproductive.  Liberal  additions  of  lime  and  vegetable  matter,  and  a  gradual 
deepening  of  the  plowed  section  are  the  most  essential  requisites  for  the  improvement 
of  such  land. 

The  Cecil  clay  is  the  only  member  of  the  group  so  far  encountered  in  the  southern 
division.  It  is  developed  in  patchy  and  extensive  areas  throughout  the  southern 
division  of  the  province.  The  Conowingo  and  Penn  clay  are  the  only  northern  types 
mapped  in  this  group  to  the  present  time. 

Cecil  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  reddish  clay  loam  to  clay  from  2  to  6  inches  deep 
underlain  by  a  brittle,  heavy  red  clay  subsoil.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  frag- 
ments of  quartz  and  partially  decomposed  rocks.  The* type  occupies  high  rolling 
land  and  is  derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  gabbro,  and  other  crystalline  rocks.  It  is 
recognized  as  the  strongest  soil  of  the  Piedmont  plateau  for  general  farming.  It  is 
adapted  to  grass,  wheat,  and  corn  in  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania;  export  tobacco  and 
wheat  in  Virginia;  and  to  corn,  wheat,  and  cotton  in  the  Carolinas.  The  freshly 
eroded  areas  are  usually  of  low  agricultural  value,  requiring  liberal  additions  of  vege- 
table matter  and  lime  before  they  become  productive. 

Conowingo  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  yellow  or  reddish-brown  loam  surface  soil 
about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish-red  to  red  clay  or  clay  loam  subsoil. 
Decomposed  fragments  of  steatite  give  a  greasy  feel  to  the  subsoil.  Occasionally  rock 
fragments  occur  on  the  surface,  representing  at  times  as  high  as  25  per  cent  of  the  soil 
mass.  The  type  is  derived  from  decomposed  serpentine,  steatite,  talc  schist,  and 
similar  rocks.  It  occupies  rolling  lands  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  The  type  is  fairly 
productive  for  the  general  farm  crops,  comparing  favorably  with  the  Cecil  clay  and 
Cecil  loam.     It  is  known  in  Maryland  as  "productive  serpentine  land." 

Penn  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark  Indian-red  to  dark  reddish  brown  clay  about  8  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark  Indian-red  clay,  becoming  stiff er  in  structure  with  depth. 
The  type  occurs  in  gently  rolling  uplands  as  a  series  of  low  ridges.  The  drainage  is 
good.  The  material  is  of  residual  origin  from  red  Triassic  sandstone  and  shale.  Wheat, 
corn,  and  grass  are  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 


Cecil  clay 


Conowingo  clay . 
Penn  clay 


Total. 


State  or  area.i 


Alabama  24;  Georgia  4,  6,  9,  13,  14;  Maryland  3,  5,  7;  North 
Carolina  1,  3,  4,  5, 10, 14, 17,  22,  23,  26;  Pennsylvania  6;  South 
Carolina  1,  2,  3  5,  11,  13,  15,  17;  Virginia  1,  2,  3,  4,  6,  7,  8,  11. 

Maryland  3,  5;  North  Carolina  14;  Pennsylvania  6;  Virginia  1.. 

Maryland  7;  Virginia  1,  7 


Acres. 


2,543,939 


49,894 
27,904 


2,621,737 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY  CLAY  PHASE. 


The  stony  clay  class,  like  the  clay,  has  only  one  representative  in  the  southern 
Piedmont — the  Cecil  stony  clay.     This  soil  occupies  slopes  and  hills  where  the  close 

?ace  kept  upon  rock  weathering  by  erosion  has  brought  about  the  stony  character, 
he  abundance  of  stone  and  unfavorable  topography  account  for  the  lower  agricultural 
value  as  compared  with  the  clay  type. 

Cecil  stony  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy  red  loam  or  clay  about  8  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  a  stiff  red  clay.  Rock  fragments  and  bowlders  are  scattered  upon  the  sur- 
face and  throughout  the  soil  section,  representing  30  to  60  per  cent  of  the  soil  mass. 
The  type  occurs  on  rolling  and  hilly  areas  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  It  is  of  residual 
origin,  being  derived  from  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks.     It  is  generally  too  steep 


48 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


and  stony  for  cultivation  and  best  suited  for  use  as  pasture  and  forest  lands.    The 
smoother  areas  give  good  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  cowpeas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Cecil  stony  clay 

Alabama  7,  24,  36;  South  Carolina  17 

45,504 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATEBIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Rough  gullied  land 

North  Carolina  5;  South  Carolina  9 

129,472 

Alabama  14,  24;  Georgia  13;  North  Carolina  11;  Pennsylvania 

6,12. 
Maryland  3,  5;  Pennsylvania  6;  Virginia  1 

31,040 

15,200 
1,536 

Alabama  33;  Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  10;  South  Carolina  17... 

Total  . 

177,248 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SOILS     OF     THE     APPALACHIAN     MOUNTAIN    AND     PLATEAU 

PROVINCE. 

By  Hugh  H.  Bennett. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

The  soil  region  designated  as  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province 
embraces  three  subdivisions  of  the  Appalachian  system,  which  extend  from  New 
Jersey  and  northern  Pennsylvania  to  central  Alabama.  They  are:  (1)  The  Blue 
Ridge  region  on  the  east  and  southeast  side;  (2)  the  Cumber  land -Allegheny  plateau 
on  the  west;  and  (3)  the  Appalachian  ridge  and  valley  belt  between.  The  province 
also  includes  two  subordinate  outlying  divisions  which  are  important  and  related  to 
the  three  main  divisions:  (1)  The  Ouachita  and  Boston  Mountain  region  of  the  Ozark 
uplift  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  (2)  the  area  of  Coal  Measures  rocks  in  western 
Kentucky  and  southern  Indiana.  The  soils  of  the  associated  limestone  valleys, 
together  with  those  of  the  Highland  Rim,  the  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee  and  the 
Bluegrass  Region  of  Kentucky,  belong  in  another  soil  province,  the  Limestone  Valleys 
and  Uplands. 

The  three  subdivisions  of  the  Appalachian  region  which  constitute  the  greater  part 
of  the  soil  province  form  a  broad  belt  approximately  900  miles  long.  The  main  struc- 
tural forms,  including  mountains,  ridges,  and  valleys,  lie  in  a  general  northeast- 
southwest  direction. 

From  the  narrow  Highlands  of  Xew  Jersey  the  province  widens  to  about  200  miles 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  attains  a  maximum  breadth  of  about  270  miles  at  a  line  running 
northwest  to  southeast  through  Afton,  Va.  Southward  from  this  line  there  is  a  gradual 
narrowing  to  an  approximate  width  of  200  miles  on  a  line  extending  across  the  province 
along  the  Kentucky-Tennessee  and  North  Carolina-South  Carolina  boundaries. 
Where  the  province  joins  the  Coastal  Plain  in  Alabama  its  width  is  about  100  miles. 

The  region  including  the  three  main  divisions  of  the  Appalachian  soil  province  is 
bordered  on  the  southeastern  or  Atlantic  side  by  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  along  the 
southern  end  in  Alabama  by  the  Gulf  Coastal  Plain,  and  on  the  northwestern  or  inte- 
rior side  by  the  limestone  regions  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Ohio,  and  the  region 
of  glaciated  soils  in  Ohio  and  Northwestern  Pennsylvania.  Its  northern  extension 
in  Xew  York,  Pennsylvania,  and  New  Jersey  has  been  glaciated. 

The  Appalachian  system  as  a  physiographic  province  extends  through  New  York 
into  western  New  England  and  covers  a  large  territory.  Practically  all  of  this  northern 
extension  has  been  glaciated  and  therefore  its  soils,  with  the  exception  of  small  scat- 
tered areas  of  residual  or  mainly  residual  materials,  belong  in  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
province. 

The  outlying  subordinate  region  embracing  the  western  coal  fields  development  of 
the  Appalachian  province  in  western  Kentucky  comprises  a  relatively  small  area 
bordering  Green  River  and  extending  from  the  vicinity  of  Bowling  Green  to  the  strip  of 
loessial  soils  along  the  east  side  of  the  Ohio  River.  The  southern  Indiana  development 
comprises  a  still  smaller  area. 

The  Ouachita  and  Boston  Mountain  region,  another  outlying  subdivision  of  the 

Erovince,  embraces  a  large  area  in  central  and  northern  Arkansas  and  eastern  Okla- 
oma.     The  Boston  Mountains  border  the  Arkansas  River  Valley  on  the  north  from  the 
vicinity  of  White  River  westward  to  eastern  Oklahoma.     The  Ouachita  Mountains  com- 

Erise  a  nearly  similar  area  south  of  the  Arkansas  Valley,  extending  from  the  neighbor- 
ood  of  Little  Rock  on  the  east  to  the  vicinity  of  Colgate,  in  Oklahoma. 

THE    BLUE    RIDGE    BELT. 

The  eastern  part  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province  lies  in  the  Blue 
Ridge  belt,  which  extends  from  the  glacial  boundary  in  the  Highlands  of  New  Jersey 
southwestward  to  central  Alabama.  The  northern  extension  of  the  same  physio- 
graphic region  in  New  York  and  New  England  has  been  glaciated,  and  from'  the 

79619—13 i  49 


50  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

standpoint  of  soil  classification  belongs  in  the  province  of  glacial  soils.  This  belt  of 
mountains  is  made  up  of  one  or  more  ridges  and  irregular  .spurs,  "with  isolated  peaks 
and  -with  relatively  short  ranges  whose  direction  does  not  conform  to  the  prevailing 
northeast  and  southwest  trend  of  the  rocks  and  land  forms. 

From  southern  Virginia  to  the  vicinity  of  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  the  Blue  Ridge,  including 
South  Mountain  in  Pennsylvania,  with  some  minor  parallel  ranges,  constitutes  the 
entire  belt.  North  of  the  wide  gap  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Susquehanna  River,  occupied 
by  limestone  valleys,  the  Durham  and  Reading  hills  of  Pennsylvania  and  their  north- 
ern extension,  the  Highlands  of  Xew  Jersey,  constitute  the  northern  part  of  the  division. 

Southward  from  southern  Virginia  the  Blue  Ridge  belt  widens  into  a  complex  system, 
the  Blue  Ridge  proper  continuing  as  the  eastern  border  range  to  the  vicmitv  of  Can- 
ton, Ga.,  and  separating  the  system  from  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  while  the  Unaka  chain, 
diverging  from  the  Blue  Ridge  near  the  Virginia  line,  marks  the  western  boundary, 
extending  through  eastern  Tennessee,  with  its  base  close  to  the  North  Carolina  line,  into 
Georgia.  Between  these  higher  rims  there  is  an  interior  mountain  region  in  which  nu- 
merous lofty  peaks  rather  irregularly  arranged  and  short  ranges  with  high  valleys  occur. 
Detached  groups  of  mountains  that  stand  out  several  miles  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  such 
as  the  Brushy  Mountains  of  North  Carolina,  which  at  a  distance  of  15  to  25  miles  nearly 
parallel  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  the  Saluda  Mountains  of  North  Carolina  and  South 
Carolina,  which  have  a  general  east  and  west  direction,  are  also  included  in  the  Blue 
Ridge  division. 

In  North  Carolina  the  Blue  Ridge  system  has  an  approximate  width  of  75  miles,  but 
it  narrows  southward  until  in  the  vicinity  of  Cartersville,  Ga.,  it  is  only  a  few  miles 
wide.  From  this  point  the  system  extends  as  a  rather  narrow,  irregular  belt  to  Talla- 
dega, Ala.  Between  the  Susquehanna  and  Potomac  Rivers  the  Blue  Ridge  consists 
of  a  narrow  range  with  an  elevation  of  about  1,000  to  1,300  feet  above  the  sea  level,  and 
in  Virginia  the  range  becomes  broader  and  the  crest  gradually  rises  to  over  4,000  feet 
near  Luray,  where  the  width  is  from  10  to  16  miles.  This  northern  portion  of  the  range 
is  flanked  on  both  sides  by  moderately  steep  slopes,  the  base  on  the  Atlantic  side 
sharply  marking  the  western  boundary  of  the  Piedmont,  and  on  the  interior  side  the 
eastern  boundary  of  the  limestone  valleys.  Grandfather  Mountain,  in  North  (  arolina, 
with  an  altitude  of  5,964  feet,  is  the  highest  point  in  the  Blue  Ridge  chain.  From  the 
culminating  elevations  in  North  Carolina  the  crest  of  the  Blue  Ridge  gradually 
declines  southward  to  something  like  1,000  feet  in  the  vicinity  of  Cartersville,  Ga. 

From  southern  Virginia  southward  the  range  is  wider  and  more  massive  than  in  its 
northern  portion  and  its  crest  lies  farther  from  the  Piedmont  border.  Many  spurs 
occur  along  the  eastern  slope,  and  broad  valleys  and  coves  wind  back  among  the 
mountain  ridges  and  peaks  in  such  a  way  that  the  base  is  not  everywhere  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Piedmont.  Typically,  the  Blue  Ridge  is  made  up  of  rounded 
knobs  and  shoulders  of  smooth  contours,  with  frequent  conspicuous  ''water  gaps" 
which  are  occupied  by  streams,  often  a  thousand  feet  or  more  below  the  crest  of  the 
near-by  peaks.  Rocky  cliffs  are  comparatively  rare,  and  a  large  part  of  the  range  is 
covered  with  soil  which  is  available  for  agriculture. 

The  Unaka  chain,  including  several  parallel  ridges,  reaches  a  greater  average  alti- 
tude than  the  Blue  Ridge.  The  slopes  are  prevailingly  steeper  and  rougher,  and  the 
soil  is  generally  thinner,  although  sufficient  over  the  greater  part  of  the  area  to  support 
a  forest  growth".  The  ridges  of  this  chain  arc  similar  to  those  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge 
belt  in  that  they  are  Long  and  Btraighl  and  have  fewer  spurs  such  as  those  of  the  Blue 
Ridge  Mountains.  The  crest  of  the  I  nakas  approximately  follows  the  North  Carolina- 
Tennessee  boundary  from  the  Cohutta  Mountains  of  Georgia  to  the  Virginia  line. 
This  chain  has  various  local  names,  including  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains  and  Stone 
Mountains. 

The  peaks  of  the  inicrmontano  region  between  the  border  ranges  of  the  southern 
Appalachian  Mountains,  the  I'naka  chain,  and  the  Blue  Ridge,  as  seen  in  a  panoramic 
View  from  an  overlooking  elevation,  are  distributed  irregularly  without  arrangement 
into  groups  of  ranges.    There  are,  however,  within  this  interior  region  ranges  which  in 

soi  no  degree  are  connected  with  the  higher  ranges  rimming  the  hasin.      A  number  of  the 
interior  ranges  do  not   have  the  prevailing  northeast-southwest  trend  of  the  system. 

aeral,  the  mountain  peaks  of  this  division  rise  t<»  a  plane  between  4,000  and  5,000 

hove  sea  Level,  the  highest  elevations  being  attained  toward  the  north.    Mount 

Mitchell,  with  an  elevation  of  (;,7ii   foot,  th<'  highest  point  east  of  the  Mississippi 

River,  is  situated  in  that  section  in  which  the  Dnakas  and  the  Blue  Ridge  begin  to 

mez 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU  PROVINCE.  51 

DRAINAGE. 

South  of  the  Roanoke  River  the  Blue  Ridge  is  the  main  divide  between  the  Gulf 
and  Atlantic  drainage,  the  water  of  the  eastern  slope  being  carried  southeastward 
directly  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  while  the  flow  off  from  the  interior  side  of  the  crest  is 
westward  to  the  large  streams  of  the  Appalachian  Valleys,  such  as  the  Tennessee  and 
Coosa  Rivers,  and  thence  in  a  southerly  direction  to  the  Gulf.  The  Unaka  chain  and 
most  of  the  intermontane  region,  which  is  confined  largely  to  North  Carolina  and 
Georgia,  are  drained  by  streams  emptying  into  the  Gulf.  These  usually  flow  through 
relatively  broad,  open  valleys  with  rounded,  steep,  and  gentle  slopes  in  the  inter- 
montane region,  but  they  have  cut  deep  gorges  through  the  chain  forming  the  western 
rim  of  this  portion  of  the  Appalachians. 

North  of  the  Roanoke  most  of  the  streams,  with  the  exception  of  the  Kanawha  (New) 
River  rising  in  the  Appalachian  Valley  or  the  plateaus  of  the  west,  pass  through  the 
mountains  in  deep  gorges  or  gaps,  like  that  of  the  Potomac  River  at  Harpers  Ferry, 
and  flow  across  the  Piedmont  to  the  Atlantic.  The  headwaters  of  the  Kanawha  carry 
the  main  drainage  from  a  large  section  of  the  Appalachians  in  western  North  Carolina 
and  southwestern  Virginia  across  the  Great  Appalachian  Valley,  and  the  Appalachian 
ridges,  through  the  Allegheny  Plateau  to  the  Ohio. 

GEOLOGY. 

The  rocks  of  the  Blue  Ridge  are  closely  related  to  those  of  the  Piedmont — granites 
gneisses,  schists,  diorite,  gabbro,  and  quartzite  representing  the  more  common  varie- 
ties. Toward  the  western  border  of  the  southern  Appalachian  Mountains  the  igneous 
rocks  tend  to  give  way  to  metamorphic  varieties,  as  schists  and  quartzite.  Some 
unaltered  stratified  rocks,  such  as  conglomerates  and  sandstone,  occur  in  the  western 
border  ranges,  and  there  are  small  developments  of  marble  in  various  parts  of  the 
system. 

Along  broad  lines  the  topography  of  the  region  conforms  with  the  structural  char- 
acter of  the  rocks.  The  main  ridges  generally  correspond  with  the  position  and  the 
prevailing  northeast  and  southwest  direction  of  the  more  resistant  rocks.  Erosion 
has  affected  the  relation  between  the  surface  form  and  rock  attitude  over  local  areas, 
particularly  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  system. 

THE  CUMBERLAND  AND  ALLEGHENY  PLATEAUS. 

The  Allegheny  and  Cumberland  Plateaus  comprise,  respectively,  the  northern  and 
southern  portions  of  the  western  slope  of  the  Appalachian  system.  This  division  of 
the  Appalachian  province  is  sharply  defined  along  the  greater  part  of  its  eastern  bound- 
ary from  the  glacial  region  in  northeastern  Penns\  lvania  to  the  Coastal  Plain  in  cen- 
tral Alabama  by  the  bold  escarpment  marking*  the  western  border  of  the  Appa- 
lachian Valley,  which  is  known  as  the  Allegheny  Front  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland, 
and  West  Virginia,  and  as  the  Cumberland  Escarpment  in  Kentucky,  Virginia,  Ten- 
nessee, Georgia,  and  Alabama. 

In  northeastern  Pennsyl vania  the  escarpment  is  indistinct,  except  for  local  develop- 
ments, but  southward  it  faces  the  Appalachian  ridge  region  with  the  prevailingly 
characteristic  cliff-like  front,  from  about  the  central  part  of  the  State  to  the  Maryland 
line,  and  thence  across  western  Maryland  and  eastern  West  Virginia.  The  plateau 
front  continues  in  the  Cumberland  Escarpment,  which  stands  out  with  a  fair  degree  of 
boldness  along  the  greater  part  of  its  length  from  southwestern  Virginia  through  south- 
eastern Kentucky,  eastern  Tennessee,  and  northwestern  Georgia,  although  it  does  not 
maintain  such  sharp  definition  as  in  its  northern  portion.  In  Alabama  it  is  developed 
with  only  moderate  distinctness  along  the  eastern  wall  of  Lookout  Mountain,  and  from 
there  southward  the  front  is  gradually  obscured  until  the  Cumberland  Plateau  region 
passes  beneath  the  Coastal  Plain  deposits  in  the  central  part  of  the  State. 

The  elevation  of  the  plateau  along  the  front  rises  from  about  2,000  feet  above  sea 
level  in  northern  Pennsylvania  to  about  2,800  feet  at  the  Maryland-Pennsylvania  line. 
South  of  the  Potomac  the  crest  of  the  escarpment  rises  to  a  culminating  elevation  of 
something  over  4,000  feet  in  West  Virginia.  It  reaches  an  altitude  of  approximately 
4,000  feet  in  the  Big  Black  Mountains  of  Virginia  and  Kentucky.  From  an  elevation 
of  about  2,000  feet  in  central  Tennessee  the  surface  declines  to  1,500  feet  in  north- 
eastern Alabama  and  finally  to  500  feet  in  central  Alabama.  The  northern  division 
of  the  plateau — the  Allegheny  Plateau — slopes  away  from  the  front  to  the  northwest, 
while  the  southern  division  is  tilted  to  the  southwest. 


52  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

In  northwestern  Pennsylvania  the  width  of  the  plateau  between  the  front  along  the 
western  edge  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge  division  forming  its  eastern  boundary  and  the 
region  of  glaciated  soils  on  the  west  is  approximately  100  miles.  From  the  escarpment 
edge  in  northeastern  West  Virginia,  along  a  line  through  the  southwestern  corner  of 
Maryland  to  central  Ohio,  it  is  about  175  miles  wide.  This  is  the  broadest  portion  of 
the  plateau  region.  Southward  the  plateau  is  wedge  shaped,  narrowing  between  the 
valley  region  and  the  Highland  Rim  limestone  formations  of  Kentucky  and  Ten- 
nessee to  a  breadth  at  Chattanooga  of  30  to  40  miles.  It  becomes  broader  again  along 
a  line  from  central  to  northwestern  Alabama,  where  the  plateau  joins  with  the  Coastal 
Plain. 

A  plateau  type  of  topography,  or  an  even  sky  line  indicative  of  an  original  plateau 
configuration,  prevails  throughout  this  great  region.  In  places  ridges  with  intervening 
valleys,  generally  parallel  with  the  frontal  escarpment,  stand  out  prominently. 
Erosion  has  severely  disfigured  the  surface  over  large  areas,  but  even  in  such  deeply 
dissected  sections  the  skyline  presents  an  even  upland  level,  indicating  the  original 
smooth  character  of  the  land. 

In  Alabama  and  southern  Tennessee  erosion  has  carved  deep  valleys  and  coves, 
giving  rise  to  elongated  detached  plateaus  and  mesalike  table-lands.  Only  isolated 
remnants  of  the  original  plateau  remain  in  northern  Alabama.  To  the  west  of  Sand 
Mountain,  south  of  the  Tennessee  River,  there  is  a  broad  area  of  partially  dissected 
table-land  which  gradually  sinks  southwesterly  beneath  the  Coastal  Plain  deposits. 
There  are  considerable  bodies  of  typical  plateau  country  in  southern  and  central  Ten- 
nessee, but  northward  from  this  section  through  northeastern  Tennessee,  southeastern 
Kentucky,  West  Virginia,  eastern  Ohio,  and  southwestern  Pennsylvania  the  plateau 
has  been  so  deeply  and  minutely  dissected  that  the  surface  configuration  is  dominant  ly 
strongly  rolling  and  hilly,  with  occasional  smooth  areas  on  the  crests  of  the  broader 
irregular,  winding  ridges.  Much  of  this  eroded  region  is  too  steeply  Eloping  for  safe 
cultivation,  especially  near  the  Allegheny  Front.  Toward  the  northwestern  border, 
however,  the  relief  is  not  so  great,  and  a  larger  proportion  of  the  land  is  suitable  for 
tillage. 

A  large  part  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau  is  drained  by  the  Ohio  River  and  the  tribu- 
taries entering  it  from  all  directions.  A  number  of  large  streams,  such  as  the  Potomac 
-  i-quehanna,  rise  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  plateau  and  flow  directly  through 
the  ridges  and  mountains  on  the  east  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  The  valleys  of  the  Alle- 
gheny Plateau  vary  from  deep  V-shaped  gorges  to  fairly  broad  valleys.  Many  of  t  hose 
are  bordered  by  large  strips  of  flood-plains  soils  and  by  low  and  high  terraces  which 
were  the  flood  plains  during  former  stages  in  the  development  of  the  valleys.  The 
Kanawha  River  is  unique  in  its  direction  of  flow.  Rising  in  the  Blue  Ridge,  this 
stream  crosses  the  Great  Appalachian  Valley  and  the  Appalachian  ridges,  enters  the 
escarpment  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau  in  a  canyon  1,500  feet  dec]),  and  flows  north- 
westerly across  the  plateau  through  a  deeply  intrenched  valley  into  the  Ohio.  The 
Ohio  is  fringed  with  valuable  stretches  of  overflow  bottoms  and  elevated  terraces  rang- 
ing from  30  feet  to  200  feet  or  more  above  the  river  Level. 

The  <  lumberland  Plateau  is  drained  principally  by  the  Tennessee  and  Black  Warrior 
Rivers  and  by  the  headwaters  of  the  I  loosa  and  ( 'innberland  Rivers.  Stripe  of  moder- 
ately wide  bottoms  occur  in  places  along  the  si  reams  of  this  region,  especially  en  the 

concave  dde  of  I  he  bends,  l)in  terraces  are  less  extensive  than  in  the  Allegheny  Plateau, 
The  rock  si  rata  of  the  Appalachian  Plateau  lie  in  a  nearly  horizontal  posit  ton  as  corn- 
folded  beds  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge  region  to  the 
They  dip  in  varying  degrees,  though  with  a  comparatively  slight  average  slant,  oorth- 
ly  in  the  Allegheny  division  and  southwesterly  in  the  Cumberland  division. 
Then;  are  some  broad  anticlinal  and  synclinal  folds  which,  although  they  have 
been  partly  obscured  by  decay  and  erosion,  give  rise  to  LI  Le  topographic 

The  plateau  feature  tare  due  to  the  relatively  bori  it  ion  of  the 

i  hde  the  deli n i  table-lands  directly  resull  from  the  resistant 

ber  «»f  th"  horizontal  capping  rocks  of  sandstone  and  conglomerate.     Where  the 

anperfiei.d  rock  ni  beds  the  surface  bae  naturally  weathered 

lowly,  so  that  the  bighest  and  smoothe  "(air  in  th"  "  Localities.    The 

■urroui  I  bin-beddi  and  Bhales,  has 

been  worn  to  Lower  levels     The  isolated  plateaus  or  m  thern  Tennessee  and 

mi  Alabama  are  capped  with  sandstone  which  bae  b< aore  resistant  to  weath- 

than  the  underlying  Limestone  and  shale.    As  the    ofter  rocks  beneath  decay 

if  the  plateau   recede,  the  andstone  above  finally  b  fin  such  a  way 

ink  i.     Differences  in  th"  p  >wer  of  the  roc  I  the 

lation  "it1  •  weathering  and  erosion  account  for  the  development  of  the 

.  a  escarpi 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PROVINCE.  53 

THE    APPALACHIAN   RIDGE    BELT. 

Between  the  Allegheny-Cumberland  escarpment  and  the  western  border  of  the 
Blue  Ridge  belt  there  is  a  broad  structural  belt  of  limestone  valleys  and  ridges  and 
mountains  whose  crests  reach  a  plane  somewhat  lower  than  the  summits  of  the  regions 
on  either  side.  The  limestone  valleys  included  in  this  Appalachian  Valley  region 
are  not  simply  valleys  which  belong  to  single  river  systems,  but  they  represent  areas 
whose  surfaces  have  been  lowered  by  the  weathering  of  the  included  rocks,  while  the 
ridges  and  mountains  of  the  region  mark  the  location  of  the  more  resistant  rocks. 
The  rock  strata  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge  division  have  been  intensely  folded  and  up- 
turned at  various  angles,  and  the  present  surface  configuration  varies  with  the  char- 
acter of  the  outcropping  strata.  The  edges  of  the  more  resistant  sandstone  and  con- 
glomerate beds  stand  out  in  long,  steep-sloped,  sharp-crested  ridges  and  mountains. 
These  conform  in  direction  with  the  limiting  highlands  on  both  sides,  the  Allegheny- 
Cumberland  Plateau  and  the  Appalachian  Mountains,  and  parallel  the  intervening 
limestone  valleys  representing  the  worn-down  surface  of  upturned  edges  of  the  less 
resistant  limestones  and  shales. 

Along  the  eastern  side  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge  and  valley  belt  the  dominant 
limestone  rocks  have  been  degraded  until  the  land  surface  stands  1,000  feet  or  more 
below  the  crest  of  the  Unaka-Blue  Ridge  chain.  This  low  region,  constituting  the 
Appalachian  Valley  proper,  is  a  deep  limestone  valley,  virtually  continuous  from 
northern  Pennsylvania  to  central  Alabama.  Sandstone  and  shale  ridges  are  infrequent 
and  of  prevailingly  low  relief.  But  to  the  west  of  the  Appalachian  Valley  there  are 
many  higher  parallel  ridges  which  collectively  comprise  the  Appalachian  Valley 
mountains  and  ridges.  These  are  known  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  region  as  the 
Allegheny  Mountains  or  Allegheny  Ridges,  and  in  different  localities  throughout  the 
belt  by  various  local  names.  For  great  distances  they  follow  the  upturned  edges  of 
hard  rocks. 

Immediately  to  the  west  of  the  main  limestone  valley  (the  Appalachian  Valley) 
there  is  a  practically  continuous  ridge  known  as  North  Mountain  and  as  Kittatinny 
or  Blue  Mountain,  which  varies  in  height  from  200  to  1,000  feet  or  more  above  the 
valley  floor,  and  which  has  a  length  of  400  miles  from  Virginia  across  Maryland  to 
northern  Pennsylvania.  West  of  this  long  mountain  in  the  northern  portion  of  the 
belt  the  region  is  divided  up  into  many  sharp,  high  mountains  which  succeed  one 
another  in  crescent-shape  outline  to  the  Allegheny  escarpment.  Between  these  ridges 
there  are  a  number  of  long,  smooth-floored,  broad  and  narrow  valleys,  such  as  Nittany 
and  Wyoming  Valleys  of  Pennsylvania,  which  represent  the  smaller  counterparts  of 
the  limestone  valley  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  region.  Divergent  coves  and  narrow 
drainage  gaps  cut  into  or  through  the  ridges  at  various  angles.  Many  of  the  streams 
follow  "the  valleys  for  long  distances,  to  turn  suddenly  through  the  ridges  or  to  enter 
larger  streams  crossing  from  the  Allegheny  Plateau  region  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

In  the  southern  division  some  of  the  mountain  ridges  of  the  Appalachian  Ridge  belt, 
such  as  Clinch  Mountain  in  Tennessee  and  Virginia,  White  Oak  Mountain  in  southern 
Tennessee,  and  Taylors,  Chattooga,  and  Dirtseller  Mountains  in  Georgia  and  Alabama, 
consist  of  sharp,  hard  sandstone  ridges,  the  crests  of  which  approach  the  altitudes  of 
the  plateau  escarpment  to  the  west.  Along  the  eastern  side  of  this  southern  extension, 
near  the  western  base  of  the  massive  Unakas,  there  is  a  series  of  still  higher  quartzite 
ridges,  including  Holston,  Chilhowee,  Starrs,  and  Beans  mountains  in  Tennessee,  and 
Weisner  and  Indian  mountains  in  Alabama . 

Throughout  the  limestone  valleys  of  the  region  there  are  occasional  low  sandstone, 
conglomerate,  and  shale  ridges  and  hills,  which  represent  minor  surface  inequalities 
or  a  subordinate  division  of  the  Appalachian  ridges.  Their  soils  are  considered  as 
belonging  with  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province. 

THE    WESTERN    COAL   FIELDS    OF   KENTUCKY. 

The  Western  Coal  Fields,  situated  in  western  Kentucky,  embrace  a  small  detached 
portion  of  the  Cumberland  Plateau.  The  area  has  a  lower  altitude  than  the  corre- 
sponding region  to  the  east.  Although  the  region  is  prevailingly  rolling  to  hilly, 
there  are  many  areas,  such  as  ridge  crests  and  low  interridge  country,  which  are 
sufficiently  smooth  to  cultivate.  It  is  bordered  on  the  east  by  an  extension  of  the 
Highland  Rim  of  Tennessee,  while  on  the  west  it  passes  beneath  the  strip  of  loessial 
deposits  bordering  the  Ohio  River.  The  region  is  drained  by  Green  River  and  ita 
tributaries. 


54  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

THE    OZARK   REGIOX. 

In  northern  Arkansas  and  eastern  Oklahoma  the  structure  and  mineralogy  of  the 
rocks  of  the  Appalachian  Plateau  are  essentially  similar  to  those  of  the  Boston 
Mountains  in  the  Ozarks  and  the  Ouachita  Mountains  to  the  south. 

In  the  Boston  Mountains  north  of  the  Arkansas  River  the  strata  for  the  most  part 
Ke  in  a  relatively  horizontal  position,  but  they  have  been  deeply  trenched  by  a 
complicated  system  of  winding  streams.  Culminating  elevations  of  2,000  feet  or 
more  are  attained  by  some  of  the  higher  peaks.  The  section  includes  considerable 
areas  of  Rou^h  stony  land  and  steeply  sloping  land,  which  is  either  unfit  for  cultivation 
or  suited  only  to  the  growing  of  fruit  crops,  but  there  are  many  scattered  areas  which 
can  be  cultivated. 

Southward  from  the  Boston  Mountains  the  strata  dip  in  a  general  way  beneath  the 
Arkansas  River  in  a  synclinal  fold,  reappearing  to  the  south  of  the  valley  in  the 
Ouachita  ranges.  The  strata  here  have  been  severely  eroded  and  faulted.  The 
section  includes  a  series  of  long,  roughly  parallel  ranges  or  ridges  with  deep,  flat- 
bottomed  valleys  having  a  general  east  and  west  trend.  Some  of  the  streams  flow 
along  the  valley  troughs,  but  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  Ouachitas  they  frequently 
flow  across  the  rock  strata.  As  a  whole  the  ridges  are  relatively  rugged  and  range  in 
height  from  500  to  2,800  feet  above  sea  level.  Magazine  Mountain  has  an  elevation 
of  2,800  feet. 

The  rocks  of  the  Ozark  region  within  the  Boston  and  Ouachita  Mountains  are 
dominantly  sandstones,  shales,  and  limestones. 

SOILS. 

The  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  province  are  of  residual  origin. 
Where  the  surface  is  smooth  they  lie  directly  over  the  sandstones,  shale,  and  con- 
glomerates from  which  they  have  been  largely  derived.  On  the  slopes  there  has 
been  considerable  movement  to  lower  levels- through  creep  and  water  action;  con- 
sequently there  are  many  strips  of  colluvial  and  partly  colluvial  soils.  The  province 
also  includes  a  large  total  acreage  of  slope  land  over  which  rocks  have  fallen  and  are 
often  so  thickly  strewn  as  to  seriously  interfere  with  or  preclude  ullage  operations. 
Coarse  talus  material  of  small  and  large  rock  fragments  has  accumulated  in  many 
places  along  slopes  to  a  depth  of  5  to  15  feet.  The  deeper  accumulations  of  this 
character  are  barren,  and  their  agricultural  utilization  is  impossible.  Outcrops  of 
bedrock  and  stony  cliffs  and  escarpments  unfit  for  the  growth  of  vegetation  are  not 
uncommon,  especially  along  the  Cumberland-Allegheny  Front  and  the  valley  walls 
of  the  deeply  entrenched  plateau  streams.  The  greater  part  of  the  region,  however,  is 
mantled  with  sufficient  soil  to  support  a  moderately  heavy  timber  growth,  and  much 
of  it  is  forested.  Owing  to  the  steepness  of  slopes  and  the  minutely  dissected  surface 
much  land  having  a  fair  soil  depth  is  unsuited  for  other  purposes  than  forestry,  grazing, 
or  the  production  of  tree  fruits. 

Aside  from  the  large  extent  of  Rough  stony  land,  which  is  mainly  of  no  use  except 
for  forestry,  and  Rock  outcrop,  which  has  no  value,  the  principal  soils  of  the  province 
are  the  loams,  clay  loams,  silt  loams,  sandy  loams,  clays,  fine  sandy  loams,  and  stony 
loams. 

In  the  Plateau  division  the  sandstone,  shale,  and  conglomerate  soils  dominate 
almost  to  the  exclusion  of  those  derived  from  oilier  rocks.  There  is  a  relatively  small 
development  of  the  Westmoreland  series,  derived  from  interbedded  limestone,  sand- 
stone, and  shale,  in  northern  West  Virginia  and  southwestern  Pennsylvania. 

The  most  extensive  series  of  the  plateaus  is  the  Dekalb.  This  scries  also  pre- 
dominates in  the  Appalachian  ridges,  and  is  developed  in  scattering  areas  in  the 
western  portion  of  the  eastern  or  Blue  Ridge  division.  The  Dekalb  also  occupies 
extensive  areas  in  the  Ozark  region  and  the  Western  Coal  Fields  of  Kentucky  and 
in  the  I  oal  Measure  rocks  of  southern  Indiana.     The  Dekalb  Boils  arc  derived'  from 

light-colored  sedimentaries,  and  arc  marked  by  the  grayish  color  of  the  surface  layer 
and  yellowish  color  of  the  subsoil.  The  silt  loam,  shale  loam,  stony  loam,  loam,  and 
sandy  loams  cover  large  areas,  mostly  available  for  agricultural  use.  In  physical 
characteristics  several  members  of  the  Belies  are  similar  to  the  corresponding  types 
of  the  Norfolk  Boils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province.  This  is  probably 
due  to  the  Dekalb  material  having  been  derived  from  consolidated  sediments  which 
were  originally  deposited  in  water-worked  anas  and  segregated  by  wave  and  tidal 
action,  and  subsequently  uplifted  by  forces  similar  to  those  which  governed  the 
deposition  and  subsequent  uplift  of  the  Norfolk  material.  The  crop  values  of  the 
Dekalb  soils  are  not  so  high  as  those  of  the  corresponding  types  of  associated  series, 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU  PEOVINCE.  55 

such  as  the  Westmoreland  and  Upshur,  which  have  been  more  or  less  influenced  by- 
calcareous  rocks. 

The  Hanceville  soils,  confined  mainly  to  the  southern  ridges  and  the  Cumberland 
Plateau,  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  Dekalb  in  both  origin  and  topography,  differing 
chiefly  in  the  brick-red  color  of  the  subsoils. 

Another  important  series  of  the  plateaus  and  mountain  ridges  of  the  northern  portion 
of  the  province  is  the  Upshur.  The  members  of  this  series  are  derived  from  Indian- 
red,  frequently  calcareous,  shales  and  sandstones.  They  possess  a  peculiar  Indian-red 
color,  and  are  more  productive  than  either  the  Dekalb  or  Hanceville.  The  stony 
loam  and  clay  are  the  most  important  types. 

A  large  area  of  the  badly  dissected  portions  of  the  plateau  in  West  Virginia  and 
southeastern  Ohio  is  occupied  by  the  variable  Meigs  clay  loam,  which  really  repre- 
sents an  intricate  association  of  Dekalb  and  Upshur  where  separation  on  small  scale 
maps  has  been  found  impracticable. 

Throughout  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains,  the  associated  ranges,  and  the  intermontane 
region  of  western  North  Carolina  and  northern  Georgia  the  soils  are  largely  derived 
from  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks — granites,  diorites,  gabbros,  gneisses,  quartzite, 
and  schists — similar  to  those  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  Physically  the  soils  conform 
with  those  of  the  Piedmont,  but  they  differ  widely  from  the  Piedmont  in  topographic 
features. 

The  Porters  soils  are  extensive  throughout  the  region  from  Pennsylvania  to  the 
Alabama  line.  These  are  derived  prevailingly  from  granite  and  gneiss,  with  various 
igneous  rocks,  and  have  gray  or  reddish  surface  soils  and  red  clay  subsoils.  The 
series  constitutes  the  Appalachian  equivalent  of  the  Cecil  series  of  Piedmont  soils. 
The  loam,  clay,  and  stony  loam  are  the  principal  members. 

Similarly  the  Talladega  and  Chandler  series,  derived  from  schistose  rocks,  are  the 
Appalachian  equivalents  of  the  Louisa  and  York  series,  respectively.  These  soils 
are  not  so  productive  as  the  Porters,  having  about  the  same  relation  to  the  Porters 
as  exists  between  the  Cecil  and  the  Louisa  and  York.  They  are  widely  developed 
in  the  western  and  southern  portions  of  the  southern  Appalachian  Mountains. 

An  extensive  area  is  occupied  by  the  belt  of  Berks  soils  which  extends  in  the  shape 
of  a  crescent  from  New  Jersey  across  Pennsylvania  into  Maryland,  near  the  western 
margin  of  the  Appalachian  Valley.  The  Berks  soils  are  derived  from  slaty  shales  and 
shaly  sandstones  of  the  Utica  formation,  and  the  slates  of  the  Hudson  formation  (Mar- 
tinsburg).  The  types  have  grayish-brown  soils  and  yellowish  subsoils  and  resemble 
the  Dekalb  except  in  their  greater  productivity.  The  shale  loam  and  silt  loam  are 
the  most  important  types. 

The  Conasauga  and  Armuchee  series  comprise  flat  to  undulating  valley  soils  which 
topographically  belong  with  the  soils  of  the  limestone  valley  division  of  the  Limestone 
Valleys  and  Uplands  province.  They  have  been  provisionally  placed  in  the  Appa- 
lachian province  on  account  of  their  origin  from  shales  and  their  respective  resemblance 
to  the  Dekalb  and  Hanceville.  They  have  been  mapped  chiefly  in  Georgia  and 
Alabama  as  low,  flat  areas,  locally  called  "flatwoods." 

Several  series  have  been  encountered  only  in  restricted  localities.  The  Allis  and 
Palatine  are  local  series,  representing  unglaciated  residual  material  occurring  beyond 
the  glacial  boundary  in  the  northern  extension  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau.  The  Che- 
mung, Colyer,  and  Morrison  are  also  of  local  development,  and  either  on  account  of  their 
small  extent  or  low  producing  capabilities  are  of  relatively  little  importance. 

The  Lickdale  is  the  only  poorly  drained  series  of  the  northern  portion  of  the  province 
so  far  mapped.  Soils  of  this  character  occur  as  strips  along  lower  slopes  where  seepage 
keeps  the  land  in  a  permanently  soggy  condition.  In  point  of  origin  the  material  is 
essentially  identical  with  the  Dekalb,  but  its  color  is  much  lighter,  the  subsoil  fre- 
quently being  mottled,  gray,  and  bluish,  and  its  productiveness  is  low. 

The  Fayette ville  soils  of  the  Ozark  region  are  apparently  related  to  the  Hanceville. 
The  Conway  series  of  the  same  region  seems  to  be  related  to  the  Lickdale.  Drainage 
is  poorly  established,  while  the  presence  of  iron  concretions  and  hardpan  is  common. 

The  Montevallo  soils  are  typically  developed  in  Alabama  and  Georgia,  occurring  in 
strips  along  outcrops  of  the  Montevallo  shales.  Large  quantities  of  the  varicolored 
parent  shales  are  disseminated  through  the  soil  mass.  Agriculturally  these  soils  are 
of  a  decidedly  inferior  order. 

Aside  from  from  the  large  area  within  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  prov- 
ince which  is  nonarable  on  account  of  unfavorable  topography,  thinness  of  soil,  or  the 
presence  of  cumbersome  stones,  there  is  a  large  total  area  in  which  agriculture  is 
rendered  practically  or  wholly  unprofitable  by  the  inaccessibility  of  the  land.  In 
many  places  hauling  is  extremely  difficult  or  impossible,  and  long  journeys  over  rough 
roads  to  markets  or  shipping  points  are  too  expensive  to  permit  profitable  farming. 


56  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

CLIMATE. 

Agriculture  in  the  Appalachian  province  is  strongly  influenced  by  the  lower  tem- 
perature and  shorter  growing  season  of  the  higher  altitudes  and  the  more  favorable 
conditions  in  the  lower  areas.  This  frequently  precludes  the  profitable  production 
of  crops  which  thrive  at  lower  levels  in  the  same  latitude.  On  the  other  hand  the  same 
climatic  conditions  favor  crops  that  do  not  succeed  at  the  lower  elevations. 

Cotton  production  in  the  Appalachian  province  is  practically  restricted  to  northern 
Alabama,  and  even  here  the  crop  is  frequently  damaged  by  early  frosts.  In  the  Pied- 
mont cotton  succeeds  as  far  north  as  southern  Virginia.  Apples  give  much  better 
returns  in  protected  coves  and  at  certain  elevations  along  the  slopes  where  air  drainage 
is  good  than  in  the  deeper,  closely  inclosed  valleys  or  in  the  Piedmont.  In  belts  at 
certain  altitudes  a  peculiar  climatic  environment  seems  to  favor  particular  varieties 
and  also  to  make  fruiting  more  certain.  Peaches  generally  do  better  on  the  crests  of 
high  ridges  than  on  low  lands,  where  the  fruit  is  frequently  injured  by  unseasonable 
weather.  Buckwheat  can  be  grown  successfully  at  the  higher  altitudes  of  the  southern 
Appalachian  region.  Little  or  no  success  would  be  expected  on  about  the  same  grade 
of  land  in  the  adjoining  Piedmont. 

Some  of  the  higher  peaks  of  the  southern  Blue  Ridge  are  nearly  bare  of  vegetation, 
there  being  no  trees,  excepting  possibly  dwarfed,  scraggy  specimens,  on  the  elevations 
above  the  "timber  line."  Aside  from  the  unfavorable  climate,  the  inaccessibility  and 
rough  character  of  the  land  precludes  agricultural  operations  in  such  situations. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

In  this  province  14,679,165  acres  have  been  surveyed  on  the  detailed  scale  of  1  inch 
to  the  mile,  and  14,534,656  acres  on  the  reconnoissance  scale  of  4  to  6  inches  to  the  mile, 
with  an  overlap  of  2,281,344  acres,  making  a  total  area  covered  of  26,932,477  acres.  Of 
this  amount,  there  are  1,775,745  acres  of  miscellaneous  material  which  is  mainly  non- 
agricultural,  25,156,732  acres  in  which  the  soil  series  or  material  has  been  determined, 
and  12,918,076  acres  where  the  soil  type  has  been  definitely  established. 

Most  of  the  land  which  is  topographically  suited  to  agriculture  gives  good  results, 
where  the  soil  is  of  the  proper  quality,  particularly  with  corn,  Irish  potatoes,  small 
grain,  apples,  peaches,  and  grapes.     A  number  of  other  crops  are  successfully  grown. 

Allen  series. — The  Allen  series  is  characterized  by  the  brown  to  reddish-brown  color 
of  the  surface  soils  and  the  reddish-brown  to  red  color  and  compact  structure  of  the 
subsoils.  Rounded  sandstone  and  shale  fragments  are  of  common  occurrence  on  the 
surface  and  occasionally  throughout  the  surface  soil.  The  type  occurs  as  level  to 
sloping  lands  about  the  mouths  of  gorges  extending  from  higher  lying  sandstone,  shale, 
and  limestone  formations.  The  soil  usually  represents  mixed  Dekalb  and  Decatur 
material.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Good  yields  of  cotton,  oats,  corn,  sorghum, 
and  forage  crops  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Allen  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  ami.1 

Acres. 

i  18 

1,408 

•  For  key  t<>  number  in  i  ins  column  Bee  i>.  7;w. 

Allis  series. — The  soils  of  fchii  series  range  from  brownish  to  drab  01  gray  and  are 
about  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  usually  lighl  gray,  but  sometimes  mottled  red  and 
gray.  Tie-  soils  occupy  steep  slopes  or  elevated  positions,  and  the  topography  is  so 
rolling  that  surface  drains  -1.    On  account  of  the  heavy  character  of  the  sub- 

soil, however,  artificial  underdrainage  is  frequently  necessary.  The  soils  are  derived 
through  weathering  of  light-colored  soft  shales,  the  structure  of  which  is  often  pre- 
served in  the  deep  subsoil.  The  soils  are  fairly  welladapted  to  grasses  and  grains  and 
good  yield-  are  generally  secured.     Dairying  is  conducted  on  some  of  the  types  of 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU  PKOVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Allis  series. 


57 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  9, 17 

13,248 
384 

New  York  13 

New  York  9, 10 

3,008 

New  York  5 

4,032 

Total 

20, 672 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Armuchee  series. — The  Armuchee  series  includes  soils  whose  surface  layers  are 
brown  to  reddish  brown.  The  subsoils  are  red  and  prevailingly  of  silty  clay  to  silty 
clay  loam  texture.  These  soils  occur  as  flat  to  gently  rolling  valley  lands.  They  are 
derived  from  interbedded  fine-grained  sandstone  and  shales,  with  included  beds  of 
calcareous  shales  or  limestone.  The  members  of  the  series  are  somewhat  stronger 
than  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Conasauga,  and  are  well  suited  to  corn,  grain, 
and  forage  crops. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Armuchee  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Armuchee  silty  clay  loam 

Georgia  18 

6,016 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Berks  series. — The  soils  of  the  Berks  series  are  yellowish  brown  to  brown,  with  yel- 
lowish subsoils.  The  series  is  typically  developed  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the 
Appalachian  Mountain  region.  The  soils  are  derived  from  the  Hudson  River  shales 
(including  Martinsburg  shales),  which  are  yellow,  brown,  grayish,  and  olive  colored. 
Purplish  and  Indian-red  shales  also  occur  in  relatively  small  areas,  giving  rise  to 
patches  of  soils  of  reddish  color.  These  soils  occupy  rounded  ridges  and  hills,  the 
surfaces  of  which  are  undulating  to  moderately  hilly.  The  drainage  is  good.  These 
are  good  agricultural  soils,  suited  to  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  Irish  potatoes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Berks  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  of  area.1 

Acres. 

Berks  sandy  loam 

10,560 
172,800 

shale  loam 

do 

silt  loam 

....  do 

17.600 

nndiffp.rfint.ifit.firi 

210, 240 

Total 

411,200 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Chandler  series. — The  Chandler  series  of  soils  is  grayish  brown  to  light  brown.  The 
subsoils  are  yellow  to  reddish  yellow,  and  have  a  greasy  feel.  The  types  of  this  series 
are  developed  typically  in  the  southern  Appalachian  Mountains.  They  are  derived 
from  metamorphic  rocks,  chiefly  micaceous  schists.  Large  areas  of  the  series  are  rough 
in  topography  and  stony.  The  soils  are  best  suited  to  pasturage  and  forestry.  They 
correspond  with  the  Talladega  series,  but  differ  principally  in  the  yellow  color  of  their 
subsoils. 


58 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chandler  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Virginia  9 

3S4 

1.664 

Total 

2.048 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733 

Chemung  series. — The  Chemung  series  includes  light  chocolate  brown  soils  and  sub- 
soils, and  fragments  of  the  chocolate  brown  shales  from  which  this  series  is  derived  are 
of  common  occurrence.  The  soils  occupy  rolling  to  rough  country,  being  frequently 
developed  on  steep  slopes.  They  are  typically  developed  near  the  Allegheny  Front  in 
Pennsylvania.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Only  a  small  part  of  the  area  covered 
by  these  soils  has  been  cultivated.     They  are  derived  from  the  Chemung  formation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Chemung  series. 


Soil  name. 


Chemung  shale  loam Pennsylvania  2,  8 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


5.37-3 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Colyer  series. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Colyer  series  is  light  brown  and  is  underlain 
by  yellow  subsoil.  The  soils  are  derived  from  black  carbonaceous  shales  which  fre- 
quently appear  within  the  3-foot  section.  Drainage  is  good  and  sometimes  exces- 
sive where  the  shales  are  near  the  surface.  Corn,  grain,  and  grass  give  good  results 
on  those  areas  having  a  good  depth  to  the  underlying  rock. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Colyer  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

9,984 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Conasauga  series. — The  Conasauga  soils  are  light  brown  and  the  subsoils  are  yellow 
and  prevailingly  of  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay  texture.  These  soils  are  developed 
typically  in  flat  to  gently  rolling  valley  lands.  They  are  derived  from  interbedaed 
shale  and  limestone  or  interbedded  fine-grained  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone. 
Surface  drainage  is  inadequate  owing  to  the  flat  topography.  Good  yields  of  cotton, 
corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  forage  crops  are  secure*  1  under  proper  treatment. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Conasauga  series. 


Soil  Dame. 


State  or : 


Aires. 


ConasaiiR:i  lo:im 

silt  loam... 
clay 


Total. 


Georgia  18 

Georgia  18;  renin 

I  I   Is 

Alabama  6,  18,  21 


2,041 

22.464 
11,684 
64,788 


101,760 


1  For  key  to  DUmben  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 

Conway  series. — The  soilfl  oi  the  Conway  series  are  yellow,  with  yellowish  to  white 
subsoils,  iron  concretion*  occur  throughout  the  soil  section,  in  places  a  ferruginous 
hardpan  is  developed  in  the  subsoil.  The  surface  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  flat, 
and  the  drainage  is  poorly  established,  water  frequently  standing  on  the  surface  for 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU  PROVINCE. 


59 


long  periods  after  rains.  Low  mounds  are  common.  The  water  table  is  usually  near 
the  surface.  The  soils  appear  to  be  derived  from  shales,  although  they  are  developed 
in  close  proximity  to  streams,  sometimes  having  the  appearance  of  terraces.  The 
native  vegetation  consists  principally  of  oaks,  haw,  and  water-loving  grasses.  Culti- 
vated areas  produce  only  indifferent  yields  of  corn  and  cotton.  The  soils  need  drainage 
and  lime. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Conway  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arkansas  1 

38,912 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dekalb  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Dekalb  series  are  gray  to  brown,  while  the 
subsoils  are  commonly  some  shade  of  yellow.  The  soils  are  derived  from  the  disin- 
tegration of  sandstones  and  shales,  from  Silurian  to  Carboniferous  in  age.  The  surface 
features  consist  of  gently  rolling  tablelands,  hills,  and  mountains.  The  soils  are 
generally  not  very  productive.  The  stony  and  sandy  members  of  the  series  are 
adapted  to  orchard  fruits,  while  the  heavier  soils  make  good  hay  and  pasture  land. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dekalb  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Dekalb  sand 

stony  sand, 
loamy  sand, 
sandy  loam. 


stony  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam... 


loam 

stony  loam. 


gravelly  loam . 
shale  loam 


silt  loam. 


stony  silt  loam.. 

clay  loam 

silty  clay  loam . . 
clay 

undifferentiated. 


Kentucky  4;  Pennsylvania  5 

Pennsylvania  5 

West  Virginia  7 

Alabama  4,  6,  15,  16;  Ohio,  6;  Pennsylvania  10;  Tennessee 
10, 11;  West  Virginia  8,  10. 

Alabama  28;  Pennsylvania  2,  8 

Alabama  3,  4, 11, 15,  20,  21,  26,  28,  37;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky 
2,  4:  Missouri  22;  Pennsvlvania  2,  5,  6;  Virginia  9. 

Alabama  6, 11;  Kentucky^;  Pennsylvania  2,  3, 5, 6, 8;  West 
Virginia  4,  9,  10. 

Alabama  6, 10, 11,  16,  20,  37;  Georgia  18;  Maryland  7;  North 
Carolina  12;  Pennsylvania  1,  2,  3,  5,6,  8,  9, 10, 11, 12;  Ten- 
nessee 4,  5,  10,  11;  Virginia  1,  7,  9;  West  Virginia  3,  5,  9. 

Pennsylvania  12 

Alabama  6, 11, 15,  21,  37;  Kentucky  2,  4;  Maryland  7;  Penn- 
sylvania, 2,  5,  6,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12;  Tennessee  4,  5;  Virginia 
1,3,7. 

Alabama  10,  15,  21,  28,  35,  37;  Indiana  9;  Kentucky  2,  4,  7; 
Ohio  5,  6;  Pennsylvania  2,  5,  8;  Tennessee  4,  5,  10;  Vir- 
ginia 9;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  10 

Alabama  15;  Pennsylvania  2,  5;  West  Virginia  2 

Pennsylvania  5 

West  Virginia  1,5 

Alabama  4, 27;  Ohio 3:  Pennsvlvania 8;  West  Virginia  9  .... 

Pennsylvania  13, 14, 15, 16 


Total. 


20,480 

70,016 

448 

565,844 

72.704 
909,504 

281,344 

1,298,132 

4,800 
1,067,700 

1,320,256 


344,640 

15,488 

259.968 

131,520 

9.546.112 


15,908,956 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fayetteville  series. — The  Fayetteville  series  consists  of  grayish-brown  to  brown  soils 
with  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-brown  subsoils.  They  are  rather  intermediate 
between  the  Dekalb  and  Upshur  series.  The  soils  are  formed  by  the  weathering  of 
sandstones  and  shales  and  are  found  throughout  a  large  part  of  western  and  north- 
western Arkansas  and  eastern  Oklahoma.  They  are  considered  moderately  fertile 
soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fayetteville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Fayettevjlle  fine  sandy  loam 

Arkansas  I.. 
do 

17,216 
44,352 
118,400 

loam 

stony  loam 

do  . 

Total 

179,968 

•                    * 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


60 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Hanceville  series. — The  Hanceville  series  has  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  surface 
soils  and  red  and  moderately  friable  subsoils.  The  topography  ranges  from  rolling  to 
steeply  rolling.  The  soils  are  derived  from  sandstones  and  shales,  which  in  places 
appear  to  be  higher  in  iron-bearing  minerals  than  the  rocks  giving  rise  to  the  Dekalb 
soils.  The  soils  are  a  little  stronger  than  the  corresponding  types  of  the  Dekalb  series, 
but  are  adapted  to  about  the  same  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hanceville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  3, 28, 3 7 

32,128 
3,776 

1,728 

Alabama  11,15 

Georgia  18 

Alabama  37 

95,168 

Total 

132,800 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Jefferson  series. — The  Jefferson  soils  are  located  in  saucer-shaped  upland  areas  where 
clayey  shales  have  been  surrounded  by  a  rim  of  more  arenaceous  shales  and  sandstones, 
and  along  the  sides  of  V-shaped  valleys  where  colluvial  material  has  collected.  In 
some  cases  the  basal  material  represents  a  former  valley  floor  below  which  drift  has 
accumulated  over  the  surface  in  such  a  way  as  to  effect  the  present  V-shaped  configu- 
ration. The  soils  have  been  derived  from  the  colluvial  wash,  creep,  and  drift  from 
the  Dekalb  and  Westmoreland  soils.  The  most  common  types  are  the  silt  loam  and 
silty  clay  loam.  These  soils  are  too  well  drained  and  too  productive  for  classification 
with  the  Lickdale  soils.  Good  yields  of  general  farm  crops  are  obtained,  but  the  types 
are  best  adapted  to  corn,  grass,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Jefferson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pennsylvania  15, 16 

40,320 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lickdale  series. — The  soils  in  the  Lickdale  series  are  grayish  and  the  suosoils  are  of 
mottled  yellow,  nay  and  bluish  color  and  intractable  structure.  The  types  usually 
occupy  slopes  where  drainage  is  poor  owing  to  the  accumulation  of  seepage  water. 
These  soils  are  derived  from  Brown,  gray,  olive,  and  bluish  shales  and  from  sandstone. 
They  have  not  been  used  extensively  for  agriculture  owing  to  their  poor  drainage 
and  unfavorable  position.  With  the  establishment  of  good  drainage  grasses  do  well. 
The  Lickdale  soils  are  closely  associated  with  the  Dekalb. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lickdale  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  arc:!.1 

Acres. 

4.  110 

20. 4  lti 

i  2  ;i  t>  s  in,  n,  12;  Tflnnei    •   11 

Total  . . 

66,  ■  2 

J  For  k".v  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Meigt  series. — The  Meig  if  variable  In  character,  and  particularly  in  color, 

which  ranges  from  the  Indian  red  <,i  the  Upshur  to  the  gray  or  pale  yellow  of  the 
1).-  Kalb.  The  soils  are  derived  from  red,  fine-grained  standstone  and  Bhalesaod  from 
ii  sandstones  and  shales.  The  series  includes  some  Upshur  and  De  Kalb  soils 
and  intermediate  types  so  intimately  associated  in  occurrence  as  to  preclude  detail 
mapping  on  the  scale  ol  an  inch  to  the  mile.  The  materia]  oi  the  Meigs  soils  has  Jpeen 
considerably  mixed  by  erosion  and  by  slides.    The  topography  is  prevailingly  steeply 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


61 


rolling.  A  large  part  of  the  series  is  so  hilly  that  cultivation  is  impracticable.  These 
soils  are  best  suited  to  grass  and  the  production  of  hay.  Some  of  the  smoother  slopes 
and  hill  and  ridge  tops  are  suited  to  wheat,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Meigs  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8 

2,642,944 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Montevallo  series. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Montevallo  series  is  light  brown  and 
shallow.  The  subsoil  material  is  usually  purplish,  red,  and  reddish  brown  or  yellow- 
ish brown  in  color,  and  consists  usually  of  partially  disintegrated  shale.  Iron  ore 
frequently  occurs  in  workable  quantities  in  the  parent  formation.  The  topography 
is  prevailingly  rolling,  steep,  narrow  ridges  being  of  common  occurrence.  These  are 
poor  agricultural  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Montevallo  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Montevallo  stony  loam 

Alabama  35 

4,032 

Alabama  3,  6,  8;  Georgia  18 

26,944 

Total 

30,976 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sse  p.  733.  ' 

Morrison  series. — The  soils  of  the  Morrison  series  occupy  the  irregular  and  much 
eroded  ridges  and  rounded  hills  of  the  "barrens"  region.  They  are  derived  from  a 
number  of  rocks,  mainly  sandstones,  the  exact  geological  horizon  of  which  has  not 
been  definitely  established.  The  drainage  of  the  sandy  members  is  excessive.  Little 
or  no  agricultural  development  has  taken  place,  except  in  the  heavier  types  which 
have  been  used  in  a  small  way  for  general  farm  crops.  The  heavier  members  are 
adapted  to.  general  farming  and  to  the  production  of  berries  and  certain  vegetables, 
while  the  sandy  types  could  probably  be  used  for  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Morrison  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Morrison  sand 

2,112 

19, 712 

3,520 

1.600 

sandy  loam 

stony  sandy  loam , 

Pennsylvania  2 

loam ." 

5  760 

stony  loam 

do*. 

2,048 

1,280 

16,960 

clay  loam 

do 

undifferentiated 

Total 

52, 992 



1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Palatine  series. — The  surface  soil  and  subsoil  of  the  Palatine  series  is  dark  brown  or 
black,  the  color  becoming  increasingly  dark  with  depth.  The  soils,  while  not  abso- 
lutely residual  in  origin,  are  so  strongly  influenced  by  the  residual  material  entering 
into  their  composition  as  to  be  characterized  by  the  dark  color  and  calcareous  nature 
of  the  rocks  which  they  directly  overlie.  The  soil  materials  are  derived  chiefly  from 
the  Utica  and  Hudson  River  shales  and  limestones.  A  small  amount  of  glacial  ma- 
terial is  mingled  with  the  debris  from  these  rocks.  The  disintegration  of  the  shales  is 
very  rapid. 


62 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  and  the  series  is  found  only  where  the  Utica  and 
Hudson  River  formations  have  been  left  practically  uncovered  by  glacial  material 
and  where  the  soils  have  been  formed  chiefly  by  postglacial  weathering.  The  soils 
are  fertile,  strong  general  farming  lands. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Palatine  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Palatine  fine  sandy  loam 

New  York  11 

1.2S0 

silt  loam 

do 

Total 

5,120 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Paris  series. — The  soils  of  the  Paris  series  are  dark  gray  to  dark  brown  and  are  usually 
/ich  in  organic  matter.  The  clay  subsoils  are  brownish  to  reddish  brown.  Drainage 
is  well  established.  These  soils  are  developed  on  nearly  flat  table-land  areas  and  in 
coves.     They  are  well  suited  to  such  general  farm  crops  as  corn  and  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Paris  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Paris  loam 

1,636 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Porters  series. — The  Porters  series  includes  the  residual  soils  of  the  Appalachian 
Mountains  derived  from  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks.  The  soils  are  analogous 
to  those  of  the  Cecil  series,  but  are  classed  separately  on  account  of  the  difference  in 
topographic  position.  They  occur  at  high  elevations  and  are  therefore  influenced 
more  or  less  by  different  climatic  and  drainage  conditions.  The  mountainous  charac- 
ter of  the  country  in  which  the  Porters  soils  are  found  renders  them  difficult  of  cultiva- 
tion. On  the  more  level  and  less  elevated  areas  wheat,  corn,  rye  and  bailey,  and 
fruit,  particularly  apples,  are  produced.  At  a  medium  elevation  and  under  suitable 
conditions  of  slope  and  exposure  fruit  is  the  principal  crop.  Cattle  raising  is  one  of 
the  most  important  industries.  The  soils  are  particularly  adapted  to  fruit  culture, 
and  this  industry  is  rapidly  extending. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Porters  series. 


Soil  name. 


Porters  sand 

sandy  loam 

One  mi'iy  loam. 

loam 

.  loam 

black  loam 

•  •lay  loam 




UIl' 




State  or  area.1 


orth  Carolina  2,  13,  14,  L8;  South  Carolina 3;  Virginia! 

•  orth  Carolina 2.  13, 14,  is,  27;  South  Carolina  3;  Virginia 3.. 
1  larolina  13 , 

'  arolina  2,  13,  27;  South  Carolina  13 

orth  Carolina  1, 14, 26;  Pennsylvania  1 

Una  2.  13,  L4,  18,  27;  Virginia  1,8 

South  Carolina  13 

I  arolina  2,  13,  14,  18,  27;  Penn  lylvania  l.  South  Carolina 
l;Virginia  L,8,  7;  W<  il  Virgin!  . 
plvanlalfi 


Acres. 


210,710 
398,306 

24,  L28 
436, 100 

SI, 734 
193,650 

26,433 
292,509 

37,824 


1,702,352 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  seep.  733. 


Talku  ilfi  oi  the  Talladega  scries  are  grayish  brown  to  Light  brown. 

]  re  I  and  b  ive  a  greasy  feel.    The  scries  is  typically  developed  in  Hie 

sou t  hem  \|)p  klachian  Blountains.  generally  occupying  strongly  rolling  to  mountainous 
count]  are  derived   from   metamorphic  rocks,   principally  micaceous 

schists.     Large  areas  oi  the  Talladega  loils  are  besl  suited  to  forestry  and  pasturage. 
The  smooi  moderate  results  with  corn,  forage  crops,  and  cotton.    Tne 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


63 


soils  are  probably  stronger  than  those  of  the  Chandler  series,  from  which  they  differ 
physically  chiefly  in  the  red  color  of  their  subsoils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Talladega  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Talladega  loam South  Carolina  13 ;  Virginia  9. 

stony  loam Alabama  35 . 

gravelly  loam. . 
slate  loam 


Total. 


Virginia 
Alabama 


,35. 


42, 752 

15,552 

2,752 

115,584 


176,640 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

E$  Upshur  series. — In  the  Upshur  series  both  soils  and  subsoils  are  Indian  red.  Some 
types  have  a  grayish  to  grayish-red  color  in  the  surface  soils.  These  soils  are  closely* 
associated  in  occurrence  with  the  Dekalb.  They  are  derived  from  Indian-red  sand- 
stone and  shales,  frequently  of  calcareous  nature.  They  occupy  strongly  rolling  to 
mountainous  country,  and  the  drainage  is  well  established.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  generally  more  productive  than  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Dekalb  series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Upshur  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Upshur  sandy  loam 

stony  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam... 

loam 

stony  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 

undifferentiated . . 


Alabama  4, 16 

Pennsylvania  2,  8 

Arkansas  2 

Alabama  21;  Arkansas  2;  Pennsylvania  5,  8 

Alabama  21;  Arkansas  2;  Pennsylvania  2,5,8 

Pennsylvania  2 

Virginia  9;  West  Virginia  1 

West  Virginia  7 

New  York  9, 14;  Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  1,4,6,7,8,9, 10. 
Pennsylvania  13, 14, 15, 16 


8,896 

12,288 

17  472 

20,288 

159,744 

70,656 

4,672 

20,288 

256,000 

390,912 


Total. 


961,216 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Warren  series. — The  Warren  soils  are  of  gray  color  and  the  subsoils  light  to  dark 
gray.  The  material  is  residual  and  is  derived  from  the  Conewango  formation,  which 
consists  principally  of  gray  or  slate-colored  shales  and  thin-bedded  fine-grained  sand- 
stones overlain  by  yellowish-brown  sandstones,  shales,  and  conglomerates  similar  to 
those  from  which  the  Dekalb  soils  are  derived.  The  soils  are  adapted  to  general  farm- 
ing purposes.     Potatoes  and  other  vegetables  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Warren  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Warren  undifferentiated 

Pennsylvania  14 

85,120 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Westmoreland  series. — The  Westmoreland  series  is  marked  by  the  grayish-brown  to 
yellowish-brown  color  and  mellow  structure  of  the  surface  soils  and  the  yellowish- 
brown  to  yellow  color  and  friable  structure  of  the  subsoils.  The  soils  are  derived  from 
shales  and  sandstones  with  interbedded  limestones  and  calcareous  shales.  Although 
the  shales  and  sandstones  predominate,  there  is  sufficient  limestone  present  to  make 
these  soils  much  more  productive  than  pure  sandstone  and  shale  soils.  Usually  the 
parent  rocks  are  so  interstratificd  that  the  resultant  soils  are  rath<-r  i  <>us  in 

character.     In  some  places  the  different  rocks  give  rise  separately  to  definite  soil 


64 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


types,  as  the  Dekalb  or  Brooke,  but  the  areas  of  these  are  usually  so  small  that  separa- 
tion is  impracticable.  The  topography  ranges  from  gently  sloping  to  quite  rolling  or 
steep,  many  areas  being  so  steep  that  plowing  can  not  be  safely  carried  on.  The 
drainage  is  mainly  good,  and  the  soils  generally  retain  moisture  sufficiently  to  meet  the 
requirements  of  crops  even  in  dry  spells.  These  soils  are  very  productive,  being  par- 
ticularly adapted  to  corn,  oats,  wheat,  grass,  potatoes,  apples,  peaches,  plums,  cher- 
ries, berries,  and  a  number  of  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Westmoreland  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Westmoreland  fine  sandy  loam. 

stony  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam. . 
undifferentiated 


Pennsylvania  18 960 

do 832 

Pennsylvania  2,  IS 492, 544 

West  Virginia  1,5 166, 080 

Pennsylvania  16 1,911,168 


Total. 


2,571,584 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND   THEIR   USE. 


SAND    GROUP. 

The  sand  group  is  not  developed  extensively  in  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and 
Plateau  province,  but  it  includes  some  moderately  large  areas,  especially  in  the 
plateaus  and  the  southern  Appalachian  Mountains.  These  soils  are  derived  largely 
from  highly  siliceous  sandstone,  carrying  a  small  amount  of  fine  grains.  Owing  to 
their  coarse  texture  and  open  structure  the  soils  are  droughty  and  of  low  agricultural 
value.  They  have  not  been  cultivated  to  any  considerable  extent,  and  where  used 
the  yields  have  not  been  satisf actor)'.  With  heavy  manuring  vegetables  could  prob- 
ably be  grown  with  profit  in  localities  close  to  large  cities.  They  are  best  adapted  to 
the  production  of  fruit,  particularly  peaches  and  grapes. 

The  Porters  sand  has  been  mapped  in  large  areas  m  the  southern  Blue  Ridge,  and 
is  the  most  productive  member  of  the  group  so  far  encountered.  There  is  a  fairly 
large  area  of  the  Dekalb  sand  in  the  plateaus  and  the  Appalachian  ridge  region,  but 
it  has  been  mapped  so  far  only  in  small  bodies.  It  is  an  unproductive  soil  naturally, 
and  has  been  used  but  little.  The  Morrison  sand,  with  a  patchy  local  development 
on  some  of  the  lower  ridges  and  knolls  of  the  Pennsylvania  Valley  region,  is  also  an 
unproductive  soil  of  little  importance. 

•  ilb  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  pale-yellow  medium  sand,  underlain  at 
a  depth  of  about  5  inches  by  slightly  neavier  and  more  compact  yellow  to  reddish- 
yellow  sand.  The  Immediate  surface  in  forested  areas  is  usually  dark  colored  on 
account  of  the  presence  of  organic  matter.  This  soil  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling 
tops  of  high  ridges  and  plateaus.  It  is  derived  from  sandstones  and  sandstone  con- 
glomerate.     Forestry  is  file  beet  use  to  which  the  type  can  be  put. 

Morrison  sand. — The;  soil  to  about  6  inches  is  a  Loose,  incoherent  gray  sand,  containing 

organic  matter.    The  Bubsoil  to  36  inches  in  depth  is  a  Loose,  incoherent  yellow 

sand  or  sandy  loam.    Small  sandstone  fragments  arc  scattered  on  the  Burface.    The 

type  occupies  the  tops  of  knolls  and  ridges  in  the  "  Barrens,"  and  has  excellent  drain- 

1 1  is  derived  from  sandstone  and  supports  a  mixed  ero*  th  of  chestnut,  jackpine, 

rub  oak.    The  soil  is  not  in  cultivation  and  should  be  left  in  forest,  owing  to  its 

low  productivity. 

md.  -The  payisfa  yellow  sand  about  L0  inches  in  depth,  overlying 

sand  01  Loamy  sand  and  mass  s  of  broken  rock.     Fragments  of  rock  and  buge  bowlders 

red  over  the  surface.    The  type  occupies  mountain  slopes,     it  is  derived 

from  grani  Lmilai  rocks.  "  where  I  he  slopes  are  qo1  steep  the  soil  is  used 

to  so;,  aeral  farming.     It.  is  adapted  to  peaches  and  grapes. 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PROVINCE.  65 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

North  Carolina  2,  13,  14,  18; 
South  Carolina  3;  Virginia 

Kentucky  4;  Pennsylvania  5. 
Pennsylvania  2,  5,  8 

216,710 

20,480 
2,112 

Total 

239,302 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
STONY   SAND   PHASE. 

The  stony  sands  of  the  Appalachian  province  differ  from  the  sand  type  principally 
in  their  prevailing  rougher  topography,  and  in  the  presence  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of  i 
rock  fragments  to  interfere  with  cultivation.     Only  one  type,  the  Dekalb  stony  sand, 
has  been  mapped.     Some  areas  of  this  soil  have  been  farmed  with  only  a  fair  degree  of 
success.     Most  of  the  stony  sands  of  the  province  have  a  low  agricultural  value. 

Dekalb  stony  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  light-gray  to  pale-yellow  medium  sand  to 
loamy  sand,  but  the  immediate  surface  is  dark  colored,  owing  to  the  presence  of  organic 
matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  to  reddish-yellow  slightly  loamy  sand .  The  average 
depth  of  the  soil  is  about  5  inches,  but  there  is  do  distinct  line  of  demarcation  between 
soil  and  subsoil.  Fragments  of  weathered  sandstone  conglomerate  occur  in  both  soil 
and  subsoil  and  here  and  there  ledges  of  these  rocks  outcrop.  The  land  must  be 
cleared  of  rocks  before  cultivation  can  be  undertaken.  The  type  occupies  mountains 
and  high  plateaus  and  is  derived  from  sandstones  and  sandstone  conglomerate.  Very 
little  of  it  is  under  cultivation.  Fair  yields  of  wheat,  rye,  and  oats  are  secured.  Buck- 
wheat and  potatoes  can  be  grown  with  fair  success  with  liberal  addition  of  manure. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  stony  sand 

Pennsylvania  5 

70,016 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAMY   SAND   PHASE. 

The  loamy  sands  of  the  Appalachian  province  differ  from  the  sands  in  having  a 
higher  percentage  of  fine  particles  which  render  the  soil  more  retentive  of  moisture 
and  consequently  a  little  more  productive.  Accessible  areas  can  be  profitably  farmed, 
especially  to  vegetables,  peaches,  and  certain  varieties  of  grapes. 

Dekalb  loamy  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  loamy  sand  underlain  at 
an  average  depth  of  about  8  inches  by  pale-yellow  loamy  sand  which  usually  becomes 
coarser  in  depth,  grading  into  light  sandy  loam.  It  is  developed  on  or  near  the  crests 
of  ridges  and  is  excessively  drained.  The  type  is  derived  from  coarse-grained  sand- 
stone. Where  liberal  quantities  of  vegetable  matter  are  incorporated  with  the  soil 
and  moderate  applications  of  fertilizers  are  mad,e  fair  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye, 
and  a  number  of  vegetables  are  secured.     Peaches  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  loamy  sand 

West  Virginia  7 

148 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


:9619— 13- 


66  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  sandy  loams  are  moderately  extensive  in  scattered  areas  throughout  the  Appa- 
lachian Mountain  and  Plateau  province.  These  soils  are  derived  from  a  variety  of 
rocks,  chiefly  sandstone,  conglomerate,  quartzite,  granite,  gneiss,  and  schist.  Those 
derived  from  sandstone,  conglomerate,  and  quartzite  have  agricultural  values  which 
correspond  closely  with,  but  average  somewhat  less  productive  than,  the  Coastal 
Plain  sandy  loams  having  friable  sandy  clay  subsoils.  Those  soils  derived  from  granite, 
gneiss,  and  schist  have  about  the  same  value  as  the  related  Piedmont  types,  particu- 
larly where  the  surface  configuration  is  of  the  same  order.  A  wide  difference  in  eleva- 
tion, of  course,  influences  the  adaptations,  but  where  the  same  crops  succeed  in  these 
provinces  the  related  types  closely  correspond  in  yields.  In  northern  Alabama 
cotton  is  grown  on  the  Dekalb  sandy  loam  under  similar  conditions  of  treatment,  and 
with  about  the  same  degree  of  success,  except  for  occasional  damage  by  early  frost, 
as  upon  the  Norfolk  sandy  loam  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State.  The  Porters  soils 
are  equally  as  productive  as  the  corresponding  Cecil  types,  although  the  yields  of 
the  former  soils  over  any  considerable  area  will  average  lower  on  account  of  topo- 
graphic interference  with  tillage  operations  and  the  shorter  growing  season. 

The  sandy  loams  are  better  suited  to  the  production  of  early  vegetables  and  fruit 
than  to  the  general  farm  crops,  but  inaccessibility  to  market  restricts  the  production 
of  vegetables  and  favors  a  more  exclusive  production  of  general  farm  crops  and  fruits. 
Near  some  of  the  large  cities  where  there  is  not  a  large  area  of  land  topographically 
better  suited  to  truck  crops  to  compete  with,  vegetables  can  be  grown  profitably  on 
a  market  garden  basis.  Successful  competition  with  the  sandy  loams  of  the  Coastal 
Plain  in  the  production  of  vegetables  can  not  be  hoped  for,  both  on  account  of  the 
later  climate  and  inaccessible  location  of  the  Appalachian  soils.  The  sandy  loams 
of  this  province  have  a  compensating  advantage,  however,  in  their  better  adaptation 
to  apples, 

The  Dekalb  and  Porters  series  are  the  most  extensive  members  of  this  group.  The 
other  types  encountered  occur  only  in  small,  scattered  areas,  and,  although  of  some 
local  importance,  they  probably  will  not  be  found  in  sufficient  extent  to  constitute 
important  types.  The  Porters  sandy  loam  is  a  much  stronger  soil  than  the  Dekalb, 
being  better  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops,  as  well  as  to  apples. 

Berks  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  medium  to  fine,  light-brown  sandy  loam  from  6  to  8 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  rather  heavy,  medium  to  fine  Bandy 
loam,  often  containing  sufficient  silt  and  clay  to  make  it  compact.  Sandstone  and 
shale  fragments  are  often  present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
fine-grained,  flaggy  sandstone  interbedded  with  shale.  The  type  is  rolling  to  hilly, 
well  drained  and  susceptible  to  drought.  It  is  more  difficult  to  cultivate  and  less 
productive  than  the  Berks  shale  loam  and  Berks  silt  loam.  Corn,  oats,  wheat,  rye, 
and  a  few  potatoes  are  grown,  but  the  soil  is  not  especially  adapted  to  any  of 
these  crops  and  yields  are  not  very  satisfactory.  It  can  be  used  with  iair  success  for 
pasture. 

Dekalb  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  brown  light  sandy  loam  to  sandy 
loam  from  9  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  slightly  sticky 
Bandy  loam.  The  type  is  residual  in  origin,  derived  largely  from  sandstone,  and 
0CCUT8  in  rather  level  areas.  Occasionally  broken  sandstone  lies  directly  under  the 
surface  soil.  The  typo  i-  easily  cultivated  and  responds  readily  to  fertilizers,  hut  it  is 
not  very  productive.  Some  wheat  is  grown,  but  the  average  yield  is  not  men1  than  7 
bushels  per  acre.  The  yield  of  corn  rarely  exceeds  |.">  to  L'O  bushels,  while  cotton  gives 
from  200  to  350  pounds  of  lint  per  acre.  This  soil  is  adapted  to  vegetables,  apples, 
and  peaches. 

Morrison  sandy  loam. — The  soil  LB  a  gray  to  yellow  Bandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep, 

underlain  by  ;i  yellow  subsoil  which  .becomes  heavier  with  depth  until  at  about  36 

inches  it  passes  Into  a  heavy  loam  or  clay  loam.    Sandstone  fragments  are  usually 

•it.    The  type  occupies  dopes  and  ridges  in  the  "  Barrens M  and  has  excellent 

drainage.     The     oil    fa  derived    from    the   weathering  of  sandstone.     Chestnut,   pine, 

ami  oak,  with  considerable  underbrush,  constitute  the  principal  vegetation.    H  is 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops  and  is  particularly  suited  to  trues  and  bruit. 

Porter*  Bandy  loam.  The  soil  consists  ol  b  erayish-yello'w  sandy  loam,  from  (i  to  15 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  red  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  frag- 
ments of  quartz  and  other  rocks.    The  type  occupies  mountainous  land  and  is  ox 

re  idual  Origin,  being  derived  from  igneOUS  rocks.      Wheat,  corn,  oats,  rye,  potatoes, 

and  fruit  are  the  prmcipal  crops. 

Upshur  sandy  loam.  The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  l<>  inches  is  a  gray  to  reddish-gray 
medium  Bandy  loam.  This  is  underlain  by  a  deep-brown  to  red  sandy  clay.  The 
Surface  of  the' type  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  hilly  ami  nigged,  and  sometimes  on 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU   PROVINCE. 


67 


the  steeper  slopes  rock  fragments  occur.  The  natural  drainage  is  good.  The  soil 
is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  brown  and  red  sandstones.  The  original  timber 
growth  is  oak,  hickory,  and  pine.  When  well  cultivated  good  crops  of  cotton,  corn, 
and  wheat  are  produced.  The  type  is  suited  also  to  vegetables,  orchard  fruits,  and 
small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Dekalb  sandy  loam . . 

Porters  sandy  loam . . 
Morrison  sandy  loam. 

Berks  sandy  loam 

Upshur  sandy  loam . . 


Alabama  4,  6,  15,  16;  Ohio  6;  Pennsylvania  10;  Tennessee  10, 

11:  'A  est  Virginia  8,  10. 
North  Carolina  2, 13, 14, 18,27;  South  Carolina  3;  Virginia  3  .... 

Pennsylvania  5,8 

Pennsylvania  3 

Alabama  4,  16 


Total. 


565,844 

392,305 
19,712 
10,560 
8,896 


998,317 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   SANDY  LOAM  PHASE. 


The  stony  sandy  loams  of  the  province  merely  represent  areas  of  sandy  loam  which 
carry  enough  rock  fragments  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  These  generally  occupy 
much  rougher  country  than  the  sandy  loams.  On  account  of  the  unfavorable  char- 
acter of  the  surface  and  the  obstruction  offered  to  cultivation  by  the  rocks  present, 
the  stony  sandy  loams  have  a  low  agricultural  value.  The  areas  so  far  encountered 
are  best  suited  either  to  forestry  or  the  growing  of  fruit. 

Dekalb  stony  sandy  loam.— The  soil  is  a  loose-structured,  gray  to  dark-gray  sandy 
loam,  7  or  8  inches  in  depth.  This  is  underlain  by  a  yellowish,  slightly  sticky  light 
sandy  loam.  The  soil  in  forested  areas  contains  considerable  organic  matter.  The 
texture  is  such  as  to  permit  rapid  leaching  of  fertilizers.  Quartz  gravel  and  fragments 
of  sandstone  and  conglomerate  are  usually  present  in  sufficient  quantities  to  interfere 
with  cultivation.  The  type  occupies  plateau  lands  and  the  crests  of  mountains, 
and  has  excellent  drainage.  It  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  sandstone,  the 
incomplete  disintegration  of  which  has  given  rise  to  the  stony  character  of  the  soil. 
Chestnut  is  the  principal  growth.  Little  of  the  type  is  in  cultivation.  Much  of  it 
is  best  suited  to  forestry. 

Morrison  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inche*  consists  of  a  loamy 
sand  to  light  sandy  loam,  dark  gray  in  the  immediate  surface  soil  and  yellow  below. 
The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  light  sandy  loam  to  sandy  loam,  sometimes  tinged  with  reddish. 
Fragments  of  sandstone  occur  on  the  surface  and  frequently  throughout  the  soil  sec- 
tion. The  topography  is  rolling  to  rough,  and  the  natural  drainage  rather  excessive. 
Most  of  the  type  is  timbered  with  hardwoods.  It  is  possible  that  in  places  the  type 
could  be  utilized  profitably  for  fruit  and  vegetables. 

Upshur  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  8  or  10  inches  is  a  reddish-gray  sandy  loam. 
This  becomes  sandier  and  redder  with  depth  until  at  about  36  inches  it  grades  into 
a  rather  loose-structured  Indian -red  sandy  loam.  Sandstone  fragments  and  bowlders 
are  numerous  on  the  surface.  The  type  occurs  as  high  terraces  along  the  sides  of 
mountains  and  has  excellent  drainage.  It  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the 
red  and  gray  sandstones  of  the  Medina  group.  The  soil  it  largely  forested  and  sup- 
ports a  fair  growth  of  chestnut  and  oaks.     It  is  of  low  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  stony  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Dekalb  stony  sandy  loam . . 
Upshur  stony  sandy  loam.. 
Morrison  stony  sandy  loam. 


Alabama  28;  Pennsylvania  2,  8. 

Pennsylvania  2,  8 

Pennsylvania  2 


Total. 


72, 704 
12,288 
3,520 


88,512 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


68  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

FIXE  SANDY  LOAM  GROUP. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  of  this  province  are  developed  in  rather  close  association 
with  the  sandy  loams;  but  the  area  occupied  by  the  former,  according  to  the  sur- 
veys so  far  made,  is  considerably  smaller.  The  fine  sandy  loams  are  derived  from 
finer  grained  sandstone,  quartzite,  granite,  gneiss,  and  schist  than  those  giving  rise 
to  the  sandy  loams.  The  corresponding  members  of  the  several  series  are  practi- 
cally identical  in  physical  characteristics  with  the  sandy  loams  except  for  their 
finer  texture.  This  difference,  however,  is  sufficient  to  make  the  soils  of  the  fine 
sandy-loam  group  more  retentive  of  moisture,  and  consequently  more  productive 
than  their  coarser  relatives. 

The  general  farm  crops,  especially  corn  and  the  small  grains,  give  heavier  returns 
than  on  the  corresponding  sandy-loam  types.  The  crop  values  of  those  types 
derived  from  sandstone  and  quartzite  are  very  nearly  the  same,  as  in  case  of  the 
well-drained  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  having  friable 
sandy-clay  subsoils.  The  types  derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  schist,  and  other 
crystalline  rocks  correspond  closely  in  crop  values  with  the  related  Piedmont  soils. 

A  number  of  vegetables,  such  as  tomatoes,  cabbage,  and"  potatoes,  can  be  success- 
fully grown,  although  the  production  of  these  on  a  commercial  basis  is  limited  to 
favorable  localities  in  the  vicinity  of  the  larger  cities.  In  the  production  of  vege- 
tables the  fine  sandy  loams  can  not  compete  with  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Coastal 
Plain,  nor  even  of  the  Piedmont,  both  on  account  of  the  later  maturity  of  the  crops 
resulting  from  the  cooler  climate  and  on  account  of  the  inaccessibility  of  the  land. 
Certain  varieties  of  grapes  and  apples  give  fair  to  good  returns.  As  a  whole,  this 
group  can  be  used  most  profitably  in  the  production  of  fruit,  the  general  farm  crops 
suited  to  the  climate,  and  to  a  few  vegetables. 

The  Dekalb  and  Porters  types  are  the  most  extensive  representatives  of  the  fine 
sandy  loam  group.  The  Porters  fine  sandy  loam  is  considerably  more  productive 
than  the  corresponding  Dekalb  type,  but  it  is  less  extensive.  The  other  fine  sandy 
loams  have  a  local  distribution,  and  on  account  of  their  inextensive  area  are  of  little 
importance. 

Allen  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  from 
6  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  reddish-brown  to  red,  compact,  heavy,  fine  sandy 
loam.  Rounded  sandstone  fragments  occur  on  the  surface  and  occasionally  are 
encountered  in  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  level  to  sloping  situations  about  the 
mouths  of  gorges.  The  soil  consists  of  Decatur  material  mixed  with  Dekalb  mate- 
rial washed  from  higher  lands.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Cotton,  corn,  oats, 
cowpeas,  and  sorghum  give  good  results. 

Dekalb  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine,  compact  sandy  loam  from  S  to  12  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  similar  material,  which  becomes  more  loamy  as  the 
depth  increases.  The  type  is  derived  from  sandstone.  The  soil  is  naturally  not 
productive  and  small  crops  are  obtained  unless  it  is  heavily  fertilised.  With  proper 
cultivation  it  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  fruit  and  truck.  The  principal  timber  is 
chestnut  and  oak. 

Fayetleville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  gray  to  reddish- 
gray  fine  sand  with  varying  amounts  of  silt.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  To  reddish-gray 
fine  sandy  clay  and  extends  to  great  depths.  A  small  amount  of  fine  gravel  is  of 
frequent  occurrence,  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  during  years  of 
average  seasonal  conditions  the  drainage  is  sufficient.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
fine  gray  sandstones,  such  as  the  Millstone  jril  formation,  which  have  a  siliceous 
cement.  Oaks  and  hickory  constitute  the  Dative  vegetation.  The  crops  generally 
grown  are  corn  and  cotton;  but  it  is  an  excellenl  (ruck  soil,  ami  profitable  crops  of 
peanuts,  cowpeas,  and  potatoes  could  be  secured. 

J/u/tceville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  Lrra\  i-h  or  reddish  hue  Bandy 
loam  6  or  8  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  reddish  to  bright-red  or  brick-red  heavy 
line   Bandy    loam    or  sandy  clay.     The   type   IS  developed    in   connection    with    the 

Dekalb  soils  on  the  Appalachian, plateaus  and  ridges  and  is  derived  from  the  Coal 
andstone.  Tne  high  coloring  of  the  subsoil  seems  i"  be  due  to  the  pres- 
ence of  Iron  salts  doI  usually  manifest  in  the  original  coloring  of  the  parent  rock. 
The  topography  is  undulating  t<»  rolling  and  hilly.  The  type  is  adapted  to  general 
farming  and  to  fruit. 

Morrison  Ji in:  BOfidy  lonm.     The  soil  is  a  gray,  loose,  incoherent  line  sandy  loam  to 

ad  seldom  over  n'  inches  dee]).    Tne  subsoil  to  :;i;  inches  is  a  light-yellow, 

ina  herent,  loamy  line  sand  to  light  lino  sandy  loam,  containing  considerable 
Band  of  all  grades.  Quartz  gravel  occurs  on  the  surface  and  throughout,  the  soil  and 
Subsoil.  Fragments  of  sandstone  ami  conglomerate  also  appear  on  the  surface.  The 
type  occupies  gently  sloping  to  steep  hill-ides  and  has  excellent  drainage.     It  is 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU  PKOVINCE. 


69 


derived  from  Oriskany  sandstone.  The  original  growth  is  oak  and  chestnut.  The 
soil  is  not  suited  to  general  farming  on  account  of  its  inability  to  hold  fertilizers  and 
lime;  but  it  is  used  for  wheat,  corn,  oats,  and  gardening  with  moderate  success. 

Palatine  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  is  a  dark-brown  to  black 
fine  sandy  loam.  From  8  to  36  inches  it  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  fine  sandy 
loam.  Bedrock  is  usually  encountered  at  a  depth  of  26  to  48  inches.  The  type  is 
rolling  to  hilly  with  good  natural  drainage,  and  is  suited  to  the  production  of  corn, 
clover,  and  grass.  Alfalfa  is  successfully  grown.  The  soil  also  produces  good  yields 
of  potatoes  and  root  crops. 

Porters  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  yellowish  fine  sandy  loam  from  6  to 
12  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a  yellowish-brown,  heavy  fine  sandy 
loam  to  a  light,  fine-textured  sandy  clay,  and  at  depths  of  from  30  to  60  inches  it 
grades  into  the  parent  rock.  Eroded  areas  are  frequent  where  the  rock  lies  close  to 
the  surface.  There  are  many  small,  sheltered  coves  where  the  soil  is  deeper  and 
darker.  The  surface  is  rough  and  mountainous  and  drainage  is  excessive.  The 
material  is  derived  principally  from  the  weathering  of  granite  and  gneiss.  The  type 
is  forested  with  scrubby  oak,  pine,  and  chestnut  on  the  ridges,  while  in  the  sheltered 
coves  and  on  smoother  slopes  mountain  laurel  and  rhododendron  often  form  a  dense 
undergrowth.  Practically  none  of  this  soil  is  in  cultivation,  and  it  should  remain 
in  forest. 

Upshur  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy  loam 
from  8  to  15  inches  deep.  The  texture  ranges  from  heavy  to  light  fine  sandy  loam, 
but  occasional  small  areas  of  loamy  fine  sand  are  found.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a 
medium  clay  loam  or  a  stiff  fine  sandy  clay  of  an  Indian-red  or  mottled  reddish-brown 
and  grayish  color,  but  sometimes  such  material  is  separated  from  the  surface  soil  by 
a  layer  of  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  which  grades  into  the  typical  subsoil  at  depths 
ranging  from  20  to  30  inches.  Over  small  areas  a  crust  or  hardpan  cemented  with 
iron  salts  has  been  formed  in  the  lower  part  of  the  surface  soil.  In  general  the  type 
occupies  moderately  rolling  land,  but  it  sometimes  occurs  in  scattered  areas  on  both 
steep  slopes  and  plateaus.  The  soil  is  derived  from  fine-grained,  brown,  yellow,  or 
gray  sandstone  associated  usually  with  red  sandstone  and  shale.  The  surface  drain- 
age is  generally  well  established.  The  type,  except  in  areas  having  a  hardpan,  is 
adapted  to  apples,  peaches,  and  small  fruits.  Fair  yields  of  general  farm  crops  are 
obtained. 

Westmoreland  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy 
loam  averaging  about  8  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter  colored,  heavy  fine 
sandy  loam  to  fine  sandy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam.  The  type  mainly  occupies 
high  plateau  areas  where  the  drainage  is  good  to  excessive.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
fine-grained  micaceous  sandstone  and  is  influenced  to  a  variable  degree  by  material 
from  the  associated  limestones.  It  is  a  good  general  farm  soil,  producing  from  25  to 
50-  bushels  of  corn  per  acre,  20  to  40  bushels  of  oats,  and  10  to  15  bushels  of  wheat. 
Grass  gives  only  moderate  yields.    Vegetables  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  fine  sandy  loam 

Hanceville  fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  3, 4, 11, 15, 20. 21, 26, 28, 37;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky  2, 4: 

Missouri  22;  Pennsylvania  2,  5,  6;  Virginia  9. 
Alabama  3, 28, 37 

909,504 
32,128 

Porters  fine  sandy  loam 

24, 128 
17.472 

Upshur  fine  sandy  loam 

Arkansas  2 

Fayetteville  fine  sandv  loam. . 

Arkansas  1 

17,216 

Morrison  fine  sandy  loam 

Pennsylvania  8 

1,600 

Allen  fine  sandy  loam 

Georgia  18 

1,408 

Palatine  fine  sandy  loam 

New  York  11 

1.280 

Westmoreland  fine  sandy  loam 

Pennsylvania  18 

960 

Total. 

1,005,696 

■ 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAM    GROUP. 


The  loams  are  the  most  extensive  group  of  soils  mapped  in  the  Appalachian  Moun- 
tain and  Plateau  province,  but  in  all  probability  it  will  be  found  by  a  complete  survey 
of  the  region  that  the  silt  loams  occupy  a  nearly  equal  extent.  The  members  of  this 
group  are  derived  from  the  shales,  fine-textured  sandstones,  and  medium  to  fine- 


70  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

textured  granites,  gneisses,  shists,  and  other  crystalline  rocks.  While  in  most  cases 
the  texture  of  these  soils  is  directly  due  to  the  character  of  the  underlying  rock,  there 
are  considerable  areas,  particularly  in  the  Blue  Ridge  portion  of  the  Appalachian 
Mountains,  where  the  surface  texture  is  more  or  less  due  to  erosional  processes,  espe- 
cially to  the  washing  away  of  the  original  sandy  surface  soil  material  with  resultant 
exposure  at  the  surface  of  heavier  material,  and  to  the  colluvial  mixing  of  the  finer 
and  coarser  materials  along  slopes. 

The  loams  of  this  province  are  generally  well  suited  to  the  production  of  apples, 
peaches,  and  grapes,  some  types  being  particularly  adapted  to  certain  varieties  of 
these  fruits.  Where  the  surface  configuration  is  favorable  the  loams  also  give  good 
yields  with  the  general  farm  crops,  including  corn,  oats,  wheat,  rye,  barley,  buck- 
wheat, and  grass.  The  heavy  texture  of  this  group  with  the  cool  climate  virtually 
preclude  the  production  of  most  vegetables  on  anything  like  a  commercial  basis. 
Cabbage,  tomatoes,  turnips,  and  Irish  potatoes  can  be  successfully  grown  for  the  fall 
trade  in  large  areas,  but  the  early  maturing  truck  crops  generally  fail  to  produce 
profitable  returns  in  early  markets.  Much  of  the  land  occupied  by*  these  soils  which 
is  topographically  unsuited  to  cultivation  can  be  profitably  used  for  grazing. 

Heavier  stock  and  implements  are  required  to  cultivate  this  grade  of  land  than  are 
necessary  on  the  lighter  textured  soils.  Also,  inasmuch  as  the  loams  are  more  sus- 
ceptible to  erosion  than  the  sandy  loams,  greater  care  is  required  to  prevent  ruinous 
soil^washing.  The  steeper  slopes  should  not  be  plowed  at  all,  but  seeded  and  culti- 
vated with  hand  implements  and  utilized  either  for  pasturage  or  for  fruit  trees. 

The  Porters  loam  is  by  far  the  most  extensive  type  so  far  mapped.  It  is  confined 
to^the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  central  portion  of  the  southern  Blue  Ridge  belt.  It  is  an 
excellent  apple  soil,  and  where  the  topography  is  favorable  gives  good  results  with 
corn,  small  grains,  and  grass.  Cabbage  also  can  be  successfully  produced.  The 
Dekalb  loam  has  a  fairly  extensive  area  in  the  valley  mountains  and  ridges  and  the 
plateaus.  It  is  much  less  productive  than  the  Porters  loam,  but  gives  fair  returns 
with  corn  and  small  grain.  The  other  types  mapped  occupy  rather  small  areas, 
some  of  them  being  local  in  distribution. 

Chandler  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  a  grayish  loam  underlain  by 
a  yellow  to  reddish-yellow  loam,  becoming  heavier  and  redder  with  depth.  Sand- 
stone and  quartz  fragments  occur  on  the  surface  and  through  the  soil.  The  surface 
is  hilly  to  rolling  and  drainage  is  good.     It  is  derived  from  micaceous  rocks. 

Conasauga  loam. — This  is  a  light-brown  silty  loam  underlain  at  12  to  15  inches  by 
yellow  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  The  type  occupies  flat  and  gently  rolling  valley 
lands,  and  is  derived  chiefly  from  interbeaded  shales  and  fine-grained  sandstone, 
with  occasional  layers  of  limestone.  It  gives  fair  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  wheat, 
and  forage  crops.     Grass  does  well. 

Dekalb  loam.— The  soil  is  a  fine-textured  loam  of  light-brown  or  yellowish  color  from 
10  to  15  inches  deep.  The  texture  becomes  heavier  as  the  depth  increases,  and  the 
material  grades  finally  into  a  light-yellow  silty  clay  or  clay  subsoil,  often  mottled  with 
gray  or  drab,  which  extends  to  a,  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  subsoil  often  rests  upon 
a  mass  of  partially  disintegrated  sandstone,  beneath  which  bedrock  is  found.  Sand- 
stone fragments  are  usually  scattered  over  the  surface  and  some  iron  concretions  also 
occur.  The  type  occupies  slopes  and  ridges.  The  topography  varies  from  deeply 
dissected  to  broad  and  gently  rolling.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  and  In  some  situations 
is  subject  to  erosion.  This  is  a  residual  soil  derived  from  very  fine  grained  sandstone 
and  shales.  It  is  an  excellent  type  for  general  farm  crops,  potatoes  and  other  vege- 
tables, melons,  small  fruits,  and  tobacco.  Corn  yields  from  35  to  GO  bushels,  hay  from 
1  to  1$  tons,  oats  from  35  to  50  bushels,  and  wheat  about  15  bushels  per  acre, 

Fayetteville  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  mainly  silt,  with  some  line  sand.  Its  color  is 
yellow  to  reddish  yellow.  The  subsoil  consists  largely  of  yellow  and  mottled  yellow 
and  red  silty  clay,  which  usually  is  underlain  by  decomposed  shale.  The  surface  is 
gently  rolling  and  only   in  depressed  areas  is  drainage  deficient.     The  soil  shows  a 

tendency  toward  baking  and  consequently  water  movement  is  slow.     It  is  a  residual 

soil   from   Bhalefl  "f  the  Coal   Measures.     Japan  clover  flourishes  nearly  everywhere. 

Most  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  to  corn  and  cotton,  although  potatoes,  cabbage, 
and  strawberries  could  be  grown  successfully.  Alfalfa  and  cowpeascan  also  be  grown 
if  lime  is  applied. 

Hand i  illr  loam.  To  B  depth  of  about  8  inches  the  soil  is  a  dark  reddish  brown  loam, 
while  the  subsoil  isusuallj  b  brick  red  silty  clay.  The  type  is  derived  from,  sandstones 
and  shales  of  Carboniferous  age.  which,  while  not  noticeably  red,  form  soils  of  much 

deeper  coloring  lh:m  the  yellow  LSh  Dekalb  soils  \\  ith  which  they  are  closely  associated. 

The  t  j  pe,  however,  does  aol  possess  the  dull  Indian  red  coloring  of  the  Upshur  series. 
The  Hanceville  loam  ordinarily  occurs  as  small  areas  often  of  only  a  few  acres.  It  is 
more  productive  than  the  Dekalb  loam.  Good  yields  of  the  ordinary  farm  crops  and  of 
fruit  are  secured  with  proper  management.  * 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PKOVINCE. 


71 


Morrison  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  or  10  inches  consists  of  a  heavy  loam.  The 
subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow  clay  loam  to  clay.  Sandstone  fragments  occur  in  the  type. 
This  soil  occupies  rolling  land  in  the  '  'Barrens. "  It  gives  good  yields  of  general  farm 
crops.     Berries  and  truck  crops  would  probably  do  well. 

Paris  loam. — This  type  consists  of  about  10  inches  of  a  dark-brown  to  dark-gray  loam, 
underlain  by  a  brownish  to  reddish-brown  clay  which  grades  at  about  20  inches  into  a 
heavy  reddish  to  reddish-brown  clay.  Numerous  high  bowlders  or  ledges  of  rock  out- 
crop irregularly.  The  soil  is  encountered  on  the  crests  and  upper  slopes  of  mountains. 
Drainage  is  good,  and  crop  yields,  particularly  corn,  are  highly  remunerative. 

Porters  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-red  or  gray  loam  from  6  to  15  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  red  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  fragments  of  quartz  and 
other  rocks.  The  type  occupies  mountain  or  high  rolling  lands.  It  is  derived  from 
metam orphic  and  igneous  rocks,  such  as  granite  and  gneiss. 

Talladega  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  yellowish-brown  loam  8  to  12  inches 
deep,  containing  a  small  percentage  of  sand  and  some  small  fragments  of  rock.  The 
subsoil  is  a  yellowish-red  to  red  clay  loam  grading  into  a  heavy  red  clay  containing 
small  angular  gravel  and  some  sand.  The  material  has  a  slick,  greasy  feel.  The 
topography  ranges  from  hilly  to  gently  rolling,  and  drainage  is  good  at  all  times. 
The  soil  is  derived  chiefly  from  mica  and  talcose  schists,  and  contains  quartz  and 
schist  fragments.  It  is  cultivated  principally  to  corn  and  wheat.  Oats  and  grasses  are 
grown  for  forage  crops. 

Upshur  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  8  inches  of  loam,  varying  from  brown  to 
dark  Indian  red  in  color.  The  subsoil  is  a  clay  loam  to  heavy  clay,  usually  of  a  reddish- 
brown  to  a  deep  Indian-red  color.  The  surface  varies  from  flat  to  gently  rolling  or 
occasionally  hilly.  The  type  is  derived  from  fine-grained,  red  shaly  sandstone  and 
shales.  It  is  naturally  well  drained.  The  soil  is  productive  and  is  adapted  to  cotton, 
corn,  and  forage  crops.  Vegetables,  orchard  fruits,  and  small  fruits  do  well  on  the 
lighter  and  higher  lying  areas  of  the  type. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Porters  loam . 
Dekalb  loam. 


Fayettevilleloam. 
Talladega  loam... 

Upshur  loam 

Morrison  loam 

Hanceville  loam... 
Conasauga  loam. . . 

Paris  loam 

Chandler  loam 

Total 


North  Carolina  2,  13,  27;  South  Carolina  13 

Alabama  6,  11;  Kentucky  2;  Pennsylvania  2,  3,  5,  6, 
Virginia  4,  9,  10. 

Arkansas  1 

South  Carolina  13;  Virginia  9 

Alabama  21;  Arkansas  2;  Pennsylvania  5,8 

Pennsylvania  5 

Alabama  11,  15 

Georgia  18 

Virginia  9 

do 


West 


436, 160 
281,344 

44,352 

42,752 

20,288 

5,760 

3,776 

2,944 

1,536 

384 


839,296 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  stony  loams  occupy  an  extensive  total  area  in  the  Appalachian  province, 
considerably  over  1,000,000  acres  of  the  Dekalb  member  of  the  group  having  been 


'his  group  of  soils,  in  so  far  as  the  material  is  concerned,  is  practically  identical 
with  the  corresponding  loam  types,  but  they  differ  widely  in  agricultural  value. 
This  is  due  to  the  presence  in  the  stony  loams  of  sufficient  quantities  of  rock 
fragments  to  interfere  with  cultivation  and  to  their  rougher  topography.  The  stony 
loams  prevailingly  occupy  either  sharp  ridges  and  slopes  where  erosion  has  kept  close 
pace  with  rock  weathermg  or  sloping  areas  over  which  fragments'of  stone  have  fallen 
from  above. 

The  greater  part  of  these  soils  is  suited  only  to  the  production  of  apples,  peaches, 
grapes,  and  to  pasturage  and  forestry.  Some  of  the  smoother  areas  where  the  stones 
are  less  abundant  can  be  cleared  and  successfully  used  in  the  production  of  corn, 
small  grain,  and  occasionally  such  vegetables  as  Irish  potatoes,  caboage,  and  tomatoes. 

The  Dekalb  stony  loam  is  widely  developed  throughout  the  plateau  region,  the 
Appalachian  ridges,  and  scatteringly  in  the  western  portion  of  the  Blue  Ridge  belt. 
The  Fayetteville  stony  loam  is  an  important  type  in  the  Ozark  region,  while  the 
Upshur  member  of  the  group  has  been  encountered  over  considerable  areas  both  in 


72  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

the  plateaus  and  in  the  mountains  and  ridges  between  the  plateaus  and  the  Blue 
Ridge  belt.  The  Porters  stony  loam  has  a  moderate  development  throughout  the 
narrow  portion  of  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains  and  in  the  central  portion  of  the  broad 
southern  extension  of  this  division.  The  other  types  have  not  been  found  in  large 
bodies,  and  are  mainly  local  in  their  distribution. 

Chandler  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown,  grayish,  or  yellowish  stony  silty 
loam  to  heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  3  to  6  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  com- 
pact silt  loam  or  clay  loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth  to  about  24  inches,  where  a 
mass  of  broken  rock  is  encountered.  Large  quantities  of  rock  fragments  of  all  sizes 
occur  on  the  surface  and  through  the  soil.  The  surface  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  drainage  is 
usually  good.  The  soil  is  derived  from  micaceous  talcose  and  greenish  schists.  It 
is  generally  covered  with  oaks  and  is  of  low  productivity  when  cleared. 

Dekalb  stony  loam. — The  type  includes  a  gray  to  yellowish  sandy  loam,  6  to  10  inches 
deep,  grading  into  a  subsoil  of  slightly  heavier  texture  and  yellower  color.  In  some 
places  the  subsoil  approaches  silty  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  lame  quantities 
of  sandstone,  conglomerate,  and  shale  fragments.  Broken  masses  of  rock  frequently 
occur  directly  beneath  the  soil.  The  topography  is  rough  and  broken.  Owing  to  the 
character  of  the  surface  and  its  stony  nature,  the  soil  is  not  very  productive,  although 
where  the  clay  subsoil  prevails  and  at  least  a  part  of  the  stones  are  removed  fair  crops 
are  produced.  With  proper  location  and  elevation  the  sandy  and  sandy  loam  phases 
are  well  adapted  to  peaches.  Where  wheat  is  grown  the  soil  produces  a  small  yield 
of  bright,  heavy  grain.  The  native  growth  consists  mainly  of  chestnut  and  white 
oak,  with  some  hickory,  black  gum,  and  red  oak. 

Fayetteville  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  composed  of  various  grades  of  rock  material 
ranging  from  clay  to  good-sized  gravel  and  stones.  The  gravel  consists  largely  of  shale 
and  sandstone  fragments,  and  extends  to  great  depths.  Though  the  texture  and  struc- 
ture is  variable  over  wide  areas,  the  soil  is  usually  of  a  gray  to  reddish-gray  color  and  is 
uniformly  about  14  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  varies  from  fine  sandy  and  gravelly 
material  to  clay  and  silt.  This  is  underlain  at  depths  of  from  about  2  to  30  feet  by 
bedrock.  The  type  occurs  on  rolling  to  hilly  uplands,  and  the  drainage  is  well  estab- 
lished. It  is  a  residual  soil  derived  from  the  shales  and  more  ferruginous  members  of 
the  Millstone  grit  strata  of  the  Coal  Measures.  The  natural  vegetation  is  post  oak, 
black  oak,  and  blackjack  oak,  with  some  hickory  and  various  shrubs.  This  is  a 
promising  soil  for  apples,  peaches,  and  grapes.  The  present  crops  are  corn,  cotton, 
some  apples,  and  grapes,  which  under  existing  methods  give  but  fair  yields. 

JIanceville  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  heavy  fine  sandy 
loam  to  light  loarn  8  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  clay  loam  or  fine  sandy  loam 
of  friable  structure.  Fragments  of  red  ferruginous  sandstone  are  so  abundant  as  to 
interfere  materially  with  cultivation.  The  type  is  confined  mainly  to  slopes,  h  is 
derived  from  ferruginous  sandstone.     The  soil  is  best  suited  to  forestry  and  apples. 

Lickdale  stony  loam. — This  type  consists  of  6  inches  of  gray  to  light  yellowish  ashy 
silty  loam  to  fine  sandy  loam  underlain  by  yellow  silt  loam,  loam,  or  silty  clay  loam. 
Throughout  the  soil  profile  there  are  large  quant  Lties  of  Bandstone  fragments  of  all  sizes. 
The  type  is  derived  from  shale  and  Bandstone  and  from  debris  and  talus  which  has 
accumulated  on  mountain  slopes.  It  is  of  small  agricultural  value.  The  drainage  is 
often  poor. 

Montevallo  stony  loam. — To  a  depth  of  about  6  inches  the  interstitial  soil  consists  of 
a  light-brown,  gritty  silt  loam  or  heavy  Bandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  red- 
dish  yellow,  greasy  silty  clay  loam,  changing  to  stiff,  red  silty  clay  which  is  underlain 
at  about  -i  inches  by  a  mass  of  broken  rocks.  The  surface  is  covered  with  rock  frag- 
ments varying  from  small  shale  chips  to  blocks  of  shaly  sandstone,  or  sandstone. 
Rock  outcrops  frequently  occur.  The  type  occupies  rounded  hills  and  narrow- 
topped  ridges  wil  1)  steep  elopes  :.ri\  bag  a  rough  surface  from  which  drainage  is  excessh  e. 

il  is  residua]  from  the  degradation  of  Bandy  shales,  shaly  sandstone. 
and  probably  some  Limestone.  ;ill  of  which  are  more  or  less  ferruginous.     It  is  !, 
timbered,  and  Its  agricultural  value  is  very  low. 

Morrison  stony  loam.-  The  type  Is  ;>  reddish-yellow  heavy  sandy  loam  to  loam 
resting  upon  o  reddish  yellow  heavy  clay  loam  to  sandy  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil 
contain  large  amounts  of  iron-cemented  sandstone  fragments  of  varying  size.  On 
there  are  bo  many  -'tones  that  the  type  approaches  rough 
stony  land  in  character.  The  topography  is  sharply  rolling  to  hilly,  with  steep  slopes. 
The  soil  is  derived  from  the  sandstones  of  the  Barrens  •  region.  It  is  principally 
ed  with  chest  nut .  pine,  and  oak . 

Porters  stony  loam.  The  soil  is  a  grayish-yellow  sandy  loam  about  io  inches  deep, 
mixed  srith  fragment  s  of  sandstone  and  other  rocks.  The  subsoil  gr  ides  from  a  reddish- 
brown  clay  lo  an  to  a  st  iff  red  clay  in  lower  depths,  and  contains  some  coarse  sand  and 
a  large  quant  ity  of  rock  fragments.  The  type  occupies  rolling  valley  lands  and  gentle 
slope-  oi  mountains.    The  material  is  mainly  residual  from  crystalline  rocks,  but 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PEOVINCE. 


73 


some  areas  have  been  influenced  by  colluvial  accumulations.  The  soil  produces  good 
crops  of  wheat,  corn,  grass,  tobacco,  rye,  and  apples. 

Talladega  stony  loam. — The  type  consists  of  an  ashy-gray,  silty  fine  sandy  loam  8  to 
15  inches  deep,  immediately  underlain  by  a  dark-red  loam  to  clay  36  inches  or  more 
in  depth.  On  the  surface  and  through  the  soil  and  subsoil  large  quantities  of  quartz 
fragments  of  varying  size  occur.  There  are  enough  shale  fragments  in  the  subsoil  to 
give  a  slightly  greasy  feel.  The  type  occupies  high  hills  with  gentle  slopes,  and 
drainage  is  good  but  not  excessive.  It  is  a  residual  soil  derived  typically  from  mica- 
ceous schists.     Cotton  and  corn  give  fair  returns  on  the  smoother  areas. 

Upshur  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  from  8 
to  20  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dull-red,  reddish-brown,  or  Indian-red  fine  sandy 
clay  to  clay  loam.  From  15  to  60  per  cent  of  the  soil  mass  consists  of  fine-grained 
sandstone  or  other  rock  fragments.  These  are  found  on  the  surface  and  mingled  with 
the  surface  soil.  In  places  the  subsoil  is  entirely  free  from  rock  fragments,  while  in 
others  large  quantities  are  present.  The  type  is  moderately  to  steeply  rolling,  a  large 
part  of  it  being  found  on  lower  slopes  leading  to  higher  lying  rough  stony  land.  It  is 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  both  sandstones  and  shales.  Surface  drainage  is  rapid 
and  is  often  attended  by  injurious  washing  of  the  slopes.  Barring  the  obstruction  of 
stones,  a  large  part  of  the  type  can  be  cultivated  and  is  fairly  adapted  to  general  farm 
crops  and  tree  fruits.     The  more  stony  areas  are  best  used  for  pasturage. 

Westmoreland  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  silty  loam  to  silt  loam  about  10 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil  and  contains  a  higher  per- 
centage of  clay.  It  grades  into  a  silty  clay  loam  which  rests  upon  rock  at  about  2  to  3 
feet.  Small  sandstone  fragments  are  present  in  the  soil  in  sufficient  amounts  to  inter- 
fere with  cultivation.  The  type  occupies  the  crests  of  hills,  narrow  ridges,  and  steep 
slopes  where  erosion  is  often  destructive.  The  drainage  is  good  to  excessive.  Peaches 
give  especially  good  results,  and  where  the  surface  configuration  admits  of  proper 
cultivation  corn  yields  from  50  to  80  bushels  per  acre,  wheat  12  to  25  bushels,  oats 
20  to  40  bushels,  and  hay  1  to  2  tons.  In  dry  season  the  yields  are  considerably 
reduced. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  stony  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  stony  loam 

Alabama  6,  10,  11,  16,  20,  37:  Georgia  18;  Maryland 
Carolina  12;  Pennsylvania  1,  2, 3,  5,  6,  8,  9, 10, 11, 12 
see  4,  5,  10,  11;  Virginia  1,  7,  9;  West  Virginia  3,  5, 

7;  North 
Tennes- 
9. 

1, 298, 132 

159,744 
118,400 

Upshur  stony  loam 

Favetteville  stony  loam 

Arkansas  1 

Georgia  4;  North  Carolina  1,  14,  26;  Pennsylvania  1. 

81, 734 

15,552 
4,416 
4,032 
2,048 
1,728 
1,664 
832 

Lickclale  stony  loam 

do 

Montevallo  stonv  loam 

do 

Morrison  stony  loam 

Har.ceville  stony  loam 

Georgia  18 

Chandler  stony  loam 

Westmoreland  stony  loam .... 

Pennsylvania  18 

Total 

1,688,282 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY   LOAM   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  loams  are  unimportant  in  this  province.  They  have  been  found  only 
in  small  patches,  and  these  have  a  rather  low  agricultural  value,  both  on  account  of 
their  unfavorable  topography  and  their  intractable  character. 

Dekalb  gravelly  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  loam  or  heavy  gravelly  sandy 
loam  underlain  at  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches  by  light-yellow  gravelly  loam.  The  type 
occupies  ridges  and  hills  and  sometimes  the  intervening  depressions.  It  is  derived 
from  sandstone,  conglomerate,  and  shale.  The  drainage  is  well  established,  and  crops 
are  liable  to  suffer  in  dry  seasons  from  lack  of  moisture.  The  type  gives  low  yields  of 
the  general  farm  crops. 

Talladega  gravelly  loam. — This  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  loam  containing  a  high  per- 
centage of  small  and  large  quartz  fragments.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  a 
yellowish-red  to  red  clay  loam  to  clay  having  a  greasy  feel.  The  type  occupies  crests 
or  slopes  of  hills,  and  is  derived  from  schistose  rocks.  Except  for  forest  purposes,  the 
type  is  not  highly  valued . 


74  SOILS  OF   THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name.* 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

4,800 
2,752 

Talladega  gravelly  loam 

Total 

7,552 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SHALE    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  shale  loams  occupy  a  large  total  area  throughout  both  the  Appalachian  ridges 
and  the  Appalachian  plateaus.  These  soils  have  very  nearly  the  same  agricultural 
value  as  the  corresponding  loam  types.  They  differ  from  the  loams  mainly  in  that 
shale  fragments  are  present  in  such  quantities  as  to  interfere  with  cultivation,  and  in 
the  somewhat  more  droughty  character  of  the  soil  resulting  from  its  looser  structure 
and  the  readily  permeable  nature  of  the  underlying  rocks. 

The  Dekalb  shale  loam,  which  is  by  far  the  most  important  type,  has  practically 
the  same  crop  adaptation  as  that  possessed  by  the  Dekalb  loam,  but  its  crop  value  is 
somewhat  lower.  The  Berks  shale  loam,  which  occupies  a  large  area  in  a  belt  extend- 
ing from  New  Jersey  across  Pennsylvania  into  Maryland,  is  a  much  more  productive 
soil  than  the  Dekalb,  being  well  suited  to  the  production  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye, 
clover,  grass,  and  buckwheat.  The  other  shale  loam  types  comprise  a  relatively 
small  area. 

Allis  shale  loam. — This  type,  to  a  depth  of  from  7  to  10  inches,  consists  of  a  heavy 
loam  or  clay  loam,  dark  drab  or  brown  in  color,  resting  upon  a  subsoil  of  heavy  loam 
or  clay  loam  similar  to  the  surface  soil,  except  that  it  is  a  little  lighter  in  color.  Both 
soil  and  subsoil  contain  small,  thin  shale  fragments,  which  are  brittle  and  easily 
broken.  On  some  of  the  steeper  slopes  there  is  no  subsoil,  the  soil  resting  directly  on 
rock.  In  this  phase  the  shale  fragments  are  larger,  and  occur  in  amounts  greatly  in 
excess  of  those  on  the  gentler  slopes.  The  type  occupies  steep  slopes  and  is  derived 
from  the  weathering  of  shale  rock.  It  is  well  adapted  to  grains  and  grasses,  and 
excellent  yields  are  obtained .  Owing  to  its  rough  topography,  however,  it  is  probably 
best  used  for  pasturage. 

BerKs  shale  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  loam  or  silt  loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep, 
ranging  in  color  from  brown  to  yellowish  brown  with  occasional  spots  of  red.  It  con- 
tains from  40  to  70  per  cent  of  shale  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  heavy  silty 
loam,  or  silty  clay  loam,  generally  lighter  in  color  than  the  surface  soil,  and  containing 
a  large  quantity  of  shale  fragments.  The  type  is  underlain  by  unbroken  shale  at 
depths  ranging  from  L8  inches  to  5  feet.  The  topography  ranges  Erom  '•billowy"  to 
moderately  rolling,  with  well-rounded  tops  of  hills  and  ridges  rising  from  50  to  100 
feet  higher  than  the  limestone  valleys.  Liability  to  erosion  necessitates  careful  pre- 
ventive  measures.  This  soil  is  adapted  to  general  fanning,  except  that  crops  are 
subject  to  injury  from  drought  where  the  soil  is  shallow.  Potatoes  do  especially  well, 
and  the  type  includes  many  areas  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  apples,  peaches, 
and  small  fruits.  Theyieldsare:  Corn 20  to  60 bushels,  wheat  L5  to  30  bushels,  oats  26 
bushels,  potatoes  L26  to  260  bushels,  and  hay  Li  tons  per  acre. 

Chemung  shale  loam. — This  soil  is  a  chocolate  colored  fine  loam,  averaging  about 

8  inches  deep  and  carrying  dark  chocolate-colored  shale  chips  or  fragments  of  varying 

thickness.     The  subsoil   is  usually  similar  in  color  and   texture  to  the  soil,   though 

sometime*  it  is  a  little  lighter  both  in  color  and  texture.  In  some  places  platy  frag- 
ments of  the  chocolate-COlored  parent  rock,  from  about  8  to  2A  inches  in  diameter, 
must  be  removed  before  cultivation  is  practicable.  The  surface  is  rough  or  rolling 
and  the  drainage,  is  excellent.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  slates 
of  the  Chemung  formation.  Little  oi  this  soil  is  under  cultivation,  but  it  could  be 
made  fairly  product  ive  for  the  general  farm  crops  and  possibly  for  fruit .  It  is  locally 
known  as  " black  shite  land." 

Conatauga  shah  loam.-  The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  0  inches  is  i  gray  to  brownish  silt 
loam  oi  '.cry  fine  sandy  loam,  containing  numerous  shaly  sandstone  and  soft  shale 
fragments.  The  subsoil  \  aries  from  a  yellow  ish  heavy  silt  loam  to  a  Light-brown  silty 
clay.  The  shale  content  Increases  with  depth  and  gradually  gives  way  to  solid  rock. 
In  numerous  small  areas  both  die  soil  and  subsoil  represent  little  more  than  a  mass  of 
soft  '■hide,  varying  from  green  to  yellowish-brown  in  color,  The  type  occupies  undu- 
lating to  gently  rolling  valle}  areas,     it  is  of  residual  origin,  being  derived  from  fine- 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PKOVINCE. 


75 


grained  sandy  shales  interstratified  with  thin  layers  of  sandstone.  The  greater  part 
of  the  type  is  forested  with  pine,  chestnut,  and  oak.  Small  areas  are  cultivated  to 
corn,  which  is  the  principal  crop.     The  soil  is  adapted  to  fruit  growing. 

Dekalb  shale  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  8  inches  consists  of  a 
brown  to  yellowish  loam  or  clay  loam.  This  is  underlain  by  yellowish  clay  loam 
which  increases  in  clay  content  with  depth.  A  mass  of  broken  shale  fragments  is 
generally  encountered  at  less  than  24  inches.  On  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil 
and  subsoil  are  scattered  varying  quantities  of  weathered  shale  fragments,  the  content 
usually  increasing  with  depth.  The  surface  features  consist  of  smooth,  rounded  knobs 
and  ridges,  with  narrow  intervening  valleys.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is 
derived  from  arenaceous  and  argillaceous  shales.  The  soil  is  rather  droughty.  It  is 
best  adapted  to  grain  and  grass  crops. 

Lickdale  shale  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  silt  loam  averaging  about 
6  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  silty  clay  mottled  with  gray  and  dull 
bluish  colors  in  the  lower  portion.  At  about  12  to  24  inches  the  parent  shale  rock  is 
encountered.  Fragments  of  the  gray,  olive,  bluish,  and  brown  shales  are  numerous 
over  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  type  occupies  lower  slopes,  usually 
bordering  streams  or  terrace  soils.  It  is  kept  in  a  soggy  condition  by  seepage  a  good 
part  of  the  year,  but  is  liable  to  excessive  drainage  in  dry  periods.  Little  of  the  type 
is  used  for  agriculture.  Chestnut,  oak,  hickory,  and  pine  constitute  the  principal 
growth.  Grasses,  such  as  redtop  and  meadow  fescue,  do  well.  The  soil  is  well  suited 
to  lespedeza. 

Montevallo  shale  loam. — To  a  depth  of  about  6  inches  the  soil  is  a  purplish  or  brown- 
ish, floury  silty  loam  containing  some  fine  sand .  The  subsoil  is  a  purplish,  Indian-red, 
or  highly  variegated  silty  or  clay  loam,  often  resting  upon  the  parent  rock  at  about 
2  feet.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  variegated,  usually  fine-grained  to  slightly 
sandy  shales  of  the  Montevallo  formation  of  Cambrian  age.  The  topography  is  rolling 
to  hilly  and  sometimes  mountainous  and  ridgy  with  steep  slopes.  On  the  more  level 
or  gently  sloping  areas  some  of  the  type  is  cultivated,  though  for  the  most  part  it  is 
better  adapted  to  forestry  and  grazing. 

Upshur  shale  loam. — The  soil  is  an  Indian-red  rather  loose  loam  about  6  to  8  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  heavier  in  texture  and  of  a  deeper  Indian-red  color 
than  the  soil.  The  type  carries  large  quantities  of  red -shale  fragments  on  the  surface 
and  through  the  soil,  which  increase  in  amount  with  depth.  Bedrock  is  usually 
encountered  at  about  18  to  20  inches.  This  type  is  derived  from  alternating  red 
shales  and  sandstones.  It  occupies  comparatively  broad  ridges  and  hills  with  steep 
slopes.  The  drainage  is  well  established  to  excessive.  General  farm  crops,  fruits, 
and  soy  beans  do  well.     Alfalfa  has  been  successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  shale  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  shale  loam 

Alabama  6,  11,  15,  21,  37;  Kentucky  2,  4;  Maryland  7;  Penn- 
sylvania 2,  5,  6,  8,  9, 10, 11, 12;  Tennessee  4,  5;  Virginia  1, 3,  7. 

1,067,700 

Berks  shale  loam 

172,800 

Upshur  shale  loam 

70, 656 

Montevallo  shale  loam 

Alabama  3,  6,  8;  Georgia  18 

26,944 

Conasauga  shale  loam 

Georgia  18;  Tennessee  4 

22, 464 

Lickdale  shale  loam 

Kentuckv  4 

20,416 

Allis  shale  loam 

New  York  9;  17 

13,248 

Chemung  shale  loam 

Pennsylvania  2,  8 

5,376 

Total 

1,399.604 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SLATE-LOAM    PHASE. 


The  soil  of  the  slate-loam  grade  has  been  confined  to  a  single  type  in  the  areas  so 
far  mapped,  the  Talladega  slate  loam.  This  type  is  extensively  developed  in  the 
southern  Appalachians.  The  topography  is  prevailingly  rough  or  steeply  sloping, 
and  its  agricultural  value  is  rather  low.  The  small  grains  and  grass  give  fairly  good 
returns  in  the  smoother  areas. 

Talladega  slate  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  4  inches  of  slaty,  dark-gray  or  light- 
brown  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  shaly,  dark-red  clay  loam  or  clay  to  a  depth  of  about 
20  inches,  where  a  fragmentary  rock  mass  is  generally  reached.  13oth  soil  and  subsoil 
have  a  decidedly  soapy  or  greasy  feel  imparted  by  mica  and  small,  partially  decom- 


76  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

poeed  schist  fragments.  Large  and  small  fragments  of  micaceous  schist  and  quartz 
are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  topography  is  rough 
and  mountainous  and  the  drainage  is  rapid.  The  type  is  subject  to  destructive 
erosion.  The  soil  is  residual,  and  is  derived  from  micaceous  and  talcoid  schists  carry- 
ing veins  of  quartz  and  quartzite.  It  is  best  adapted  to  forestry,  though  cereals  and 
grasses  do  fairly  well  on  the  smoother  areas.     Corn  and  cotton  give  small  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  slate  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Talladega  slate  loam 

Alabama  6,  35 

115,584 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
BLACK   LOAM   PHASE. 

A  single  type  of  the  black  loam  has  been  mapped  in  the  Blue  Ridge  belt  of  the 
southern  Appalachian  Mountains,  the  Porters  black  loam.  The  soil  owes  its  char- 
acteristic dark  surface  color  to  the  accumulation  of  considerable  vegetable  matter. 
The  type  is  developed  in  coves  and  along  smoother  slopes  which  favor  the  retention 
of  vegetable  matter.  Aside  from  its  mellow  structure  and  high  organic  content,  it  is 
essentially  similar  to  the  loam  type  of  the  Porters  series,  with  which  it  is  closely 
associated  in  occurrence.  This  soil  is  especially  well  suited  to  certain  varieties  of 
apples. 

Porters  black  loam. — The  soil  is  a  rich,  dark  loam  about  15  inches  deep,  mixed  with 
rounded  and  angular  fragments  of  rock,  often  several  feet  in  diameter.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellowish-brown  or  reddish-brown  to  red  clay  loam  containing  a  large  percentage 
of  rock.  The  type  occupies  the  gentle  slopes  and  coves.  It  is  of  residual  origin, 
being  derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  and  associated  rocks.  The  soil  is  productive,  DUt 
the  slopes  are  often  too  steep  and  stony  to  admit  of  extensive  cultivation  for  general 
farm  crops.  It  is  especially  adapted  to  apples,  particularly  the  "Albemarle  pippin." 
For  this  fruit  the  small  coves  on  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  mountains  are  considered 
most  desirable.  Where  exposed  on  the  mountain  tops  it  has  little  value  for  fruit  and 
is  used  only  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  black  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

North  Carolina  2,  13,  14,  18,  27;  Virginia  1,  3 

193, 550 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  thus  column  see  p.  733. 
SILT    LOAM    GROUP. 

The  silt  loams  are  widely  developed  throughout  the  Appalachian  plateaus  and  the 
Appalachian  Ridge.  The  greater  part  of  t lie  group  is  included  in  one  type,  the 
Dekalb  sOl  loam.  The  topography  lias  a  wide  range,  varying  from  flat  plateaus  to 
steep  slopes.  The  soils  are  derived  from  ahalee  and  foe-grained  sandstones,  with 
some  limestone  or  calcareous  shale  influence  in  certain  scries,  like  the  Westmoreland, 
Palat inc.  and  I rpshur. 

The  genera]  farm  crops,  small  grain,  corn,  and  Brass  give  good  results.  Aside  from 
Late  cabbage,  tomatoes,  and  Irish  potato'  bles  arc  ol  little  Importance  except 

for  home  n  .■•and  m  Lening  in  favored  localities  near  cities.    Some  varieties 

of  apples  do  well,  and  grape   can  be  successfully  grown. 

Tic-  soile  ol  the  rill  bam  group  have  a  tendency  to  harden  in  dry  weather,  which 
itate  the  employ  menl  of  heavy  implements  and  draft  animals  in  its  cultivation. 
Applications  of  Lime,  liberal  Incorporation  of  organic  matter,  and  moderately  heavy 
fertilization  are  required  lor  the  maintenance  of  good  >  ielcU  on  most  of  the  types. 

The  Westmoreland,  I  rpshur,  and  Palatine  seriefl  are  naturally  more  productive  than 
the  traighl  male  and  andstone  types  represented  by  the  Dekalb  and  Eanceville 
aerie  Where  the  topography  is  favorable  those  types  which  contain  residua]  material 
from  calcareous  rocks  give  moderate  to  heavy  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops.    Por- 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PROVINCE.  77 

tions  of  the  Dekalb  and  Hanceville  types  are  too  steeply  sloping  and  susceptible  to 
erosion  for  safe  cultivation. 

Allis  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Allis  silt  loam  consists  of  8  to  10  inches  of 
light-brown  to  gray  silt  loam,  containing  small  amounts  of  rounded  gravel  and  soft 
shale  fragments.  This  overlies  a  subsoil  of  gray,  sticky,  silty  loam  or  clav  loam.  The 
surface  soil  is  friable,  and  cultivation  is  carried  on  "without  much  dimculty.  The 
topography  is  level  to  undulating,  though  drainage  is  usually  poor  on  account  of  the 
heavy  character  of  the  subsoil.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  intermixture  of  glacial 
material  of  foreign  origin  with  residual  material  formed  through  the  weathering  of  the 
soft  shales  of  the  Salina  formation.  Most  of  the  previously  existing  glacial  drift  has 
been  removed  through  glacial  stream  erosion.  The  type  is  adapted  to  corn,  oats, 
wheat,  and  hay. 

Berks  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  inches  is  a  brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  silt  loam  or  heavy  silty  loam,  with  a  subsoil  of  heavy  yellow  silt  loam  which 
grades  into  a  silty  clay  loam  at  16  to  20  inches.  This  rests  upon  undecomposed  shale  at 
depths  ranging  from  30  inches  to  4  feet.  A  few  shale  fragments  are  found  on  the  sur- 
face, and  sometimes  constitute  10  to  25  per  cent  of  the  subsoil  mass.  The  material  is 
derived  from  the  Hudson  River  shales.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling.  The 
soil  is  adapted  to  general  farming.  The  average  yields  are:  Corn,  45  bushels;  oats,  40 
bushels;  wheat,  22  bushels;  and  hay,  \\  tons  an  acre. 

Colyer  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  is  a  silt  loam  of  loose, 
friable  texture  and  yellow  to  yellowish-brown  color.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow,  heavy, 
very  silty  clay  loam ,  which  at  depths  of  from  24  to  40  inches  rests  on  soft,  black  car- 
bonaceous shale.  The  soil  has  a  tendency  to  bake  somewhat  after  rains,  but  crumbles 
readily  under  cultivation.  Locally  the  type  is  known  as  "soapstone  land."  It  is 
considered  a  good  soil.  The  type  occupies  small  areas  along  the  foot  of  mountain 
slopes.  The  surface  is  rolling  and  includes  rounded  hills.  Surface  drainage  is  well 
developed,  and  during  long  dry  seasons  crops  suffer  from  drought.  The  soil  is  derived 
from  soft  carbonaceous  shales,  beds  of  which  lie  between  the  limestone  formation  and 
the  thin-bedded  shales  giving  rise  to  the  Dekalb  shale  loam  type.  It  produces  good 
yields  of  the  general  farm  crops. 

Conasauga  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  silt  loam,  and  the  subsoil  is  a  yellow 
silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  The  type  occurs  as  level  to  gently  rolling  valley  lands 
and  is  derived  from  shales  of  the  Conasauga  formation  or  similar  rocks.  Under  proper 
management  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  grass,  and  forage  crops  are  secured. 
Cotton  does  fairly  well. 

Conway  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  to  gray,  close-structured  silt  loam  about  6 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  material  is  similar  in  texture,  but  has  a  yellow  to  nearly 
white  color,  depending  on  drainage  conditions.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  carry  iron 
concretions  and  in  some  places  an  iron  hardpan  exists  in  the  subsoil.  Numerous 
mounds  10  to  15  feet  in  diameter  and  2  to  6  feet  high  occur  over  the  type.  The  soil  is 
developed  both  on  uplands  and  in  close  proximity  to  streams.  Most  areas  are  low  and 
wet,  have  a  gently  rolling  to  flat  surface,  and  are  usually  surrounded  by  higher  land, 
the  drainage  waters  from  which  pass  over  this  soil,  producing  conditions  of  poor 
drainage.  Large  areas  must  be  ditched  to  facilitate  cultivation.  Some  of  the  type 
appears  to  be  a  true  second  bottom,  while  the  upland  proper  is  a  residual  soil  from 
shales.  A  large  part  of  the  type  supports  the  virgin  growth  of  oaks  and  lowland  grasses, 
and  under  cultivation  produces  only  indifferent  yields  of  corn  and  cotton.  Heavy 
liming  and  improvement  of  physical  conditions  are  the  principal  needs  of  the  soil. 

Dekalb  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  mellow  silt  loam  of  gray  to  yellowish  color,  ranging 
from  about  8  to  20  inches  in  depth.  The  line  of  demarcation  between  soil  and  subsoil 
is  not  sharply  defined.  The  subsoil  is  a  friable  or  brittle  silty  clay  loam.  Its  charac- 
teristic yellowish  color  is  lighter  than  that  of  the  soil.  Nearly  everywhere  fragments 
of  shale  or  shaly  sandstone  are  scattered  through  the  soil  and  over  the  surface.  Bed- 
rock is  often  encountered  at  a  depth  of  less  than  3  feet.  The  type  occupies  rolling  and 
hilly  uplands  and  more  broken  areas  near  streams.  The  soil  is  fairly  retentive  of 
moisture.  With  the  usual  rainfall  of  the  region  crops  seldom  suffer  seriously  from 
drought.  The  tendency  to  wash  and  gully  is  not  so  great  as  in  many  soils  of  similar 
topography,  yet  the  steep  hillsides  should  not  be  planted  to  cultivated  crops.  The 
soil  is  residual,  formed  by  the  decomposition  of  the  shales,  fine-grained  sandstones,  and 
sandy  shales,  principally  of  the  Carboniferous  period.  Corn,  wheat,  and  timothy  are 
the  most  important  cultivated  crops.  Much  of  the  hilly  and  stony  land  is  unlit  for 
cultivation,  but  is  well  adapted  to  grasses.  In  the  extremely  rough  portions  the  land 
is  still  in  forests  of  hardwood.  Crops  are  markedly  benefited  by  applications  of  lime, 
vegetable  matter,  and  commercial  fertilizers. 

Hanceville  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  pale-yellowish  to  reddish-brown  silt  loam  about  5 
to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-red  to  red  silty  clay  loam,  passing  at 
lower  depths  into  silty  clay.     The  topography  is  Bteeply  sloping  to  mountainous,  with 


78 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


some  smoother  areas  on  the  crests  of  ridges  and  on  gentle  slopes.  The  type  is  derived 
from  shales  and  sandstone.  It  is  fairly  "well  suited  to  the  production  of  small  grains, 
grass,  and  Irish  potatoes. 

Palatine  silt  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Palatine  silt  loam  to  a  depth  of  from  12  to  18 
inches  is  a  dark-brown  silt  loam,  black  when  wet.  It  has  a  granular  structure.  The 
subsoil  to  an  average  depth  of  30  inches  is  a  dark-colored  silty  loam,  grading  into  a 
clay  loam.  At  a  depth  of  36  to  60  inches  the  subsoil  rests  on  the  black  calcareous 
shales  from  which  it  is  derived.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  somewhat  hilly  and 
surface  and  subsoil  drainage  are  good.  It  is  a  strong  soil  for  corn,  clover,  and  grass. 
Alfalfa  can  be  successfully  grown.     Potatoes  yield  well.     Oats  give  fair  yields. 

Upshur  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  15  inches  is  a  purplish-gray  or  Indian- 
red  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  purplish-red,  compact  silt  loam  grading  into 
a  reddish-brown  silty  clay  which  gives  way  to  decomposing  shales  of  reddish  to  yellow 
color.  The  quantity  of  rotten  shale  fragments  increases  from  the  surface  down .  Many 
sandstone  fragments  occur  in  some  localities.  The  type  occupies  rounded  hills  and 
-  with  more  or  less  broken  surface,  and  drainage  is  always  good.  It  is  derived 
from  red  sandstones,  shales,  and  sandy  shales  of  Paleozoic  age.  The  timber  growth 
is  scrubby  hardwood  with  some  pine.  Cultivated  areas  give  only  fail  yields  of  corn, 
v  In  .    .  and  hay. 

Westmoreland  silt  loam . — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  brown  mellow  silt  loam 
about  7  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  yellowish-brown  to  yellow  silty  clay  loam 
to  silty  clay,  usually  becoming  heavier  in  texture  and  lighter  in  color  with  increasing 
depth.  The  type  is  derived  from  shales  and  fine-grained  sandstone  with  interbedded 
limestone  and  calcareous  shales.  The  topography  ranges  from  rolling  to  quite  steep, 
many  areas  being  so  sloping  that  plowing  enhances  the  danger  of  erosion.  In  the 
main  the  soil  has  excellent  drainage  and  is  sufficiently  retentive  of  moisture  to  meet 
the  requirements  of  plants  during  drought.  The  principal  trees  of  forested  areas  are 
oak,  hickory,  locust,  black  gum,  maple,  and  beech.  The  type  is  admirably  suited  to 
the  production  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  grass,  potatoes,  apples,  peaches,  plums,  cherries. 
and  berries. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 


Dekalb  silt  loam . 


Westmoreland  silt  loam. 

Banceville  silt  loam 

Conway  silt  loam 

Berks  silt  loam 

Conasauga  silt  loam 

Colyer  silt  loam 

Upshur  silt  loam 

Palatine  silt  loam 

Allis  silt  loam 

Total 


State  or  area.1 


Alabama  10,  15,  21,  28,  35,  37;  Indiana  9;  Kentucky  2,  4,  7; 
Ohio  5,  G;  Pennsylvania  2,  5,  8;  Tennessee  4,  5,  10;  Vir- 
ginia 9;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  10. 

Pennsylvania  2,  18 

Alabama  37 

Arkansas  1 

Pennsylvania  8 

Georgia  18 ! 

Kentucky  4;  Pennsylvania  5, 15 : 

Virginia  9;  West  Virginia  1 

New  York  11 

New  York  13 


Acres. 


1,320,256 


492,544 

95,168 

38,912 

17,600 

11,584 

9,984 

4,673 

3,840 

384 


1,494,944 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
STONY    SILT   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  only  repreeental  Lve  of  the  stony  silt  loam  phase  bo  Ear  encountered  in  the  Appa- 
lachian pro1*  ince  ia  the  member  of  the  Dekalb  Beries.  it  differs  from  the  I tekalb  silt 
loam  merely  in  tin'  presence  oi  cumbersome  rock-  fragments,  which  in  places  make  culti- 
vation difficult.  The  crop  adaptation  is  the  same,  and  the  productivity  practically 
me  at  thai  of  the  sill  ioam.  Much  of  the  stony  sill  Loam  is  too  inaccessible  ana 
difficult  to  work  for  profitable  returns  and  is  suited  <-ni>  to  pasturage,  fruit  growing, 

Dekalb  stony  tili  loam.  The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  6  Inches  ia  a  Light-brown  to 
pale-yellowish  silt  ioam,  The  Bubsoil  is  a  pale-yellow  heavy  silt  loam,  sometimes 
ni'/  in  the  lower  portion  into  a  silty  clay  loam*  or  silt)  clay.  In  places,  especially 
on  the  lower  slopes,  the  ni'  oil  is  mottled  yellow  and  gray.  Usually  on  the  tops  and 
upper  slope  of  ridge  il  is  difficult  to  bore  with  the  soif  auger  deeper  than  about  2  feet 
on  accounl  of  the  broken  stone.  There  are,  however,  large  quantities  of  interstitial 
soil  materia]  ab >ve  the  bedwx  k 

Along  the  boundary  between  this  type  and  the  Dekalb  shale  loam  there  is  a  greater 
propyl  ion  of  shale  fragments,  and  it  is  often  difficult  to  find  a  sharp  Line  <>f  separation. 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PROVINCE.  79 

On  slopes  the  larger  rock  fragments  are  more  numerous,  the  quantity  being  sufficient 
to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  type  occupies  hills,  irregularly  developed  ridges, 
and  steep  slopes.  It  is  derived  from  thin-bedded  shales  and  fine-grained  sandstones. 
Erosion  is  quite  active  in  places.  Much  of  this  land  is  timbered  with  pine,  oak,  chest- 
nut, and  hemlock,  yet  the  type  also  includes  many  large  farms.  The  yields  of  the 
general  farm  crops,  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  grass  are  fair.  Oats  do  better  than  on  the 
Dekalb  shale  loam.  Clover  does  exceptionally  well  with  the  use  of  lime.  Certain, 
varieties  of  apples  can  be  successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  stony  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dekalb  stony  silt  loam 

Alabama  15;  Pennsylvania  2,  5;  West  Virginia  2 

344,640 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

CLAY   LOAM   GROUP. 

A  large  area  is  occupied  by  the  clay  loam  group,  particularly  the  Meigs  clay  loam, 
which  has  an  extensive  development  in  the  severely  eroded  portions  of  the  Allegheny 
Plateau  in  West  Virginia  and  eastern  Ohio.  The  other  members  of  the  group  so  far 
encountered  are  not  widely  developed. 

The  clay  loams  of  the  Appalachian  province  have  been  largely  derived  from  shales 
and  fine-grained  sandstones,  with  some  influence  from  medium-textured  sandstones 
and  calcareous  shales.  The  Porters  member  of  the  group  is  derived  from  schist,  gran- 
ite, gneiss,  and  other  crystallines  of  the  Blue  Ridge  region.  Considerable  areas  now 
included  with  the  clay  loam  group  originally  had  surface  soils  of  a  silt  loam  or  other 
textural  grade,  the  clay  loam  condition  having  been  brought  about  by  the  removal  of 
the  surface  layer,  or  a  portion  of  the  surface  layer,  by  erosion  in  such  manner  as  to 
bring  the  heavier  subsoil  material  into  the  surface  stratum. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  are  even  more  difficult  to  keep  in  a  good  condition 
of  tilth  than  the  silt  loams,  and  they  are  considerably  more  susceptible  to  erosion. 
The  steeper  slopes  include  large  areas  which  can  not  be  plowed,  solely  because  of  the 
danger  of  destructive  erosion,  and  which  are  suited  only  to  grazing,  forestry,  and  the 
production  of  fruits.  Heavy  tools  and  stock  are  necessary  for  the  proper  cultivation 
of  these  soils.  Applications  of  lime,  the  frequent  incorporation  of  organic  matter,  and 
the  growing  of  winter  cover  crops  are  commendable  practices  in  the  utilization  of  most 
of  these  lands. 

The  clay  loams  are  best  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops,  especially  hay,  clover, 
wheat,  oats,  rye,  and  corn.  Varieties  of  apples,  grapes,  and  peaches  do  well  on  some 
of  the  types.     Little  success  may  be  expected  with  the  production  of  vegetables. 

The  Lickdale  clay  loam  occupies  areas  adjoining  the  lower  slopes  where  drainage 
conditions  are  rendered  imperfect  by  the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters.  The  Meigs 
clay  loam  is  quite  variable;  it  really  represents  an  intricate  association  of  two  or  more 
types. 

Dekalb  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  is  a  drab  to  pale-yellow  heavy- 
silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  pale-yellow  heavy  silty  clay 
loam,  which  generally  grades  into  a  yellow,  rather  plastic  silty  clay,  slightly  mottled 
with  reddish -drab  and  brown  colors.  The  type  occurs  on  the  gentler  or  lower  slopes. 
It  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  shales  and  slate.  Some  of  the  finer  material  of 
the  soil  has  been  washed  down  from  above.  The  type  is  deficient  in  lime.  It  is  some- 
what cold  natured  and  rather  poorly  drained  in  places.  Cereals  and  grass  give  good 
results. 

Lickdale  clay  loam. — This  type  includes  a  clay  loam  6  to  10  inches  deep,  underlain 
by  a  mottled  yellow  clay.  It  occurs  in  small  areas  along  foot  slopes  and  is  derived 
from  the  underlying  shales.  It  carries  surface  accumulations  of  colluvial  material. 
Sometimes  fragments  of  shale  and  sandstones  are  present  to  the  extent  of  from  5  to  20 
per  cent.  The  type  has  a  sloping  to  nearly  flat  surface  and  is  poorly  drained.  It  is 
naturally  refractory  and  suited  only  to  grass  and  pasture,  but  when  artificially  drained 
and  limed  it  becomes  mellow  and  produces  a  variety  of  crops. 

Meiys  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  Indian-red  silt  loam  to  clay  loam, 
varying  in  depth  from  2  to  7  inches.  Over  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  frag- 
ments of  grayish  shale  or  shaly  sandstone  are  often  found.  The  subsoil  is  generally  a 
compact  but  friable  yellowish  or  reddish  silt  loam  or  clay  loam.  At  10  to  20  inches  it 
usually  grades  into  a  brittle  clay,  which  extends  to  a  depth  of  more  than  3  feet  and 


80 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


generally  has  a  red,  yellowish,  or  mottled  yellowish-red  and  yellow  color.  Fragments 
of  shale  and  shaly  sandstone  occur  through  the  subsoil.  Shale  rock  is  often  found  at 
depths  varying  from  2  to  3  feet.  This  type  really  includes  both  the  Dekalb  and  Upshur 
clay  loam,  together  with  some  silt  loam,  so  intricately  involved  as  to  preclude  any 
practical  separation.  The  topography  of  the  type  is,  in  general,  hilly  and  rough,  but 
some  comparatively  small  areas  occupy  well-rounded  hilltops.  The  soil  is  derived 
from  the  shales  and  sandstones  of  both  the  upper  and  lower  Coal  Measures.  A  small 
part  of  the  type  is  cultivated.  It  is  not  naturally  a  strong  soil,  but  fairly  good  yields 
are  obtained  by  the  use  of  fertilizers.  The  principal  crops  are  corn,  wheat,  and  hay. 
The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  best  adapted  to  pasture. 

Morrison  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  is  a  brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow  friable  clay  loam  to  clay.  This 
type  occupies  rolling  areas  in  the  "-barrens"  and  along  the  line  between  the  barrens 
and  the  limestone  soils.  It  is  derived  largely  from  sandstones,  with  possibly  some 
admixture  of  material  from  limestone  near  the  boundaries  of  the  soils  derived  from 
limestone.     The  type  is  largely  timbered. 

Porters  clay  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  3  to  5  inches  deep.  Where  the  surface  is 
rolling  the  soil  is  a  brown  silt  loam,  and  in  areas  of  broken  and  rough  surface  it  consists 
of  a  reddish-brown  clay  loam.  Along  some  of  the  streams  the  surface  is  very  broken, 
rock  outcrops  occur,  and  fragments  of  rock  are  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  subsoil 
is  a  reddish  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  surface  features  vary  from  rolling  to  rough  and 
mountainous,  and  the  drainage  is  good.  The  type  is  derived  from  granites,  gneisses, 
and  schists.  Fair  yields  of  corn,  sorghum,  and  other  crops  are  produced  in  those  loca- 
tions where  the  topography  permits  cultivation.  Where  the  surface  is  broken  and 
mountainous  the  land  should  remain  in  forest. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Meigs  clay  loam  — 
Liclcdale  clay  loam. 
Porters  clay  loam . . 
Dekalb  clay  loam. . 
Morrison  clay  loam . 


Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8 

Pennsylvania  2,  3,  6,  8,  10, 11, 12;  Tennessee  11. 

South  Carolina  13 

Pennsylvania  5 

do 


2,642,944 

42,000 
26.432 

15,488 
1,280 


Total . 


2,728.144 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  734. 


SILTY   CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  silty  clay  loam  grade  comprise  a  relatively  small  area  and  have  a 
scattered  occurrence  through  those  portions  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  Plat- 
eaus province  occupied  by  shaly  and  fine-grained  sandstone  rocks.  They  differ 
essentially  from  the  clay  loam  group  in  their  high  content  of  silt  and  slightly  easier 
working  qualities.  They  are  adapted  to  about  the  same  crops  as  the  clay  loams 
and  may  be  expected  to  give  very  nearly  the  same  yields.  The  general  farm  crops 
of  the  region  and  fruit  give  the  best  returns.  The  soils  require  thorough  tillage  and 
liberal  addition  of  vegetable  matter  to  prevent  the  land  from  assuming  a  coin  pact 
structure. 

The  I'pshur  and  Westmoreland  silty  clay  loams  earry  a  moderate  amount  ol  mate- 
rial derived  from  calcareous  shales  and  limestone,  as  a  result  of  which  these  types 
acre  productive;  and  durable  than  soils  like  the  Dekalb  silty  clay  loam,  which 
is  composed  of  pure  shale  and  fine-grained  sandstone  material. 

Armuchei  tiltv  clou  loam.    The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silty  clay  loam 

aboul  i  i"  6  inches  deep.    The  subsoil  is  a  rod  Bilty  day.    The  type  occupies  undu> 

.   moderately  rolling  valley  lands.     It   is  derived   largely   rrom  interbedded 

ained    andstone  and  shales,  with  occasionally  some  limestone,     it  is  well 

suited  to  com,  grain,  and  forage  crops. 

Dekaih  silty  day  loam.  The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  heavy  silt 
loam  to  silty  clay  loam  about  l  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  brittle, 
yellow  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  On  the  steeoer  slopes  fragments  oi  the  parent 
fine-grained  Sandstone  and  shale  occur  in  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  gentle  to 
steep  slopes,  the  cresti  ol  ridges,  and  the  tops  ol  hills.    Grass  gives  only  moderate 

returns.     Corn   and   small   graUlS  do   fairly   well,  and  certain    varieties  of  apples  are 
fairly  productive. 


APPALACHIAN    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   PKOVINCE. 


81 


Upshur  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  light-red  silty  clay  loam, 
about  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  red  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay, 
which  at  a  depth  of  about  24  inches  grades  into  an  Indian-red,  heavy,  plastic  clay. 
While  the  surface  color  is  often  grayish,  the  subsoil  has  the  typical  red  color  of  the 
Upshur  series.  The  type  is  developed  mainly  on  comparatively  low  hills,  the  topog- 
raphy being  somewhat  less  rolling  than  that  of  the  Upshur  clay.  The  soil  is  derived 
from  red  shales  and  fine-grained  sandstone  with  some  gray  shales.  It  is  suited  to 
apples,  bluegrass,  corn,  and  wheat.  Yields  are  not  quite  so  heavy  as  those  secured 
from  the  Upshur  clay,  but  are  considerably  better  than  those  from  the  Dekalb  silt 
loam.     A  number  of  vegetables  can  be  grown  with  fair  success. 

Westmoreland  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  light-brown  silty 
clay  loam,  about  4  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  silty  clay  loam  which 
quickly  grades  into  a  yellow  silty  clay  of  a  somewhat  sticky,  plastic  structure,  and  some- 
times an  olive-green  color  in  the  lower  portion,  especially  when  in  contact  with 
underlying  limestone.  Where  the  type  overlies  limestone  the  texture  averages 
heavier.  Those  areas  derived  mainly  from  the  limestone  and  not  markedly  influ- 
enced by  material  from  the  associated  shales  and  sandstones  really  represent  local 
developments  of  the  Brooke  soils.  The  typical  soil  is  derived  from  interbedded 
fine-grained  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone.  It  occupies  smooth  slopes  principally 
and  has  excellent  drainage.  The  type  is  a  valuable  soil,  suited  to  corn,  small  grains, 
bluegrass,  timothy,  and  clover.  A  great  part  of  it  is  used  for  bluegrass  pasturing 
and  affords  excellent  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

West  Virginia  1,5 

do-.T 

259,968 

166, 080 

Upshur  siltv  clav  loam 

West  Virginia  7 

20.288 

Armuchee  siltv  clay  loam 

Georgia  is 

6,016 

Total 

452,352 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY  GROUP. 


The  clays  comprise  a  moderate  area  in  the  Appalachian  province.  A  large  part 
of  the  area  represents  valuable  agricultural  land  capable  under  proper  management 
of  producing  heavy  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops.  Certain  types  are  particularly 
well  adapted  to  peaches.  These  are  the  heaviest  textured  soils  of  the  province 
and  are  the  most  difficult  to  maintain  in  a  proper  state  of  cultivation.  They  require 
heavy  draft  animals,  strong  implements,  and  frequent  tillage.  There  are  many 
elopes,  which,  owiDg  to  the  susceptibility  of  the  soil  to  erosion,  are  too  steep  for  safe 
cultivation  and  which  should  be  used  only  for  pasturage,  forestry,  and  fruit  growing. 
Winter  cover  crops  should  be  grown  on  all  cultivated  areas  having  sufficient  slope  to 
be  subject  to  erosion. 

The  Porters  clay  is  widely  developed  in  scattered  areas  throughout  the  Blue  Ridge 
Mountains  and  the  intermontane  region  of  the  broad  Blue  Ridge  belt  in  North  Caro- 
lina and  Georgia.  It  is  a  valuable  soil,  well  suited  to  certain  varieties  of  apples, 
and  capable  of  producing  good  returns  with  general  farm  crops  on  the  smoother  areas. 
The  Dekalb  clay  embraces  a  moderate  area  in  the  plateaus  and  on  the  ridges  and 
mountains  between  the  Appalachian  Plateau  and  the  Blue  Ridge  division.  It  is 
a  much  less  productive  soil  than  the  Porters  or  the  Upshur  clay.  The  Upshur  clay 
is  confined  principally  to  the  ridges  and  plateaus  of  the  northern  division  of  the  prov- 
ince. It  is  an  excellent  peach  soil,  and  when  properly  cultivated  gives  rather  heavy 
yields  of  the  general  farm  crops. 

Allis  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  olive  colored  silty  clay  or  clay  loam  to  an 
average  depth  of  about  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  silty  clay  or  clay,  slightly  heavier 
than  the  soil  and  lighter  in  color,  sometimes  being  a  mottled  gray.  There  is  no  dis- 
tinct dividing  line  between  the  soil  and  subsoil,  and  the  latter  often  passes  into  bed- 
rock in  the  lower  part  of  the  section.  The  topography  of  the  type  varies  from  level 
to  steeply  rolling.  The  soil  is  residual  in  origin,  being  formed  from  the  weathering 
of  the  light-colored  Salina  shales.  Sometimes  there  are  a  few  glacial  stones  at  the  sur- 
face, but  no  considerable  quantity  of  other  glacial  material.     The  soil  is  adapted  to 

79619—13 6 


82 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


general  farm  crops  and  to  dairy  farming.  Corn,  oats,  and  hay  are  the  principal  crops 
grown,  and  all  do  well.     Wheat  is  not  extensively  grown,  but  gives  fair  yields. 

Conasauga  clay. — The  soil  of  this  type  to  a  depth  of  6  or  8  inches  is  a  light  grayish 
yellow  silt  containing  considerable  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  clay  of  pale-yellow 
color.  The  type  occupies  rather  flat  valley  areas,  which  are  locally  known  as  the 
"flatwoods."  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  .Coosa  flatwoods  shales  and  the  Conasauga 
shales  of  Cambrian  age,  this  formation  consisting  of  nearly  vertically  disposed  shales 
interstratified  with  seams  of  limestone  varying  from  less  than  an  inch  to  several 
feet  in  thickness.  The  larger  part  of  the  material  is  derived  from  the  shales,  and  the 
soil  is  quite  similar  in  general  appearance  to  that  derived  from  the  finer  grained 
sandstone  and  shales  of  the  Coal  Measures  as  seen  in  the  Dekalb  series.  The  agricul- 
tural value  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the  finer  textured  members  of  the  Dekalb 
series. 

Dekalb  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  about  8  inches  of  grayish-brown  loam  or  clay 
loam,  containing  silt  often  in  large  amounts.  This  is  underlain  to  a  depth  of  36  inches 
or  more  by  a  yellow  or  yellowish-brown  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  usually  contain 
from  10  to  40  per  cent  of  small  shale  fragments.  The  usual  topography  of  the  type 
is  hilly  and  the  natural  drainage  is  good.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  weathering 
of  shales  belonging  largely  to  the  Coal  Measures.  It  supports  a  timber  growth  con- 
sisting mainly  of  oak,  hickory,  beech,  and  pine.  When  cleared  and  cultivated  fair 
yields  of  cotton,  corn,  vegetables,  sorghum,  and  forage  crops  are  secured.  The 
higher  ridges  are  suited  to  peaches  and  other  orchard  fruits. 

Porters  clay. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  to  red  clay  loam  about  6  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  is  a  stiff  red  clay  to  a  depth  of  20  inches  or  more.  Both  soil  and  subsoil 
contain  a  large  quantity  of  stone.  The  type  occupies  mountain  slopes.  The  soil 
is  residual,  and  is  derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  and  other  crystalline  rocks.  When 
not  too  stony  and  rough  for  cultivation  it  produces  good  crops  of  corn,  wheat,  and 
grass.     It  is  one  of  the  important  apple  soils  of  the  mountains. 

Upshur  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  stiff  Indian-red  clay  about  7  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  an  Indian-red  clay  of  nearly  the  same  texture.  The  soil  occupies 
rolling  uplands  and  slopes,  and  occasionally  extends  down  into  the  valleys.  It  is 
susceptible  to  severe  erosion.  Exposed  areas  are  inclined  to  bake  and  crack  in  dry 
weather.  The  type  is  the  direct  product  of  the  weathering  of  shales.  It  is  mainly 
used  for  pasturage,  but  the  more  gently  rolling  areas,  favorable  to  thorough  cultiva- 
tion, proauce  good  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  and  grass. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Porters  clay. 


Upshur  clay... 
Dekalb  clay 

Conasauga  clay. 
AllLsclay 


North  Carolina  2,  13,  14, 18,  27:  Pennsylvania  1;  South  Carolina 
3,13;  Virginia  1,3,7;  West  Virginia  3. 

New  York  9,  14;  Ohio  0;  West  Virginia  1.  1,6,7,8,9,  10 

Alabama  4,  27;  Ohio  3;  Pennsylvania  8;  wesl  Virginia  9 

Alabama  6, 16,  21 

\V w  York  9, 10 


292,609 

3,008 


Total . 


747, 805 


Kor  key  to  numbers  In  this oolmnn see  p.  733. 


SII.TV    CLAY    PHA8B. 


Allis  rilty  clay.  The  type  ia  b  brown,  drab,  or  grayish-brown  ailty  clay  soil  about 
9  inches  deep.  This,  overlies  e  gray,  dark,  bluish  gray,  or  mottled,  heavy  ailty  clay 
Loam  <>r  ailty  clay  mil  soil.  A  rather  large  amount  of  thin  shale  chipa  arc  present  in 
the  soil  and  aubaoil.  At  about  3  feet  the  subsoil  grades  into  the  son  shale  rock.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  and  the  Datura]  surface  drainage  rood.  On  account 
of  the  heavy  character  of  the  material  and  the  proximity  of  the  shale  rock,  the  aubaoil 
is  insufficiently  drained.  Corn  for  silage,  oats,  rye,  bay,  and  peas  are  the  principal 
products. 


APPALACHIAN   MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU  PKOVINCE. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  silty  clay. 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


83 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  5 

4,032 

Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Rough  stony  land. 


Steep  broken  land . 
Rock  outcrop 


Muck  and  swamp. 
Made  land 


Total. 


Alabama  3,  6,  11, 15,  21,  22,  27,  28,  35;  Arkansas  1,  2;  Georgia  18; 
Kentucky  2,  4,  7;  New  Hampshire  2;  Ohio  6;  Pennsylvania 

1,  2,  3,  5,  8,  18;  Tennessee  4,  10;  Virginia  9;  West  Virginia  1, 

2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10. 

Pennsylvania  8, 18;  West  Virginia  10 

Alabama  21;  Kentucky  4;  New  York  6;  North  Carolina  2,  13, 
18,  27;  South  Carolina  3;  Tennessee  11;  Virginia  3. 

Pennsylvania  13 

Pennsylvania  5 


1,602,048 


107,008 
55,873 

10,368 
448 


1,775,745 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Bull** in  96,  iurwau 


Sand- 

Subs- 

tratum 

hlghly 

Upshur 

shale 

Dekalb 

T 

J.f 

hTvy  SuT 

Dra  L. 

dlah     olay 

well 

clay      "Ear. 

Wb- 

tab- 

itah- 

11a  ti- 

Paris 

edi 

ed 

Korrte 

UCC-.r 

Llok- 

ehnle    stra- 

soil      Desa- 

tlne          l 

lng        rial 

Colya 

roll-  Aller 
lng 

graphy 


SOILS    OF   THE   LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS 

PROVINCE. 

By  Hugh  H.  Bennett. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   PROVINCE. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province  includes  two  important  topographic 
divisions — the  limestone  valleys  and  the  limestone  uplands.  The  boundaries  of  these 
divisions  are  generally  sharply  defined,  although  in  some  places  they  merge  rather 
imperceptibly  into  each  other. 

The  limestone  valleys  are  most  extensively  developed  within  the  Appalachian 
Mountain  region.  The  main  valley  follows  the  eastern  border  of  the  great  central 
division  of  the  Appalachian  system,  with  the  Blue  Ridge  as  its  eastern  boundary  and 
the  Appalachian  ridges  and  Allegheny  Plateau  on  the  west,  extending  from  Alabama 
to  New  Jersey.  It  crosses  Tennessee  as  a  broad  belt,  ranging  in  width  from  40  to  60 
miles.  This  broader  portion  is  known  as  the  Valley  of  Eastern  Tennessee  and  lies 
between  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains  on  the  east  and  the  Allegheny-Cumberland 
Plateau  on  the  west.  In  southern  Virginia  the  valley  narrows,  continuing  northward 
and  varying  in  width  from  8  to  20  miles.  It  is  known  as  the  Shenandoah  Valley  in 
Virginia,  Cumberland  Valley  in  Maryland  and  southern  Pennsylvania,  and  Lebanon 
Valley  in  eastern  Pennsylvania.  The  Georgia  and  Alabama  extension  is  broken 
into  several  valleys  by  detached  portions  of  the  Cumberland  Plateau  and  Taylors 
Ridge.     These  are  known  as  Coosa,  Chattooga,  and  Wills  Valleys. 

The  portion  of  this  physiographic  belt  extending  northward  from  New  Jersey 
through  New  York  has  been  glaciated  and  is  therefore  included  in  another  soil  province. 

A  number  of  detached  valleys  of  varying  size,  conforming  with  the  general  north- 
east and  southwest  direction  followed  by  the  main  valley,  occur  within  the  Appala- 
chian Ridge  belt.  As  defined  in  this  report,  the  belt  includes  the  long,  narrow  ridges 
and  intervening  lowlands  lying  west  of  the  main  limestone  valley,  with  the  Allegheny 
Front  on  the  west.  The  Nittany  Valley  of  Pennsylvania  is  the  most  important  of 
these.  Among  the  others  are  the  Sequatchie  Valley  of  Tennessee  and  those  in  the 
vicinity  of  Frederick,  Md.,  and  of  York  and  Lancaster  in  Pennsylvania.  The  Se- 
quatchie Valley,  with  its  Alabama  extension,  known  as  Browns  Valley,  lies  within 
the  Cumberland  Plateau,  being  separated  from  the  major  valley  to  the  east  by  a 
fairly  wide  strip  of  plateau  land.  The  remaining  smaller  valleys  lie  within  the 
Piedmont  Plateau,  east  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains. 

Two  large  areas  not  closely  associated  with  the  valley  belt  of  the  Appalachian  region, 
but  included  in  the  valley  division  of  the  province,  are  the  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee 
and  the  Bluegrass  region  of  Kentucky.  The  Central  Basin  embraces  several  thou- 
sand square  miles  in  central  Tennessee,  while  the  Bluegrass  region  of  central  and 
northern  Kentucky  is  about  100  miles  across  from  east  to  west  and  125  miles  from 
north  to  south.  The  boundaries  of  these  basin  regions  are  very  irregular,  although 
more  or  less  circular  in  outline. 

The  uplands  division  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province  includes  a 
large  area  comprising  (1)  the  Highland  Rim  region  of  northern  Alabama  and  central 
Tennessee,  continuing  through  Kentucky  nearly  to  the  Ohio  River,  and  (2)  the 
Ozark  Dome  of  southern  Missouri,  northern  Arkansas,  northeastern  Oklahoma,  and 
southeastern  Kansas. 

The  Highland  Rim  division  is  bounded  on  the  east  and  south  by  the  Cumberland 
Plateau,  on  the  west  by  the  Cumberland  River  in  Tennessee  and  southwestern  Ken- 
tucky, and  on  the  north  by  the  western  coal  fields,  the  Bluegrass  region  of  Kentucky, 
and  the  Ohio  River.  In  Tennessee  the  Highland  Rim  completely  surrounds  the 
Central  Basin.  The  corresponding  basin  of  Kentucky,  the  Bluegrass  region,  is  bounded 
on  the  south  and  in  part  on  the  oast  and  west  by  the  Kentucky  extension  of  the  rim. 
Northwest  and  north  lies  the  glaciated  country  of  Ohio. 

85 


86  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

The  Ozark  Dome  is  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Boston  Mountain  Plateau,  on  the 
north  by  the  Missouri  River,  on  the  west  and  northwest  by  the  Great  Plains  region, 
and  on  the  east  by  the  Mississippi  River  and  its  bottoms.  It  embraces  a  considerable 
strip  of  northern  Arkansas,  a  rather  small  area  in  northeastern  Oklahoma,  and  a  very 
small  part  of  the  southwestern  corner  of  Kansas  and  a  large  area  of  southern  Missouri. 

PHYSIOGRAPHY   AND    GEOLOGY   OF   THE    LIMESTONE    VALLEYS. 

The  limestone  valleys  of  the  Appalachian  region  owe  their  topographic  features  to 
the  structure  and  composition  of  the  regional  rocks.  They  are  lowland  belts  devel- 
oped by  the  rapid  weathering  of  soft  rocks,  rather  than  valleys  produced  by  the  level- 
ing action  of  streams  in  the  development  of  flood  plains.  Subsequently  to  the  intense 
folding  which  the  rocks  of  the  region  have  undergone,  weathering  has  affected  the 
surface  unequally,  owing  to  the  varying  resistance  to  erosion  offered  by  the  upturned 
edges  of  sandstones,  conglomerates,  shales,  and  limestones.  The  sandstones  and  con- 
glomerates have  resisted  the  agencies  of  weathering  much  better  than  the  soft  lime- 
stones and  shales,  and  consequently  have  been  left  as  ridges.  The  limestones  and 
shales,  being  composed  of  less  resistant  material,  have  decayed  more  rapidly,  with  the 
result  that  the  surface  of  the  areas  occupied  by  these  rocks  is  now  much  lower  than 
that  of  the  areas  occupied  by  the  more  resistant  rocks. 

The  topography  of  the  valleys  is  undulating  to  gently  rolling,  and,  in  the  main, 
admirably  suited  to  tillage  operations.  Some  minor  ridges  and  hillocks  or  knolls  are 
included,  which,  when  not  representing  a  subordinate  development  of  the  Appa- 
lachian Mountain  and  Plateau  province  (sandstones  and  shales),  mark  the  location 
of  resistant  phases  of  limestone  or  of  those  accidental  situations  where  the  surface  has 
not  been  worn  down  to  the  prevailing  level.  Parallel  ridges  of  cherty  limestone, 
together  with  sandstone  and  shale  ridges  and  mountains  belonging  in  the  province, 
occur  in  the  southern  extension  of  the  Great  Limestone  Valley,  particularly  in  Ten- 
nessee, Georgia,  and  Alabama.  The  chert  ridges,  which  often  stand  several  hundred 
feet  above  the  general  level  of  the  valley,  represent  a  subordinate  development  of  the 
uplands  division,  the  prevailing  rocks  being  identical  in  character  at  least  with  the 
dominant  rocks  of  the  limestone  uplands. 

The  valley  floors,  ranging  from  500  to  3,000  feet  below  the  crest  of  the  bordering 
Appalachian  Mountains,  vary  considerably  in  elevation  above  sea  level.  The  av- 
erage altitude  in  Pennsylvaia,  Maryland,  and  northern  Virginia  ranges  from  about 
500  to  1,000  feet.  To  the  south  there  is  a  gradual  ascent  to  about  2,700  feet  at  the 
Virginia-Tennessee  line,  and  thence  southward  a  gradual  slope  to  500  feet  or  less  in 
central  Alabama.  Streams  have  cut  secondary  valleys  and  gorges  from  a  few  feet  to 
250  feet  or  more  below  the  general  valley  level. 

The  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee  and  the  Bluegrass  region  of  Kentucky  represent 
erosion  basins  rather  than  true  valleys.  Their  low  surface  level  as  compared  with  the 
surrounding  Highland  Rim  gives  them  the  essential  characteristics  of  a  valley — that 
is,  a  low,  smooth  floor  bordered  by  higher  land.  They  differ,  however,  in  lacking  the 
elongated  shape  of  true  valleys.  The  average  elevation  of  the  floor  of  the  Central 
Basin  of  Tennessee  is  about  GOO  feet,  or  approxmiately  400  feel  below  the  level  of  the 
Highland  Rim.  That  of  the  Bluegrass  region  is  somewhat  higher,  ranging  from  500 
to  1,000  feet  above  sea  level. 

The  basin  characteristics  of  these  regions  arc  the  result  of  the  relatively  rapid 
weathering  of  the  included  rocks  which  consist  prevailingly  of  the  purer  limestones. 
The  usual  Undulating  and  gently  rolling  surface  configuration  lias  resulted  from  the 

uniform  weathering  of  the  rocks. 

PHYSIOGRAPHY   AND    GEOLOGY    OF   THE    LIMESTONE    UPLANDS. 

The  Limestone  uplands  are  typically  developed  east  of  the  Mississippi  River  in  the 
Highland  Rim  of  Tennessee.  This  country  has  a  generally  even  upland  level  of 
distinct  plateau  character  and  as  elevation  of  about  1,000  feet.  The  limestone  up- 
lands division  "i"  the  province  includes  large  areas  of  almost  flat  to  undulating  or 
gently  rolling  topography,  although  in  many  places  the  surface  has  been  badly  dissected 
by  the  encroachment  oi  streams. 

Ai  a  physiographic  <li\i  Ion  abutting  the  Cumberland  Plateau  on  the  east,  the 
Highland  Kim  \\  iih  its  plateau  surface  featun  s  strictly  represents  a  lower  plane  <>!'  the 
Cumberland  Plateau.  It  lias  been  included  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands 
province  for  the  reason  thai  its  rocks  are  here  dominantly  of  Limestone,  whereas  those 
of  the  Cumberland  Plateau  proper  are  principally  of  sandstone,  conglomerate,  and 
shale.  Tli<-  greater  elevation  of  the  Highland  Kim  as  compared  witn  the  Central 
Basin  it  due  to  the  high  content  of  insoluble  chert  in  Its  included  rocks.    The  presence 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS  AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  87 

of  this  insoluble  material  accounts  for  the  slower  wearing  down  of  the  surface  and  the 
consequent  development  of  the  plateau  topography.  The  limestone  highlands 
of  Kentucky  are  continuous  with  the  Highland  Rim  of  Tennessee,  but  in  places 
erosion  has  reached  a  more  advanced  stage,  with  the  result  that  in  Kentucky  the 
plateau  features  are  not  generally  so  well  preserved. 

The  limestone  uplands  of  the  Ozark  region  form  a  broad  plateau  including  extensive 
areas  of  cherty  limestone  with  sandstone,  shale,  and  some  chert-free  limestone. 
Roughly,  the  plateau  is  a  broad,  flattish  dome,  with  a  maximum  elevation  of  1,700 
feet.  From  the  main  drainage  divide,  which  follows  approximately  a  line  drawn 
from  the  St.  Francis  Mountains  in  the  east  to  Springfield,  Mo.,  and  thence  to  Fayette- 
ville,  Ark.,  the  surface  slopes  to  the  northwest  and  southeast.  Extending  northward, 
the  surface  relief  becomes  less  pronounced  and  the  plateau  gradually  sinks  through 
a  hilly  border  region  and  finally  fades  out  along  the  Missouri  River.  Southward  the 
plateau  is  bordered  by  the  Boston  Mountains,  which  represent  the  highest  portion 
of  the  Ozark  region,  and  which  are  included  in  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau 
province.  The  surface  configuration  of  the  region  as  a  whole  is  strongly  rolling  to 
very  hilly.  There  are  many  slopes  which  are  too  steep  for  cultivation,  although  the 
region  embraces  a  large  area  of  land  suitable  for  agriculture. 

DRAINAGE. 

The  limestone  valleys  of  the  Appalachian  region  are  drained  for  the  most  part  by 
small  streams  which  flow  in  a  northeast  or  southwest  direction  into  main  streams 
crossing  the  valleys.  This  is  particularly  true  of  the  northern  extension  of  the  lime- 
stone valleys  division,  where  streams  such  as  the  Shenandoah  River  in  Virginia 
follow  the  valley  courses  and  empty  into  larger  streams,  like  the  Potomac,  crossing  the 
valleys  and  mountains  in  their  easterly  course  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  The  central 
part  of  the  division,  however,  is  drained  principally  by  the  Kanawha,  flowing  west, 
the  Roanoke  and  James  Rivers  flowing  east,  and  the  southern  portion  largely  by  the 
Tennessee,  Coosa,  and  Black  Warrior  Rivers. 

The  limestone  highlands  and  associated  basins  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  are 
drained  by  a  rather  intricate  system  of  winding  streams  which  empty  into  the  Ohio 
River.  The  drainage  of  the  Ozark  Dome  is  mostly  through  winding  streams,  flowing 
on  the  north  into  the  Missouri  River  and  on  the  east  and  south  into  the  Mississippi 
and  Arkansas  Rivers,  respectively.  The  streams  are  small  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  of  the  more  important  drainageways,  such  as  the  Gasconade  of  the  northern  slope 
and  the  White  River  of  the  southern  slope . 

CLIMATE. 

The  climatic  conditions  prevailing  throughout  this  province  vary  with  the  latitude 
and  elevation.  The  latitudinal  variation  in  temperature  is  measured  by  the  pro- 
gressive gradation  toward  lower  normals  from  central  Alabama  to  New  Jersey.  On 
account  of  difference  of  elevation  between  the  valley  floors  and  the  uplands,  there  is 
in  places  sufficient  variation  in  temperature  to  affect  somewhat  the  crop  adaptation 
and  yields,  particularly  as  influencing  the  length  of  the  growing  season.  In  general, 
however,  the  range  of  elevation  between  the  two  divisions  is  not  wide  enough  to  bring 
about  any  material  alteration  in  the  type  of  agriculture.  Ordinarily  within  the  same 
latitude  climatic  conditions  are  not  sufficiently  dissimilar  to  cause  any  considerable 
variation  in  the  general  farming  in  the  two  divisions.  In  the  production  of  fruit, 
however,  climatic  environment  frequently  has  a  very  important  influence,  even 
within  restricted  areas.  The  poor  air  drainage  of  narrow,  inclosed  valleys  and  depres- 
sions makes  fruit  culture  much  more  hazardous  in  such  areas  than  on  open,  higher 
ground  where  cool  air  does  not  settle.  Vegetables  may  also  suffer  and  occasionally 
some  of  the  general  farm  crops,  from  the  unfavorable  climatic  conditions  obtaining 
in  such  situations. 

SOILS. 

The  soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province  are  composed  of  residual 
material  derived  very  largely  from  limestones  and  dolomitic  limestones.  Seme  areas 
are  influenced  to  varying  degrees  by  materials  from  sandstones  and  shales  associated 
with  the  limestones. 

The  reduction  of  the  limestones  and  dolomitic  limestones  to  soil  has  been  accom- 
plished chiefly  by  the  removal  of  calcium  and  magnesium  carbonates  through  process 
of  solution,  the  less  soluble  components  being  left  to  form  the  soil.     In  the  case  of 


88  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

the  purer  limestones  the  present  soil  mantle  represents  a  very  small  proportion  of  the 
original  rock,  the  larger  part  having  been  carried  away  in  solution  by  gravitational 
and  stream  waters.  Many  feet  of  rock  have  thus  been  required  to  form  a  thin  layer  of 
soil. 

Differences  in  the  character  of  the  parent  rocks,  especially  in  content  of  insoluble 
material  such  as  chert,  have  given  rise  to  a  number  of  soil  series  of  widely  varying 
characteristics.  The  province  includes  two  main  soil  series,  one  comprising  soils 
derived  from  pure  or  chert-free  limestones,  as  typically  represented  by  the  Haters- 
town  series,  and  the  other  comprising  soils  derived  from  cherty  and  siliceous  lime- 
stones, represented  by  the  Clarkville  series.  The  members  of  the  Hagerstown  series 
are  universally  more  productive  than  the  corresponding  Clarksville  types,  except 
where  affected  by  poor  drainage  or  refractory  structure. 

The  Shenandoah  limestone  and  its  chronological  equivalents  represent  the  type  of 
the  pure  or  chert-free  limestones,  giving  rise  to  the  soils  of  the  Hagerstown  order,  while 
the  St.  Louis  limestone  is  typical  of  the  cherty  limestones,  giving  rise  to  the  Clarksville 
order  of  soils. 

Soils  of  sandy  texture  are  of  limited  development  in  this  province,  being  confined 
to  those  areas  in  which  the  material  derived  from  both  sandstone  and  limestone, 
usually  interbedded  with  strata  of  these  rocks,  or  to  situations  where  limestone  mate- 
rial has  been  covered  by  or  mixed  with  sand  washed  from  higher  portions  occupied 
by  sandstone  soils. 

A  large  area  has  been  mapped  as  stony  loam.  This  includes  areas  in  which  erosion 
has  kept  closer  pace  with  rock  weathering  than  over  other  soils  of  the  province,  others 
which  have  been  covered  by  rocks  falling  from  adjacent  slopes  and  ledges,  and  still 
others  where  the  stones  represent  the  more  resistant  portions  of  the  cherty  parent 
rocks. 

Of  the  pure  or  chert-free  limestone  soils  the  Hagerstown,  Decatur,  Brooke,  Colbert, 
and  Conestoga  are  the  most  important  series.  Local  areas  contain  chert  derived  from 
strata  interbedded  with  the  pure  limestone,  but  the  extent  of  such  phases  is  relatively 
small  within  the  limits  of  the  Hagerstown  series.  All  of  these  soils,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Brooke  series,  are  confined  to  the  limestone  valley  division  of  the  province. 

The  Hagerstown  series  is  found  extensively  throughout  the  Appalachian  Valley, 
from  eastern  Pennsylvania,  nearly  to  central  Alabama,  ,and  throughout  the  Central 
Basin  of  Tennessee  and  the  Bluegrass  Region  of  Kentucky.  The  soils  are  brownish 
with  brown  to  reddish,  moderately  stiff  clay  subsoils.  They  are  well  drained,  pro- 
ductive, and  the  surface  features  are  prevailingly  favorable  to  cultivation. 

The  Decatur  soils  are  most  widely  developed  in  the  valleys  of  Alabama,  Georgia, 
and  Tennessee.  Smaller  areas  occur  throughout  the  valley  division  of  the  province, 
but  the  series  represents  mainly  a  southern  group  of  soils.  These  soils  also  occur  to 
some  extent  in  the  uplands  division  of  the  province;  particularly  in  the  Highland 
Rim  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  In  places  the  characteristic  deep-red  color  seems 
to  have  been  caused  by  an  advanced  stage  of  oxidation,  but  doubtless  the  high  iron 
content  of  the  parent  rock  is  responsible  for  the  distinguishing  color.  These  are  also 
strong,  well-drained,  productive  lands  having  for  the  most  part  a  surface  configuration 
suited  to  tillage  operations. 

The  Brooke  series  includes  relatively  small,  scattered  areas  occupying  hilltops  and 
crests  of  ridges  in  the  eroded  portion  of  the  Appalachian  Plateau  region  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, southwestern  Pennsylvania,  and  eastern  Ohio.  Remnants  of  limestone  strata, 
originally  interstratified  with  the  dominant  sandstones  and  shales  of  the  region,  and 
exposed  by  erosion,  give  rise  to  the  Brooke  soils.  They  resemble  somewhat  the 
Hagerstown  soils  in  character  of  material,  but  are  markedly  different  in  topography, 
color,  and  in  the  more  plastic  structure  of  the  subsoil.  The  types  mapped  are  all 
strong  soils,  although  local  topography  in  many  places  makes  cultivation  imprac- 
i  [cable. 

The  ( lolberl  series  has  grayish  soils  and  plastic  clay  or  silty  clay  subsoils  of  a  mottled 
yellow  and  gray  color.  Wnere  typically  developed  they  occnpy  flat  areas  of  poor 
surface  drainage,  in  their  natural  state  they  are  oo1  very  productive,  but  when 
artificially  drained  are  capable  of  supporting  good  crops,  except  in  cases  where  the 
intractable  clay  subsoil  lies  near  the  surface.  So  far  these  soils  have  been  mapped 
only  in  Georgia  and  Alabama. 

The  soils  oi  i  he  ( kmestogs  i  eries  are  disl  inguished  by  the  greasy  feel  of  the  subsoil. 
This  peculiar  feature  Is  due  to  the  presence  of  mica  flakes  derived  from  the  parent 
schistose  limestone.  These  Boils  are  fairly  productive,  although  yields  are  slightly 
lower  than  for  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Hagerstown  series.  These  soils  may 
occur  wherever  the  schistose  limestones  arc  developed. 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  89 

The  Hollywood  series,  which  seems  to  be  derived  principally  from  pure  limestone, 
is  of  limited  extent,  having  been  encountered  only  in  the  valleys  of  Alabama  and 
Georgia.    The  most  distinctive  feature  of  the  series  is  the  black  color  of  the  material. 

The  Clarksville,  Senlon,  Guthrie,  Baxter,  Frankstown,  and  Locust  series  represent 
the  cherty  and  siliceous  limestone  soils  belonging  to  the  Clarksville  group.  These 
soils  very  largely  belong  in  the  upland  division  of  the  province. 

The  Clarksville  series  includes  soils,  the  fine  material  of  which  is  predominantly 
of  silty  texture,  gray  in  the  surface  portion,  and  yellowish  in  the  subsoil.  The  material 
is  derived  from  cherty  and  siliceous  limestones.  Some  cherty  material  is  always 
present,  being  pronounced  in  all  of  the  more  important  types,  except  the  silt  loam. 
The  Clarksville  soils  are  inherently  less  productive  than  the  Hagerstown  and  other 
well-drained  soils  derived  from  purer  limestones. 

The  Guthrie  soils  represent  light  colored,  poorly  drained  material  of  similar  origin 
as  the  Clarksville,  with  which  the  series  is  closely  associated  in  occurrence.  They  are 
less  productive  than  the  corresponding  types  of  the  Clarksville  series  on  account  of  the 
poorly  established  drainage. 

Soils  of  the  Baxter  series  have  been  mapped  only  in  the  Ozark  Plateau.  These  soils 
are  very  closely  related  to  the  Clarksville,  both  in  physical  characteristics  and  origin. 
The  chert  content  is  apparently  more  calcareous,  while  the  subsoils  ordinarily  carry  a 
larger  percentage  of  clay.  These  soils  are  possibly  a  little  more  productive  than  the 
Clarksville,  owing  to  the  calcareous  nature  of  the  chert. 

The  Senlon  series  has  also  been  mapped  only  in  the  Ozark  Plateau.  The  main 
characteristics  are  the  heavy  silty  clay  subsoil  which  passes  downward  first  into  lighter 
textured  silt  loam  and  then  into  a  layer  containing  a  large  quantity  of  angular  chert 
fragments.  This  series  is  related  to  the  Locust  soils  of  the  limestone  valley  division 
of  the  province  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  the  chief  difference  being  the  reddish- 
brown  color  of  the  subsoil  of  the  former  series. 

The  Frankstown  series  of  the  northern  limestone  valleys,  unlike  the  other  soils  of 
the  cherty  group,  includes  large  quantities  of  flinty  chert  fragments  with  a  considera- 
ble amount  of  soft,  partially  decomposed  yellowish  rock.  The  material  is  derived 
from  an  impure  limestone  of  the  Helderberg  formation.  The  Frankstown  soils  are 
more  productive  than  most  of  the  corresponding  types  of  the  Clarksville  series. 

The  other  series  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province  are  derived  from 
limestone  mixed  with  sandstone  or  shale,  or  both.  They  are  not  so  extensive  as  the 
important  Clarksville  and  Hagerstown  series,  and,  under  similar  conditions  of  drain- 
age, are  generally  less  productive. 

A  considerable  proportion  of  the  stony  loams  can  be  profitably  cultivated,  especially 
where  the  land  is  cleared  of  the  more  cumbersome  stones,  while  much  of  that  which  is 
too  steep  or  stony  for  plowing  can  be  used  to  advantage  for  pasturage  and  for  the  grow- 
ing of  fruit. 

AGRICULTURE. 

The  larger  part  of  the  land  included  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  prov- 
ince is  suitable  for  agriculture.  The  soils  are  inherently  productive  and  admirably 
adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  fruit,  and  pasturage,  making  practically  the 
entire  area  highly  valuable  farming  land.  A  considerable  proportion  of  the  soils  of 
low  productivity  can  be  easily  built  up  by  a  system  of  careful  soil  management, 
including  a  well-balanced  crop  rotation  in  which  the  legumes  and  other  crops  supply- 
ing organic  matter  are  given  a  prominent  place.  Applications  of  lime  and  commer- 
cial fertilizers  in  moderate  amounts  should  be  added  and  growing  crops  given  oppor- 
tune and  thorough  cultivation. 

In  this  soil  province  9,294,526  acres  have  been  surveyed  on  a  detailed  scale  of 
1  inch  to  the  mile,  and  1,093,568  acres  on  a  reconnoissance  scale  of  4  to  6  miles  to  the 
inch,  which,  with  an  overlap  of  298,432  acres,  leaves  a  net  area  of  10,089,662  acres 
surveyed.  In  9,710,014  acres  soil  series  have  been  established,  and  in  8,911,870 
acres  of  this  area  the  soil  type  has  been  determined,  leaving  798,144  acres  in  which 
the  material  or  series  is  known,  but  where  the  type  has  not  been  differentiated. 
There  are  379,648  acres  of  miscellaneous  material  which  is  mainly  nonagricultural. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Athol  series. — The  soils  of  the  Athol  series  are  brown  to  reddish  brown  in  color, 
and  the  subsoils  light  brown  to  reddish  brown.  They  include  material  having  some 
of  the  characteristics  of  both  the  Penn  and  Hagerstown  series,  such  areas  being 
locally  styled  "all  sorts  land."  The  soils  are  derived  from  limestone  conglomerates, 
including  water-worn  fragments  of  limestone  and  gray  and  red  sandstone.  The  soils 
are  productive,  being  well  suited  to  wheat,  oats,  corn,  grass,  and  clover. 


90 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Athol  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

3,968 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  773. 

Baxter  series. — The  soils  range  in  color  from  black  through  reddish  brown  to  gray 
or  pale  yellow,  with  a  stone  content  varying  from  rather  conspicuous  to  negligible. 
The  subsoils  are  yellow,  greenish  yellow,  or  brown  to  dark  reddish  brown.  The  layer 
of  soil  material  above  the  solid  rock  is  thin.  In  areas  where  erosion  is  active  there 
are  large  areas  of  "glades."  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  derived  from  a  series  of  pure 
and  argillaceous,  moderately  cherty  limestones,  with  thin  interbedded  layers  of 
shale.  The  two  principal  varieties  of  rock  are  a  fine-grained,  crystalline,  gray, 
rather  heavily  bedded  limestone  or  magnesium  limestone  with  chert  in  beds  and 
nodules,  and  argillaceous,  noncrystalline,  soft,  white  to  creamy  white  limestone  and 
magnesium  limestone  (cotton  rock),  with  chert  mainly  in  nodules.  The  main  bodv 
of  the  chert  occurs  in  the  crystalline  rock.  The  shale  layers  are  blue  to  greenish 
yellow,  calcareous,  and  vary  from  1  inch  to  10  feet  in  thickness. 

These  soils  differ  from  the  Clarksville  in  being  less  stony,  usually  paler  in  color, 
and  slightly  less  productive.  The  subsoils  differ  from  the  Clarksville  subsoils  in 
having  a  stronger  color,  either  greenish  yellow  or  dark  reddish  brown.  They  are  also 
less  stony  than  the  Clarksville.  The  stone  in  the  Clarksville  occurs  as  small  angular 
to  subangular  fragments  of  amorphous  to  cryptocrystalline  chert,  while  in  the  Baxter 
soils  the  stone  occurs  both  in  large  fragments  several  hundred  pounds  in  weight,  of 
round,  cellular,  brecciated,  and  oolitic  chert,  and  also  in  nodules  with  concentric 
banding.     The  Baxter  chert  seems  to  be  less  calcareous  than  the  Clarksville  chert. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Baxter  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

27,648 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Brooke  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown  to  brown,  with  yellowish-brown  to 
slightly  reddish-brown  clay  subsoils.  The  series  is  typically  developed  on  the  crests 
of  ridges  and  hills  and  in  plateau-like  situations.  The  soils  are  derived  from  pure 
limestone  with  an  occasional  admixture  of  material  from  associated  sandstones  and 
shales.  The  parent  rock  usually  represents  the  exposed  limestone  strata  of  the 
Monongahela  and  Dunkard  formations,  including  interbedded  sandstones,  shales, 
and  limestones,  the  sandstone  and  shale  having  been  removed  in  such  a  way  as  to 
expose  the  limestone.  These  soils  have  good  drainage,  are  easily  cultivated,  and 
fairly  productive.     Wheat,  corn,  oats,  and  apples  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Brooke  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Brooke  silt  loam 

Trim  ;y]vania  18. 

Pennsylvania  L8; 

lVim\\i\ania  16 

7,016 

60,240 

301,504 

loam 

Irglnta  4,  6,  7,  8,  10 

IlIl'lilT'TI'Iiti  lit  '1 

Total 

359,360 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  788. 

Clarksville  series.— The  BUrface  soils  are  gray  and  the  subsoils  yellow  and  usually 
silty  clay  in  texture,  and  frequently  underlain  by  a  reddish  substratum.  The  depth 
to  r.d  material  varies  with  the  topography,  being  deeper  in  the  more  level  areas. 
The  more  complete  crystallization  <>f  the  parent  Limestone  has  the  same  effect  on  the 
subsoil  ai  the  smoothness  <>f  the  topography.    Cherty  material  is  usually  presenl  in 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE. 


91 


varying  amounts,  considerable  areas  being  very  gravelly  from  the  surface  downward. 
These  soils  occur  over  both  level  and  undulating  uplands  and  rough,  hilly  country 
with  steep  slopes.  In  the  smoother  areas  chert  and  stone  are  less  abundant.  These 
soils  in  places  are  derived  from  cherty  limestones.  Those  areas  carrying  little  chert 
appear  to  be  derived  from  limestone  which  originally  carried  less  chert  than  that 
giving  rise  to  the  gravelly  and  stony  areas.  These  soils  are  typically  and  extensively 
developed  in  northern  Alabama,  Tennessee,  and  Kentucky.  They  are  variously 
adapted  to  tobacco,  grass,  small  grains,  corn,  strawberries,  cantaloupes,  and,  under 
proper  climatic  conditions,  to  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Clarksville  series. 


Soil  name. 

.  State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Clarksville  gravelly  sandy  loam 
fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  6,  35 

17,024 

Alabama  23 

1,856 

Alabama  6, 10,  35;  Tennessee  4 

129,024 
3,029,268 

220,096 
1, 733, 762 

Alabama  3,  4,  6,8, 10, 15,16,21,23,35;  Arkansas  2;  Georgia  18; 

Missouri  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  11,  13,  18,  22;  Tennessee  1,  2,  3,  5,  7,  9, 

10,  12. 
Alabama  15,  20,  28,  37;  Georgia  18;  Missouri  11 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

Alabama  19,  23,26;  Arkansas  2;  Kentucky  4,  7;  Missouri  4,  6, 

7,  9, 11, 18,  22;  Tennessee  1,  3,  7,  9, 10, 12. 
Alabama  26;  Kentucky  7;  Tennessee  9 

clay  loam 

102,084 

Total 

5,233,114 

'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Colbert  series. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Colbert  series  is  grayish  to  light  brown  and 
the  subsoil  yellow  and  frequently  of  plastic  structure.  The  series  is  derived  from  pure 
limestone  or  limestone  mixed  with  sandstone.  The  soils  are  typically  developed  as 
flat  to  undulating  valley  lands.     Both  surface  and  underdrainage  are  frequently 

Eoorly  established.    With  proper  drainage,  wheat,  oats,  corn,  and  forage  crops  can 
e  grown  with  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Colbert  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colbert  fine  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Alabama  10 

960 

Alabama  10,  20,  26 

51,264 

Alabama  10 

3,136 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 

Alabama  20,  26,  28;  Georgia  18 

39,808 

Alabama  10 

1,408 

stony  clay 

Alabama  20,  28;  Georgia  18 

10,368 

Total 

106,944 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Conestoga  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  yellowish-brown  to  brown.  The  sub- 
soils are  yellow  greenish,  occasionally  mottled  with  gray,  and  have  a  greasy  feel. 
Occasionally  the  subsoil  assumes  a  reddish  cast.  These  soils  are  derived  from  schistose 
limestone  and  calcareous  shale  or  shaly  limestone  usually  containing  finely  divided 
mica.  Fragments  of  the  parent  rock  are  of  common  occurrence  in  the  subsoil  and 
throughout -the  soil  section.  The  soils  are  not  quite  as,  productive  as  the  correspond- 
ing members  of  the  associated  Hagerstown  series,  but  are  suited  to  the  production  of 
general  farm  crops,  such  as  wheat,  oats,  corn,  clover,  and  grass. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Conestoga  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Conestoga  loam 

52,344 

clay 

64,128 

Total 

116,472 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


92 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Decatur  series. — The  soils  are  characteristically  a  reddish-brown  to  deep  red  color 
and  subsoils  an  intensely  red  or  blood-red  color.  They  are  derived  mainly  from 
pure  limestone,  although  some  areas  show  traces  of  chert.  These  soils  are  developed 
as  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling  valley  lands.  They  also  occur  to  some  extent  in 
the  uplands  division  of  the  province.  They  are  admirably  adapted  to  corn,  small 
grains,  and  forage  crops.     Under  proper  climatic  conditions  cotton  can  also  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Decatur  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Decatur  loam 

Alabama  3,  4,  6,  20,  28,  35;  Georgia  18;  Tennessee  10 

88,128 
132,608 
23,040 
72, 128 
15,«72 

Alahfimn  fij  20,  35;  Tennpssfip  lOT....... 

Alabama  2G 

silt  loam 

Alabama  10;  Missouri  5;  Tennessee  3, 12 

stonv  silt  loam 

Missouri  5 

clay  loam 

Alabama  3,  G,  15,  20,  21,  26,  28,  35;  Georgia  18;  Tennessee  1,  4; 

Virginia  9. 
Alabama  26 

282,240 
38,976 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 

Tennessee  4 

15,040 

Total 

668,032 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Duffield  series. — The  Duffield  soils  are  brown  to  yellowish-brown  and  often  contain 
many  shale  and  occasional  limestone  fragments.  The  subsoils  are  yellowish  to  reddish- 
yellow,  being  occasionally  darker  where  derived  from  dark-blue  shales,  and  usually 
red  to  reddish-yellow  where  the  underlying  limestone  bed  is  thick.  The  soils  are 
well  drained.  They  do  not  suffer  from  erosion.  The  soils  are  derived  from  alter- 
nating shale  and  limestone  beds.  The  shales  are  yellowish,  reddish,  bluish,  and 
greenish.     The  limestone  layers  are  usually  thin,  but  are  occasionally  massive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Duffield  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Duffield,  undifferentiated 

Pennsylvania  15 

14,400 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fort  Payne  series. — These  soils  are  gray  to  light  yellow,  the  subsoils  grading  quickly 
from  a  yellow  silty  clay  loam  to  a  stiff,  sticky,  impervious  clay  faintly  mottled  with 
red.  The  movement  of  moisture  is  so  slow  in  the  impervious  subsoils  as  to  make 
the  soils  excessively  droughty  in  dry  seasons.  The  soils  are  derived  from  shales, 
argillaceous  and  shaly  limestone,  and  dolomitic  limestones,  varying  according  to  the 
character  of  the  parent  rock.  The  clay  and  clay  loam  are  derived  from  shales  and 
argillaceous  or  shaly  limestone,  while  the  loam  and  stony  loam  are  mainly  derived 
from  Knox  dolomite.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  high  and  hilly. 
These  soils  do  not  form  desirable  agricultural  land.  Oorn  and  wheat  give  only  mod- 
erate yields.  0 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Fort  Payne  scri>  $, 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

l'ort  1'uyne  clay  loam 

Tennessee  5 

9,536 

i  ox  key  to  number  in  this  column  Me  p.  788. 


Fmnkstown  series.    -The  soils  of  the  FrankstOWD  scries  ;uc  grayish  to  light  brown 
in  color,  and  tie-  subsoils  Dale  yellow  and  friable.    Small  fragments  of  a  soft,  yollow- 

i.-h,    partly   weathered   rock  and   fragment*  of  a  hard  grayish   to  pinkiflh   flinty  rock 
OCCUr  OH  the  .surface  and  throughout  the  Boil  flection.      In  many  places  the  substratum 

contains  50  per  cent  or  more  oi  this  sofl  yellowish  rock.    These  soils  are  tvpically 
developed  on   the  smooth   hut    rather  narrow   ridges  of   the   Appalachian  Mountain 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE. 


93 


regions  of  Pennsylvania  and  possibly  over  similar  regions  to  the  south.  They  usually 
occupy  situations  considerably  higher  than  the  Hagerstown  soils  and  are  locally 
known  as  "gravelly  land,"  "bastard  limestone,"  and  "limestone  land."  The  mate- 
rial is  derived  from  the  shales  and  cherty  limestones  of  the  upper  part  of  the  lower 
Helderberg  formation.  Occasionally  limestone  is  encountered  in  the  series,  but  gen- 
erally it  is  not  seen  in  sections  of  any  considerable  depth.  These  soils  are  quite 
productive,  being  suited  to  wheat,  corn,  clover,  and  grass,  and  to  certain  varieties 
of  apples,  particularly  the  Jonathan. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Frankstown  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pennsylvania  2,  8 

31,168 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Guthrie  series. — This  series  includes  the  grayish  to  almost  white  silty  soils  developed 
in  flat  or  slightly  depressed  areas  having  poor  surface  drainage.  The  subsoils  are 
usually  pale  yellow  or  pale  yellow  mottled  with  gray,  and  are  rather  compact  in 
structure.  They  are  associated  with  the  Clarksville  soils  and  really  represent  poorly 
drained  areas  of  the  latter  series.  Under  ordinary  conditions  they  are  best  suited  to 
grasses,  but  when  drained  can  be  used  for  corn  and  other  grain  crops  with  fairly  satis- 
factory results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Guthrie  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Guthrie  silt  loam 

Alabama  10,  35;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  5;  Tennessee  1,  3,  10, 12. 
Alabama  19,  23;  Kentucky  2,  Tennessee  9 

9.216 

20,584 

Total 

29,800 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hagerstown  series. — The  soils  of  the  Hagerstown  series  are  prevailingly  brown  in  color, 
with  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  subsoils.  In  some  areas  the  subsoil  is  red  or  dull 
red,  but  never  so  pronounced  in  color  as  that  of  the  Decatur  series.  These  soils  are 
most  typically  developed  in  the  limestone  valleys  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain 
region  and  in  the  central  basins  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  with  outlying  areas  in  the 
adjoining  Piedmont  Plateau  region.  Fragments  of  limestone  and  outcrops  are  of 
common  occurrence.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  gently  rolling,  well  suited  to 
cultivation.  The  soils  are  very  productive  and  admirably  adapted  to  corn,  small  grain, 
clover,  bluegrass,  timothy,  apples,  and  in  the  Southern  States  to  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hagerstown  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Hagerstown  sandy  loam. 


fine  sandy  loam 
loam 


stony  loam, 
silt  loam.... 


clay  loam, 
clay 


stony  clay 

undifferentiated. 


Alabama  19;  Pennsylvania  2,  8;  Tennessee  11;  Virginia  1,  3,  7; 
West  Virginia  3. 

Alabama  26 

Alabama  15, 16, 19,  20,  21,  23,  26,  28;  Kentucky  2,  3,  5;  Penn- 
sylvania 1,  2,  3,  5,  6,  9,  10, 12;  Tennessee  2,  *3,  5,  7,  11;  Vir- 
ginia 1,3,  7,9. 

Alabama  19,  20, 21;  Pennsylvania  1, 2, 3,  5,  8, 11;  Tennessee  1, 3, 
4,  10,  11,  12;  Virginia  1,3,  9. 

Georgia  18;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  4;  Pennsylvania 2,  5,  8;  Ten- 
nessee 1,  12;  Virginia  9.       • 

Alabama  20,  28;  Pennsylvania  2, 8,  5.  8,  9;  Virginia  9 

Alabama  16, 19;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky  2,  8.  5;  Pennsylvania  5, 
9;  Tennessee  5;  Virginia  1,3;  West  Virginia  3. 

Alabama  4, 15;  Kentucky  2;  Tennessee  1 

Pennsylvania  13. 15 


66,502 


6,720 
1,192,646 

382,708 

317,632 

Total 3, 000, 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


94 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Hollywood  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  characterized  by  their  dark-gray  to 
black  color,  heavy  texture,  and  refractory  structure.  The  subsoils  consist  of  dark-gray 
to  yellow,  sticky,  heavy  clay,  occasionally  mottled  with  red.  The  soils  are  of  lime- 
stone origin  and  occupy  low.  flat  limestone  valleys,  being  frequently  found  near  streams. 
The  prevailing  refractory  structure  of  the  soil  makes  cultivation  difficult  except  under 
favorable  conditions  of  moisture.  Corn  and  grass  are  the  principal  crops,  giving  fair 
yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bollywood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hollywood  clav  loam 

Alabama  26 

1,920 

1,088 

Total 

3,008 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Locust  series. — These  soils  are  grayish  yellow,  the  subsoils  consisting  of  a  yellow 
silty  clay  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  gravel.  They  are  found  as  strips  near  drainage- 
ways.  The  surface  is  slightly  undulating  and  drainage  good .  The  soils  are  productive, 
giving  good  yields  of  cotton  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Locust  series. 


Soil  name. 

S^ate  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Locust  silt  loam 

Alabama  15 

4,992 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Murrill  series. — The  soils  of  the  Murrill  series  are  brown,  with  yellowish-brown  to 
reddish  subsoils.  They  occupy  undulating  to  gently  sloping  areas,  near  the  foot  of 
mountains  and  ridges  and  are  derived  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  material. 
The  subsoil  usually  consists  of  residual  material  from  limestone,  modified  somewhat 
by  shale  in  certain  areas.  The  surface  soils  consist  principally  of  colluvial  material 
from  the  adjoining  slopes  and  are  composed  chiefly  of  sandstone  and  shale,  though 
some  limestone  enters  into  this  colluvial  wash.  The  members  are  less  productive 
than  the  well-drained  associated  limestone  soils,  but  are  well  suited  to  corn,  wheat, 
oats,  grass,  and  clover.     The  sandy  members  produce  good  yield  of  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Murrill  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Murrill  silt  loam 

1  Vim  ;\  Ivania  3 

8,704 

nla  .; 

15,720 

Total 

31,016 

'  For  key  to  cumbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Penning  ]  Lea  include*  light-brown  soils  with  mottled  yellow  and 

blu<\  intractable  subsoils.    The  members  are  found  along  the  lower  slopes  where 

from  higher  Boils  keep  the  materia]  in  a  soggy  condition  tnroughout 

I  pun  oi'  the  year.    Owing  to  their  position  more  or  less  colluvial  material  has 

leposited  over  the  surface.    The  soils  are  derived  brom  interbedded,  calcareous 

shales  and  impure  lie  [n  their  presenl  condition  they  have  little  agricultural 

value,  hut  when  well  drained  they  should  become  products  e. 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PKOVINCE.  95 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Pennington  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kentucky  4 

256 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Pocahontas  series. — The  Pocahontas  soils  are  yellowish  gray  to  light  brown  and 
prevailingly  of  silty  texture  and  friable  structure.  The  subsoils  consist  of  yellowish 
silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  These  soils,  while  frequently  associated  with  the  Clarks- 
ville,  are  of  superior  productivity.  The  brownish  color  is  more  pronounced,  the  topog- 
raphy smoother,  and  the  soils  chert  free.  The  materials  are  derived  from  shales 
with  some  included  limestones.  The  surface  configuration  is  well  suited  to  agricul- 
ture, and  the  types  are  considered  excellent  agricultural  soils,  being  adapted  to 
corn,  clover,  wheat,  cowpeas,  grass,  and,  under  proper  management,  to  alfalfa. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Pocahontas  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  4 

23, 616 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Senlon  series. — The  soils1* of  the  Senlon  series  have  a  brown  color  and  friable  struc- 
ture. The  subsoils  are  brown  to  reddish  brown  and  contain  large  amounts  of  angular 
chert  gravel  in  the  lower  portion.  These  soils  are  characteristically  developed  in 
strips  along  streams  having  a  gentle  slope  from  the  first  bottom  land  back  to  the  foot 
or  base  of  the  uplands  proper.  The  material  is  mainly  colluvial  in  origin,  having 
been  washed  down  from  upland  residual  soils  derived  principally  from  cherty  lime- 
stone.    These  are  good  agricultural  soils  and  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  and  grass. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Senlon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Senlon  silt  loam 

Missouri  11 

6,528 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tilsit  series. — These  soils  range  from  pale  yellow  or  light  brownish  yellow  to  gray, 
with  brownish-yellow  subsoils.  The  soil  in  the  lower  portion  has  a  faint  reddish  tinge 
with  mottlings  of  yellow,  gray,  and  brown.  The  material  ifderived  from  fine-grained 
sandstones  modified  to  some  extent  by  material  derived  from  the  overlying  limestone- 
beds.  In  some  cases  the  sandstones  are  interbedded  with  the  limestones  of  the  Limestone 
Valleys  and  Uplands  province.  The  soils  differ  from  the  Dekalb  series  in  their  rela- 
tively smooth  topography,  their  more  intimate  association  with  limestone  soils,  and 
in  their  brownish-yellow  color.  The  topography  of  the  areas  in  which >they  occur  is 
undulating  to  hilly,  but  not  mountainous. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tilsit  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tilsit  silt  loam 

39,168 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


96  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

SANDY   LOAM    GROUP. 

The  sandy  loam  group  is  represented  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands 
province,  so  far  as  the  soil  surveys  have  extended,  by  one  type,  the  Hagerstown 
sandy  loam.  This  has  been  encountered  in  various  portions  of  the  valley,  from 
Pennsylvania  to  Alabama,  although  the  area  mapped  is  rather  small.  The  Bandy 
material  is  generally  derived  from  sandstone  rocks  associated  with  the  limestones, 
giving  rise  to  the  typical  Hagerstown  material. 

The  sand  content  gives  the  soil  a  friable  structure,  making  it  considerably  easier 
to  cultivate  than  the  heavier  soils  of  the  province.  The  subsoil,  which  usually  is 
encountered  within  10  to  15  inches  of  the  surface,  is  a  rather  compact  clay  and  retent  ive 
of  moisture.  These  soils,  therefore,  have  good  drainage  in  the  surface  portion,  but 
are  not  excessively  drained  as  are  some  of  the  sandier  types  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
Coastal  Plains. 

Crops  usually  reach  maturity  on  these  light-textured  soils  somewhat  earlier  than 
on  the  heavier  types,  making  them  better  suited  to  the  production  of  early  Vegetables 
than  any  of  the  other  soils  of  the  province. 

The  general  farm  crops  give  moderate  to  good  yields  where  properly  managed, 
especially  where  a  good  organic  content  is  maintained.  Grass  does  not  do  as  well 
as  on  the  heavier  soils.     Peaches  and  certain  varieties  of  apples  do  well. 

Hagerstown  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  yellowish  or  light-brown  Bandy 
loam  about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-red  clay,  grading  into  a  stilt 
red  clay  in  the  lower  portion.  The  type  occupies  some  of  the  higher  ridges  of  the 
valley  and  is  well  drained.  The  soil  material  is  chiefly  of  residual  origin,  being 
derived  from  limestone  and  modified  to  some  extent  by  sandy  material  from  either 
sandstone,  arenaceous  limestone  associated  with  the  purer  limestone,  or  from  coll u vial 
material  derived  from  adjacent  slopes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hagerstown  sandy  loam 

Alabama  19;  Pennsylvania  2, 8;  Tennessee  11;  Virginia  1,3,7; 
West  Virginia  3. 

66,502 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
•  GRAVELLY   SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  <  I  irk Bville  gravelly  sandy  loam  is  the  only  member  of  this  group  so  far  encoun- 
tered. This  typo  occupies  hilly  to  rolling  areas,  generallyJnear  si  roams,  its  Bandy 
character  is  due  to  the  Influence  of  either  arenaceous  limestone  or  sandstone,  it  is 
not  likely  that  any  considerable  area  ol  land  represented  by  members  of  this  group 
will  be  found  within  the  Limestone  province.  Where  encountered  they  probably 
will  he  of  low  agricultural  value  because  of  their  unfavorable  surface  features  and  a 

high  gravel  contenl  which  renders  cultivation  difficult. 
ClarktviUe  gravelly  sandy  loam.    The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  L2  inches  consists  of 

.    to  grayish-brown,  Silty  hue  sandy  loam  or  silty  sandy  loam,  carrying  B  mod- 

to  high  percentage  of  small  fragments  of  chert  mixed  with  shale  and  sandstone, 
and,  in  places,  rounded  sandstone.    The  subsoil  is  a  grayifh  to  yellow  heavy  loam 

or  silty  clay  loam  which  frequently  grades  into  a  reddish  or  yellow  .silty  clay.     The 

type  is  of  residual  origin,  and  usually  occupies  the  smoother,  lower  slopes  which 

in    places    have    been    influenced    l>v    COlluviaJ    material.     The   soil    is   well    drained. 

Under  ordinary  methods  of  farming  only  fair  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops,  prin- 
cipally corn  and   COtton,   are  secured.     The   type   is  well  suited   to   Irish  and  sweet 

Eotatoes,    cantaloupes,    and   strawberries.     Apples,   plums,  pears,    raspberries,  and 
lackberries  do  well. 


LIMESTONE    VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  97 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  6, 35 

17,024 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


FINE    SANDY   LOAM   GROUP. 


The  fine  sandy  loam  covers  a  very  small  area  in  this  province,  being  represented  by 
patchy  occurrences  where  several  important  series  have  been  influenced  by  material 
from  fine-grained  sandstone  and  arenaceous  limestone.  These  soils  give  fairly  good 
results  with  medium-early  vegetables.  The  general  farm  crops  yield  well  where  the 
soil  is  carefully  handled,  its  productiveness  being  nearly  equal  to  that  of  the  loam 
group.  The  land  is  easily  plowed  and  kept  in  a  good  state  of  tilth.  The  areas  usu- 
ally are  not  sufficiently  extensive  to  warrant  the  establishment  of  very  important 
trucking  industries. 

Clarksville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil,  varying  in  depth  from  6  to  15  inches,  is  a 
gray  fine  sandy  loam  of  loose  texture.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  more  than  3  feet,  is 
a  red  sandy  clay,  the  sand  content  being  more  pronounced  in  the  upper  portion,  or  a 
yellow  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam  sometimes  grading  into  a  reddish  clay  loam  or  clay. 
The  surface  features  are  not  uniform,  varying  from  low  rolling  hills  to  narrow  ridges. 
The  type  has  been  formed  largely  from  remnants  of  the  sandy  layers  of  the  Lafayette 
formation,  mixed  with  the  clays  of  the  underlying  limestone.  Surface  drainage  is 
complete,  but  the  subsoil  is  capable  of  retaining  a  large  quantity  of  moisture.  The 
soil  should  be  excellent  for  peaches,  and,  where  well  drained,  for  cotton  and  other 
general  farm  crops. 

Colbert  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brownish  fine  sandy  loam  6  to  8  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  yellow  or  mottled  gray  and  yellow,  heavy,  fine  sandy  loam  or 
sandy  clay.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  slightly  undulating.  In  agricultural 
value  the  type  lies  between  the  red  limestone  land  and  the  gray  mountain  lands  of 
the  Coal  Measures. 

Hagerstown  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown 
fine  sandy  loam,  from  6  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  red  or  reddish-brown,  some- 
what friable,  fine  sandy  clay.  The  fine  material  is  derived  mainly  from  limestone, 
the  coarser  particles  of  sand  coming  principally  from  the  associated  sandstones.  The 
soil  is  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region.  Some  of  the  vegetables  can 
also  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Sqjl  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hagerstown  fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  26 

6,720 

1,856 

960 

Clarksville  fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  23 

1 1  a  10 . . . 

Total 

9,536 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM    GROUP. 

The  loam  group  includes  a  very  large  portion  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands 
province,  ranking  next  to  the  silt  loam  types  in  extent.     The  group  is  represented 
throughout  that  portion  of  the  province  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.     The  texture 
of  these  soils  is  largely  influenced  by  the  character  of  the  rock,-,  from  which  lb' 
formed. 

When  properly  plowed  and  harrowed  these  soils  assume  a  mellow  structure  which 
is  easily  maintained,  especially  where  rotations  are  practiced  which  include  an  occa- 
sional organic-matter  supplying  crop,  such  as  cowpeas  and  clover.  Good  implements 
and  fairly  heavy  stock  are  accessary  to  handle  the  loam  soils  properh  .  The  topog- 
raphy in  most  cases  permits  of  ready  cultivation  without  danger  of  destructive  ero- 
sion. 

79619—13 7 


98  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

All  the  members  of  the  group  are  ideal  general  farm  crop  soils.  Some  of  them  are 
naturally  more  productive  than  others,  but  the  inferior  lands  can  be  built  up.  particu- 
larly with  applications  of  lime,  deep  fall  plowing,  and  crop  rotations  which  include 
the  legumes.  Wheat,  corn,  oats,  rye,  tobacco,  cowpeas,  clover,  and  vetch  give  good 
results  on  a  large  part  of  the  loams.  Grass  also  does  well  on  certain  types,  particu- 
larly the  Hagerstown  loam,  both  as  a  hog  crop  and  for  grazing.  A  number  of  vege- 
tables, such  as  Irish  potatoes,  cabbage,  and  spinach  do  well  as  medium  and  late  crops. 
Apples  and  peaches  give  good  returns  in  those  situations  having  proper  air  drainage. 
Cotton  can  be  grown  in  the  more  southerly  areas. 

The  Hagerstown  Loam  is  by  far  the  most  extensive  of  the  group.  Over  a  million 
acres  have  been  mapped  in  various  portions  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Alabama,  the  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee,  and  the  Bluegrass  Region  of 
Kentucky.  This  is  naturally  a  fertile  soil  and  is  easily  cultivated  and  maintained  in 
a  high  state  of  productivity. 

The  Clarksville  type  is  found  on  rather  small  tracts  in  those  valley  areas  occupied 
by  cherty  limestones  throughout  the  Highland  Rim  of  Alabama,  Tennessee,  and  Ken- 
tucky. It  is  considerably  less  productive  than  the  Hagerstown  loam,  but  gives  fair 
to  good  returns,  according  to  treatment. 

The  Decatur  loam,  which  occupies  some  fair-sized  areas  in  the  Limestone  Valleys, 

Sarticularly  in  Alabama.  Georgia,  and  Tennessee,  is  equal  in  productivity  to  the 
[agerstown  loam,  and  is  somewhat  more  durable. 

The  Conestoga  loam  is  distinguished  from  the  other  types  of  the  group  by  the  greasy 
feel  of  the  subsoil.  It  is  not  so  productive  as  the  Hagerstown  and  Decatur  loams. 
The  type  has  a  moderate  development  in  the  northern  section  of  the  province. 

The  Athol  loam  is  local  in  occurrence.  It  owes  its  somewhat  irregular  character- 
istics to  the  variable  nature  of  the  parent  rock,  consisting  mainly  of  limestone  con- 
glomerate. 

Athol  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brownish-red  to  light-brown  medium 
loam  to  heavy  silt  y  loam  about  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  reddish-brown,  yellow- 
ish-red, or  yellow  clay  loam  or  sandy  clay.  The  soil  is  similar  in  some  respects  to 
both  the  Hagerstown  silt  loam  and  Penn  loam,  but  is  recognized  as  a  distinct  type. 
It  is  derived  from  a  breccia  known  as  Potomac  marble,  composed  of  water-worn  frag- 
oi  linn  .-''iic.  Cambrian  sandstone,  and  Triassic  sandstone  embedded  in  a  matrix 
of  Triassic  material.  Rock  outcrops  occur  in  places.  The  surface  is  gently  to  mod- 
erately rolling.  The  type  is  adapted  to  general  tanning.  Wheat  yields  from  1l>  to  28 
bushel-   i  ■  rn  30  to  o0  bushels,  oats  about  38  bushels,  and  timothy  1  to  \\  tens  per  acre. 

Clarksville  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown,  yellow  or  gray  silty  loam  to  silty  fine 
sandy  loam,  8  inches  in  depth  carrying  a  few  cherty  and  siliceous  limestone  fragments. 
The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  yellow  silt  loam  grading  frequently  into  a  reddish-yellow  silty 
(lav  Loam,  becoming  ;•  'lark-red  silly  clay  loam  or  clay  at  a  depth  of  36  inches.  The 
type  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  areas  and  is  inclined  to  he  droughty.  It  is  derived  from 
siliceous  Limestone  or  dolomite.  It  produces  fair  crops  of  cotton.  Strawberries  and 
«  antaloupee  do  well,  while  corn  gives  moderate  yields. 

Conestoga  loam.  The  type  consists  of  a  brown  foam  about  L2  inches  deep,  underlain 
by  .i  Light  clay  Loam,  grading  at  ;,  depth  of  30  inches  into  partially  decomposed  schistose 
Limestone,     it  occupies  rolling  valley  land  and  is  derived  from  the  decomposition  of 

OSS  limestone.      It   I  v  or  soapy  feel  when  rubbed  between  the  lingers. 

It  is  recognized  as  an  excellenl  soil  for  general  agriculture. 

atur  loam.  This  type  consists  of  a  brown  heavy  line  sandy  loam  to  dark-brown 
friable  Loam  from  1  to  LOincheedeep.  The  subsoil  is 'a  bright-red  or  yellowish-red  clay 
grading  into  b  .-tin.  sticky,  dark-red  clay.  Occasional  gravel  areas  occur  near  stream 
courses.  The  type  occupies  rolling  uplands  in  the  vicinity  of  the  larger  streams. 
Drains  d  and  the  type  suffers  but  little  from  erosion.    The  material  is  largely 

of  residual  origin  from  limestone  rocks,  influenced  somewhat  bycolluvial  or  residual 

materia]  from  associated  siliceous  limestone  and  sandstone.      The   type   is  adapted   to 

cotton,  small  grain,  con  all  fruits,  and  tree  fruits.     Alfalfa  can  he  made  a 

lul  crop. 
Hagerstown  loam.  The  soil  is  a  In-own  or  yellow  Loam,  averaging  about  L2  inches  in 
depth.  Tie-  subsoil  i-  :i  yellow  or  reddish  clay  Loam  to  a  depth  ol  24  inches,  hut  fre- 
quent!) grade*  into  e  stiff  yellow  isfa  red  clay.  The  t\  pe  occupies  rolling  valley  land, 
and  is  derived  iron,  the  weathering  of  pure  limestone.  This  is  a  i>  pica!  corn  soil,  it 
ii  one  of  the  best  general  farming  types  in  the  Eastern  states  and  is  used  for  com, 
i  o,  wheat, 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND    UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  99 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Hagerstown  loam . 


Clarksville  loam 

Decatur  loam 

Conesioga  ioam Pennsylvania  9.  12 

Athol  loam Pennsylvania  3 


Alabama  15,  16,  19,  20,  21,  23,  26,  28;  Kentucky  2,  3,  5;  Penn- 
sylvania 1,  2,  3,  5,  6,  9, 10,  12;  Tennessee  2,  3,  5,  7,  11;  Vir- 
ginia 1,  3,  7,  9. 

Alabama  6,  10,  35;  Tennessee  4 

Alabama  3.  4,  6,  20,  28,  35;  Georgia  18;  Tennessee  10 


Total 


1,192,646 

129, 024 

88,128 

52,344 

3,968 

1,466,110 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY  LOAM   PHASE. 

The  stony  loams,  according  to  the  soil  surveys  already  made,  embrace  a  larger  area 
than  any  other  group  or  phase  group  of  soils  encountered  within  the  Limestone  Valleys 
and  Uplands  province.  The  material  is  practically  identical  with  that  of  the  cor- 
responding loam  types,  the  important  difference  being  the  prevailingly  rougher  topog- 
raphy and  greater  quantity  of  stone  fragments  present.  The  members  of  this  phase 
group  have  about  the  same  crop  adaptation  as  the  corresponding  members  of  the  loam 
group,  but  the  yields  average  considerably  lower,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  en- 
countered in  their  cultivation. 

Over  3,000,000  acres  of  the  Clarksville  stony  loam  have  been  mapped  in  the  High- 
and  Rim  region  of  Alabama,  Kentucky,  and  Tennessee,  in  the  cherty  ridges  of  the 
limestone  valleys  of  Tennessee,  Georgia,  and  Alabama,  and  in  the  Ozark  Plateau. 
The  type  occupies  the  most  deeply  dissected,  steepest,  and  roughest  portions  of  these 
regions.  It  is  derived  from  cherty  limestone  and  is  thickly  strewn  with  small  and 
large  stones  of  cherty  material.  A  considerable  part  of  the  type  is  best  suited  to 
pasturage,  forestry,  apples,  and  peaches. 

The  Hagerstown  stony  loam  has  an  extensive  development  in  the  limestone  valleys 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Alabama,  and  in  the  basins  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  Where 
not  too  rough  and  stony  it  is  a  productive  soil.  The  stones  consist  of  both  limestone 
and  cherty  limestone  fragments  with  some  sandstone  from  adjacent  slopes.  Its  crop 
adaptation  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the  Hagerstown  loam. 

The  Decatur  stony  loam  is  found  extensively  in  the  valley  regions  of  Alabama, 
Tennessee,  and  Georgia,  and  ranks  approximately  as  the  equivalent  of  the  Hagers- 
town stony  loam.  It  is  derived  from  cherty  limestone  and  magnesium  limestone,  the 
rock  fragments  consisting  mainly  of  cherty  material. 

Clarksville  stony  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  light-yellow  or  brown, 
silty  loam,  about  6  inches  deep,  overlying  yellowish-red  to  red  silty  clay  or  clay. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  from  20  to  50  per  cent  of  angular  fragments  of  chert  and 
siliceous  limestone.  The  type  occupies  rough,  broken  country  with  deeply  cut, 
narrow  valleys.  It  is  a  residual  soil,  derived  from  cherty  siliceous  limestones,  and  is 
thin  and  stony  and  of  little  agricultural  value.  It  is  largely  covered  with  a  thick 
second  growth  of  oak.     It  is  best  adapted  to  apples  and  peaches. 

Decatur  stony  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  silty  loam  from  6  to  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark-red  or  yellowish-red,  heavy  clay  loam  grading  into  a 
stiff,  plastic  dark-red  clay.  From  10  to  70  per  cent  or  more  of  the  surface  soil  is  made 
up  of  subangular,  angular,  and  rounded  sandstone,  quartz,  quartzite  gravel,  and 
Btones.  Some  chert  and  siliceous  limestone  occur  locally  with  veins  and  strata  of  the 
same  material  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  the  lower  slopes  of  mountains  and 
tops  and  slopes  of  valley  ridges.  The  surface  is  rather  hilly  and  rough,  which  insures 
good  drainage.  Droughts  are  seldom  injurious.  The  type  consists  largely  of  residual 
material  from  the  Knox  dolomite  which  forms  the  subsoil,  while  the  soil  appears 
to  contain  much  colluvial  material.  The  rounded  stones  and  gravel  occurring  in 
some  localities  have  probably  been  worn  by  the  action  of  streams  rushing  down  the 
slopes. 

Frankstown  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  silt  loam  underlain 
at  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  by  a  yellowish  silt  loam.  Soft,  yellowish,  partly-weathered 
rock  fragments  are  abundant  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section,  ranging 
in  size  from  gravel  to  large  stones.  In  places  they  are  sufficiently  numerous  to  inter- 
fere seriously  with  cultivation.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  upper  portion  of  the 
Lower  Helderberg  formation.     The  type  is  locally  styled  "limestone  gravelly  land," 


100 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


and  occupies  rather  narrow  ridges.     The  soil  is  productive  and  gives  good  results 
with  wheat,  corn,  clover,  grass,  and  apples. 

Hagerstoun  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  silty  or  fine  sandy  loam  about  8 
inches  deep,  usually  brown  in  color,  but  varying  from  light  gray  to  yellowish.  The 
subsoil  consists  of  a  yellow  or  yellowish-red  clay  loam  grading  at  an  average  depth 
of  24  inches  into  a  stiff  red  clay  which  extends  to  unknown  depths.  Angular  frag- 
ments of  chert  and  limestone  are  found  on  the  surface,  throughout  the  soil,  and  con- 
tinuing through  the  first  few  inches  of  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  residual  in  origin, 
and  derived  from  the  solution  of  impure  limestone  containing  cherty  layers,  the 
insoluble  materials  being  concentrated  on  the  surface.  It  occupies  high  ridges 
and  slopes  in  the  limestone  valleys.  The  natural  drainage  is  thorough,  but  the  close- 
textured  subsoil  makes  the  type  retentive  of  moisture  and  fertilizers.  The  soil  is 
particularly  adapted  to  fruit  growing.  Of  the  field  crops  corn  produces  best.  Grass 
also  does  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Clarksville  stony  loam 

Hagerstown  stony  loam 

Decatur  stonv  loam 

Alabama  3,  4,  6,  8, 10, 15, 16,  21,  23, 35:  Arkansas  2;  Georgia  18; 

Missouri  5,  6,  7,  8,  9, 11, 13, 18,  22;  Tennessee,  1,  2, 3,  5,  7, 9, 10, 

12. 
Alabama  19, 20, 21;  Pennsylvania  1, 2,3, 5,8, 11;  Tennessee  1,3, 

4,  10, 12;  Virginia,  1,  3,  9. 
Alabama  6, 20, 35;  Tennessee  10 

3,029,268 

582,702 
132, 808 

Frankstown  stony  loam 

Pennsylvania  2,  8 

31,188 

Total       

3,575,746 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


CHERTY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  cherty  loam  soils  are  represented  in  this  province  in  so  far  as  surveyed  by  only 
one  type,  the  Decatur  cherty  loam.  The  fine  material  of  this  type  is  essentially  the 
same  as  that  of  the  Decatur  loam,  but  enough  chert  material  is  present  to  make  the 
soil  somewhat  more  difficult  to  cultivate.  The  type  ordinarily  occupies  rougher 
areas  than  the  loam,  and  varies  but  little  in  crop  adaptation,  although  yields  a\ 
slightly  lower  owing  to  rougher  topography  and  increased  stone  content. 

Decatur  cherty  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  dark  reddish- 
brown  loam  to  silt  loam,  from  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddiah-brown  to 
red  clay,  the  red  coloring  becoming  more  pronounced  with  depth.  Fragments  and 
nodules  of  chert  are  present  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section  in  quan- 
tities sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  material  is  derived  from  cherty 
limestone.  The  type  occupies  slopes  and  knolls  over  which  eroaiop  has  been  fairly 
active,  although  the  presence  of  cnert  Lessens  the  damage  from  this  source  to  some 
extent.  Much  of  the  type  is  timbered  with  Oftk,  hickory,  cedar,  poplar,  and  some 
walnut.  Cotton,  corn,  and  clover  are  the  crops  generally  grown  with  Eair  to  moder- 
ately good  vielas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  cherty  loam. 


Soil  name. 

Stale  or  IP 

Acres. 

Decatur  cherty  loam  ..                                                 

Alabama  X 

23,040 

:  For  ices  ;"  number  In  this  oolumn,  see  p.  788. 


GRAVELI/5     LOAM    PHASE 


Only  one  tj  pe  of  the  gravelly  Loam  soils  has  been  mapjped,  the  I  larksville  gravelly 
loam.  It  occupies  extensive  areas  In  Tennessee,  Georgia,  and  Alabama,  where  it  is 
confined  mainly  to  those  Locations  occupied  by  cherty  Limestone  rocki  liosi  of  the 
type  occurs  in  the  chert)  ridges  of  the  valley  region.  'The  fine  materia]  is  not  very 
different  from  that  of  the  I  laresi  ille  Loam,  bu1  the  abundance  of  small,  angular  i  hert 
fragments  imparts  to  the  soil  the  characteristics  of  a  gravelly  Loam.  Most  of  It  is 
rather  difficult   to  a  tally  where  tl rganic  matter  content  has  become 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  v 


101 


depleted.  Strong  teams  and  plows  are  necessary  to  turn  the  soil  to  proper  depth, 
particularly  in  fields  where  a  low  organic  matter  content  has  favored  the  development 
of  conditions  approaching  a  hardpan.  Most  of  the  type  can  be  cultivated  without 
danger  of  serious  erosion,  since  the  gravel  present  tends  to  hold  the  soil  in  place  against 
the  force  of  running  water. 

Clarksville  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  yellowish-gray  silt 
loam  carrying  a  relatively  small  quantity  of  fine  and  medium  grades  of  sand.  The 
subsoil  is  a  grayish  to  reddish-yellow,  heavy  silt  loam,  which  quickly  grades  into  a 
silty  clay.  From  10  to  25  per  cent  of  small  angular  chert  gravel  is  found  on  the  surface 
and  smaller  quantities  appear  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  type  is  derived  from 
Knox  dolomite.  The  surface  is  undulating  to  gently  rolling  and  cultivation  is  easy. 
Fair  yields  of  corn  and  cotton  are  obtained.  The  type  is  best  suited  to  general  farming 
and  stock  raising.     Cantaloupes  and  strawberries  give  fair  to  good  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Clarksville  gravelly  loam 

Alabama  15,  20,  28,  37;  Georgia  18;  Missouri  11 

220, 096 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILT   LOAM    GROUP. 

The  silt  loams  comprise  an  extensive  area  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands 
province.  They  are  widely  developed  over  the  entire  portion  of  the  province  east  of 
the  Mississippi  River,  and  in  the  West  in  the  Ozark  Plateau  division.  The  texture 
of  the  soil  is  due  to  the  fine-grained  character  of  the  parent  limestone. 

Owing  to  the  tendency  of  these  fine  textured  soils  to  assume  a  compact  structural 
condition  after  heavy  rains,  intensive  methods  of  culture  with  fairly  strong  tools  and 
heavy  teams  are  required  to  maintain  a  good  condition  of  tilth,  especially  where  the 
supply  of  organic  matter  has  been  allowed  to  run  low.  Moderate  to  liberal  additions 
of  lime  and  organic  matter  greatly  improve  the  physical  condition  of  these  soils. 

The  members  of  the  silt  loam  group  are  adapted  primarily  to  the  production  of  the 
general  farm  crops,  including  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye,  grass  for  hay  and  pasturage, 
tobacco,  cowpeas,  and  clover.  Cotton  does  well  in  the  southern  areas.  Strawberries, 
cantaloupes,  cabbage,  and  Irish  potatoes  do  very  well  on  these  soils,  although  they 
usually  mature  later  than  on  the  lighter  textured  soils.  Apples  and  peaches  give 
good  results  in  certain  localities,  particularly  on  the  Hagerstown  and  Decatur  types. 

The  Clarksville  silt  loam  is  the  most  extensive  member  of  the  group,  over  1,500,000 
acres  having  been  mapped  in  the  Highland  Rim  and  plateau  regions  of  Alabama, 
Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Missouri.  East  of  the  Mississippi  River  it  is  the  dominant 
soil  of  the  upland  division  of  the  province.     The  surface  configuration  of  the  greater 

Eart  of  the  type  is  well  suited  to  tillage  operations.  The  productivity  of  the  soil, 
owever,  averages  considerably  lower  than  that  of  the  types  derived  from  limestone 
carrying  less  siliceous  material,  such  as  the  Hagerstown  and  Decatur  soils. 

The  Guthrie  silt  loam  occupies  poorly  drained  depressions  within  areas  of  the 
Clarksville  silt  loam,  the  material  having  been  derived  from  the  same  rocks  as  the 
Clarksville.     The  gray  to  white  color  of  the  Guthrie  is  due  to  poor  drainage. 

The  Hagerstown  silt  loam  has  a  moderately  extensive  occurrence  throughout  the 
limestone  valleys  and  in  the  basin  regions  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  This  is  a 
very  productive  soil,  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  crops.  Apples  also  are 
successfully  grown. 

The  Decatur  silt  loam  is  confined  mainly  to  the  more  southern  valleys.  This  type 
has  about  the  same  capabilities  as  the  Hagerstown  silt  loam,  the  important  difference 
being  its  dark-red  color,  as  distinguished  from  the  brown  to  reddish-brown  color  of  the 
Hagerstown  soil. 

The  Colbert  silt  loam  represents  a  rather  poorly  drained,  flat  valley  soil,  derived 
principally  from  pure  limestone. 

The  Baxter  silt  loam  of  the  Ozark  region  is  rather  closely  related  to  the  Clarksville, 
the  chief  difference  being  in  the  more  calcareous  nature  of  the  included  chert  and  in 
the  higher  clay  content  of  the  subsoil. 

The  Brooke  silt  loam  is  developed  on  the  high  hilltops  and  ridge  crests  of  the  exces- 
sively eroded  portions  of  the  Appalachian  Plateau  in  West  Virginia  and  southwestern 
Pennsylvania.  This  type  is  derived  from  remnants  of  limestone  exposed  by  processes 
of  weathering  and  erosion,  which  have  removed  the  overlying  beds  of  sandstone  and 


T 


102  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

shale.  The  type  is  a  strong  general  farm  crop  soil,  but  it  is  more  difficult  to  cultivate 
than  the  Hagerstown  silt  loam,  on  account  of  its  unfavorable  topographic  position 
and  frequent  proximity  of  the  intractable  clay  subsoil  to  the  surfai  e. 

The  Tilsit  silt  loam  includes  material  derived  from  both  limestone  and  fine-grained 
sandstone.  It  is  typically  developed  in  the  Ozark  Plateau  region  of  Missouri.  The 
general  farm  crops  give  fair  to  good  return.-,  according  to  management. 

The  SenloD  silt  loam  is  another  Ozark  Plateau  type.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  silt y 
clay  loam,  whi  h  grades  through  lighter  textured  silt  loam  into  a  substratum  carrying 
large  amounts  of  angular  gravel.  It  is  developed  in  relatively  narrow  strips  along  the 
slopes  of  drainage  courses.  The  material  is  derived  largely  from  cherty  limestone. 
It  is  a  good  soil  for  general  farm  crops,  although  not  quite  so  productive  as  the  Hagers- 
town and  Decatur  members  of  the  group. 

Baxter  silt  loam. — This  soil  is  a  gray,  pale  yellowish  or  reddish-brown  silt  loam 
ranging  from  moderately  stony  to  stone  free,  the  stone  content  consisting  of  chert 
in  nodules,  irregularly  shaped  fragments,  and  slabs.  The  chert  varies  in  structure 
from  banded  amorphous  and  oolitic  to  cellular.  The  fragments  vary  from  the  size 
of  small  gravel  to  masses  weighing  a  ton.  In  places,  as  in  Cooper  County,  Mo.,  the 
large  bowlders  are  absent.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  dark  reddish  brown 
clay  to  silt y  clay,  usually  not  so  stony  as  the  soil,  but  with  a  stone  content  similar 
to  that  occurring  in  the  soil.  The  soil  mantle  is  relatively  thin,  and  rock  outcrops 
frequent.  The  soil  is  derived  from  a  series  of  limestone  and  magnesian  Limestones, 
with  occasional  thin  beds  of  bluish,  grayish,  or  yellowish  calcareous  shales. 

The  limestones  and  magnesian  limestones  occur  in  two  phases.  One  is  a  dark- 
ray,  fine-grained  crystalline  rock,  containing  beds,  nodules,  and  lenses  of  chert. 
"he  other  is  a  gray,  cream  to  white,  soft,  amorphous,  earthy  limestone  locally  called 
"cotton  rock.'  The  subsoil  of  this  type  differs  from  the  Clarksville  in  being  less 
stony,  of  a  darker  reddish  brown,  and  in  having  a  higher  percentage  of  clay.  The 
layer  of  soil  material  is  thinner  than  that  of  the  Clarksville  silt  loam. 

Brooke  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  mellow  silt  loam,  from  8  to  10 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  heavy,  tenacious  clay  ranging  in  color  from 
light-brown  to  slightly  reddish  brown  and  occasionally  mottled,  with  gray  in  the 
Lower  portion.  The  type  occupies  plateau  areas  and  the  tops  of  hills  and  ridges.  It 
is  a  very  productive  soil  and  is  largely  under  cultivation.  Corn  yields  from  GO  to 
100  bushels  per  acre,  oats  30  to  60  bushels,  wheat  18  to  30  bushels,  and  hay  from  1$ 
to  3£  tons.     Bluegrass,  timothy,  and  clover  give  good  results. 

Clarksville  silt  foam. — The  type  consist.-  oi  a  light-nay  silt  loam,  averaging  about 
8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish,  compact  silt  loam,  grading  to  silty  clay  with 
depth.  The  color  of  the  lower  subsoil  often  changes  to  reddish  yellow  or  red.  The 
type  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  from  siliceous  limestones.  The  topography  IS  Ilat 
to  gently  rolling.  The  larger  and  nearly  level  areas  are  generally  poorly  drained. 
The  type  ifl  known  locally  as  "barrens"  or  "flat woods,"  and  is  largely  forested  with 
oaks.  It  is  droughty  and  not  considered  a  strong  soil,  but  with  good  treatment  fair 
yields  of  the  staple  crops  can  be  secured.  In  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  this  soil 
produces  an  excellent  grade  of  export  tobacco.  Special  crops,  Buch  as  strawberries, 
cantaloupes,  and  some  vegetables,  are  grown  successfully. 

Colbert  nit  loam.  This  type  consists  of  a  gray  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  under- 
lain by  a  heavier,  more  compact  subsoil,  varying  in  color  from  yellow  or  grayish 
yellow  to  reddish  yellow  or  mottled  yellow  and  gray  color.  Limestone  fragments  in 
small   quantities  occur  in  both   soil  and   subsoil.     The   type   occupies  (hit    or  Dearly 

dh-y  lands,  which  frequently  have  poor  surface  drainage,     it  is  derived  largely 
from  tie-  weathering  of  pure  Limestone,  modified  in  some  instances  by  sandstone. 

The  crop  value  ifl  superior  to  that  of  the  surrounding  Dekalb  soils. 

Decatur  till  loam.  The  soil  consists  of  a  red  or  reddish-brown  siltyloam  »>  to  12 
inches  deep.    The  .subsoil  is  a  reddish-brown  or  red  silt  loam,  grading  into  a  deep 

red  silty  clay.     The  type  is  usually  \rc<-  from  sh.no,  except   for  some  chert,  which  is 

occasionally  found  in  the  Boil  and  subsoil.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  undulating, 
with  occasional  sink  holes.  The  material  is  of  residual  origin  from  limestone  rocks. 
The  type  originall)  supported  forests  of  oak,  black  and  suet  gum,  chestnut,  and 

poplar.     Torn,  wheat,  and  cotton  are  the  principal  crops.      Cantaloupes  do  well. 

Guthrie  tilt  loam.  The  type  consists  of  8  to  I-  inches  of  gray  or  drab  compact  silt 
loam,  underlain  by  a  compact  drab  to  yellow  silt  loam.  It  occupies  depressions  or 
Minks  in  the  areas  of  Clarksville  soil.  It  is  composed  of  residual  material  and  soil 
washed  in  from  surrounding  slopes.     Drainage  is  poorly  established  and  the  type 

locally  known  aj     '<-rau  fish   land." 

Hagere town  tilt  loam,    The  soil   is  a  grayish  brown  to  brown   mellow  silt   loam, 

with  a  small  content  of  line  textured  sand  and  in  placet  some  fragments  of  limestone 

or  ahaly  limestone.    The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-brown  (day  loam, 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  103 

passing,  at  about  24  inches,  into  a  stiff,  heavy,  yellowish-red  clay,  which  extends 
to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  subsoil  may  contain  some  disintegrated  rock  frag- 
ments. The  topography  is  more  or  less  rolling,  insuring  excellent  drainage.  The 
material  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  purer  grades  of  limestone,  such  as  the 
Shenandoah  or  Valley  limestone  of  Cambro-Ordovician  age.  It  is  an  excellent 
general  farming  soil,  producing  good  crops  of  corn,  wheat,  and  hay.  Fruits  and 
vegetables  are  also  successfully  grown.     Commercial  fertilizers  are  used  to  advantage. 

Locust  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  grayish  yellow  silt  loam  about  14 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  silty  clay,  which,  at  a  depth  of  5  to  7  feet,  often 
grades  into  a  stratified  layer  of  angular  chert  gravel.  The  surface  is  slightly  undu- 
lating and  slopes  toward  the  streams  which  traverse  it.  The  type  is  apparently  of 
alluvial  origin,  although  this  point  is  not  fully  established.  It  is  well  suited  to  the 
production  of  cotton,  corn,  and  hay.  Stock  raising  could  be  made  a  profitable 
industry. 

Murrill  silt  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  grayish  brown  to  brown  silt  loam,  grading 
at  about  15  inches  into  reddish-yellow  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  silty  clay  loam  to 
clay  loam.  Fragments  of  sandstone  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  disseminated 
throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  the  gentler  slopes  approaching 
mountains.  Along  the  foot  of  the  slopes  it  is  usually  associated  with  the  Dekalb 
and  on  the  lower  side  with  the  Hagerstown  soils.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The 
soil  material  is  derived  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone,  much  of  the  surface 
portion  having  been  brought  into  its  present  position  by  colluvial  action.  Corn, 
wheat,  oats,  buckwheat,  potatoes,  alfalfa,  and  grass  give  good  results.  Apples, 
peaches,  and  pears  are  successfully  grown. 

Pocahontas  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  9  to  12  inches  is  a  yellowish-gray  to 
light-brown  silt  loam  of  friable  structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  silty  clay  or 
silty  clay  loam.  The  type  is  derived  from  shales,  with  included  limestone.  The 
topography  favors  agriculture,  and  good  yields  of  wheat,  corn,  cowpeas,  grass,  and 
clover  are  secured.     With  proper  management  alfalfa  would  probably  do  well. 

Senlon  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown,  friable  silt  loam,  having  in  places 
a  faint  reddish  cast,  and  underlain  by  a  brown  to  faintly  reddish-brown  heavy  silt 
loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  friable 
heavy  silty  clay.  The  reddish  color  becomes  more  pronounced  with  increase  in  depth. 
In  the  higher  situations  the  soil  is  much  lighter  in  color  than  at  lower  levels,  where 
it  approaches  a  dark  chocolate  brown.  Little  or  no  gravel  is  found  on  the  surface, 
except  near  the  boundaries  of  the  higher  gravelly  soils.  At  a  depth  of  18  to  28  inches 
angular  gravel  is  abundant.  The  depth  to  gravel  varies  with  position,  being  less  in 
the  higher  elevations.  This  type  is  developed  in  comparatively  narrow  strips  along 
drainage  courses.  For  the  most  part  it  slopes  in  the  direction  of  the  stream  courses 
with  a  gradual  fall  from  the  base  of  the  ridges  forming  the  outer  margin.  Drainage  is 
ample,  with  good  underdrainage  through  the  gravel  stratum.  The  soil  material  is 
derived  from  a  cherty  limestone,  but  it  has  been  carried  down  from  the  original  point 
of  derivation  by  surface  waters  and  by  creep  and  deposited  on  the  slopes.  Some 
chert  free  limestone  material  also  enters  into  the  composition  of  the  soil.  A  part  of 
the  type  occurs  along  slopes  and  in  swales  not  adjacent  to  well-defined  stream  channels. 
Black,  white,  and  post  oak  are  the  most  abundant  trees,  with  some  blackjack,  honey 
locust,  walnut,  elm,  hawthorn,  wild  cherry,  and  wild  plum.  The  type  ranks  high  as 
an  agricultural  soil.  Corn  and  grass  do  especially  well.  Corn  ordinarily  yields  from 
25  to  40  bushels,  and  oats,  on  the  average,  about  30  bushels  per  acre. 

Tilsit  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  pale  yellow  to  brownish-yellow  silt  loam,  often  gray  in 
the  upper  2  or  3  inches.  The  subsoil  is  pale  yellow  to  brownish  yellow,  with  a  faint 
reddish  tinge.  From  10  to  24  inches  the  subsoil  is  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil  and 
often  has  a  somewhat  lighter  color.  Below  24  inches  it  is  a  mottled  yellow,  gray, 
and  brown.  The  surface  soil  differs  from  the  Hagerstown  in  being  a  yellow  rather 
than  a  brown  soil,  though  they  graduate  into  each  other.  More  or  less  fine  or  very  fine 
sand  is  occasionally  present.  The  type  is  derived  from  fine-grained  sandstone  inter- 
stratified  with  limestone.  It  is  influenced  more  or  less  by  material  from  the  limestone 
of  higher  areas.     The  general  farm  crops  give  fair  to  good  yields. 


104 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Clarksville  silt  loam. 


Hagerstown  silt  loam 


Alabama  19,  23,  2G;  Arkansas  2;  Kentucky  4,  7;  Missouri  4,  6, 
7,  9,  11,  18,  22;  Tennessee  1,  3,  7,  9,  10,  12. 

Georgia  18;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  4;  Pennsylvania  2,  5,  8; 
Tennessee  1,  12;  Virginia  9. 

Decatur  silt  loam !  Alabama  10;  Missouri  5;  Tennessee  3, 12 

Colbert  silt  loam |  Alabama  10,  20,  26 

Tilsit  silt  loam |  Missouri  4 

Missouri  (>;  Wisconsin  7 

Missouri  4 

Alabama  10,35;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  5;  Tennessee  1,  3,  10, 
12. 

Pennsylvania  2 

Pennsylvania  18 

Missouri  11 

Alabama  15 


Baxter  silt  loam 

Pocabontas  silt  loam. 
Guthrie  silt  loam 

Murrill  silt  loam 

Brooke  silt  loam 

Senlon  silt  loam 

Locust  silt  loam 

Total 


,733,762 

317,632 

72, 128 
51.264 
39,168 
27,648 
23,616 
9,216 

8,704 
7,616 

4.992 


2,302,274 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    SILT  LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  eilt  loams  are  represented  in  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands  province 
by  a  single  type,  the  Decatur  stony  silt  loam.  The  soil  mateiial  of  this  type  is  identical 
with  the  Decatur  silt  loam,  but  the  surface  configuration  is  more  uneven,  and  there  is 
present  a  sufficient  quantity  of  chert  fragments  to  make  the  land  considerably  more 
difficult  to  till.  Where  the  surface  is  not  too  rough  and  the  stones  not  too  abundant, 
good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured. 

Decatur  stony  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dull  red  loam  from  6  to  12  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  red  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  soil  contains  from  10  to  30  per  cent 
and  the  subsoil  from  20  to  50  per  cent  of  angular  chert  fragments.  The  type  is  friable 
and  easily  worked,  except  where  the  stone  content  is  excessive.  The  topography  is 
rolling  and  drainage  good.  The  type  is  especially  suited  to  wheat,  grasses,  and  corn. 
Fruit  does  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

AlTCS. 

Decatur  stony  silt  loam 

15,872 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


(LAY    LOAM    GROUP. 

The  day  Loam  soils  arc  <-i  relatively  -mall  extent  in  this  province.  They  are  more 
difficull  to  work  than  the  members  of  the  Lighter  textured  groups  and  require  a  heavy 
farm  equipment  and  strong  teams.  Unless  carefully  managed  the  sloping  areas  erode 
badly.  The  steepest  slope*  should  In-  used  for  the  production  <>i  hay,  or  when  culti- 
vated seeded  to  soil-binding  crops,  including,  especially,  winter  cover  crops.  A 
good  organic-matter  Bupply  snoula  he  maintained  in  all  of  tin'  types,  both  to  check 
!i  and  to  counteract  tin-  tendency  of  the  material  to  hake  in  dry  weather.  These 
hoMh  must  he  cultivated  within  e  much  narrower  range  oi  moisture  conditions  than 
an)  oi  the  Lighter-textured  soils.  If  plowed  too  wot  they  puddle  and  hake  with  sub- 
sequent drj  weather,  forming  clods  when  plowed.  Grazing  when  the  soil  is  suffi- 
ciently wot  i.,  he  in  likel}  to  bring  about  thu  unfavorable  structure 

Mm  hoi  the  clay  loam  land  represents  areas  of  originally  light-textured  soils  which 
have  had  the  top  Layer  partly  worked  off,  bringing  the  heavier  clay  subsoil  near  the 
surface,  when-  it  hai  been  partially  mixed  with  the  original  Lighter  material. 

Corn,  oats,  srheat,  graa  foi  bay,  co*  peas,  clover,  ami  tobacco  are  the  crops  generally 

grown.    Cotton  gives  good  results  in  tne  southern  areas,  while  apples  and  peaches  do 

well,  especially  on  tin-  type*  derived  from  pure  Limestone,  such  as  the  Decatur, 

Bagerstown,  and   Brooke  members  of  the  group.    Strawberries  are  generally  suc- 

I  id. 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND   UPLANDS   PKOVTNCE.  105 

The  Decatur  clay  loam  is  the  most  extensive  member  of  this  group,  occupying 
considerable  areas  in  Alabama,  Georgia,  Tennessee,  and  Virginia. 

The  Hagerstown  clay  loam  occupies  a  moderate  area,  occurring  in  scattered  bodies, 
especially  in  the  valleys  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia.  In  adaptation  to  crops  this 
type  is  practically  identical  with  the  Decatur  clay  loam. 

The  Brooke  clay  loam  is  mainly  confined  to  the  eroded  uplands  of  West  Virginia  and 
southwestern  Pennsylvania. 

The  other  members  of  the  group  have  a  rather  patchy  development  in  the  valleys 
and  uplands  division  of  the  province. 

Brooke  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-brown,  heavy  loam  or  clay 
loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  clay  which  grades  into  a 
slightly  yellowish,  heavier  clay  at  a  depth  of  20  inches.  Continuing  to  a  depth  of 
3  feet  or  more  the  texture  remains  a  heavy  clay,  but  the  color  becomes  lighter,  some- 
times becoming  gray  or  drab.  Small  fragments  of  gray  or  bluish-colored  limestone 
and  calcareous  shale  are  scattered  over  the  fields  and  disseminated  through  both  soil 
and  subsoil,  occasionally  outcropping  in  road  cuts.  On  narrow  ridges,  where  the 
surface  soil  has  been  removed  by  erosion,  the  rock  fragments  are  more  noticeable,  and 
the  surface  material  is  apt  to  be  a  clay.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  disintegration  of 
limestone  rock  and  calcareous  shales.  Where  well  developed  the  type  is  gently 
rolling  to  moderately  hilly.  A  large  part  of  it  is  under  cultivation,  and  is  recognized 
as  valuable  for  general  farming.  Corn,  oats,  wheat,  timothy,  clover,  and  bluegrass 
are  the  principal  crops.  Apples,  cherries,  plums,  raspberries,  strawberries,  and 
garden  vegetables  are  grown  for  home  use  and  to  some  extent  for  market.  Bluegrass 
comes  in  as  the  timothy  thins  out  and  is  very  valuable  for  grazing  purposes.  Very 
few  potatoes  are  grown,  the  soil  being  considered  too  heavy  for  this  crop. 

Clarksville  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silty  clay  loam  to  clay 
loam  about  8  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  heavy  red  silty  clay  loam  or  clay  loam 
extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more,  the  clay  content  increasing  in  the  lower  portion. 
The  type  occupies  gently  undulating  country  and  is  usually  well  drained.  It  is  a 
deep  residual  soil  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  limestone.  The  soil  is  strong  and 
fertile,  and  is  considered  excellent  for  general  farm  crops.  Tobacco  of  the  export 
variety  produces  a  heavy  yield,  though  the  crop  is  of  inferior  quality. 

Colbert  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  this  type  consists  of  a  heavy,  gray  silty  clay 
loam  or  clay  loam  underlain  at  a  depth  of  about  6  inches  by  a  mottled  gray  or  grayish- 
yellow  clay.  The  topography  varies  from  flat  to  undulating  and  the  natural  drainage 
is  rather  deficient.  It  is  derived  from  limestone.  When  well  drained  it  is  adapted 
to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Decatur  clay  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Decatur  clay  loam,  to  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches, 
consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown,  friable  loam.  In  local  eroded  spots  it  is  red  and 
shallow  and  approximates  in  texture  a  clay  loam,  while  in  the  slight  depressions  it  is 
darker,  mellower,  and  deeper.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  several  feet,  is  a  reddish- 
brown  to  red  clay,  practically  free  from  stone  fragments.  Where  the  soil  is  deepest  the 
subsoil  usually  grades  through  a  brown  clay  loam  into  a  clay  at  an  average  depth  of 
18  inches.  Local  outcrops  of  limestone  occur,  but  are  not  numerous  enough  seriously 
to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling.  The  type  owes  its 
origin  mainly  to  the  decomposition  of  limestone  and  Knox  dolomite.  Nearly  all  of  it 
is  under  cultivation.  It  produces  good  crops  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  cowpeas.  and 
sorghum.     Apples  thrive  when  given  proper  care. 

Fort  Payne  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  compact  gray  to  light-yellow  loam  to 
silty  loam  about  10  inches  deep,  with  an  ashy  feel.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  yellow  clay 
loam,  grading  rapidly  into  a  stiff,  sticky,  impervious  yellow  clay  which,  in  the  lower 
depths,  is  often  mottled  with  red.  The  type  occupies  high  hilly  to  gently  rolling  areas . 
It  is  of  residual  origin,  being  derived  from  the  weathering  of  a  series  of  rocks  consisting 
of  sandy  to  argillaceous,  calcareous  shales,  shaly  limestone,  and  impure  limestone. 
It  occupies  hilly  to  gently  rolling  areas.  The  soil  is  difficult  to  work  and  becomes  hard 
when  dry.     It  is  best  suited  to  grasses  and  pasturage. 

Hagerstown  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  loam 
from  10  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  stiff,  tenacious  red  clay.  It  occupies  rolling 
valley  land,  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  pure,  massive  limestones.  This  t  ype 
is  recognized  as  one  of  the  strongest  soils  for  general  agricultural  purposes  and  is  well 
known  for  its  large  crops  of  wheat  and  corn. 

Hollywood  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  black  or  dark-brown  clay  loam,  under- 
lain at  12  to  13  inches  by  a  tough,  plastic,  yellow  clay,  faintly  mottled  with  shades  of 
brown  and  with  black  oxide  or  iron.  In  places  the  subsoil  has  a  drab  color,  which 
frequently  is  encountered  as  an  upper  subsoil  layer  or  very  thin  stratum  between  the 
soil  and  lower  yellow  subsoil.  Black  oxide  of  iron  concretions  occur  in  large  quan- 
tities on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section.     The  type  is  derived  from  lime- 


106 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


stone  and  occupies  flat  or  slightly  depressed  situations  in  the  valleys,  where  imperfect 
drainage  has  resulted  in  the  accumulation  of  dark-colored  organic  matter  in  the  soil. 
Corn  yields  from  35  to  45  bushels  per  acre,  oats  from  20  to  30  bushels,  and  wheat  10  to  15 
bushels.     Cowpeas,  millet,  and  grass  do  well. 

Murrill  clay  loam. —  The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  clay  loam  about  10  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  a  yellow  clay  loam,  the  clay  content  increasing  with  depth.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  contain  small  fragments  of  shale  and  chert.  The  material  is  derived  in  part  from 
limestone  and  in  part  from  sandstone  and  shale,  the  latter  material  usually  repre- 
senting continued  surface  accumulations  from  adjacent  slopes.  The  type  occupies 
lower  slopes  and  undulating  valley  lands  near  lighter  areas  of  sandstone  and  shale  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.  • 

Acres. 

Decatur  clav  loam 

Alabama  3,  6, 15,  20,  21,  26,  28,  35;  Georgia  18;  Tennessee  1,  4; 

Virginia  9. 
Alabama  20,  28;  Pennsylvania  2,  3,  5,  8,  9;  Virginia  9 

282, 240 

139, 784 

Alabama  26;  Kentucky  7:  Tennessee  9 

102,084 
50,240 

Brooke  clav  loam 

Pennsylvania  18;  West  Virginia  4,  (i,  7,  S,  10 

15,720 
9,536 

Tennessee  5 

Colbert  clay  loam 

Alabama  10 

3,136 

Alabama  26 

1,920 

Total 

604,660 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 


SILTY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  silty  clay  loam  soils  of  this  province  are  of  secondary  importance,  only  two 
types  having  thus  far  been  recognized.  These  soils,  like  the  clay  loams,  require  a 
farming  equipment  for  their  proper  cultivation.  They  are  somewhat  more 
inclined  to  bake  in  dry  weather  than  the  clay  loams,  but  less  inclined  to  clod.  Liberal 
additions  of  vegetable  matter  and  applications  of  lime  help  materially  in  maintaining 
a  desirable  condition  of  tilth.     Corn,  grass,  clover,  and  wheat  give  good  results. 

Colbert  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish,  compact,  heavy  silt  loam  to  silty  clay 
Loam,  about  •")  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  yellow,  silly  day  loam  usually 
grading  into  a  plastic,  silty  clay,  frequently  sticky  and  tenacious  m  the  lower  parts. 
The  type  is  derived  from  pure  limestone  modified  in  places  by  sandstone.  The 
raphy  varies  from  Hat  to  gently  undulating  with  drainage  imperfectly  established. 
The  principal  forest  growth  consists  of  red,  post,  and  blackjack  oak,  hickory,  pine,  and 
elm      The  type  is  adapted  to  shallow-rooted  crops,  such  as  wheat,  grass,  and  lespedeza. 

D  I  w  suty  clay  loam.  The  surface  soil  is  a  dark  reddish  brown  to  chocolate-red, 
silty  clay  loam  from  5  to  L8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  blood-red  or  dark-red  clay, 
becoming  compact  in  the  lower  section.  The  Boil  is  quite  mellow  and  works  up 
readily  into  a  good  seed  bed.  The  type  ifl  derived  from  lime- tone.  1 1  occupies  the 
smooth  portions  and  slight  depressions  of  the  limestone  \  alleys.  The  soil  IS  of  high 
agricultural  value  and  adapted  to  cotton,  corn,  clover,  oats,  wheat,  cowpeas,  and 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


.-nil  n  une. 

State  or  an 

Acres. 

Colbert  -lit  v  clay  Loam 

Lo  mi 

UabamaSO                     |i  ls 

Alabam                                             

38, 976 

78,784 

.  to  aumbej    m  thl  oolaum,  ns  p.  rJS. 
CLAY    GROUP. 


The  ei;,'  -  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and   Upland  province,  from  the  surveys  made, 

OCCUpy  a  slightly   larger  urea   than    the  Clay   loams.      They  are   the  most   difficult  soils 

of  the  province  to  cultivate,  requiring  the  heaviest  hum  equipment  for  the  main- 


LIMESTONE   VALLEYS   AND    UPLANDS   PROVINCE.  107 

tenance  of  a  good  condition  of  tilth.  Like  the  clay  loams,  the  sloping  areas  suffer 
severely  from  erosion  and  should  be  used  either  for  hay  crops  or  fruit.  Many  of  the 
areas  represent  eroded  portions  of  lighter  textured  soils.  Deep  fall  plowing,  the  fre- 
quent turning  under  of  vegetable  matter,  and  liberal  additions  of  lime  are  necessary 
to  maintain  the  soil  in  a  mellow,  open  condition  .of  structure  and  enable  it  to  resist 
erosion.  The  range  in  moisture  conditions  under  which  these  soils  can  be  worked  is 
narrow.  The  soils  are  puddled  easily  if  plowed  when  wet  enough  to  be  sticky  and 
harden  with  subsequent  dry  weather,  while  clods  are  turned  up  if  the  land  is  plowed 
in  this  condition.  Grazing,  when  the  land  is  wet,  also  tends  to  bring  about  a  com- 
pacted condition. 

The  general  farm  crops,  particularly  wheat,  grain,  grass  for  hay,  and  tobacco,  con- 
stitute the  most  profitable  type  of  agriculture  on  these  lands.  Apples  and  peaches 
succeed  on  the  better-drained  types. 

The  Hagerstown  clay  is  by  far  the  most  important  member  of  the  group  and  occurs 
throughout  the  valley  division.  If  properly  handled  it  is  a  productive  soil,  being 
equalled  only  by  the  Decatur  clay,  which  has  a  small  development  in  the  southern 
section  of  the  valleys. 

Large  areas  of  Conestoga  clay  occur  in  various  parts  of  the  valley  region.  This  type 
owes  its  characteristics  to  the  greasy  nature  of  the  subsoil,  resulting  from  the  presence 
of  fine  particles  of  mica  derived  from  the  parent  limestone.  The  soil  is  adapted  to 
general  farm  crops,  but  is  not  so  productive  as  the  Hagerstown  and  Decatur  types. 

The  other  members  of  the  group  have  not  been  encountered  in  sufficiently  exten- 
sive areas  to  constitute  very  important  soils. 

Colbert  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gra}r,  heavy,  sticky  clay  about  6  inches  deep,  under- 
lain by  a  heavy  yellow  and  gray  mottled  plastic  clay.  The  type  is  residual  in  origin 
and  derived  from  limestone.  The  topography  is  flat  or  undulating  to  sloping.  The 
slopes  are  well  drained,  but  over  the  more  nearly  level  areas  drainage  is  often  poorly 
established.  The  soil  is  somewhat  refractory,  but  under  careful  management  it  pro- 
duces good  yields  of  corn  and  alfalfa. 

Conestoga  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  yellowish  to  dark-brown  clay  loam  about 
7  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellow  to  reddish-yellow,  tenacious  clay,  ordinarily 
about  24  inches  deep.  The  substratum  consists  of  partially  decomposed  schistose 
limestone.  On  ridges  bedrock  is  usually  found  at  an  average  depth  of  10  inches. 
The  type  occupies  the  lower  and  gently  rolling  portions  of  the  valleys.  The  higher 
areas  are  well  drained.  The  soil  is  residual  in  origin  and  derived  from  schistose 
limestone.     Wheat  and  grass  are  the  principal  crops. 

Decatur  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  4  to  6  inches  of  reddish-brown  clay  loam  or  friable 
clay,  underlain  by  a  stiff,  red  clay.  At  various  depths  below  18  inches  massive  lime- 
stone rock  from  which  the  type  is  derived  is  encountered.  The  surface  is  moderately 
rolling  to  hilly  or  broken.  Rock  ledges  and  large  rock  fragments  on  the  surface  are 
common,  with  occasional  sink  holes.  Drainage  is  good.  Cedar  thrives  in  the  more 
stony  locations.  This  is  an  excellent  upland  soil  for  general  farming  where  no  stones 
are  present.     Clover  and  bluegrass  do  well. 

Guthrie  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  nearly  white,  silty  clay  to  silty  clay 
loam,  about  7  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  plastic,  and  impervious  silty  clay, 
varying  in  color  from  gray  to  drab,  mottled  with  yellowish  iron  stains.  The  type 
occupies  low,  flat  areas  on  the  uplands  and  is  derived  from  limestone.  On  account 
of  its  low,  wet  situation  it  is  of  little  agricultural  value  unless  artificially  drained. 
In  favorable  seasons  corn  and  tobacco  are  grown.  The  type  is  largely  covered  by 
hickory,  sweet  gum,  and  oak,  and  the  type  is  generally  known  as  "crawfish  land." 
Certain  grasses  succeed  on  the  type. 

Hagerstown  clay. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  ferownish  to  reddish-brown  clay  ranging 
from  5  to  12  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  tenacious,  reddish-yellow  or  red 
clay.  The  type  occupies  rolling  valley  lands  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of 
pure,  massive  limestone.  This  is  recognized  as  a  strong  soil  for  general  farm  crops. 
Certain  varieties  of  apples  do  well. 

Hollywood  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  is  a  dark-gray  to  black,  stiff, 
intractable  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark-gray  to  yellowish,  sticky,  plastic,  heavy  clay, 
often  mottled  at  lower  depths  with  gray,  yellow,  and  sometimes  red.  Black  oxide 
of  iron  concretions  occur  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  developed  in  the  flat  areas  of 
limestone  valleys,  often  occurring  near  drainage  ways.  It  is  a  limestone  soil  and  of 
only  moderate  agricultural  value.  Owing  to  its  heavy  texture  and  plastic  structure, 
cultivation  is  difficult  unless  conducted  at  the  proper  time  with  respect  to  moisture 
content.     Corn  and  grass  give  fair  results. 

Pennington  clay. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  to  light-brown  clay  of  variable  depth.  The 
subsoil  is  a  tough,  yellowish  clay  mottled  with  light  blue.  Throughout  a  large  part 
of  the  year  a  soggy  condition  exists  caused  by  seepage  waters.     A  thin  covering  of 


108 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


colluvial  material  is  encountered  in  places.     At  present  the  type  is  not  used  for 
agriculture,  as  it  requires  artificial  drainage  before  any  crops  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  days. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hagerstown  clay 

Alabama  16, 19;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky  2,  3,  5;  Pennsylvania  5, 

9;  Tennessee  5;  Virginia  1,  3;  West" Virginia  3. 
Tennessee  5;  Virginia  1 

363,546 

64,128 
20  584 

Conestoga  clay 

Guthrie  clav 

Decatur  clav 

15  040 

Colbert  clav 

1  408 

Hollywood  clav 

Alabama  20. .. 

1,088 
256 

Pennington  clav 

Kentuck  v  4 

Total 

466,050 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    CLAY   PHASE. 


Only  small  areas  of  the  stony  clay  phase  have  been  found  in  the  limestone  province. 
The  soil  material  is  similar  to  that  of  the  corresponding  clay  type,  but  the  soils  usually 
give  lower  yields  on  account  of  their  stone  content  or  rough  topography.  They  are 
adapted  to  the  same  crops  as  the  clay  types. 

Colbert  stony  clay. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown,  compact,  silty  clay  loam  to 
silty  clay,  from  4  to  6  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  plastic,  sticky  yellow  clay. 
Ledges  or  fragments  from  which  the  type  is  derived,  are  of  common  occurrence. 
The  type  comprises  flat  to  undulating  valley  lands  and  lower  slopes.  Oak,  cedar, 
and  hickory  constitute  the  principal  timber  growth.  This  is  a  difficult  soil  to  plow, 
and  is  best  suited  to  the  production  of  grass  for  hay  or  pasturage. 

Hagerstown  stony  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  yellow  clay  loam  or  clay 
about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  yellowish  to  red  clay.  Large  quantities  of  limestone 
fragments  are  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  while  outcrops  of  hard  limestone  arc  of 
frequent  occurrence.  The  surface  is  generally  stony.  The  type  occupies  sloping  to 
hilly  areas,  consisting  of  ridges  and  valley  slopes.  The  soil  owes  its  origin  to  the 
weathering  of  limestone  and  shaly  limestone,  influenced  in  some  areas  by  colluvial 
sandstone  and  shale  material.  Sandstone  and  shale  fragments  fallen  from  adjacent 
slopes  occur  in  places.  The  soil  is  naturally  productive,  but  the  large  quantity  of 
rock  fragments  and  rock  outcrops  make  but  little  of  it  available  lor  cultivation.  Fair 
yields  of  corn,  cotton,  and  forage  crops  are  secured  on  the  less  stony  areas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  (he  stony  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  urea. 


Acres. 


Bagerstown  stony  day. 
Colbert  stony  day 

Total 


.  i.  i.v  Kentucky  2;  Tern 
Alabama 20,28;  Georgia  is 


65,808 

10,368 


66.176 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  7X\. 
MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 
Area  and  distribution  of  Ok  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  naim- 

Slate  ur  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  20        "           1,8, 11  22;  Tniuiiwinn  1. 11.11 

378,368 

Total  . . 

379,648 

to  nnmbtn  in  this  column  mc  p.  733. 


bureau   of  Soils,    :j.    £.    1'ept. 


*    September, 


T.-Ur.e^tciie      Schi- 


Red        Gray      White 


Pock 

JVburv- 

Kager- 

gravc 

lower 

■Jim 


1 

| 

Gra--         Yellc 

Yel- 

Mot- 

soli           sol] 

low 

tled 

I                  ! 

to 

low" 

rh    IS- 

Yel-     Yel-      sab- 

ret. 

and 

gray 

soil 

soil 

red-      soil      Sub- 

Sub- 

I 

dish         |        strs 

Btra- 

trowr.  Atun-    turn 

sub-      dent     ose 

red 

soil      light   gru 

Jttmn-    ored     Iogt, 

dant 

Poor 

dunt      hard 

B]  »P1 

dral- 

non-      flirty 

n&gfl      cal-      and 


rowii  so 

11 

Gray 

Yel- 

i   i 

soli 

nlnl       I 

1 

Red. 

Yel. 

bel- 

BOll 

lOW 

;■■■ 

low 

to 

to 

gray      I 

~ 1 

Collu- 

red- 

Pl«  - 

low 

■of! 

soil 

Bub- 

lm- 

Hue 

ji.;.~ 

Erow-   c 

vlal 

per- 

8  tin 

nls). 

yel- 

All,  er- 

sub- 

"'.i- 

| 

BOll        C 

rial 

But- 

1     ' 

subsoil 

bede 

mot- 

a  id 

in       Dufflelo 

Blue 

ar.d 

Kldge 

whits 

Cray 

belt) 

oherty 

Yellow- 


to         Yellow 


SOILS  OF  THE  GLACIAL  AND  LOESSIAL  PROVINCE. 

By  J.  E.  Lapham  and  Curtis  F.  Marbut. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

The  Glacial  and  Loessial  soil  province  includes  that  part  of  the  United  States 
lying  east  of  the  Great  Plains  in  which  the  soils  are  derived  from:  (1)  Ice-laid 
deposits  left  by  the  retreat  of  the  ice  at  the  close  of  the  Glacial  Period;  (2) 
water-laid  material  intimately  associated  with  the  ice-laid  material,  deposited 
during  the  advance  and  retreat  of  the  ice  in  the  form  of  outwash  plains;  (3) 
silt  deposits  laid  down  by  water  or  wind  during  or  subsequent  to  the  retreat 
of  the  ice. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  northern  boundary  of  the  province  is  the  international  boundary  from 
Maine  to  Montana.  The  eastern  boundary  from  Maine  to  New  York  City  is  the 
Atlantic  Ocean.  The  southern  boundary  extends  from  the  Narrows  in  New 
York  Harbor  in  a  general  northwesterly  direction  across  New  Jersey  and  Penn- 
sylvania to  the  vicinity  of  Salamanca,  N.  Y.,  thence  in  a  southwesterly  direction 
across  the  northwestern  corner  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  Ohio-Pennsylvania  line,  a 
few  miles  southwest  of  Newcastle,  Pa.  It  continues  westward  to  the  vicinity 
of  Millersburg,  Ohio.  From  this  point  it  trends  southward  to  the  Ohio  River 
about  20  miles  below  Portsmouth,  following  that  stream  downward,  crossing 
to  the  south  side  a  short  distance  below  Cincinnati,  thence  in  a  southwesterly 
direction  to  Crittenden  County,  Ky.,  inclosing  a  narrow  belt  of  loessial  deposits 
between  it  and  the  river.  From  Crittenden  County,  Ky.,  it  follows  a  course 
roughly  paralleling  the  Mississippi  River  and  including  a  strip  of  country  from 
10  to  40  miles  wide  between  it  and  the  bluffs  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  bottom 
lands,  the  belt  terminating  a  few  miles  northwest  of  Lake  Pontchartrain,  La. 

Opposite  this  southern  extension  of  loessial  material  small  patches  of  loess 
deposits  occur  on  the  West  side  of  the  Mississippi,  but  there  is  no  continuous 
belt  south  of  the  confluence  of  the  Osage  and  Missouri  Rivers.  Throughout  this 
belt,  therefore,  the  eastern  bluffs  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  northern  bluffs  of 
the  Missouri  may  be  considered  as  the  boundary  of  the  province,  the  small 
areas  occurring  east  of  it  being  merely  outliers. 

From  the  mouth  of  the  Osage  River  in  Missouri  the  boundary  line  parallels 
the  Missouri  River  westward  to  Kansas  City,  thence  into  Kansas  a  few  miles 
west  of  Topeka,  thence  northwestwardly  crossing  the  State  line  in  Washington 
County,  K;ms.,  and  continuing  in  a  general  northerly  direction  to  the  junction  of 
the  Niobrara  and  Missouri  Rivers.  It  follows  the  general  course  of  the  latter 
river  through  South  Dakota,  but  in  North  Dakota  crosses  to  its  western  bank, 
continuing  in  a  northwesterly  direction  to  about  30  miles  west  of  Bismarck  and 
following  a  course  generally  parallel  to  and  a  few  miles  south  of  the  Missouri, 
approximately,  to  the  boundary  of  the  Great  Plains  in  Montana. 

From  the  point  where  the  boundary  is  described  as  crossing  the  Kansas- 
Nebraska  State  line,  a  lobe  swings  to  the  southwest,  covering  a  large  proportion 
of  the  western  part  of  Kansas  and  extending  into  the  Panhandle  of  Oklahoma. 
The  western  and  northwestern  boundary  of  this  lobe  follows  approximately  the 
Kansas-.Colorado  State  line  to  the  extreme  northwestern  corner  of  Kansas,  and 
thence  in  an  irregular  northeasterly  line  through  Nebraska  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Niobrara  River.  The  material  embraced  in  this  area  is  of  a  loessial  nature, 
although  the  soils  are  classified  with  those  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  and  the 
area  is  not  included  in  the  glacial  and  l<Mssi:il  province  on  the  map. 

The  ice-laid  deposits  are  found  north  of  an  irregular  line  running  from  Cin- 
cinnati to  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  thence  southward  to  [owa  City,  Iowa,  continuing  in 
a  westerly  direction  to  the  southeastern  corner  of  South  Dakota.  South  of  that 
line  they  are  mainly  loessial.  presumably  wind-laid  deposits.  The  two  tongues, 
the  one  running  down  the  Mississippi  and  the  other  southwest  ward  across  Kan- 
sas and  Oklahoma,  are  entirely  so. 

109 


110  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

PHYSIOGRAPHY. 

The  general  physiography  of  the  area  included  in  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
proYince  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  of  the  country  adjacent  to  it  on  the 
south  and  west.  Although  the  deposits  made  within  this  area  by  the  ice, 
water,  and  wind  are  in  many  places  thick,  they  are  not  thick  enough  to  obscure 
the  broad  topographic  features  of  the  region.  All  the  essential  features  of 
the  Appalachian  pass  from  the  extra-glacial  region  into  the  glacial  region  prac- 
tically without  change.  The  Interior  Lowlands.  Allegheny  Plateau.  Appalach- 
ian Ridges,  the  Great  Valley,  the  Highlands,  expanding  northeastward  into  the 
New  England  upland,  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  and  even  the  Coastal  Plain  are  as 
distinct  physiographic-ally  within  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province  as  they  are 
south  of  it. 

It  is  only  in  the  details  of  the  topography  that  the  deposits  have  modified  the 
appearance  of  the  country.  Valleys  have  been  filled  up  and  country  that  was 
originally  rough  has  been  made  smooth. 

Little  effect  on  the  topography,  however,  even  in  local  detail  of  relief  was 
caused  by  the  wearing  down  of  mountains  and  ridges.  These  were  rounded  in 
their  outline  and  the  disintegrated  rock  material  taken  off,  but  there  was  prob- 
ably very  little  reduction  of  the  rock  surface  by  the  ice.  The  general,  almost 
universal  effect  of  ice  action  in  the  United  States  was  to  reduce  the  local  relief, 
to  make  the  surface  smoother  than  it  was  before  the  glacial  period. 

Topographically,  therefore,  the  whole  area  may  be  divided  into  three  main 
areas,  a  western,  eastern,  and  a  coastal  area,  known  as  the  Interior  Lowland 
area,  the  Appalachian  area,  ami  the  Atlantic  Coastal  area. 

Till:    [NTBRIOR    LOWL.vNI)    AREA. 

The  Interior  Lowland  area  includes  all  the  territory  lying  west  of  the  Alle- 
gheny Plateau,  whoso  western  boundary  coincides  with  that  of  the  province 
from  the  Ohio  River  to  the  sharp  point  where  it  makes  a  bend  in  Central  Ohio; 
thence  it  runs  northeastward  in  an  irregular  line  to  the  Glacial  Lake  boundary, 
a   few  miles  west   of  Ashtabula.  <)hio. 

Leaving  the  hilly  lands  lying  along  the  large  streams  of  the  region  out  of 
consideration  for  the  moment,  this  area  consists  topographically  of  two  sections: 
(li    A    southern    smooth,    often    nearly    Hat,    portion,    and    (2)    a    northern    more 

rolling  and  sometimes  hilly  portion.    There  is  no  sharp  boundary  between  these 

areas,  although  a  line  from  Crookston,  through  Minneapolis,  La  Crosse,  the 
southern  peninsula  of  Michigan,  through  Jackson,  would  divide  approximately 
tin-  more  rolling  northern  country  from  the  smoother  southern  and  western 
country.  Even  in  the  latter  area,  however,  the  part  that  is  too  rough  for  agri- 
cultural utilization  is  small.  It  occurs  in  northern  Minnesota,  northern  Wis- 
consin, and  the  northern  peninsula  of  Michigan. 

Thai  pari  of  the  area  lying  south  of  tin-  broken  line  dividing  the  area  thai  i- 
mainly  loessial  from  that  mainly  glacial  is  smoother  than  the  northern  part. 
Large    areas   of    southern    Ohio,    Indiana,    southern    Illinois,    uort  heasiern    Mis 

souri,  ami  southeastern  Iowa  arealmosl  featureless  plains,  except  where  broken 

by   the  shallow   valleys  of  the  creeks  that    traverse  them.      The  rest   of  the  area. 

not  including  the  river  hill  belts,  is  gently  roiling  t«>  undulating,  an  extremely 
small  proportion  of  it  being  too  rough  to  cultivate.    The  northern  fringe  of  the 

southern  belt  has  a  topography  essentially  as  it  was  when  the  ire  loll  it.  The 
southern  part  has  suffered  somewhat  more  from  erosion  than  has  the  northern. 
Whore  elusion  has  not  affected  them,  however,  they  are  smoother  than  the 
northern   area,  since  originally  they  consisted  of  Hat   plains. 

The  belts  Of  country  lying  along  both  sides  of  the  large  rivers,  such  as  the 
Ohio.  Mississippi,  and  Missouri,  and  half  a  dozen  smaller  streams,  are  usually 
thoroughly  dissected   and   therefore  hilly.      Portions  of  Ihrso  hills  are  to,,   rough 

for  easj  cultivation,  ami  when  cultivated  erode  badly.  These  bells  vary  con- 
siderably in  widtii.  extending  in  each  direction  from  the  bottom-land  boundaries 
for  distances  varying  from  2  t<»  20  miles,  with  an  average  of  nearly  LO  miles. 

The  predominant  soils  occurring  in  this  smoother  southern  hell  are  the  Marshall, 

Knox,  Lexington,  Memphis,  ami  Putnam. 

The   Knox    soils   occupy    the   iv   rolling    to    hilly   areas,   especially    (he   river 

hill  belts,  all   lying  aorth  of  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio.     South  of  that   the  pre 

dominant  soils  are  the  Memphis,  winch  are  i"-s!  considered  as  southern  repre- 
sentatives of  the   Knox   series. 


!* 


GLACIAL  AND  LOESSIAL  PROVINCE.  Ill 

The  Marshall,  Putnam,  and  Lexington  soils  are  the  predominant  soils  on  the 
smoother  areas. 

From  central  South  Dakota  to  the  southeast  this  belt  includes  the  great  corn 
belt  of  the  United  States.  This  is  a  general  farming  region  in  which  corn  is 
the  predominant  crop,  with  clover  and  timothy  as  the  important  hay  crops  and 
oats  as  the  important  small  grain.  Its  live  stock  consists  mainly  of  hogs  and 
the  beef  breeds  of  cattle,  the  live-stock  industry  being  confined  largely  to  the 
fattening  rather  than  the  raising  of  animals.  This  is  also  a  belt  of  predomi- 
nantly high-priced  lands  in  the  United  States. 

A  large  part  of  this  area,  especially  that  section  lying  west  of  Indiana,  con- 
sisted originally  of  treeless  plains,  requiring  no  laborious  work  in  removing 
a  heavy  timber  growth  before  the  land  could  be  cultivated.  The  conditions 
favored  a  rapid  occupation  of  the  country  by  white  men,  and  the  great  natural 
fertility  of  the  soil  assured  heavy  yields  from  the  start.  It  was  settled  and 
placed  under  cultivation  with  phenomenal  rapidity. 

The  northern  belt  of  the  Interior  Lowland  area  is  somewhat  rougher  in 
topography  than  the  southern.  Very  little  of  it.  however,  is  too  rough,  so 
far  as  land  relief  is  concerned,  for  cultivation.  It  differs  in  several  respects 
from  the  southern  belt,  all  of  which  are  of  importance  as  affecting  its 
agriculture : 

(1)  This  is  a  region  in  which  ice-laid  surface  material  predominates.  The 
silty  mantle  covering  a  large  part  of  the  surface  in  the  southern  belt  is  here 
absent,  and  the  soil  is  derived  directly  from  the  bowlder  deposits.  The  soil 
contains,  therefore,  a  much  greater  percentage  of  stones  and  bowlders  than 
in  the  southern  area,  a  feature  which  makes  much  of  it  unfit  for  cultivation. 

(2)  Ttte  water-laid  drift,  like  the  ice-laid  drift,  is  also  without  the  silty 
covering,  and  a  considerable  proportion  of  the  soil  is  derived  from  such  material. 
This  is  usually  sandy  or  gravelly  and  more  or  less  droughty. 

(3)  Combining  1  and  2  into  one  statement,  the  soils  of  the  northern  belt  are 
less  uniform  over  large  areas,  are  more  sandy,  gravelly,  and  stony  than  the 
southern  belt,  and  the  topography  is  more  irregular  and  somewhat  rougher. 

(4)  Practically  the  whole  area  was  covered  with  a  heavy  growth  of  timber 
at  the  time  of  the  occupation  of  the  region. 

(5)  The  climate  is  less  favorable  for  agriculture  than  in  the  southern  belt. 
All  of  these  factors  have  retarded  the  occupation  of  the  region,  much  of  which 

is  still  unutilized  for  agricultural  purposes.  The  main  crops  are  small  grains, 
potatoes,  vegetables,  forage  crops,  and  corn,  the  latter  being  much  less  impor- 
tant than  in  the  southern  belt.  The  live-stock  industry  is  a  dairy  and  stock 
raising  industry  rather  than  a  stock-fattening  industry. 

As  a  result  of  the  rougher  and  more  varied  topography  and  the  varied  soils 
within  a'  given  area  arising  from  the  absence  of  the  silty  mantle  that  covers 
these  deposits  in  the  southern  belt,  there  are  no  large  areas  in  which  one  or 
two  soil  series  predominate.  The  Miami,  Coloma,  Kewaunee,  and  Carrington 
soils  are  the  most  important  in  the  belt,  but  no  one  of  them  occurs  in  such 
large  and  unbroken  areas  as  does  the  Knox  and  Marshall  in  the  southern  belt. 

THE  EASTERN  AREA. 

The  whole  of  the  province  east  of  the  Interior  Lowland  area  is  included  under 
this  head  except  the  small  Coastal  Plain  area  on  Long  Island,  Cape  Cod.  and 
intermediate  islands. 

It  consists  physiographically  of  several  areas,  each  corresponding  to  a  similar 
physiographic  belt  south  of  the  Glacial  Province  which  extends  across  the 
boundary  line  unmodified  except  as  to  the  details  of  its  relief  and  the  character 
of  the  soils. 

These  physiographic  areas  or  belts  are:  (1)  The  Allegheny  Plateau;  (2)  the 
Appalachian  Ridges;  (3)  the  Great  Valley;  (4)  the  Highlands  of  Now  York 
and  New  Jersey,  the  Adirondack  Mountains  of  New  York,  and  the  New  Eng- 
land Plateau;    (5)  the  Piedmont  Plateau. 

THE  ALLEGHENY  PLATE  A I  . 

The  Allegheny  Plateau  occupies  the  southwestern  part  of  the  eastern  area 
extending  from  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  Interior  Lowland  to  the  Helderberg- 
Catskill-Allegheny  Front   Escarpment  in  Eastern  New  York  and  northward  to 

the  southern  boundary  of  the  Lowland  belt  lying  south  of  Lake  Ontario.  It  is. 
therefore,  typically  a  feature  of  southern  New  York,  extending  into  adjacent 


112  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  into  eastern  Ohio.  As  a  whole  it  is  a  high  plateau 
deeply  and  thoroughly  dissected  by  the  drainage.  It  is  highest  along  its  eastern 
boundary,  reaching  a  maximum  elevation  of  4,000  feet,  and  slopes  gently  west- 
ward to  about  1,500  feet  in  its  extreme  western  part.  The  roughness  of  the 
topography  is  determined  by  the  depth  and  thoroughness  of  the  dissection  and 
the  steepness  of  the  slopes.  The  former  is  determined  by  the  elevation  of  the 
plateau  top,  the  size  of  the  streams,  and  the  distance  to  the  sea  along  the  streams 
within  any  given  locality.  There  are  two  relatively  smooth  belts  within  the 
plateau.  One  of  them  runs  in  a  northeasterly  direction  across  western  Penn- 
sylvania and  into  western  New  York  from  the  southwestern  part  of  the 
latter  State  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the  plateau  south  of  Buffalo.  The 
southern  part  of  this  belt  is  due  to  the  outcropping  of  a  series  of  soft  shale 
and  limestone  beds  and  the  northern  end  to  the  shallow  dissection  on  the 
upper  headwaters  of  the  Allegheny  River  drainage  system. 

The  other  and  smoother  belt  lies  in  a  north  and  south  position  in  the  Finger 
Lake  region  of  New  York,  extending  southward  into  Tioga,  Bradford,  and  Sus- 
quehanna Counties,  in  Pennsylvania.  It  is  due  to  the  rounding  of  the  Slopes  in 
the  Finger  Lake  region,  possibly  by  the  glacial  ice,  and  to  the  outcrops  of  a 
Berii  s  of  shales  and  soft  sandstones  in  the  extension  of  the  belt  south  of  the 
Finger  Lakes. 

The  extreme  western  side  of  the  area  is  considerably  lower  than  the  eastern 
part,  and  does  not  stand  so  high  above  the  broad  valleys  that  traverse  it  in  that 
region.  This  part,  as  well  as  the  smoother  belts  described  above,  are  largely 
under  cultivation.  The  rougher  parts  are  cultivated  on  their  smooth  areas,  but 
the  proportion  of  cultivated  land  is  much  smaller  than  in  the  smoother  belts. 

The  geological  formal  ions  belong  to  the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous  sys- 
tems. The  rocks  are  predominantly  sandstones  and  shales.  The  southern  or 
Pennsylvania  end  of  the  western  belt  of  smoother  country  is  underlain  by  a 
series  of  alternating  shale,  sandstone,  and  limestone  beds,  all  somewhat  softer 
than  the  sandstone  beds  in  the  adjacent  higher  and  rougher  areas.  The  rest 
of  the  area  is  underlain  by  sandstone  and  shales  varying  considerably  in 
resistance,  but  over  all  the  rougher  area  the  surface  is  underlain  by  resistant 
beds  of  sandstone.  It  is  therefore  predominantly  a  sandstone  region.  The 
beds  of  rock  lie  nearly  horizontal  as  a  whole,  the  variation  from  that  attitude 
consisting  of  a  gentle  southwestward  dip  and  local  folds  at  a  few  places  within 
the  area. 

The  predominant  soils  belong  to  the  Volusia  series.  Associated  with  these  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  area  are  the  Lackawanna  soils. 

Agriculture  in  the  whole  region  is  in  a  state  of  decline,  or  at  least  of  stagna- 
tion, and  has  been  in  this  condition  for  some  time.  The  topography  is  rough. 
the  soils  are  only  moderately  fertile,  and  the  region  lies  near  the  larger 
Cities  Of  the  country,  in  which  growth  has  been  rapid  during  the  last  few 
decades.  These  factors  have  contributed  to  the  decline  of  interest  in  agricul- 
ture. The  crops  i»<  si  adapted  t<»  this  region  arc  timothy,  pnt.-itoos.  oats,  barley. 
rye,  and  com.  in  the  order  named. 

Tin:  APPALACHIAN   imim.i  s. 
This  belt  consists  of  :i   series  of  parallel   ridges  and   Intervening  lowlands,  the 

former  narrow,  linear,  Bteepsided,  and  varying  in  elevation  from  r>00  to  800  feet 

above  the   latter,   which   are  usually  hilly. 

only  one  of  the  important  ridges  and  its  adjacent  lowland  belt  extends  for 

BJiy  considerable  distance  into  the  province,  aside  from  the  two  ridges  and  the 

Inclosed  Wyoming  Valley,  in  Pennsylvania,  which  extend  from  the  south  across 

the  boundary  for  ;i  few  miles  into  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  Province.  The  ridge 
referred  to  Li  the  Kiltatinny  Mountain,  in  New  .Jersey,  and  its  northern  exten- 
sion, known  ;is  the  Sh;i wangun*  Mountain,  in  New  York.  It  is  practically  DOn- 
agrlCUltural.     Ou  the  -cutler  slopes  there  is  some  attempt  at   cultivation,  though 

so  little  in  the  aggregate  as  to  scarcely  merit  mention  in  a  general  statement. 
Tii..  soils  are  mainly  Rough  stony  land     Lackawanna  and  Culver  series. 

The  lowland  belt,  lying  parallel  to  and  along  its  western  side,  comprises  hilly 
lowlands  and  averages  about  a  mile  in  width,  it  is  occupied  by  the  Delaware 
River  from  the  province  boundary  aorthward  to  Port  Jervls,  N.  v.,  and  to  the 
northeast  from  that  point  by  small  streams  only.    Very  little  soil  survey  work 

has  been  done  In  this  region  and   little  is  known  of  its  soils.     The  only  series  of 

considerable  extent  so  far  encountered  in  it  is  the  Wallpack.    The  belt  merges 

into  the  Hudson   lowkind  in  the  vicinity  of  Kosnidalo. 


GLACIAL   AND   LOESSIAL   PKOVINCE.  113 

THE   GREAT   VALLEY. 

The  Great  Valley  region  includes  the  lowland  belt  lying  between  the  Appa- 
lachian ridges,  or  where  these  do  not  occur,  as  in  the  case  north  of  Kingston, 
N.  Y.,  the  Allegheny  Front  on  the  west  and  north  and  the  Highlands  of  New 
York  and  New  Jersey  and  the  New  England  Plateau  on  the  east.  It  includes 
the  Hudson-Champlain  Valley,  the  Mohawk  lowland  belt,  and  the  lowlands 
south  and  east  of  Lake  Ontario,  except  those  areas  covered  by  lake  deposits. 

This  area  is  topographically  an  undulating  to  hilly,  lowland  belt.  Its  eleva- 
tion along  the  Hudson-Champlain  belt  ranges  from  100  to  900  feet  above  the 
sea  level,  the  higher  areas  lying  along  the  eastern  side.  The  Mohawk  belt, 
throughout  its  whole  extent  from  Schenectady,  where  it  opens  into  the  Hudson 
belt,  to  Utica,  where  it  opens  into  the  Ontario  plain,  is  rougher  than  any  other 
part  of  the  whole  lowland  area.  Its  elevation  reaches  a  maximum  of  some  1,500 
feet  and  it  is  everywhere  thoroughly  dissected,  though  its  slopes  are  rounded 
rather  than  angular. 

The  Ontario  Plain  region  is  smoothest  of  all  the  area.  It  consists  essentially 
of  a  smooth,  nearly  flat  plain  with  a  large  number  of  low,  elliptical,  smoothly 
rounded  hills  standing  on  it.  Practically  all  of  its  surface  is  capable  of 
cultivation. 

In  the  western  part  of  the  New  England  Plateau  there  are  a  number  of  low- 
land belts  and  areas  with  a  north  and  south  trend  which  are  essentially  out- 
lying areas  of  the  Great  Valley  lowland.  They  are  rolling  to  hilly  in  topog- 
raphy. A  number  of  small  areas  occur  in  western  Connecticut,  the  Pittsfield 
Valley  in  western  Massachusetts,  and  the  Rutland-Bennington  belt  in  Vermont. 
All  of  these  belong  in  the  same  series. 

The  Hudson-Champlain  belt  of  the  Great  Valley  lowland  is  underlain  by 
two  formations,  a  thick  bed  of  shales,  unchanged  in  part,  indurated  in  part, 
and  metamorphosed  to  slate  in  part,  and  a  series  of  limestones.  The  latter 
are  usually  crystalline.  The  New  England  areas  are  underlain  by  limestone, 
presumably  the  same  bed  that  occurs  in  the  Hudson-Champlain  belt. 

The  Mohawk  belt  is  underlain  mainly  by  shales  on  the  north  side  of  the 
river  and  by  shales,  sandstones,  and  a  few  thin  beds  of  limestone  on  the  south 
side. 

In  the  Ontario  Plain  the  glacial  deposits  are  usually  thick  and  the  material 
has  been  brought  from  distant  regions  to  the  northward  in  Canada.  The  under- 
lying rocks  consist  of  red  sandstones,  shales,  and  limestone  beds,  and  where 
the  drift  cover  is  thin  this  material  enters  into  the  soil  as  an  important  factor. 
Where  the  drift  is  thick  the  proportion  of  local  material  is  less.  As  a  whole 
it  may  be  said  that  the  greater  part  of  the  soils  of  this  plain  are  derived  from 
crystalline  rocks,  limestones,  and  red  sandstones. 

The  predominant  soils  of  the  New  England  areas  and  the  Hudson-Champlain 
belt  belong  to  the  Dover  and  Dutchess  series.  In  the  Mohawk  belt  they  are 
more  varied  and  the  Dover  soils  seem  to  be  lacking.  The  Dutchess,  Allis,  and 
Mohawk  soils,  with  more  or  less  Volusia  material,  make  up  the  main  body 
of  the  soils.     In  the  Ontario  Plain  the  predominant  soils  are  Ontario. 

Throughout  all  the  belts  general  farming,  with  hay  and  small  grains,  not 
including  corn,  though  this  crop  is  also  grown,  is  the  rule,  with  dairying  re- 
ceiving considerable  attention.  Locally  the  cultivation  of  small  fruits  and  vege- 
tables and  potatoes  receives  considerable  attention.  It  is  not,  however,  a  region 
of  intensive  farming.  Agriculture  has  suffered  no  noticeable  decline  in  recent 
years,  except  over  local  areas. 

THE   HIGHLANDS,    ADIRONDACK'S,    NKW    ENGLAND   PLATEAU. 

This  term  is  used  to  include  the  Highlands  of  New  Jersey  and  New  York, 
the  Adirondacks,  the  whole  of  New  England,  except  Cape  Cod,  the  offshore 
islands,  and  the  Connecticut  Valley  lowland. 

The  topography  is  generally  rough  and  the  soil  stony.  The  southern  part 
of  the  area  consists  of  a  plateau,  highest  in  the  northwestern  part  and  sloping 
southeastward  to  the  sea  in  New  England  and  toward  the  steep  slope  separat- 
ing this  area  from  the  Piedmont  belt  in  New  York  and  Now  Jersey. 

The  plateau   surface  has  been  thoroughly  dissected  by  valleys,   not  merely 

by  narrow  branching  valleys,  as  in  the  Allegheny  Plateau,  but'  by  valleys  of 

all  degrees  of  width,  shape,  and  regularity  or  irregularity  of  feature.     There 

is  not  only  no  uniformity  of  features  in  different  valleys,  but  the  same  valley 

79619—13 8 


114  SOILS  OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

may  vary  greatly  in  width,  depth,  shape,  and  slopes  in  different  places.  The 
topographic  details  cut  into  the  plain  have  no  regularity  of  form,  a  condition 
which  has  been  emphasized  by  the  glaciation  to  which  the  region  has  been  sub- 
jected and  manifested  by  diversion  of  rivers  from  their  courses  and  by  the 
formation  of  lake  basins.  The  slopes,  however,  are  rather  rounded,  and  on 
the  basis  of  steepness  of  slope  alone  a  larger  proportion  of  the  land  can  be 
cultivated  in  this  belt  than  in  the  rougher  parts  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau. 

In  northern  New  England  the  topography  is  rougher  than  in  the  southern 
part,  much  of  it  being  mountainous  and  entirely  too  rough  to  cultivate.  In 
this  part  of  the  area  the  mountains  stand  above  the  level  of  the  plateau  in  the 
southern  part.  Some  of  the  smaller,  isolated  masses  extend  into  Massachusetts, 
but  they  do  not  constitute  a  large  proportion  of  the  country.  Even  in  the 
northern  part  large  areas  can  be  utilized  for  agriculture,  though  there  is  rela- 
tively little  smooth  land.  In  the  Atlantic  coast  belt  of  Maine  there  are  con- 
siderable areas  of  marine  silts  and  clays  which  have  a  smooth  topograpy. 

The  rocks  underlying  the  whole  area  consist  of  gneisses,  schists,  granite,  and 
other  metamorphic  and  igneous  formations,  with  small  areas  of  limestones, 
found  mainly  in  eastern  Maine.  The  glacial  mantle  varies  greatly  in  thickness, 
but  it  is  everywhere  made  up  mainly  of  crystalline  material  and  is  uniform  over 
larger  areas. 

The  predominant  soils  are  the  Gloucester  soils  on  the  uplands,  the  Merrimafc 
soils  on  the  smooth  outwash  plains  and  terraces,  and  the  Caribou  on  the  marine 
deposits  of  the  northeastern  section  of  the  area. 

The  agriculture  of  the  region  up  to  half  a  century  ago  was  generally  grain. 
hay,  and  live-stock  farming.  Western  competition  has  latterly  made  such  a 
system  unprofitable  on  these  rough  lands,  and  coupled  with  the  growth  of  the 
large  cities  has  caused  the  abandonment  of  large  sections  of  this  type.  In 
recent  years,  however,  interest  is  being  revived  in  the  agriculture  of  the  region, 
taking  the  form  of  increased  attention  to  special  crops,  such  as  apples,  potatoes, 
peaches,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables.  Dairying,  the  form  of  farming  that 
bridged  the  gap  between  the  old  system  and  the  developing  new  system,  con- 
tinues to  maintain  a  considerable  importance.  It  must  continue  to  do  so  in  the 
future,  since  the  soils  are  well  adapted  to  grazing  and  the  hay  grasses.  Potato 
growing  in  Maine  is  the  best  example  of  the  newly  developed  system  of  special- 
crop  farming. 

THE    PIEDMONT    PLAIN    AND   THE    CONNECTICUT    VALLEY    LOWLAND. 

A  small  part  of  the  Piedmont  Plain  extends  into  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
province,  including  only  that  section  lying  between  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Highlands  on  the  west  and  the  Hudson  River  on  the  east.  It  extends  south 
to  the  boundary  of  the  province  and  northward  to  a  point  where  the  Highlands 
reach  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson  River. 

Topographically  the  area  is  a  rolling  plain  with  poorly  defined  and  undevel- 
oped valleys.  It  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  dissected,  the  irregularities  of  surface 
feature  being  mainly  due  to  the  deposition  of  the  drift  rather  than  to  subsequent 
erosion.  Several  long,  curving  ridges  rise  from  100  to  500  feet  above  the  level 
Of  the  plain;  of  these  the  Palisade  ridge  along  the  Hudson  River  is  the  most 
easterly,  the  others  lying  west  of  the  mi. lline  of  the  belt  and  known  as  the 
Watchung  rid| 

This  area,  not  Including  the  ridges,  is  underlain  by  a  series  of  red  sandstones 
and  shales  of  Triassic  age.  The  overlying  material  consists  of  a  mantle  of 
glacial  drift  derived  in  part  from  the  sandstones  and  shales  and  in  part  trans- 
ported from  the  Highlands  to  the  north.  As  a  rule  there  is  enough  Triassic 
material  in  the  drift  mantle  to  tinge  it  with  red,  especially  a  foot  or  so  below 
the  surface      The  trap  ridges  are  narrow  and  too  steep  to  cultivate. 

The  soii^  .-ire  mainly  those  ot  the  wethersfield  group  a  series  of  general 
farming  soils.  On  account  of  the  proximity  to  New  x*ork  City  and  the  develop- 
ment of  suburban  villages  only  a  small  part  of  the  ares  is  at  present  devoted 

to  agriculture,    much   of  which    is   merely   suburban    gardening  and   small-fruit 

growing,  with  more  or  Less  dairying. 

l  m    CONN]  (ini   I    \  Mil  v    I  ow  LAND, 

This  division  Consists  Of  a  narrow  belt  of  hilly  lowland  extending  across  tin? 
SOUthem  New  England  Plateau  from  north  to  south  and  followed  in  part  of  its 
course  by  the  Connecticut  River.  Topographically  it  is  essentially  the  same  as 
the  Piedmont  area  ot  New   York  and   New  Jersey,  though  as  a  whole  It  Is  some- 


GLACIAL  AND    LOESSIAL  PROVINCE.  115 

what  rougher  and  contains  a  larger  area  of  glacial  outwash  plains.  It  is  a 
rolling  to  hilly  area,  with  rounded  hills  and  open  basin-like  valleys,  except 
those  of  the  large  streams,  which  are  flat-bottomed,  steep-sided  troughs.  It  also 
contains  a  number  of  ridges  corresponding  in  character  of  rock  and  structural 
relations  with  the  Watchung  ridges  in  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  though 
higher,  broader,  and  more  rugged  than  the  latter.  They  likewise  are  mainly 
nonagricultural. 

The  predominant  upland  soils,  aside  from  the  glacial  outwash  soils,  which 
are  made  up  mainly  of  foreign  material,  are  Wethersfield  and  Holyoke.  The 
glacial  outwash  soils  are  represented  mainly  by  the  Carver  series.  This  region 
is  much  more  important  agriculturally  than  the  Piedmont  area.  Although  the 
large  cities  of  Connecticut  and  some  of  those  in  Massachusetts  lie  in  it,  they 
do  not  dominate  the  area,  except  that  they  supply  a  market  for  much  of  the 
crops  grown  on  it. 

As  a  whole  the  region  is  devoted  to  general  farming,  with  special  attention 
paid  to  the  growth  of  high-grade  tobacco  and  to  truck  and  small-fruit  crops  in 
certain  areas.  It  is  the  most  important  region  for  the  growth  of  Sumatra 
tobacco  found  anywhere  in  the  Northern  States.  The  better  soils  of  the  area 
are  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  the  farmers  are  prosperous. 

THE  ATLANTIC  COASTAL  AREA. 

The  Atlantic  Coastal  area  includes  Cape  Cod,  Nantucket,  Marthas  Vineyard, 
Block  Island,  Long  Island,  and  Staten  Island. 

The  topography  of  Cape  Cod  is  that  of  a  typical  morainic  region,  with  fringes 
of  lower  sand  plains  accumulated  at  various  points  around  the  borders  of  the 
higher  land.  It  consists  of  irregularly  placed  low  hills  with  intervening  depres- 
sions, many  of  the  latter  being  without  outlet.  Nantucket,  Block  Island,  and 
Marthas  Vineyard  are  very  much  the  same  in  topography  as  Cape  Cod.  They 
consist  of  a  moraine  area  with  typical  morainic  topography,  flanked  on  the  south 
by  broad,  smooth  outwash  plains.  Long  Island  and  Staten  Island  topograph- 
ically constitute  a  unit  and  consist  of  a  rough  moraine  country,  with  a  southern 
fringe  of  smooth  outwash  plain  flanked  by  long,  narrow  sand  bars  along  the 
coast. 

The  soil  material  over  all  of  this  coastal  region  is  characteristically  sandy 
till,  with  still  more  sandy  outwash  plains,  sea  beaches,  and  a  considerable 
development  of  dune  sand.  The  agriculture  on  Cape  Cod,  like  that  of  a  portion 
)f  the  Massachusetts  mainland,  consists  mainly  of  the  growing  of  cranberries 
in  the  bogs  formed  in  the  depressions  and  the  production  of  vegetables  for  the 
summer  hotel  trade.  Nantucket,  Marthas  Vineyard,  and  Block  Island  are  much 
ess  important  agriculturally  than  Cape  Cod.  and  while  opportunities  exist  in 
some  places  for  the  growth  of  cranberries,  the  industry  has  never  been  devel- 
oped to  any  marked  extent.  The  soils  are  utilized  principally  for  the  growing 
of  vegetables  and  more  or  less  hay.  On  Long  Island  a  varied  system  of  agri- 
culture prevails,  though  for  the  most  part  the  soils  are  light  in  texture,  often 
excessively  stony,  and  none  of  them  highly  productive,  except  under  intensive 
methods  of  farming  and  high  fertilization.  The  most  valuable  products  are 
truck  and  fruit. 

CLIMATE. 

The  area  embraced  in  tbe  Glacial  and  Loessial  province  has  a  range  of  46° 
in  longitude  and  12°  of  latitude,  with  a  consequent  wide  variation  in  climatic 
conditions  within  its  borders.  The  differences  in  mean  temperature,  rainfall,  and 
wind  movement  are  wide  and  exert  a  marked  influence  on  the  character  of  the 
agricultural  products  which  can  be  grown  in  the  geographical  extremes  of  the 
province.  With  a  growing  season  of  approximately  170  days  and  a  summer 
mean  temperature  of  65°  the  crops  which  can  be  grown  in  northern  Maine  are 
naturally  considerably  restricted,  so  that  corn,  which  is  one  of  the  great  staple 
crops  of  that  portion  of  the  United  States  covered  by  this  province,  can  not 
be  grown  for  the  grain.  The  winters  are  also  too  cold  for  any  but  the  most 
hardy  kinds  of  fruit  trees,  such  as  the  Fameuse  and  Dutchess  apples.  The  ab- 
solute minimum  temperatures  in  North  Dakota  and  Montana  are  20°  lower 
than  in  Maine,  and  the  mean  precipitation  declines  from  42.6  inches  at  Orono, 
Me.,  to  19.8  inches  at  Jamestown,  N.  Dak.  The  crops  which  can  be  grown  are 
limited  to  a  great  extent  by  the  length  of  the  growing  season  and  the  mean  of 
the  summer  temperature,  but  depends  no  less  upon  precipitation  and  the  ability 


116  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

of  the  soil  to  retain  moisture.  In  the  western  part  of  the  province  the  precipita- 
tion is  not  only  less,  but  evaporation  is  greater,  owing  to  the  lack  of  a  protect- 
ing forest  cover,  which  in  the  North  Central  and  New  England  States  checks  to  a 
large  extent  the  movement  of  wind. 

In  the  North  Central  and  Lake  States  there  is  a  range  in  absolute  minimum 
temperature,  north  and  south,  of  26°  as  between  —16°  at  Cairo.  111.,  and  —42°  at 
Mount  Iron,  in  St.  Louis  County,  Minn.  The  difference  in  annual  mean  temper- 
ature, however,  is  21°.  as  represented  by  58°  at  Cairo  and  37°  at  Mount  Iron. 
This  naturally  allows  a  considerable  latitude  in  the  agricultural  products,  Cairo 
reaching  down  to  the  northernmost  latitudes  of  cotton  production,  while  Mount 
Iron  is  considerably  beyond  the  latitude  where  corn  and  winter  wheat  can  safely 
be  grown.  The  growing  period  at  the  southern  extremity  of  this  region  is  ap- 
proximately 200  days,  while  in  the  northern  part  it  is  only  about  140  days. 
The  shortest  growing  period  in  the  area  covered  by  this  province  is  about  125 
days  in  the  northern  part  of  North  Dakota.  At  Topeka,  Kans.,  it  is  about  180 
days;  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  180  days;  at  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  about  160  days;  at  Orono. 
Me.,  135  days ;  at  Portland,  Me..  187  days ;  and  at  New  York  City,  210  days. 

Differences  in  altitude  exert  a  marked  influence  on  temperature  and  the  grow- 
ing period  for  crops,  those  which  can  be  grown  in  such  elevated  regions  as  the 
Allegheny  Plateau  in  southern  New  York  and  northern  Pennsylvania  being 
fewer  in  kind  than  on  the  Ontario  low  belt  above  the  lake  ridges  or  on  the  up- 
lands of  the  Mohawk  Valley.  The  average  length  of  the  growing  season  at 
Angelica,  on  the  plateau,  in  Allegany  County,  southern  New  York,  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  1,470  feet,  is  125  days,  while  at  Avon,  50  miles  north  of  that  point,  at  an 
elevation  of  585  feet,  it  is  141  days.  Only  the  hardier,  earlier  maturing  varieties 
of  corn  can  be  successfully  grown  at  such  altitudes,  the  farm  crops  being  con- 
fined more  to  late  potatoes,  buckwheat,  and  hay. 

The  variation  in  precipitation  over  the  region  is  greatest  between  the  eastern 
and  western  extremes,  as  before  indicated,  the  average  annual  precipitation  in 
the  New  England  States  being  between  40  and  50  inches  for  the  whole  region, 
and  well  distributed  throughout  the  year,  the  winter  precipitation  Including 
from  80  to  nearly  100  inches  of  snow.  The  rainfall  in  New  York  ranges  from 
30  inches  in  the  St.  Lawrence  River  Valley  to  48  inches  on  Long  Island.  The 
average  annual  precipitation  for  Ohio  is  about  38  inches,  with  no  great  vari- 
ation in  different  sections  of  the  State.  The  rainfall  in  Michigan  averages 
about  33  inches  for  the  State  as  a  whole,  being  greatest  along  Lake  Michigan 
and  the  southern  tier  of  counties.  West  of  Lake  Michigan  and  Lake  Superior 
the  rainfall  gradually  diminishes,  ranging  from  30  inches  at  Manitowoc,  Wis., 
to  24  inches  at  Morehead,  Minn.,  and  16  at  Williston.  N.  Dak.  The  snowfall  in 
the  central  and  western  section  is  heaviest  in  the  region  of  the  Great  Lakes 
and,  with  the  exception  of  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  in  Mon- 
tana, Least   <>;i  tli"  Dakota  plains. 

In  this  soil  province  30,454,572  acres  have  been  covered  by  detailed  survey 
a -id  mapped  on  a  scale  of  a  mile  to  the  inch,  and  20,502.848  acres  on  a  recon- 
UOissance  scale  of  4  to  6  miles  to  the  inch,  with  an  overlap  of  1,961,866  acres, 
making  ;i  net  total  of  48,995,564  acres,  of  this  area.  47,009,076  Rcres  repre- 
sent mainly  agricultural  soils,  with  1,925,888  acres  of  miscellaneous  material, 
ill.-  most  of  which  is  oonagricultural  land,  nf  the  agricultural  lands,  28,655,980 
acres  have  been  classified  into  soil  types  and  L8,41S,696  acres  have  been  classified 
us  to  material  or  BerieS,  hut  not  as  to  actual  soil  types. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Idirondack  Seriet.-  The  Adirondack  soils  are  brown  to  yellOW,  with  sub- 
soils of  the  same  color  but  of  a  Lighter  shade.  The  structure  and  texture  are 
essentially  the  >;im<'  and  the  soil  inclined  to  he  droughty.  The  topography  is 
hilly  to  mounts  inous. 

The  material  is  morainlc,  colluvial  and  local  wash  derived  by  glaciatioa  of 
crystalline  an  i  metamorphic  Adirondack  rocks,  and  other  rocks  to  the  north- 
ward. 


GLACIAL  AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Adirondack  series. 


117 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Adirondack  stony  sandy  loam ,  New  York  16, 17;  Vermont  1 . 


59, 453 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bangor  series. — The  Bangor  series  is  characterized  by  grayish  to  yellowish- 
brown  surface  soils,  with  subsoils  of  lighter  gray  and  yellowish-brown.  All  of 
the  types  are  stony  and  gravelly.  The  soils  are  derived  from  glacial  till  con- 
taining more  or  less  material  from  the  local  serecitic  schist  rock.  The  topogra- 
phy is  rolling  to  hilly.  With  the  exception  of  the  stony  loam  and  shallow  phase 
of  the  loam,  the  types  of  this  series  are  fair  general  farming  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bangor  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bangor  sandy  loam 

Maine  2 

37,184 
32,576 
29, 248 

loam 

do 

stony  loam 

...do 

Total 

99,008 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bernardston  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  dark  in  color.  The  upper 
subsoils  are  dark  yellow  and  grade  into  slaty  blue.  The  structure  becomes  very 
compact  with  depth  and  heavier  in  the  lower  subsoil.  The  topography  is  broken 
to  hilly  and  the  surface  is  good.  The  cultivated  areas  occur  in  drumloidal  hills. 
The  soils  are  of  glacial  origin,  the  underlying  consolidated  rocks  being  argil- 
laceous and  frequently  exposed  in  outcrops.  The  loam  member  of  the  series, 
the  only  type  so  far  mapped,  is  a  good  soil  for  grass,  corn,  oats,  and  rye. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bernardston  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1               l    Acres. 

1 

Massachusetts  1 '       16,064 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Caribou  series. — The  members  of  this  series  have  yellowish-brown  soils  which 
usually  rest  upon  a  light-gray  lower  till.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from 
glacial  till  overlying  calcareous  shales  or  shaly  limestone,  the  till  derived  largely 
from  the  underlying  calcareous  formation,  the  material  having  been  transported 
for  a  comparatively  short  distance.  Fragments  of  the  underlying  formation  are 
distributed  throughout  both  soil  and  subsoil  of  all  the  types.  The  underlying 
rock  is  frequently  encountered  within  3  feet  of  the  surface.  Except  in  a  few 
stony  areas,  the  soils  are  very  productive,  being  especially  adapted  to  Irish 
potatoes,  grain,  and  peas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Caribou  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maine  1 

220, 672 

do 

3,328 

do 

3,904 

....do 

10, 176 

Total       

238,080 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


118 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Carrington  series. — The  Carrington  soils  are  derived  through  weathering  of 
the  glacial  till,  with  little  or  no  modification  from  loessial  deposits.  The  series 
is  developed  in  the  Central  and  Western  Prairie  region  and  consists  mainly  of 
prairie  soils.  The  soils  are  generally  black  in  color,  ranging  in  some  cases  to 
dark  brown.  The  subsoils  are  lighter  colored,  generally  having  light  brown  or 
yellowish  color.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling,  though  in  some 
instances  nearly  flat  areas  are  found.  The  series  consists  principally  of  loams, 
silt  loams,  and  clay  loams,  and  is  chiefly  made  up  of  what  was  formerly  called 
Marshall  loam,  silt  loam,  and  clay  loam.  Corn  and  wheat  are  the  principal 
crops  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Carrington  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Carrington  gravel 

Minnesota  4;  North  Dakota  1 

2,560 

208,384 

10.048 

69,184 
1,616,768 

84. 096 
81,984 
856,640 

613,120 
210,512 

sandy  loam 

gravelly     sandy 

loam, 
fine  sand v  loam 

Illinois  11;  Kansas  2;  Minnesota  5;  North  Dakota  3;  South 

Dakota  2. 
North  Dakota  9 

Indiana  7;  Minnesota  1 ;  North  Dakota  S;  Wisconsin  3 

loam 

Indiana  6,  7;  Iowa  1,  3,  4;  Michigan  3;  Minnesota  1,  4,  5; 

Nebraska  3;  North  Dakota  1,  2,  5,  9:  Wisconsin  3, 12, 15. 
North  Dakota  2,  5,  8;  South  Dakota  2 

stony  loam 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

Kansas  2;  Minnesota  4;  North  Dakota  2,  4,  8;  Wisconsin  4 

Indiana  10;  Minnesota  1,  5;  North  Dakota  2,  5;  South  Dakota 

2;  W  isconsin  3,  4,  6. 
Iowa  1,  3;  Minnesota  1,  5;  North  Dakota  8;  Wisconsin  12,  15.. 
Indiana  1,  4,  5,  G,  7;  Iowa  1;  Michigan  6,  7;  North  Dakota  5; 

Ohio  2,  4,  7,  9. 

clay  loam 

black  clay  loam 

Total 

3,753,296 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Carroll  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  characterized  by  their  gray  color 
and  by  the  darker  color  and  compact,  impervious  structure  of  the  subsoils. 
Iron  concretions  are  often  found  in  abundance,  especially  in  the  subsoil.  These 
soils  occupy  flat  areas  where  they  are  associated  with  the  Richland  silt  loam. 
They  are  predominantly  silty  in  character,  being  derived  principally  from 
loessial  material.  Owing  to  their  flat  surface,  drainage  is  poorly  established. 
The  organic-matter  content  is  low  and  consequently  they  have  not  been  exten- 
sively used  for  agriculture.  With  proper  drainage  they  should  give  good  results 
with  corn,  sugar  cane,  Irish  potatoes,  cabbage,  and  cotton.  Rice  should  also 
do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Carroll  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  in 

Acres. 

I.Olli.MlUKl    li 

83,584 

>  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Cazenovia  series. — The  Cazenovia  soils  are  brown  in  color,  with  brown  to 
reddish  subsoils  resting  upon  limestone  at  a  depth  of  about  3  feet.  Fragments 
of  limestone  and  rod  sandstone  are  found  throughout  the  soil,  and  occasionally 
large  bowlders  are  scattered  oyer  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  to 
level,  the  areas  occupying  nigh  roiling  hills  and  table-lands.  These  soils  are 
derived  from  glacial  till  containing  considerable  Limestone  material.  The  prin- 
cipal crops  are  grass,  alfalfa,  corn,  wheat,  and  potatoes. 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cazenovia  series. 


119 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cazenovia  loam 

New  York  9,14 

176,512 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Coloma  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  light  brown  to  grayish  in  color, 
with  yellow  to  reddish  subsoils.  They  are  usually  leachy  and  inclined  to  be 
droughty,  producing  light  yields  of  farm  crops.  The  topography  is  generally 
rolling  to  rough  and  hilly,  representing  terminal  and  ground  moraines.  The 
residual  material  is  essentially  sandy  and  gravelly,  only  a  limited  amount  of 
the  finer  textured  members  occurring  in  the  series.  These  soils  are  found 
typically  developed  in  northern  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota.  They 
once  supported  extensive  pine  forests.  The  series  is  formed  from  relatively 
coarse  glacial  material,  modified  to  some  extent  by  the  action  of  wind  and 
water. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Coloma  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coloma  sand 

Indiana  6;  Michigan  1,  2,  3,  4,  7,8,10;  Minnesota  2;  Ohio  10; 

Wisconsin  11, 13, 16. 
Wisconsin  12 

1,178,568 
6,080 

gravel 

stony  sand 

Michigan  1,  7;  Wisconsin  11, 16 

26,166 

34,890 

Illinois  11;  Michigan  1,  3,  6;  Minnesota  2;  Wisconsin  3, 10 

Michigan  1,  3,  4,  6,  7;  Minnesota  2;  Wisconsin  6, 11, 13, 16 

Indiana  6, 10;  Michigan  2,  3,  6,  7;  Minnesota  2 

247,820 

sandy  loam 

538,228 

gravelly  sandy  loam. . . 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

40,768 

Michigan  3;  Wisconsin  3, 10 

171,648 
61,056 

Wisconsin  10,16 

Total 

2,305,224 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Cossayuna  series. — The  Cossayuna  soils  are  brown  or  snuff-colored,  with  sub- 
soils of  the  same  color  but  of  a  lighter  shade.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain 
considerable  quantities  of  shale  and  calcareous  sandstone  fragments,  with  a 
small  percentage  of  foreign  bowlders.  The  soils  are  derived  from  glacial  till, 
largely  influenced  by  the  underlying  calciferous  sandstone  or  arenaceous  lime- 
stone. The  soil  mantle  is  usually  more  than  3  feet  thick,  though  in  many 
places  rock  occurs  near  the  surface.  The  soils  occupy  rolling  to  hilly  uplands. 
The  principal  crops  are  corn,  oats,  hay,  potatoes,  apples,  and  other  tree  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Cossayuna  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cossayuna  stony  loam. 

New  York  17 

88,448 

fine  sandy  loam 

Michigan  4;  New  York  5 

24,896 

Total 

113,344 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Culvers  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  predominantly  brown  or  grayish- 
brown,  with  yellowish-brown  subsoils  of  a  peculiar  reddish  cast.  The  greater 
part  of  the  material  of  this  series  is  derived  from  the  intermixing  under  glacial 
action  of  the  Medina  sandstone  and  Shawangunk  conglomerate  of  Kittatinny 
Mountain,  the  material  having  been  swept  from  its  original  position  and  de- 
posited   in   the   Kittatinny    Valley,    overlying   the   Hudson   River   shales.     The 


120 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


latter  formation,  however,  seems  to  have  but  little  influence  upon  the  soil,  the 
till  material  being  for  the  most  part  very  thick  and  comparatively  free  from 
shale.     The  topography  is  rolling  to  slightly  hilly. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Culvers  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Culvers  loam 

New  Jersey  2 

3.32S 
23,360 

do 

Total 

26,688 

I  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dover  series. — The  Dover  soils  are  light-brown,  brown,  or  dark-brown  to 
reddish  in  color,  with  light  brown,  yellowish,  or  reddish  subsoils.  Both  soil 
and  subsoil  have  essentially  the  same  structure  and  texture.  Fragments  of 
limestone  often  occur  scattered  through  both  soil  and  subsoil.  Drainage  is 
good.  The  series  occurs  in  the  limestone  lowland  belts  of  the  Appalachian 
region  and  is  derived  from  glacial  till,  the  material  being  considerably  in- 
fluenced by  the  inclusion  of  local  limestone  material.  The  topography  is  un- 
dulating to  strongly  rolling,  with  abundant  outcrops  of  limestone  ribs,  knobs, 
and  low  hills.     The  members  of  this  series  are  strong  general  farming  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dover  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Anvs. 

Dover  stony  sandy  loam 

New  York  17 

5.056 

8,024 

do 

50,112 

21,632 

Total 

85,824 

1  Tor  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dutchess  series. — The  Dutchess  soils  are  brown  to  light  brown,  with  bluish, 
light-brown,  yellowish,  or  reddish-yellow  subsoils.  The  soils  are  friable,  the 
subsoils  being  somewhat  heavier  in  texture  than  the  soil.  Some  of  the  types 
are  underlain  by  a  bluish-gray  substratum,  while  others  rest  upon  the  country 
rock.  In  some  types  rounded  and  angular  grave]  occur  in  both  soil  and  sub- 
soil, rarely  the  fragments  being  limestone.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  un- 
dulating ;in<i  rough,  much  of  the  relief  consisting  of  rounded  drumloidaJ  hills. 

The  drainage  of  the  heavier  types  is  only  fair.  The  soil  material  is  glacial 
and  derived  mainly  from  the  Hudson  EUver  shales  and  slates.  The  series  is 
adapted  to  oats.  gr:iss,  potatoes,  and  lice  fruits.     Oorn  and  wheat  do  not  do  well. 

Area  <tn<i  distribution  of  the  soils  of  tii>  Dutchess  series. 


soil  name. 


Dutchess  loam 

ile  loam 

■ 
•  loam 

silty  clay  loam. 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


York  4.  17. 

2 

New  York'-l,  17 



New  York  ~> 


Ames. 


51,778 
130,048 

138  824 

13, 130 


.mil  mop.  733. 


GLACIAL   AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


121 


Easton  series. — The  Easton  soils  are  ashy  gray  to  nearly  white  in  color.  The 
subsoils  are  mottled  gray  to  yellow,  the  latter  color  becoming  more  prominent 
with  depth,  at  36  inches  only  a  slight  gray  mottling  being  noticeable.  Fre- 
quently a  layer  of  sticky  clay  occurs  at  20  to  30  inches.  Both  soil  and  sub- 
soil carry  glacial  bowlders  and  considerable  gravel  of  sandstone  and  shale.  The 
series  is  of  glacial  origin.  The  soils  occupy  depressed  areas  associated  with 
Caribou  loam  and  in  strips  bordering  Muck. 

Drainage  as  a  rule  is  poorly  established.  Oats  and  grass  do  fairly  well, 
although  the  latter  crop  is  often  winter  killed. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Easton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maine  1 

9,024 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Farmington  series. — The  Farmington  soils  are  light  brown  in  color  and  of 
slight  depth,  the  soil  layer  often  resting  directly  upon  the  shaly  limestone 
which  forms  bedrock.  Angular  fragments  of  limestone  and  a  small  percentage 
of  glacial  gravel  and  stones  are  found  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  topog- 
raphy is  level,  and  drainage  is  usually  good.  The  soil  is  partly  residual  and 
partly  glacial.    It  is  adapted  to  corn,  oats,  clover,  beans,  and  potatoes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Farmington  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Farmington  loam 

New  York  11,  13 

10,560 
25,856 

silt  loam 

New  York  5 

Total 

36,416 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Flushing  series. — The  soils  are  brown  in  color  and  overlie  yellowish  or  reddish 
subsoils,  sometimes  micaceous,  and  in  some  instances  resting  on  crystalline 
rocks.  Only  one  member  of  this  series  has  thus  far  been  encountered — the 
old  Miami  stony  loam  of  the  Long  Island,  New  York,  and  Rhode  Islaud  areas. 
The  material  is  a  till  deposit  associated  with  the  retreat  of  the  glacier  from 
the  terminal  moraine  which  gave  rise  to  the  Plymouth  and  Carver  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Flushing  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Flushing  loam New  York  7;  Rhode  Island 


201,984 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gloucester  series. — The  soils  of  the  Gloucester  series  are  light  brownish  or 
often  grayish  at  the  immediate  surface  and  overlie  yellow  subsoils.  In  many 
areas  the  presence  of  a  small  amount  of  mica  in  the  soil  and  subsoil  is  a 
common  characteristic,  though  this  need  not  necessarily  be  present.  The  soils 
are  derived  from  a  rather  local  glaciation  of  crystalline  rocks  consisting  chiefly 
of  granite  and  gneiss,  together  with  a  less  amount  of  schist,  the  material  being 
left  as  a  rather  thin  mantle  of  ground  moraine.  Scattered  rocks  and  bowlders 
of  large  size  occasionally  occur,  rendering  the  use  of  farm  machinery  difficult. 
The  topography  ranges  from  gently  undulating  to  rolling  or  hilly,  the  hills 
often  being  quite  high,  broad,  and  smoothly  rounded.  The  drainage  of  these 
soils  is  usually  fair  to  good,  and  in  many  places  excessive.  In  the  original 
forest  growth  white  pine  was   well   represented,   together   with  some   maple. 


122 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


elm,  and  oak,  the  cut-over  areas  being  now  succeeded  by  a  second  growth  in 
which  birch  is  common.  Areas  where  the  topography  is  favorable  for  agri- 
culture and  the  stones  not  too  numerous  produce  fair  yields  of  corn,  potatoes, 
oats,  hay.  and  considerable  fruit,  especially  apples. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gloucester  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gloucester  sandy  loam 

. . .  <  Massachusetts  2;  New  Jersey  2 

56,320 

stony  sandy  loam 

. . .    Massachusetts  2;  New  Hampshire  1,  2;  New  Jersey  2. 

112,640 
93,440 
93,952 

122,368 

141,632 

. . .    Connecticut  2 

stony  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

stony  loam 

do 

. . .    Connecticut  2;  Massachusetts  2;  New  Jersey  2;  New 

York  4. 
. . .    Massachusetts  2;  New  Hampshire  1,  2;  New  Jersey 

2;  New  York  4. 

Total 

620,352 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hamburg  series. — The  Hamburg  soils  are  grayish  yellow  to  light  brown  in 
color.  The  subsoil  is  of  the  same  color,  though  mottled  in  places,  and  contains 
lime  and  iron  pipes  and  concretions.  The  surface  material  is  loose  and  floury 
and  subject  to  more  or  less  reworking  by  wind,  but  the  undisturbed  subsoil 
and  substratum  are  somewhat  compact  and  the  material  in  many  places  stands 
in  vertical  cliffs.  The  soil  is  excessively  drained  on  account  of  its  rough 
topography.  It  is  a  river-bluff  soil  found  in  the  Middle  West  and  derived  from 
loess.    It  has  very  little  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hamburg  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hamburg  silt  loam 

Missouri  1 

3,008 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Holli8  series. — These  soils  are  light  brown  in  color,  with  grayish  to  light 
yellow  subsoils,  in  some  types  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil.  Slaty  fragments 
of  schistose  rock  and  considerable  mica  are  often  found  throughout  the  soil  sec- 
tion. The  material  is  derived  in  part  from  glacial  till  and  in  part  from  the 
underlying  micaceous  schistose  rock.  The  topography  consists  of  low  knolls 
and  ridges,  though  in  places  the  local  relief  ranges  up  to  200  feet. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hollis  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  Hampshire  2 

7,040 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

llolyoke  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  dark  yellow  In  color.  The  subsoils 
are  yellow  and  somewhat  heavier  than  the  soil.  The  topography  is  rough  and 
outcrops  of  the  parent  rock  are  abundant.  The  material  is  glacial  in  origin 
and  is  derlred  from  ■  variety  of  metainorphic,  diabase,  and  crystalline  rocks, 
the  thickness  of  the  layer  of  soil  material  varying  up  to  100  feet.  These  soils 
.ire  moderately  productive. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL  PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Holyoke  series. 


123 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

196,818 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Judson  series. — The  Judson  series  comprises  the  soils  in  the  Glacial  and 
Loessial  region  which  have  been  formed  principally  through  colluvial  action. 
The  soils  range  from  a  brown  to  a  dark  brown  and  almost  black  in  color,  and 
are  usually  deeper  than  the  soils  upon  the  upland.  They  are  found  at  the 
foot  of  bluffs  or  rather  steep  slopes  between  the  upland  and  the  bottoms. 
They  are  not  subject  to  overflow,  and  at  present  suffer  but  little  from  erosion. 
On  account  of  the  considerable  amounts  of  organic  matter  incorporated  into 
these  colluvial  soils  in  the  process  of  their  formation  they  are  exceedingly 
valuable  for  the  production  of  general  farm  crops.  In  Blue  Earth  County, 
Minn.,  they  are  formed  through  the  wash  from  glacial  drift,  while  in  some  of 
the  more  southern  areas  in  the  loessial  belt  the  soils  are  due  to  the  colluvial 
action  from  the  loess,  modified  slightly  by  a  mixture  of  the  underlying  glacial 
till  or  residual  material  from  rock  exposures  occurring  in  the  higher-lying 
bluffs. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Judson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Judson  fine  sandy  loam 

Missouri  12 

4,096 
15,296 

Illinois  10,  11;  Wisconsin  6 

loam 

17, 152 

silt  loam 

Missouri  1,  4 

10,688 

Total 

47, 232 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Kewaunee  series. — This  series  is  developed  most  extensively  in  the  region 
of  Lakes  Michigan  and  Superior,  and  is  characterized  by  grayish  to  reddish- 
brown  or  pinkish  soils  overlying  pinkish-red  silty  clay  and  rather  calcareous 
subsoils.  Like  other  soils  derived  from  till,  the  3-foot  section  contains  more 
or  less  subangular  gravel,  stones,  and  bowlders.  The  material  is  essentially 
like  that  of  the  Superior  series,  and  the  greater  proportion  of  it  was  originally 
laid  down  as  glacial-lake  deposits,  but  has  been  plowed  up  by  subsequent  glacier 
action  and  mixed  with  more  or  less  stony  material,  so  that  it  now  has  the 
character  and  appearance  of  glacial  till.  The  topography  varies  from  undu- 
lating ground  moraine  to  hilly  terminal  moraine,  and  is  subjected  to  more  or 
less  erosion.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  most  extensively  represented  by  the 
heavier  members,  which  as  a  rule  are  deficient  in  underdrainage.  With  proper 
drainage  their  agricultural  value  will  be  found  equal  or  superior  to  that  of 
the  corresponding  members  of  the  Miami  series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Kewawnee  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

2,112 

33,408 

8,704 

121,216 

1,280 

Minnesota  2;  Wisconsin  8 

Total 

166,720 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Knox  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  occur  principally  in  the  Central  Prairie 
States,  and  represent  the  light-brown  soils  derived  from  loessial  or  other  wind- 


124 


SOILS    OF    THE    VXITED   STATES. 


blown  deposits.  The  larger  body  of  the  soil  material  is  made  up  of  what  was 
formerly  called  Miami  silt  loam,  where  this  type  was  derived  directly  from  the 
loess.  The  loessial  covering  in  this  series  is  always  thick  enough  to  form  the 
subsoil  as  well  as  the  surface  soil,  the  deeper-lying  glacial  till  being  far  enough 
from  the  surface  to  have  no  marked  influence  on  the  general  character  of  the 
soil.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling  and  the  surface  is  gener- 
ally well  drained.     Grain  crops  constitute  the  chief  agricultural  interests. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Knox  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

TTnmr  <winrl 

Indiana  3,8 

8,192 
93,888 
25,984 

4,608 
2,576,832 

fine  sand 

Illinois  8, 10;  Indiana  10;  Iowa  4;  Nebraska  6;  Wisconsin  9 

Indiana  3;  Iowa  2 

fine  sandy  loam 

Indiana  10 

Illinois  3,  5,  6.  7,  8,  10,  11;  Indiana  2,  3,  8,  10;  Iowa  2,  4;  Ken- 
tucky 6;   Missouri  4,  6,  8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18;  Nebraska  5;  Wis- 
consin 3,  5,  7,  9,  14. 

Total 

2,709,504 

• 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lackawanna  scries. — These  soils  are  derived  from  glacial  drift  that  occurs 
as  a  relatively  thin  mantle  overlying  the  red  shales  and  limestones,  usually  of 
the  Catskill  and  Medina  formations,  in  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey.  The 
till,  which  has  a  peculiar  Indian-red  color,  is  derived  from  these  rocks,  and 
contains  a  variable  amount  of  loose  gravel,  stones,  and  bowlders.  Very  little 
material  of  foreign  origin  is  included  in  the  soil  material  of  this  series.  The 
topography  is,  for  the  most  part,  rolling  to  hilly  and  mountainous,  with  oc- 
casional flat-topped,  plateau-like  areas.  Drainage  is  good,  except  in  the  more 
level  positions,  where  some  artificial  drainage  is  often  desirable.  Where  the 
topography  permits  and  where  the  soils  are  not  too  stony  the  agricultural  value 
is  about  the  same  as  or  better  than  in  the  case  of  the  Volusia  soils,  which  the 
Lackawanna  soils  resemble  in  respects  other  than  that  of  color. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lackawanna  scries. 


Soil  name. 


Lackawanna  loam 

stony  loam. 


silt  loam. 

siltv  clay  loam.. 

undifferentiated 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


New  Jersey  2 

<lo 

Pennsylvania  i. . 

....do 

Pennsylvania  13. 


12,928 
18,624 

115,200 
4,788 

481,152 


632,640 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lexington  series. — The  Lexington  soils  are  gray  to  yellowish  gray  in  color 
and  mellow  In  structure.  The  BubsoU  is  yellow  to  brown,  with  a  tinge  of  red 
in  places,  and  is  often  somewhat  heavier  Hum  the  soil.  Drainage  is  good  and 
the  topography  moderately  rolling  to  hilly.  The  types  are  derived  from  loess, 
the  material  closely  resembling  thai  of  the  Memphis  soils,  but  the  layer  of  loess 

is  thin,   the  underlying   reddish   material    known   as  the  Orange  sand   formation 

modifying  the  soil  in  places.    These  soils  are  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  forage 
crops,  vegetables,  and  strawberries. 

Area  and  distribution  of  t Ik    soil  of  the  Lexington  series. 


s..ii  name. 


It  loam. 


Btate  or  area.1 


Tenne 


342,272 


Pot  toy  t<>  numbers  In  t  oil  i  olumu  see  p.  7S8. 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


125 


Mapleton  series. — The  Mapleton  soils  are  purplish  red  in  color.  The  subsoil, 
where  such  exists,  is  reddish  yellow.  Usually  a  conglomerate  bedrock  lies  from 
6  to  20  inches  beneath  the  surface.  Where  stone  or  gravel  occurs  in  either  soil 
or  subsoil  it  is  both  water-worn  and  angular  and  of  sandstone  or  quartz.  The 
topography  consists  of  ridges  and  slopes.  The  soils  are  adapted  to  potatoes, 
grass,  and  grain.     Apples  do  fairly  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Mapleton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mapleton  gravelly  loam . 

Maine  1 

192 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Marion  series. — These  soils  are  gray,  white,  or  ash  colored.  The  subsoils  are 
white  at  top,  the  white  layer  varying  in  thickness  from  2  to  12  inches  and  aver- 
aging about  5  inches.  This  layer  ..is  a  compact,  impervious  whitish  silt  or  very 
fine  sand;  often  containing  iron  concretions,  and  locally  known  as  hardpan.  Be- 
neath this  the  true  subsoil  is  a  gray,  light-yellow  to  reddish-yellow  or  mottled 
brownish-yellow,  hard,  impervious  clay  containing  occasional  concretions  of 
iron  and  of  lime.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  hilly  where  badly 
eroded.  The  drainage  is  not  good.  The  material  is  of  doubtful  origin,  being 
either  water  laid,  glacial,  or  loessial  where  it  overlies  gravelly  till  or  residual 
soil  from  Coal  Measure  shales  and  clays. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Marion  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Marion  silt  loam 

Illinois  1,2,9;  Missouri  14 

695,040 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Marshall  series. — The  Marshall  series  includes  the  dark-colored  upland  loessial 
soils,  which  predominate  in  the  great  prairie  region  of  the  Central  West.  The 
soils  of  this  series  are  characterized  and  distinguished  from  those  of  the  Knox 
series  by  the  greater  quantity  of  organic  matter  in  the  surface  soils,  which  give 
them  a  dark-brown  to  black  color.  The  topography  is  level  to  rolling,  and 
artificial  drainage  is  usually  necessary  to  secure  the  best  results.  They  are 
very  productive  and  constitute  the  great  corn  soils  of  the  country. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Marshall  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Iowa  3;  Minnesota  1;  North  Dakota  2 

23,040 

3,008 

33,280 

22,976 

3,480,902 

fine  sandy  loam 

Indiana  10;  North  Dakota  2 

silt  loam 

Illinois  2,  5,  6,  8,  9,  11;   Indiana  3, 10; 

Louisiana  7;  Missouri  1,  6,  10, 13, 16 

Wisconsin  5,  14. 
Illinois  5, 6, 8, 10;  Indiana  10 

Iowa  4;   Kansas 
18;  Nebraska  3, 

2 

5, 

7; 
6; 

black-clay  loam 

228,224 

Total 

3,791,430 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Memphis  series. — The  Memphis  series  is  characterized  by  the  light-brown  to 
yellowish-brown  color  and  silty  texture  of  the  surface  soils  and  by  the  slightly 
lighter  color  and  more  compact  structure  of  the  subsoils.  These  soils  are  typi- 
caly  developed  to  the  south  of  the  latitude  of  St.  Louis,  being  most  extensive 
in  the  loessial  belt  following  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi  River.     Drainage 


126 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


is  ordinarily  well  established.  Erosion  has  been  active  and  has  resulted  in  a 
prevailingly  rolling  to  broken  topography.  A  characteristic  of  the  soil  of 
this  series  is  the  tendency  of  the  material  to  stand  in  perpendicular  bluffs  or 
sections.  The  series  is  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  peanuts,  forage  crops,  Irish 
potatoes,  cabbage,  and  a  number  of  vegetables.    Cotton  also  does  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Memphis  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i                                        j    Acres. 

Memphis  silt  loam 

Illinois  4,  7,  9;  Kentucky  1;  Louisiana  7,  10;  Mississippi  1,  4, 
6,7,13,19,21;  Missouri  14;  Tennessee  8. 

2,035,642 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Miami  series. — The  Miami  series  is  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  province. 
The  soils  are  brown,  light  brown,  or  grayish,  and  are  underlain  by  yellowish  and 
brown  heavier  textured  subsoils.  Mottlings  of  brown  and  light  gray  are  present 
in  the  subsoils  in  many  places,  particularly  in  the  case  of  the  clay  loam  member, 
which  is  by  far  the  most  extensive  type  mapped.  The  surface  drainage  is 
usually  good,  but  artificial  drainage  is  necessary  in  some  of  the  heavier  types. 
The  soils  are  in  the  main  derived,  through  weathering,  from  glacial  till  of  a 
generally  calcareous  nature.  Some  of  the  gravelly  phases,  however,  are,  in  part 
at  least,  water  assorted,  having  been  deposited  as  obscurely  stratified  material 
in  the  form  of  kames,  eskers,  etc.  The  series  represents  considerable  range  in 
texture  and  its  members  are  adapted  to  a  wide  variety  of  both  general  field 
crops  and  special  truck  and  fruit  crops.  Dairying  is  an  important  industry  on 
the  heavier  types. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Miami  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1,920 

43,584 

20,672 

1,280 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

51,520 
388.180 

432,886 

M  i( -!ii"iU]  2,  "),  •'.   7  8;  Wisconsin  3,  10,  15 

Michigan  ll3;  Minnesota  2;  Ohio  3, 10;  Wisconsin  3,8,11,12,15. 

45,376 

455, 104 

[ndlana  l.  4,  5,  6;  Iowa  3;  Michigan  1,  2,  5,  6,  7.  8;  Ohio  2,  3, 
4,  7,  9,  10;  Wisconsin  12,  15. 

2,312,330 

Total 

3,752,832 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Mohawk  series. — The  Mohawk  soils  usually  consist  of  dark-colored  glacial 
material  derived  in  part  from  dark-colored  calcareous  shales  and  limestones, 
but  modified  to  a  varying  degree  by  admixture  of  glacial  material  from  other 
formations.  The  series  is  characterized  by  the  presence  of  the  partly  weath- 
ered fragments  of  calcareous  shale  and  of  Limestone,  by  its  usual  dark  color,  and 
by  its  more  or  less  intimate  association  with  the  soils  of  the  Palatine  series. 
The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  natural  surface  drainage  good. 
The  soils  vary  in  productivity,  luit  arc  considered  good  general  fanning  soils. 
The  series  will  probably  be  of  local  occurrence  where  glaciation  has  inter- 
mingled materials  from  the  black  shales  and  limestones  with  other  glacial 
material  throughout  eastern  New  York. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL  PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Mohawk  series. 


127 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  11 

7,680 
45,440 
67,200 

do 

do 

Total 

120,320 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Nunda  series. — The  Nunda  soils  are  light  brown  in  color,  with  brown  to 
bluish  or  slate-colored  subsoils.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  considerable 
rounded  glacial  stones,  many  of  which  are  limestone.  The  soil  material  is 
derived  from  till  (moraine).  Only  one  type,  the  stony  loam,  of  inextensive 
area,  has  been  so  far  separated  and  mapped. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Nunda  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nunda  stony  loam 

New  York  6 

320 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Ontario  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  brown  to  chocolate-brown  in  color, 
the  subsoils  being  lighter,  and  in  many  cases  grading  into  yellow.  Both  soil 
and  subsoil  usually  contain  scattered  fragments  of  limestone.  They  are  derived 
from  the  weathering  of  the  glacial  till  of  the  drumlin  region  of  New  York. 
The  topography  is  undulating  to  moderately  hilly,  depending  upon  the  num- 
ber and  shape  of  the  drumlins  within  a  given  area.  Some  of  the  areas  inter- 
vening between  the  drumloidal  hills  are  rather  flat.  The  series  includes  all 
soils  of  this  color  and  character,  whether  the  topography  is  that  of  typical 
drumlins  or  not.  The  most  important  features  are  the  color  and  calcareous 
nature  of  the  soil,  the  thickness  of  the  glacial  deposits,  and  the  undulating  to 
rolling  topography. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ontario  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Ontario  gravelly  sandy  loam . 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

stony  loam 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 


New  York  10,  13 

New  York  5,  10,  13 

New  York  1,  8,  10,  13,  15. 

New  York  5,14 

New  York  13 

New  York  10 


157, 696 

446,016 

3,904 

4,992 

18,688 


Total. 


637,376 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Plymouth  series. — The  soils  included  in  the  Plymouth  series  are  composed 
principally  of  glacial  material  coming  largely  from  granites,  although  other 
rocks  may  be  represented  to  a  less  extent.  The  series  includes  the  morainal 
and  till  deposits  found  in  southeastern  New  England  and  on  Long  Island, 
together  with  the  smaller  coastal  islands  of  this  group  of  States.  It  is  essen- 
tially the  last  great  terminal  moraine,  which  consists  of  a  stony,  gravelly,  and 
sandy  till.  As  a  result  the  soils  of  the  series  fall  naturally  into  the  stony  sand, 
stony  sandy  loam,  gravelly  sandy  loam,  sandy  loam,  and  possibly  loam  types. 
The  surface  soils  are  shallow  and  brown,  underlain  by  a  pale  yellow  subsoil. 
In  some  locations  the  compact  gray  till  is  found  within  the  soil  section,  par- 
ticularly in  the  morainal  belt.  The  altitudes  attained  by  the  soils  of  this  series 
never  exceed  350  feet  above  sea  level.  The  material  of  moraine  and  till,  except 
on  Long  Island,  rests  upon  the  complex  granites  and  gneisses  of  southeastern  New 
England,  constituting  deposits  from  a  few  feet  to  150  feet  in  thickness. 


128  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Plymouth  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Plymouth  stony  sand New  York  7 

sandy  loam New  York  7;  Rhode  Island  1. 

stony  sandy  loam . .    Massachusetts  2 


5,376 

170,560 

19,520 


Total. 


195, 456 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Portage  series. — The  Portage  soils  are  gray  to  grayish-brown,  with  gray, 
yellowish-brown,  brownish-yellow,  or  yellow  subsoils  resting  upon  a  red  clay 
substratum.  In  the  lighter  types  fragments  of  granite  are  of  common  occur- 
rence and  the  soils  and  subsoils  are  about  the  same  in  texture.  In  the  medium 
heavy  types  the  subsoils  are  slightly  heavier.  The  material  is  derived  mainly 
from  glacial  till,  the  substratum  and  a  part  of  the  subsoil  being  probably  of 
residual  granitic  origin.  The  surface  of  the  medium  heavy  types  is  possibly  in 
part  loessial.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  drainage  is  good 
except  on  the  level  areas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Portage  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Portage  sandy  loam 

stony  sandy  loam . 
silt  loam 


Wisconsin  11. 

do 

do 


9,792 
11,392 


Total. 


43.840 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  page  733. 

Putnam  scries. — This  series  includes  dark  gray  to  black  soils  overlying  imper- 
vious drab  or  brown  subsoils  of  fine  texture  and  close  structure.  One  of  its 
principal  characteristics  is  the  presence  of  a  whitish  silty  layer  between  the 
soil  and  the  subsoil.  The  soils  occupy  level  to  gently  undulating  upland 
prairies,  and  are  derived  from  loessial  deposits.  On  account  of  the  rather  level 
surface  and  the  dense  "  hardpan  "  structure  of  the  subsoil,  drainage  is  seldom 
adequate.  The  Putnam  soils  differ  from  the  true  Shelby  soils  in  containing 
little  or  none  of  the  glacial  till,  though  this  usually  underlies  the  Putnam  at 
variable  depths.  Consequently  few  occurrences  of  soils  coarser  than  silt  loams 
will  be  found  in  this  series.  The  series  was  established  to  include  the  soil 
which  had  been  previously  classified  as  Shelby  silt  loam,  hut  which  differed 
from  the  other  Shelby  soils  in  being  derived  entirely  from  the  loess. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Putnam  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  ar> 

Acres. 

Putnam  silt 

Mi  Krarift,  l-\  13,  17,19,20,21 

1,050,112 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  Me  p.  72S, 


Richland  series.    The  Richland  series  Is  characterised  by  the  light-browD  to 

yellowish-brown  color  and  silty   texture  of  the  surf.-iee  soils  and   the  somewhat 

lighter  color  and  mor»«  compact  structure  of  the  subsoils.  These  soils  are  de- 
rived from  loess  and  occur  in  association  with  the  Memphis  soils.  The  Richland 
series  represents  sreas  <»f  loessial  soils  baying  h  smooth,  tiat  to  undulating 
topography,  with  drainage  well  established.  Corn,  cotton,  peanuts,  oats,  forage 
crops,  lespedesa,  bur  clover,  cabbage,  and  [rise  potatoes  give  very  good  results. 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Richland  series. 


129 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Richland  silt  loam 

Louisiana  6:  Mississirmi  1 .  fi 

164,352 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Rodman  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  vary  in  color  from  medium  or  light 
grayish  brown  to  yellowish  gray,  with  sometimes  a  slight  reddish  cast.  The 
material  is  assorted  to  a  greater  or  less  extent — always  much  more  than  glacial 
till  material — so  that  the  soils  are  more  leachy,  unretentive  of  moisture,  and 
droughty  than  the  soils  derived  from  till.  The  material  may  contain  sand- 
stone, shale,  limestone,  or  granite,  gneiss,  and  other  crystalline  rocks.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  or  steep  and  rough,  with  occasional  flat-topped  or 
truncated  hills.  The  material  has  been  formed  within  or  underneath  the  ice 
and  left  as  characteristic  kames  and  eskers  of  the  glacial  regions.  While  the 
material  has  been  assorted,  the  presence  of  stratification  or  cross  bedding  will 
in  many  cases  be  difficult  or  impossible  of  detection  for  want  of  sections  and 
because  of  the  indefiniteness  of  such  stratification.  The  identification  of  the 
material  under  field  conditions  is  based  upon  the  uniformly  more  gravelly  and 
sandy  texture  of  the  soils,  in  combination  with  the  peculiar  kaine  and  esker 
topography,  as  contrasted  with  the  ground  moraine  or  terminal  moraine  of  the 
purely  ice-laid  till  soils.  The  soils  of  this  series  have  not  been  subjected  to 
material  modification  by  glacial-lake  waters,  though  in  some  cases  they  may 
have  been  covered  by  them.  The  kame  and  esker  material  which  has  been 
subjected  to  considerable  modification  will  be  classed  with  the  Dunkirk  or  other 
glacial-like  series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Rodman  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wisconsin  4,  8 

5,568 

New  York  5 

6,784 

gravelly  sand 

Wisconsin  4 ". 

640 

1,024 

New  York  5;  Wisconsin  8 

23,936 

gravelly  sandy  loam, 
gravelly  loam 

1.792 

New  York  5;  Pennsylvania  4;  Wisconsin  8 

11,008 

Total 

50, 752 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Safford  series. — The  Safford  soils  are  gray  to  light  yellow  in  color,  with  red 
or  reddish-brown  subsoils,  the  substratum  from  a  depth  of  3  feet  downward 
l>eiiig  of  greensand.  In  places  the  greensand,  or  a  grayish-yellow  clay  derived 
from  it,  approaches  more  closely  the  surface.  The  subsoils  are  usually  heavier 
than  the  soil.  The  topography  is  rough  on  account  of  thorough  dissection,  and 
the  surface  drainage  is  excessive.  Underdrainage  is  poor.  The  soil  and  subsoil 
above  the  greensand  layer  are  of  loessial  origin.  The  rest  of  the  subsoil  and 
the  substratum  are  derived  from  the  greensand  layer. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Safford  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tennessee  6 

28,544 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


19619—13 9 


130 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Scottsburg  scries. — These  soils  are  light  ashy  gray  in  color  with  light-yellow 
subsoils  slightly  mottled  with  yellow  and  somewhat  heavier  than  the  soils. 
Small  iron  concretions  are  found  scattered  through  the  soil.  The  material  may 
be  either  water-laid,  glacial,  loessial,  or  residual  from  shales.  The  topography 
of  the  watersheds  is  smooth,  becoming  rougher  as  the  streams  are  approached. 
The  drainage  is  best  in  the  rougher  areas,  being  only  fair  to  poor  on  the  more 
level  land. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Scottsburg  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Scottsburg  silt  loam Indiana  9 


37,184 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Shelby  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  yellowish  gray  or  yellowish  brown 
to  brown  in  color,  and  so  far  as  recognizee!  consist  of  loams  and  saudy  loams. 
The  subsoils  are  yellow  or  reddish-yellow  or  light-brown  tenacious  sandy  clays 
noticeably  heavier  than  the  surface  soils,  which  to  a  considerable  extent  are 
influenced  by  remnants  of  the  former  loessial  covering.  The  subsoils  not  infre- 
quently contain  iron  pipes  and  nodular  masses  and  streaks  of  calcareous  mate- 
rial. The  soils  are  derived  from  the  Kansas  drift  and  occupy  steep  stream  slopes 
and  na now  divides  projecting  into  areas  of  the  Putnam  silt  loam.  They  are 
subject  to  considerable  erosion.  The  areas  were  originally  timbered  with  white 
and  scrub  oak,  some  hickory,  red  oak,  and  elm.  Not  more  than  one-third  of  the 
areas  are  under  cultivation,  but  where  not  too  steep  for  farming  purposes  they 
produce  good  yields  of  oats  and  grass  and  fair  crops  of  corn  and  wheat. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Shelby  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  1,  2, 12,  13, 16,  17,  19,  20,  21 

1,138,944 
832 

Total... 

1, 139, 776 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Union  series. — The  soils  of  this  scries  are  characteristically  brown  to  grayish 
brown  In  color,  of  Silty  texture  and  friable  structure,  with  yellowish  brown,  silly. 
and  moderately  friable  subsoils,  frequently  mottled  in  the  lower  part.  In 
some  .places  the  subsoil  has  a  light  chocolate-brown  color.  In  the  more  nearly 
level  areas  where  the  drainage  is  not  so  perfectly  established  the  color  of  the 
soil  varies  to  gray  or  grayish  brown  and  the  subsoil  to  a  mottled  gray  and 
yellow,  occasionally  with  shaded  of  yellow  and  brown.  Oxide  of  iron  concre- 
tions are  usually  abundant  in  such  situations.  In  places  the  soil  carries  an 
appreciable  amount  of  sand,  while  the  subsoil  may  be  noticeably  sandy.  The 
origin  of  the  BOll  material  is  not   thoroughly  understood.      It   is  possible  that  the 

uniform  brown  friable  silt  loam  is  of  Loessial  origin.  The  sand  unquestionably 
If  derived  from  sandstone,  particularly  from  the  Crystal  City  formation.  Lime- 
itone  probably  enters  Into  the  composition,  especially  In  situations  where  the 

subsoil    is   heavier.      Areas  having  a    sandy  subsoil   and   sandstone  fragments  on 

the  turface  have  a  more  roiling  topography  where  the  possible  foreign  constitu- 
ent (loessial  material  i  has  been  removed  in  part  or  entirely  in  I  way  to  make 
the  Sandstone  a  more  prominent  factor  In  the  formation  of  the  soil.  The  sub- 
soil  material   is  probably  largely  residual   from  limestone  and  sandstone. 

The  topography  is  gently  rolling  t«»  hilly,  with  considerable  erosion  on  the 

Steeper  slopes.  Drainage  is  good  and  the  soils  easily  tilled.  Where  erosion  is 
held  in  che.k  and  the  organic-matter  supply  maintained,  good  results  are  had 
with    the   general    farm   crops,   apples,   and    berries.     These   soils   are  charactor- 

istiraiiv  developed   in   the  northeastern  portion  of  the  Osark  Plateau.    They 

resemble    loessial    BOilS    more    Closely    in    their    development    near    the    Missouri 

River. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL  PEOVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Union  series. 


131 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Union  silt  loam 

Missouri  8 

254,528 

>  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Volusia  series. — The  soils  of  the  Volusia  series  are  the  result  of  the  feeble 
glaciation  of  the  shales  and  sandstones  of  the  Devonian  and  the  Upper  Car- 
boniferous rocks  of  eastern  Ohio,  southern  New  York,  and  northern  Pennsyl- 
vania. In  all  cases  the  underlying  shales  and  sandstones  have  given  rise  to 
a  large  proportion  of  the  soil  material,  which  has  been  modified  in  varying 
degrees  by  glacial  material  from  other  regions.  They  occupy  the  upland  por- 
tion of  the  plateau  country  which  slopes  north  and  west  from  the  Allegheny 
Mountains.  In  the  higher,  more  easterly  portions  of  the  glaciated  section  of  the 
plateau,  deep  preglacial  erosion  has  cut  the  upland  into  rounded  or  flat-topped 
hills  separated  by  deep,  steep-sided  gorges.  Farther  west,  where  the  elevations 
are  less,  this  topography  is  not  so  pronounced,  the  series  occupying  rolling  hills 
divided  by  deep  valleys.  All  of  the  members  of  the  series  are  well  adapted 
under  cultivation  to  the  production  of  timothy  and  small  grains,  particularly 
oats  and  buckwheat.  At  lower  elevations  wheat  and  corn  give  good  yields. 
Potatoes  are  also  quite  extensively  grown  on  some  of  the  types. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Volusia  series. 


Soil  name. 


Volusia  loam 

stony  loam.... 
shale  loam 
gravelly  loam, 
silt  loam 


clay  loam 

undifferentiated . 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


New  York  1,  6,  9, 13, 15, 18;  Ohio  1;  Pennsylvania  7 

New  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7 

New  York  6,  13, 18 

New  York  6, 13, 15;  Pennsylvania  4,  7 

Indiana  9;  New  York  2,  3,  6,  9,  11,  13,  15;  Ohio  10;  Pennsyl- 
vania 4,  7. 

New  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7 

Pennsylvania  13,  14,  16 


Acres. 


599,650 

13,184 

44,388 

45,760 

1,364,928 

105,088 
3,927,680 


5,100,678 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wallpack  series. — These  soils  are  light  yellowish  gray  to  almost  white,  with 
pale  yellow  subsoils.  They  are  formed  from  the  till  derived  from  sandstones 
and  shales,  influenced  to  a  larger  extent  by  the  inclusion  of  limestone  material 
than  is  the  case  with  the  Volusia  series.  The  series  occupies  ridges  or  hills 
of  rolling  or  sloping  to  hilly  topography,  with  good  surface  drainage.  Shaly  and 
possibly  cherty  fragments  will  be  found  in  the  section  of  some  of  the  members 
of  the  series.  In  general  topography,  occurrence,  and  origin  of  the  mate- 
rial these  soils  much  resemble  the  Cazenovia.  They  are,  however,  much  whiter 
in  color  and  are  apparently  the  glacial  representative  of  the  Frankstown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wallpack  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Wallpack  fine  sandy  loam. 

stony  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 


New  Jersey  2. 

do 

....do 

....do 


Total. 


1,40S 
1,664 
2,176 
7,232 

12,480 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


132 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Wetltcrsficld  series. — These  soils  are  reddish  to  light  reddish  brown  in  color. 
with  reddish  subsoils.  The  texture  and  structure  of  soil  and  subsoil  are  much 
alike,  the  latter  being  slightly  the  heavier.  The  lighter  types  contain  large 
and  small  bowlders,  mainly  of  red  and  brown  sandstone.  The  topography  is 
hilly,  the  types  occurring  mainly  along  the  slopes  of  the  trap  ridges  in  the 
Glaciated  Triassic  area  of  New  England.  The  material  is  derived  mainly 
from  the  Triassic  rocks  more  or  less  modified  by  glacial  action. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Wether g field  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wethersfield  loam 

Connecticut  1 ;  Massachusetts  1 

109,116 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Whitman  series. — The  soils  of  the  Whitman  series  are  brownish  gray  to 
almost  black  on  the  surface,  grading  into  lighter  grays  mottled  with  yellows 
and  browns  in  the  subsoils.  The  soil  and  subsoil  often  contain  stones  and 
small  bowlders.  The  topography  is  flat  or  depressed,  the  soils  occurring  as 
narrow  strips  bordering  small  streams  where  drainage  is  imperfectly  estab- 
lished or  as  basin-shaped  areas  not  connected  with  stream  drainage.  The  soils 
are  formed  from  glacial  till,  or  to  a  less  extent  from  glacial  lake  and  river 
terrace  material,  the  types  being  developed  where  the  lack  of  drainage  favors 
the  accumulation  of  organic  matter  insufficient  in  amount  to  produce  true  Muck. 
A  slight  amount  of  material  is  also  probably  contributed  by  wash  from  higher- 
lying  areas  as  alluvium  or  colluvium,  though  this  source  of  supply  is  of  minor 
importance.  The  soils  will  often  be  found  intervening  between  Muck  areas  and 
the  upland,  in  this  respect  corresponding  to  some  of  the  nontypical  areas  of 
Clyde  soils  which  have  in  the  past  been  mapped  in  some  of  the  Northern  and 
Central  States.  Where  properly  drained  these  soils  will  be  found  to  have  a 
fair  agricultural  value  for  grass,  corn,  and  some  of  the  heavier  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Whitman  series. 


Soil  name. 

stale  or  area.1 

Aeres. 

Massachusetts  2 

8,192 

do 

4,736 

Total 

12,928 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Williams  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  arc  prevailingly  of  a   dark-gray   to 

brown  or  da rk  brown  color,  generally  underlain  at  s  to  12  inches  by  lighter 

brown  subsoils,  which  grade  quickly  into  light  gray,  ashen,  or  put  ty-colored  sub- 
soils of  calcareous  Character  and  usually  Of  hue  and  often  of  silty  texture. 
They  are  of  glacial  origin,  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks,  and  marked  by  the 

presence  of  rounded  or  flattened  gravel,  cobbles,  or  bowlders  from  the  more 

resistant  Lgneoui  rocks.  The  calcareous  material  of  the  subsoils  has  been 
derived   from  limestone  rocks  and  has  been  subject    to   further  concentration  by 

teaching  and  decomposition  from  percolating  waters  often  Incrusting  the  gravels. 
The  surface  is  treeless  and  paries  from  level  prairies  of  the  ground  moraine  to 
rough,  hilly  terminal  morainlc  belts  dotted  with  glacial  meadows  and  lakes.  iu 
the  ricinlty  <>f  the  Infrequent  stream  valleys  the  surface  is  often  dissected  by 
Intermittent  streams,  lie  soils  of  the  Williams  series  are  similar  in  general 
characterstics  and  may  be  considered  the  semlarid  prototypes  of  the  soils  of  the 
Carringtou  series,  from  which  they  differ  essentially  in  the  lighter  color  of  the 
soil  and  subsoil,  due  to  the  diminished  effect  of  leaching  and  the  Incorporation 

of  less  organic  matter  resulting  from  a   niore  restricted   rainfall. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Williams  series. 


133 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Williams  loam 

North  Dakota  11.     . 

272,256 
69  888 

do 

North  Dakota  10 

14,004,864 

Total 

14,347,008 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Worth  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  or  yellowish  brown  in  color,  overly- 
ing subsoils  of  similar  or  slightly  lighter  color  and  occasionally  mottled.  More 
or  less  angular,  relatively  thick-bedded  arenaceous  shale  will  be  found  in  the 
soil  and  subsoil  of  most  members  of  the  series.  The  material  is  derived  from 
glaciation  of  the  thicker  bedded  shales  of  the  Hudson  River  and  possibly  other 
formations  of  the  Ordovician  period  lying  north  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  somewhat  rough,  with  elevations  ranging  to 
over  1,500  .feet,  although  usually  less  than  that  of  the  Volusia  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Worth  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Worth  loam 

New  York  5 

24,384 

stony  loam 

do 

1,344 
16,128 

silt  loam 

do 

Total 

41,856 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL    TYPES    AND    THEIR    USE. 


SAND   GROUP. 

The  agricultural  possibilities  of  the  sand  group  of  this  province  are  usually 
much  underestimated.  It  is  true  that  the  water-holding  power  of  these  soils 
is  small  as  compared  with  that  of  the  loams,  silt  loams,  and  heavier  textured 
soils,  but  with  increase  in  knowledge  of  the  best  methods  for  the  conservation 
of  moisture  by  dry-farming  methods  they  are  being  found  capable  of  pro- 
ducing much  larger,  better,  and  surer  crops,  even  of  the  staples,  than  was 
formerly  considered  possible.  The  ease  with  which  they  can  be  cultivated 
proves  an  attraction  to  many,  and  a  large  outlay  for  the  heavy  teams  and  tools 
necessary  to  handle  heavy  textured  soils  is  avoided.  The  cost  of  draining  this 
class  of  soils  is  also  small.  Their  open  structure  enables  the  planting  of  crops 
from  one  to  two  weeks  earlier  than  on  heavier  types,  correspondingly  lengthen- 
ing the  growing  season.  The  sands  offer  ideal  opportunities  for  the  production 
of  certain  intertilled  crops,  such  as  navy  beans,  potatoes,  sweet  com,  etc.,  in  the 
care  of  which,  by  the  practice  of  frequent  cultivation,  a  protective  dust  mulch 
will  assure  the  crop  of  sufficient  moisture  to  bring  it  to  maturity  in  any  but 
the  driest  seasons. 

Soils  of  this  texture  are  not  so  well  suited  to  small  grains  and  grasses, 
though  surprisingly  good  yields  of  rye,  oats,  buckwheat,  timothy,  and  clover 
are  secured  on  the  Coloma  sand  in  some  of  the  areas  where  the  annual  rainfall 
is  above  30  inches  and  is  fairly  well  distributed  through  the  growing  season. 
Some  areas  of  the  Coloma  and  Miami  sand  are  too  rough  for  the  use  of  certain 
kinds  of  farm  machinery. 

All  of  the  sandy  soils  are  relatively  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  should 
receive  liberal  applications  of  barnyard  manure  and  small  and  frequent  appli- 
cations of  lime.  Green  crops  of  clover,  Canada  field  peas,  or  rye  should  be 
plowed  under. 

Coloma  sand. — The  surface  soil,  to  a  depth  of  about  0  to  10  inches,  consists 
of  a  light-brown,  slightly  loamy  sand  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil 
is   a   yellow,   slightly   loamy   medium  sand  which   frequently   becomes  coarser 


134 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


in  the  lower  portions.  Fine  gravel  is  often  encountered  in  the  subsoil,  and 
gravel  beds  may  be  found  at  depths  below  30  to  36  inches.  The  type  occupies 
gently  to  steeply  rolling  country  and  includes  a  number  of  low,  rounded  ridges 
and  hills,  and  in  some  easel  the  intervening  plains.  The  type  represents 
residuary  material  resulting  from  the  reworking  of  glacial  till  by  wind  and 
water.  Owing  to  its  open  structure  the  type  is  not  very  retentive  of  moisure 
and  crops  are  liable  to  suffer  in  dry  seasons.  When  liberally  supplied  with 
organic  manures,  rye,  corn,  and  oats  give  moderately  good  yields.  Potatoes, 
small  berries,  and  grapes  do  fairly  well.  The  type  is  probably  best  suited  to 
the  production  of  potatoes  and  some  of  the  earlier  vegetables. 

Knox  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  yellowish-brown  to  brown  medium  sand, 
having  an  average  depth  of  about  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown 
medium  sand.  The  surface  configuration  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  the 
topographic  forms  resulting  from  the  action  of  the  wind.  Corn,  wheat,  oats, 
and  sugar  beets  are  grown,  but  give  only  moderate  yields.  Melons,  sweet 
potatoes,  and  other  garden  truck  do  particularly  well.  Alfalfa  has  been  suc- 
cessfully grown,  although  it  is  rather  difficult  to  get  a  good  stand. 

Miami  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  yellowish  to  brownish-gray,  medium 
sand  about  8  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  lighter  colored,  loose,  incoherent 
sand  of  the  same  texture.  Comparatively  little  stone  occurs  in  this  type,  al- 
though cobbles  and  gravel  are  found  in  small  quantities  in  local  areas.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  sometimes  hilly,  the  areas  not  infrequently  lying  upon 
moraines.  The  drainage  is  so  free  that  the  soil  is  droughty  and  the  agricultural 
value  of  the  land  is  lower  than  where  composed  of  the  Miami  types  of  finer 
texture.  In  moist  seasons  such  crops  as  rye,  corn,  and  potatoes  produce  fair 
yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil 

name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coloma  sand 

Indiana  G;  Michigan  1,2,3,  4,  7,  8,  10;  Minnesota  2;  Ohio  10; 

Wisconsin  11,  13,  16. 
Indiana  3,  8 

1,178,568 
8,192 

Wisconsin  15 

1,920 

Total... 

1,188,680 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVEL    PHASE. 


The  gravel  soils  of  this  province  are  so  coarse,  loose,  and  leachy  in  character 
and  contain  so  little  of  finer  interstitial  material  that  they  are  exceedingly 
droughty  and,  with  the  exception  of  small  local  areas,  possess  little  agricul- 
tural value.  Some  scanty  pasturage  is  afforded,  and  their  best  use  is  in  graz- 
ing or  forest  land.  Some  fruit  is  grown  in  favorable  locations  where  the  drain- 
age is  not  excessive. 

Carrington  gravel. — The  soil  is  a  dark  brown  to  black  sandy  loam  contain- 
ing a  Large  proportion  of  co.irse  sand  and  tine  gravel.  At  a  depth  of  about  8  to 
IS  inches  this  is  underlain  by  a  band  of  coarse  sand  and  tine  gravel,  usually 
Several  feet  in  thickness.  The  type  occurs  as  knolls  and  ridges  and  is  found 
Capping   high   elevations.     The   soil    is   mainly  derived    from   glacial    till,   though 

probably  Including  some  water-assorted  kame  and  esker  material.  The  agri- 
cultural value  of  the  soil  is  low.  as  it  is  inclined  to  he  droughty. 

Coloma  gravel.  The  type  consists  of  brown  sandy  loam,  ranging  in  depth 
from  8  to  L6  Inches  and  underlain  by  a  heterogeneous  mixture  of  sand,  gravel, 

and  bowlders.     The  type  occurs  as  well-rounded  hills  or  knolls  and  as  narrow, 

choppy  ridges.  The  material  represents  residuary  products  derived  From  the 
weathering  of  glacial  till.  Including  some  assorted  drift.  The  loose  character  of 
the  material  and  rough  surface  configuration  render  the  type  practically  non- 
agricultural.  The  grea/er  portion  is  timbered  with  hardwood  and  is  used  for 
pasturage, 

Ju&tOtl  gravel.     This  type  consists  of  ,-i   dark-COlored   sandy  gravel   underlain 

n\  Lighter  colored  material  having  ordinarily  a  higher  content  of  clay  than  the 

.surface  soil.  The -ravel  content  is  so  higb  that  the  soil  is  exceedingly  droughty. 
The  type  occupies  steep  slopes  and  represents  OUtCroppingfl  of  gravel   strata    in 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


135 


the  glacial  till,  or  colluvial  material  washed  therefrom.  Near  the  foot  of  slopes 
there  may  be  bands  of  colluvial  gravelly  soil  of  a  somewhat  more  loamy  nature. 
The  major  part  of  the  type  has  a  low  agricultural  value.  Some  fruit  can  be 
grown  successfully  where  the  slope  is  not  too  steep. 

Miami  gravel. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  brown  gravelly  loam  or 
slightly  sandy  loam.  Cobbles,  gravel,  and  bowlders  form  a  large  part  of  the 
soil  mass.  They  consist  of  angular  and  sometimes  rounded  fragments  of 
granite  or  gneiss,  with  a  considerable  proportion  of  limestone.  The  topography 
is  usually  hummocky,  with  rounded  hills  and  knolls,  which  form  a  part  of  the 
moraines.  Erosion  is  active  in  many  localities,  and  the  agricultural  use  of  the 
type  is  limited.     Its  principal  value  is  for  pasturage. 

Rodman  gravel. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Rodman  gravel  consists  of  a  yellow- 
ish brown  to  brown  sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  containing  considerable 
gravel.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil  and  consists  of 
a  mixture  of  sand,  gravel,  cobbles,  and  bowlders.  The  type  is  a  leachy  soil 
and  subject  to  drought.  It  is  derived  from  stratified  or  assorted  drift  de- 
posits, with  rolling  to  hilly  topography.  It  supports  a  growth  of  scrub  oak 
and  is  of  practically  no  value  except  for  scanty  pasturage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravels. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Miami  gravel 

Wisconsin  15 

20,672 

15,296 

6,080 

5,568 

2,560 

Illinois  10,11;  Wisconsin  6 

Coloma  gravel 

Wisconsin  12 

Rodman  gravel 

Wisconsin  4,8 

Carrington  gravel 

Minnesota  4;  North  Dakota  1 

Total 

50,176 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
STONY  SAND  PHASE. 

The  interstitial  material  of  this  phase  is  similar  in  texture  and  in  moisture- 
holding  power  to  the  main  sand  group.  On  account  of  the  predominantly 
rougher,  more  broken  morainic  topography  and  the  presence  of  numerous 
cobbles,  stones,  and  bowlders,  however,  the  phase  is  of  much  lower  agricultural 
value.  The  steep  slopes,  combined  with  the  abundance  of  stones,  in  many  places 
preclude  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  so  that  many  areas  still  remain  in  scrub- 
oak  forest.  Small,  irregular  areas  can  be  cultivated  and  produce  light  yields 
of  rye,  oats,  buckwheat,  potatoes,  etc.  On  the  whole,  the  best  use  of  the  type 
is  for  pasturage  and  forestry. 

Coloma  stony  sand. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  8  inches  consists 
of  a  light-brown  or  yellow  medium  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  loose,  yellow  medium 
sand.  Stones  are  so  abundant  and  the  topography  so  rough  that  the  type  has 
little  agricultural  value.  The  soil  represents  residuary  material,  consisting  of 
the  weathered  products  of  glacial  till.  Rye.  buckwheat,  corn,  and  grass  are 
grown  on  some  of  the  less  uneven  areas,  but  the  yields  are  small.  The  type  is 
best  suited  to  pasturage  and  forestry. 

Plymouth  stony  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  or  brown  sand  of  coarse 
to  medium  texture  carrying  considerable  quantities  of  fine  gravel  and  scattered 
bowlders.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  gravelly  sand,  grading  at  18  inches  into 
coarse  sand,  gravel,  and  stone.  Portions  of  the  surface  material  are  of  wind- 
blown origin,  while  the  lower  subsoil  is  glacial.  The  type  is  developed  upon 
moraines  and  the  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.  The  soil  is  so  porous  and 
leachy  as  to  be  of  little  agricultural  value. 

Rodman  stony  sand. — The  interstitial  material  of  this  type  consists  of  a  light- 
brown,  yellowish-brown,  or  grayish  sand  about  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a 
yellowish-brown  sand  or  light  sandy  loam.  Usually  the  entire  soil  mass  is  loose 
and  incoherent.  Distributed  throughout  the  profile  are  numerous  glacial  bowl- 
ders, stones,  and  grovel  of  various  origin.  These  are  so  abundant  as  to  render 
the  type  of  slight  agricultural  value,  though  where  not  too  numerous  light  yields 
of  general  farm  crops  and  special  crops  are  secured.  The  topography  is  rolling 
to  somewhat  hilly,  the  soils  mainly  consisting  of  kanic  and  esker  deposits,  and 
also  including  wave-washed  moraines  in  the  beds  of  glacial  lakes,  where  there 
also  has  been  considerable  reworking  and  assorting  of  the  original  till  material. 
Drainage  is  usually  excessive  and  the  soil  is  droughty. 


136 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coloma  stonv  sand 

Michigan  1,  7 

New  York  5. 
New  York  7. 

Wisconsin  h\ 

26,186 
6,784 

5,370 

Rodman  stonv  sand 

Plymouth  stony  sand 

Total 

38,326 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SAND    PHASE. 

This  group  is  unimportant  from  an  agricultural  standpoint.  The  large 
gravel  content  in  the  soil  and  subsoil  make  the  soils  porous  and  leachy.  the 
moisture  bood  escaping  beyond  the  reach  of  capillary  action.  Crops  Buffer 
correspondingly  in  all  but  the  wettest  seasons.  Some  of  the  areas  are  unsuited 
for  the  production  of  field  crops  on  account  of  their  rough,  broken  topography. 
Light  yields  of  general  farm  crops  are  secured,  although  fruit,  particularly 
peaches,  does  well  where  favored  by  climatic  conditions  and  location. 

Coloma  gravelly  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  gravelly  sand,  grading 
at  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches  into  a  yellow  coarse  sand  ordinarily  carrying  a 
considerable  amount  of  fine  gravel.  The  type  occupies  high  ridges  and  knolls. 
Drainage  is  thorough  and  crops  are  inclined  to  suffer  in  dry  weather.  The  soil 
is  composed  of  glacial  material,  reworked  by  wind  and  water,  and  deposited 
over  glacial  till.  Rye  is  the  most  common  general  farm  crop.  In  moist  seasons 
and  on  favorably  situated  areas  some  of  the  earlier  fruits  and  vegetables  are 
grown  with  good  results. 

Rodman  graveUy  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown,  loose 
fine  sand  containing  considerable  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  One  sand. 
frequently  becoming  coarsei  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  and  often  stratified  with 
layers  of  gravel.  The  material  is  derived  from  kame  and  esker  deposits.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  broken  by  knolls  and  ridges.  It  is  a  poor  soil 
and  very  little  of  it  is  in  cultivation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coloma  gravelly  sand 

Michigan  1 .  i>,  7;  Wisconsin  1, 16 

34,890 

Rodman  gravelly  sand 

Wisconsin  4 

(140 

Total 

35,530 

l  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  B6C  p,  733. 
FINK    SAM)    GROl   P, 


This  group  Of  BOllS,  while  too  Light    in   texture  and   porous  in   the  subsoils  for 

Che  profitable  production  of  the  staple  farm  crops,  is  exceptionally  well  adapted 
to  the  growing  of  early  summer  truck  crops.  By  reason  of  the  more  northerly 
latitude  these  crops  reach  the  markets  al  a  time  when  most  of  the  winter  and 
spring  grown  vegetables  from  the  South  have  been  harvested  and  consumed. 
The  soils  are  always  well  drained  and  warm  up  early  in  the  spring,  making  it 
possible  to  mature  crops  as  soon  .-is  upon  the  soils  of  the  sand  group.  For  sweet 
corn,  cantaloupes,  Bweel  peppers,  sweet  potatoes,  and  tomatoes.  In  the  more 
southerly  latitudes,  the  Coloma  and  Knox  tine  sands  are  preferable  to  the  cor- 
responding types  of  the  sand  group.  Under  favorable  climatic  conditions,  such 
as  are  found  along  the  shores  of  some  of  the  Qreai  Lakes  and  other  bodies  of 
water,  where  comparative  Immunity  from  damaging  frosts  is  assured,  peaches 
and  several  of  the  small  fruits  are  profitably  grown.  In  seasons  of  more  than 
normal  rainfall  fair  yields  of  corn,  rye.  and  potatoes  can  be  secured,  some  of 
the  rougher  glacial  hills  of  Coloma  fine  sand  are  too  broken  In  topography  to  be 
need  for  crops  requiring  much  tillage,  but  can  be  seeded  to  grasses  and  will 
yield  b  small  amount  of  pasturage.     Like  the  sand  group,  these  soils  are  defl- 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


137 


cient  in  organic  matter,  and  the  liberal  addition  of  barnyard  or  green  manures, 
together  with  some  lime,  is  required  to  secure  the  best  results. 

Coloma  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  loamy  fine  sand  from 
6  to  10  inches  deep  underlain  by  rather  loose,  yellow  loamy  fine  sand.  It  occu- 
pies rolling  country,  with  rounded  hills  and  undulating  areas.  The  soil  is  a 
residuary  product  from  the  weathering  of  glacial  till.  The  type  is  so  completely 
drained  that  crops  suffer  in  dry  seasons.  The  soil  is  best  suited  to  small  fruits 
and  vegetables.     Fair  yields  of  corn  and  clover  are  made  in  wet  years. 

Knox  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  pale-yellow  loamy  fine 
sand  from  10  to  14  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  pale-yellow  loamy 
fine  sand.  The  type  occurs  along  slopes  and  as  hillocky  uplands.  Drainage  is 
good.  The  material  forming  the  type  has  been  deposited  through  wind  action. 
Moderate  yields  of  corn  and  oats  are  secured.  The  type  is  best  suited  to  the 
production  of  truck  crops,  such  as  watermelons,  cantaloupes,  early  peas,  toma- 
toes, potatoes,  etc. 

Marshall  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black,  rather  inco- 
herent sand  of  fine  texture  from  10  to  12  inches  deep,  resting  on  a  lighter 
colored  sand  of  about  the  same  texture.  It  occupies  low  bluffs  and  hills  of 
broken  and  rolling  topography,  and  the  drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive,  espe- 
cially over  the  deeper  areas  of  sandy  subsoil.  The  type  is  primarily  of  wind- 
blown origin.  The  crop  value  varies  greatly,  depending  mainly  upon  moisture 
conditions.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  early  truck  crops  and  melons.  With 
liberal  applications  of  manure  good  yields  of  Irish  potatoes  can  be  secured. 

Miami  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  8  inches  is  a  fine 
sand,  light  brown  or  slightly  grayish  brown  in  color,  and  rather  loose  and 
incoherent  in  structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  fine  sand,  containing  little 
gravel,  although  a  small  amount  is  present  in  some  places.  The  topography 
varies  from  undulating  to  rolling  or  hilly,  and  the  surface  drainage  and  sub- 
drainage  are  good.  The  material  is  derived  from  sandy  glacial  till  deposited 
either  as  ground  moraine  or  terminal  moraine,  more  often  the  latter.  The  type 
is  inclined  to  be  droughty  and  is  not  well  adapted  to  the  small  grains,  though 
rye  gives  fair  yields  in  moist  seasons.  With  the  application  of  liberal  quantities 
of  barnyard  manure  fair  to  good  crops  of  corn  can  be  secured. 

Rodman  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  6  inches  is  a  grayish- 
brown  or  yellowish  incoherent  fine  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  loose,  yellowish-brown 
fine  sand,  somewhat  finer  in  texture  than  the  surface  material.  A  gravelly 
clay  is  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  5  to  10  feet,  which  usually  grades 
into  very  gravelly  and  stony  material.  A  small  amount  of  gravel  is  sometimes 
scattered  through  the  surface  soil  and  subsoil.  The  topography  is  gently  roll- 
ing, and  on  account  of  the  sandy  nature  of  the  material  the  natural  drainage 
is  excessive  and  the  type  droughty.  The  native  timber  growth  is  chiefly  white 
pine,  with  some  hemlock  and  a  few  varieties  of  hardwoods.  The  type  is  better 
suited  to  the  production  of  early  truck  crops  than  to  general  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coloma  fine  sand 

Illinois  11;  Michigan  1,  3,  fi;  Minnesota  2;  Wisconsin  3, 10 

Illinois  8,  10;  Indiana  10;  Iowa  4;  Nebraska  6;  Wisconsin  9 

247,820 

93,888 

43,584 

23,040 

1,024 

Rodman  fine  sand 

Wisconsin  8 

Total 

409,356 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SANDY  LOAM  GROUP. 


This  group  includes  the  coarsest  textured  soils  which  under  ordinary  condi- 
tions can  be  profitably  used  for  the  production  of  the  staple  farm  crops.  The 
soils  are  too  light  in  texture  for  good  results  with  such  crops  as  wheal,  and 
give  only  light  to  fair  yields  of  hay.  They  are  very  well  adapted  to  oats, 
potatoes,  and  beans,  however,  and  are  in  quite  general  use  for  corn,  barley, 
millet,  and  flax.     Nearly  all  the  root  crops  do  well.     Their  profitable  utilization 


138  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

for  tomatoes,  melons,  cucumbers  for  pickling,  and  other  heavier,  later  varieties 
of  truck,  as  well  as  for  fruit,  especially  apples  and  peaches,  has  been  well 
established.  The  Carrington,  Coloma,  Gloucester,  Portage,  aDd  Bangor  soils 
possess  the  most  retentive  subsoils  of  any  in  the  group,  and  are  best  adapted  to 
the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  corn,  oats,  beans,  and  potatoes. 

Bangor  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  rather  heavy  Bandy 
loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  very  light-brown  or  brownish- 
gray  sandy  loam,  3  feet  or  more  in  depth.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  filled  with 
rounded,  waterworn,  and  subangular  stones  and  gravel  of  quartz,  granite, 
sandstone,  and  shale.  The  type  occupies  low  hills  and  the  more  level  portions 
of  higher  elevations.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  slightly  hilly.  The  type 
is  derived  from  deep  glacial  till.  The  soil  is  loose,  friable,  and  easily  culti- 
vated, and  where  the  topography  is  suitable  is  well  adapted  to  general  farm 
crops,  including  potatoes. 

Carrington  sandy  loam, — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  sandy  loam 
from  10  to  16  inches  deep,  the  lower  portion  being  somewhat  lighter  in  color. 
The  subsoil  is  usually  a  yellow  clay  loam  to  clay.  Gravel  and  bowlders  in 
small  quantities  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  disseminated  throughout 
the  soil  mass.  The  type  occupies  gently  rolling  prairie  land,  frequently  occur- 
ring as  hillocks  and  sometimes  as  narrow  ridges.  The  soil  represents  residual 
products  from  glacial  till.  It  is  well  suited  to  general  farming,  giving  good 
yields  of  wheat,  oats,  flax,  rye,  barley,  millet,  and  potatoes.  Clover  and  timothy 
do  especially  well  on  the  heavier  phases. 

Coloma  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  brown  moder- 
ately heavy  sandy  loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  8  to  about  10  inches.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellowish  brown  moderately  heavy  sandy  loam,  sometimes  resting  upon  a 
stratum  of  lighter  colored  coarser  material  at  depths  ranging  from  24  to  30 
inches.  This  lower  stratum  frequently  carries  a  considerable  amount  of  gravel. 
Fine  gravel  is  of  common  occurrence  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  topography 
varies  from  gently  rolling  to  hillocky  or  even  sharply  rolling.  Drainage  is  good. 
The  soil  consists  of  the  weathered  product  of  sandy  glacial  till.  The  type  is 
fairly  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  wheat,  grass,  and  potatoes.  Vegetables  give 
fairly  good  results.  Green  manuring  should  be  practiced  in  order  to  maintain 
a  proper  supply  of  organic  matter. 

Gloucester  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep. 
overlying  ;i  yellowish-brown,  slightly  less  coherent  sandy  loam  to  a  depth  of 
80  inches,  where  a  Light  yellowish-gray  sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand  is  encountered. 
Stones  and  small  bowlders,  chiefly  of  granite  or  gneiss,  are  usually  present. 
Small  Bubangular  gravel  is  often  found  throughout  the  soil  mass.  The  topog- 
raphy  varies  from  gently  undulating  to  somewhat  hilly,  the  type  for  the  most 
pari  occupying  low  rounded  ridges  and  hills.  Drainage  is  good.  The  original 
limber  growth  consisted  mainly  of  white  pine,  white  maple,  and  oak.  In 
Becond-foresl  growth  birch  is  common.  Corn,  oats,  and  rye  with  grass  for  hay 
and  pasturage  give  the  best  results.    Fruit  is  also  profitably  grown. 

Knox  sandy  loam.-  The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-brown  heavy  sandy 
loam,  ranging  from  <;  to  L2  Inches  in  depth,  resting  upon  a  yellowish-brown 
loamy  sand  to  light  sandy  loam,  which  sometimes  passes  into  clayey  material 
;it   depths  of  20  to  30  inches.     The  soil  material   is  mostly  wind  deposited.     The 

surface  configuration  is  characterised  by  knolls  and  ridges,  subject  to  shifting 
through  wind  action.    Fair  yields  of  grain  and  grass  are  secured.    Truck  crops 

: 1 1 1 < I  some  fruits  give  good  results. 

Marshall  sandy  loam.  The  soil  consists  of  :i  dark-brown  to  black  Compact 
Sandy  loam,  abOUl    10  Inches  In  depth,  underlain  by  yellowish  sandy  loam  with 

a  high  content  of  coarse  sand  and  gravel.    Rounded  pebbles  and  bowlders  occur 

0D  the  surface,  and  partly  decomposed  calcareous  nodules  in  the  subsoil.  The 
type  occupies  gently    rolling  prairie   ridges  and    Intervening  depressions   and   is 

mainly  of  glacial  origin,     it  is  a  good  general  farming  soil,  although  inclined 

to  be  droughty  In  local  areas.  Wheat  yields  from  12  tO  20  bushels,  oats  from 
20  to  36  bushels,  flax  from  12  to  1  r>  bushels,  and  potatoes  from  KM)  to  L20 
bushels  tO  t  lie  acre. 

Miami  sandy  loam.  Typical  areas  of  this  soil  consist  of  B  yellowislebrown 
medium  textured    sandy    loam    about    10   inches   deep,    resting   upon    a    subsoil   of 

more  pronounced  yellow  than  the  soil,  which  becomes  heavier  with  depth  and 

grades  into  a  sandy  clay  at  IS  to  26  inches.  In  exceptional  cases  the  Lighter* 
textured  material  extends  to  a  depth  of  about  .'1  feet.     The  tODOgra phy  is  gently 

rolling  and   the  soil    relatively   free  from   bowlders,     it    is  derived   from  the 


GLACIAL   AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


139 


weathering  of  glacial  till.  The  type  is  apt  to  be  somewhat  droughty  and  is 
devoted  to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Plymouth  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  gray  loose  sandy  loam  from 
6  to  12  inches  deep,  carrying  gravel  and  rounded  bowlders,  the  content  increas- 
ing with  depth.  The  interstitial  material  is  often  a  gray  or  yellow  sand.  The 
bowlders  are  of  trap,  granite,  gneiss,  and  other  crystalline  rocks,  together  with 
some  sandstone.  The  type  occurs  as  lenticular  hills  in  the  morainic  uplands 
and  as  terrace  remnants  along  some  of  the  larger  stream  valleys,  though  the 
former  features  are  the  most  typical.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  with 
numerous  kettle  holes  and  depressions.  The  soil  material  has  been  derived 
from  coarse-textured  glacial  till  deposited  along  the  morainal  front,  typically  on 
Long  Island  and  along  the  southern  border  of  the  New  England  States.  The 
agricultural  value  of  the  type  is  low  on  account  of  the  porous  character  of  the 
soil  and  subsoil.     Tree  fruits  should  do  well  in  carefully  selected  locations. 

Portage  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  8  to  9  inches  is  a  grayish- 
brown  sandy  loam  of  fine  to  medium  texture.  Below  this  occurs  a  brownish- 
yellow  sandy  loam  grading  in  the  lower  part  of  the  profile  into  a  mottled  gray 
and  yellow  sandy  clay.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  nearly 
level,  the  latter  areas  being  rather  poorly  drained.  The  type  is  derived  from 
glacial  drift  modified  by  an  intermixture  of  residual  material  from  crystalline 
rocks.  It  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  yielding  1$  tons  of  hay,  100  bushels 
of  potatoes,  30  bushels  of  corn,  40  bushels  of  oats,  and  10  to  15  bushels  of  rye 
per  acre.     Small  fruits  and  vegetables  also  do  well. 

Rodman  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown,  yellowish-brown,  or  grayish 
sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  overlying  a  light-brown  or  yellow  sandy  loam. 
Numerous  small  stones  and  fine  gravel,  together  with  some  coarse  sand,  occur 
in  the  subsoil,  making  the  type  somewhat  droughty.  The  topography  is  rolling 
to  somewhat  ridgy,  the  type  occurring  as  kames  and  eskers,  including  moraines 
subjected  to  glacial  lake  action  subsequent  to  their  original  formation  and 
deposition  as  till  material.     It  is  adapted  to  corn,  oats,  hay,  and  potatoes. 

Whitman  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  brownish-gray  to  black 
sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  mottled  gray,  yellow,  and  brown 
sandy  loam  or  heavy  sandy  loam  subsoil,  often  becoming  somewhat  lighter  in 
texture  in  the  lower  part  of  the  profile.  Cobblestones  and  larger  bowlders  of 
granite  or  gneiss  frequently  occur  at  the  surface  and  in  the  subsoil.  The  type 
occupies  flat  areas  or  depressions  and  is  poorly  drained.  Oak,  pine,  maple,  and 
birch  constitute  the  natural  timber  growth.  Where  properly  drained,  corn,  hay, 
and  heavy  truck  crops  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Michigan  1,  3,  4,  6,  7;  Minnesota  2;  Wisconsin  6,  11,  13,  16 

Illinois  11;  Kansas  2;  Minnesota  5;  North  Dakota  3;  South 
Dakota  2. 

538, 228 
208, 384 

170, 560 

Carrington  sandy  loam 

Plymouth  sandy  loam 

Gloucester  sandv  loam 

Massachusetts  2;  New  Jersey  2 

56,320 

Bangor  sandv  loam 

37, 184 

25, 984 

23.936 

9,792 

Whitman  sandy  loam 

8,192 

3,008 

1,280 

Total 

1,082,868 

For  key  to  numhers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

STONY    SANDY    LOAM    THASE. 


The  prevailingly   rough;   moraiiiic   topography   and   the   superabundance  of 

stones,  together  with  the  lij^ht  texture  of  the  fine  earth  portion  of  the  soil  mass, 
make  this  phase  one  of  little  agricultural  value.  Where  the  surface  is  not  too 
broken  for  cultivation  the  yields  of  such  crops  as  corn.  oats,  and  potatoes  are 
light  to  lair,  depending  upon  the  texture  and  moisture-holding  capacity  of  the 
subsoils.     The  Dover  and  Portage  types  are  the  most   productive,   tin4  drift  of 


140 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


the  former  being  influenced  to  some  extent  by  the  underlying  limestone,  making 
it  better  adapted  to  grass  than  the  other  types.  The  greater  proportion  of  the 
stony  sandy  loam  phase  should  be  reforested. 

Adirondack  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  yellowish- 
brown,  loose,  fine  sandy  loam,  about  5  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  lighter-colored 
fine  sandy  loam.  Angular  fragments  of  granite,  gneiss,  and  sandstone,  with  a 
few  foreign  glacial  bowlders,  are  found  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  type 
is  derived  from  the  glaciation  of  the  Adirondack  Mountain  masses  and  occurs 
as  moraines,  modified  by  colluvial  and  local  wash  from  higher  lying  positions. 
The  topography  is  hilly  to  mountainous.  This  soil  is  light  in  texture  and  often 
droughty.  It  is  adapted  to  corn  and  potatoes,  though  its  best  use  is  for  pastur- 
age or  forest  products. 

Dover  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  10  inches  of  a  brown  sandy 
loam,  overlying  a  subsoil  of  light-brown  to  yellow  sandy  loam.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  are  more  or  less  filled  with  glacial  stones  and  bowlders.  Areas  of  this 
type  occur  as  low,  rounded  hillocks  of  glacial  drift,  overlying  limestone  which 
contributes  to  the  stone  content.  This  soil  is  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  oats, 
hay.  and  tree  and  small  fruits. 

Gloucester  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  brown 
medium  to  fine  sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  medium  to 
fine  yellow  sand  or,  in  some  places,  light  sandy  loam  extending  to  an  average 
depth  of  18  inches.  Small  flakes  of  mica  are  generally  present  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil.  Scattered  over  the  surface  and  through  the  soil  and  subsoil  and  be- 
coming more  abundant  at  the  depth  of  20  inches  are  glacial  bowlders  of  all 
sizes  and  mostly  of  angular  or  subangular  forms.  There  is  also  more  or  less 
gravelly  material  upon  the  surface  and  throughout  the  profile.  The  type  occu- 
pies the  tops  and  slopes  of  hills.  It  is  of  glacial  origin.  It  seems  ,to  be  fairly 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  corn,  oats,  and  grass  crops.  Apples  do  well 
in  favorable  situations,  but  the  greater  part  of  the  type  is  best  suited  for  pas- 
ture land. 

Plymouth  stony  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish  or  brownish 
sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  light  brown,  somewhat  coarser 
textured  sandy  loam,  assuming  a  yellowish-gray  color  in  the  lower  portion  of 
the  subsoil.  Angular  fragments  and  bowlders  of  granite  and  gneiss  are  scat- 
tered over  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  mass,  and  in  some  places  there  is 
more  or  less  small  gravel.  The  type  occupies  areas  of  hilly  to  rough  morainic 
topography.  The  surface  drainage  is  thorough,  and  this,  with  the  somewhat 
porous  subsoil,  makes  the  type  as  a  whole  rather  droughty.  The  original  forest 
growth  included  considerable  white  pine,  but  the  second  growth  is  hugely  com- 
posed of  stunted  oak  and  pitch  pine.  Some  of  the  type  can  be  made  to  produce 
apples.  As  a  whole  it  is  of  little  value  for  farming  and  used  principally  for 
pasture  Lands. 

Portage  stony  .sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  ;i  rather  loose,  dark-gray  or  brown 
sandy  loam  «»f  medium  to  tine  texture  and  from  S  to  1<>  inches  deep.  The  nnder- 
lying  materia]  la  a  yellowish-brown  or  gray  sand  of  fine  to  medium  texture  con- 
tinning  to  n  depth  <»f  30  inches,  where  a  yellow  or  gray  sandy  clay  is  sometimes 

encountered.     Bowlders,  principally  of  granite,  are  found  on  the  surface  and 

outcrops  of   the   underlying  crystalline   rocks    from    which    tin1   type   is   in   part 

derived  are  of  frequent  occurrence.    The  type  Is  derived  principally  from  glacial 

till  influenced  locally  by  residual  material  from  the  underlying  crystalline  rock. 

The  topography  varies  from  generally  level  to  gently  rolling,  much  of  it  being 
quite  level  and  Including  many  swampy  depressions.  Drainage  is  rather  poor 
and  the  type  used  mostly  for  pasturage. 

irea   and  distribution   of  the  stony  sandy  toams. 


■  sine. 

State  or  area.1 

lores, 



\  Bampshlre  i.  2;  Nev  Ji 

112,640 

:.'<.  Lftfl 

19,520 

11,892 

-..■•.  v                  

Total 

208, 064 

i  For  k<-y  lo  uumbera  La  this  column  se< 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL  PROVINCE.  141 

GRAVELLY    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  areas  of  gravelly  sandy  loam  texture  generally  occupy  rough,  rolling 
country  formed  of  glacial  moraines  and  kaines,  and  in  cases  the  more  level 
terrace  deposits.  The  soils  are  light  in  texture  and  easily  cultivated,  except  in 
a  few  of  the  most  gravelly  and  stony  areas.  The  subsoils  are  in  some  cases 
rather  heavier  than  the  surface  soils,  but  are  often  underlain  by  gravel  deposits, 
so  that  on  the  whole  the  phase  is  rather  porous  and  leachy  and  crops  suffer 
in  dry  weather.  Some  areas  give  fair  results  with  the  general  farm  crops  in 
moist  seasons,  but  as  a  rule  the  yields  are  light.  The  phase  is  best  adapted  to 
special  truck  crops  and  such  fruits  as  peaches  and  small  fruits,  depending  upon 
the  locality  and  climatic  conditions. 

Carrington  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray 
to  nearly  black  light  loam  to  heavy  sandy  loam  carrying  considerable  amounts 
of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  proper,  encountered  at  an  average 
depth  of  10  inches,  consists  of  a  yellowish  sandy  loam  to  loam  containing  small 
gravel,  the  content  of  which  increases  with  depth.  In  a  few  nontypical  areas 
an  underlying  gravel  stratum  is  encountered.  The  topography  is  broken  to 
hilly,  embracing  morainic  knolls  and  hills.  Drainage  is  good,  except  in  some 
of  the  lower  depressions.  Bowlders  of  granite,  gneiss,  schist,  and  limestone 
are  frequently  encountered.  Fruit  and  a  number  of  vegetables  give  very  fair 
results.  Wheat,  oats,  and  flax  are  grown,  but  the  average  yields  are  only  mod- 
erately good. 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  gravelly  sandy 
.loam,  having  an  average  depth  of  10  or  12  inches.  The  subsoil  ranges  in  texture 
from  sandy  loam  to  fine  gravel.  Small  rounded  stones  are  of  common  occur- 
rence on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil.  The  lower  subsoil  quite  often 
consists  of  loose  gravel.  The  type  occupies  hilly  to  rough  country,  usually  con- 
taining ma»y  knolls  and  ridges.  The  material  represents  residuary  products 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  till  by  atmospheric  agencies.  General  form- 
ing is  practiced  on  much  of  the  type  and  fair  crops  are  produced.  Oats,  corn, 
and  hay  are  most  commonly  grown.  In  favorable  locations  the  type  is  a  desir- 
able soil  for  peaches,  grapes,  and  small  fruits.  Potatoes  and  a  number  of  vege- 
tables also  give  good  returns. 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  is  generally  a 
light-brown  sandy  loam  with  a  high  content  of  gravel  and  frequently  of  small 
stones.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a  sticky,  sandy  loam  to  a  gravelly  sand,  and 
is  often  underlain  at  a  depth  of  2  to  3  feet  by  a  bed  of  gravel.  The  surface 
is  rolling  and  the  type  often  occurs  as  rounded  knolls  or  hills,  generally  com- 
posed of  stratified  and  unstratified  sands,  clays,  and  gravel.  It  is  of  glacial 
origin,  and  often  represents  morainic  material.  Where  cultivated,  the  crop 
yields  are  only  fair.  It  is  not  adapted  to  general  farming,  though  fairly  well 
adapted  to  the  lighter  crops  and  the  production  of  small  fruits.  In  favorable 
localities  peaches  do  well  on  this  soil. 

Ontario  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  consists  of  about  10  inches 
oi» brown  fine  sandy  loam  containing  considerable  quantities  of  rounded  and 
some  angular  gravel  and  stones.  The  subsoil  is  rather  lighter  in  color  and 
texture  than  the  soil  and  also  contains  numerous  gravel  and  s'ones.  On 
account  of  the  looseness  in  texture  of  the  subsoil  and  the  topography,  which  is 
rolling  to  quite  hilly  and  rough,  the  drainage  is  usually  excessive  and  some 
erosion  occurs.  The  type  is  developed  in  areas  of  glacial  moraines  and  kame 
hills.  On  account  of  the  rough  topography  much  of  the  type  is  not  well 
adapted  to  agriculture,  though  some  of  the  more  favorably  situated  areas  are 
suitable  for  the  production  of  corn,  potatoes,  small  grains,  and  a  few  fruits. 

Rodman  gravelly  sandi/  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  S  inches  is  a 
grayish-brown  or  brownish-gray  sandy  loam  in  which  is  mixed  varying  amounts 
of  small  watorworn  gravel.  Occasional  bowlders  are  also  found  at  the  surface 
interfering  with  cultivation  to  a  certain  extent.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish- 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  to  yellow  sandy  loam  of  heavier  texture,  grading  into 
masses  of  sand  and  gravel  at  a  depth  of  3G  inches.  Many  bowlders  and  smaller 
stones  occur  in  the  subsoil.  These  are  Largely  of  limestone,  hut  some  are 
of  granite,  quart/,  and  sandstone.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  rolling 
or  ridgy  to  hilly  and  huiumoeky.  This  condition,  with  the  porous  subsoil  of  the 
type,  makes  drainage  excessive  in  many  places  and  the  type  as  a  whole  some- 
what droughty.  The  native  forest  vegetation  is  chiefly  maple,  beech,  oak,  and 
hickory,  together  with  some  pine  and  hemlock.  The  type  is  of  low  agricultural 
value  and  the  greater  proportion  of  it  is  best  adapted  to  grazing. 


142 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Miami  gravelly  sand v  loam 

V>' isconsin  15 

51,520 

Coloma  -                     i v  loam 

Indiana  6,  10;  Michigan  2, 3. 0,  7;  Minnesota  2 

North  Dakota  9 

40,768 

10. 04S 

New  York  10,  13 

6,080 

1,792 

Total 

110,208 

'For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


FINE  SANDY  IX) A M  GROUP. 

The  capacity  for  the  storage  and  delivery  of  moisture  in  the  soils  and  sub- 
soils of  this  group  is  sufficient  to  insure  the  maturing  of  many  of  the  staple 
farm  crops  which  can  not  be  successfully  grown  on  the  sands,  fine  sands,  and 
Bandy  loams.  Though  the  texture  of  this  group  of  soils  is  too  light  for  the 
best  results  in  the  production  of  wheat,  it  is  favorable  for  such  cereals  as 
corn,  oats,  and  barley.  Where  the  depth  to  ground  water  does  not  exceed  5  or  6 
feet,  alfalfa  has  given  good  results.  Potatoes  are  particularly  well  adapted  to 
soils  of  this  texture,  and  navy  beans,  with  sugar  beets  and  other  root  crops, 
are  profitably  produced.  The  fine  sandy  loams  are  fair  types  for  dairy  farming, 
as  good  yields  of  forage  and  moderate  yields  of  grass  can  be  sec  tired.  The 
group  is  also  well  suited  to  market  gardening  and  trucking,  especially  for 
growing  the  medium  late  varieties  of  vegetables,  such  as  tomatoes,  peas  for 
canning,  Btring  beans,  cauliflower,  early  cabbage,  etc.  It  is  among  the  most 
desirable  textured  soils  for  bush  fruits  and  berries,  and  yields  plums,  cherries. 
and  apples  of  fine  quality.  On  account  of  the  ease  with  which  it  can  be  worked 
and  its  relatively  good  drainage,  it  would  seem  to  be  more  profitably  utilized 
for  gardening  and  fruit  growing  than  for  general  farm  crops  where  such  use  is 
warranted  by  market  demands  and  transportation  facilities. 

Carrimjton  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  loamy  fine 
sand  ranging  from  8  to  18  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  colored  or 
yellow  and  has  about  the  same  texture  as  the  soil.  Occasionally  small  gravel  is 
encountered,  particularly  on  the  crests  of  knolls  and  ridges.  The  topography  is 
characterized  by  disconnected  morainal  ridges  and  hills.  Fair  yields  of  wheat, 
corn,  Irish  potatoes,  and  clover  are  secured  on  the  better-situated  areas. 

Coloma  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  light-brown  heavy 
fine  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  deep  containing  a  small  proportion  of  fine  gravel. 
The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish,  somewhat  sticky,  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  containing 
Some  line  gravel;  below  30  inches  a  gravel  stratum  is  sometimes  encountered. 
The  type  occupies  low  ridges  and  hillocks.  The  soil  is  composed  of  residuary 
material,  representing  the  results  of  weathering  of  the  glacial  till.     Drainage  ■ 

good.    Crops  frequently  Buffer  in  hot  weather  on  account  of  the  droughty  con- 
dition of  the  soil.     Fair  yields  of  general  term  «  rops  are  secured.     Vegetables 

gil  e  the  best    results. 

C'tssdyana  fine  smnly  loam.  The  soil  consists  of  a  bn>wn.  medium  hue  sandy 
loam  from  8  to  1L'  inches  deep,  resting  upon  the  magnesian  limestone  or  eal- 
CiferoUB  sandstone   rock,    which    has   entered    largely    Into   the    formation   of  the 

soil.  Numerous  Irregular,  angular  fragments  of  this  rock,  together  with  scat- 
tered glacial  stones  and  bowlders  of  foreign  origin,  occur  throughout  the  soil. 
The  topography  is  ordinarily  level,  though  in  some  localities  it  may  be  undulat- 
ing "i-  rolling.  Natural  drainage  is  good  and  at  times  excessive.  The  shallower 
are  often  droughty.  The  type  is  of  value  for  special  crops,  such  as  early 
truck,  but  is  too  uncertain  in  dry  seasons  to  warrant  ;ts  extensive  use  for  gen- 
eral farm  crops,     n  la  well  adapted  to  forestry. 

Dover  fine  sandy  loam.  The  Boil  is  a  light  brown  Bllty  flne  sandy  loam  about 
8  Inches  deep,  underlain  by  :i  yellow  or  reddish-yellow  Bilty  fine  sandy  loam 
which  becomes  sandier  with  depth.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  have  a  greasy  feci. 
owing  to  the  presence  of  finely  divided  mien  flakes.  Some  glacial  gravel  and 
bowldi  i<\\  ii  apon  the  surface.    The  soil  occupies  low  hills  and  ridges, 

BJlOllS,  .Mid   knobs     Outcropping  Ledges  ,,t"  rock  are  so  numerous  :is  to   interfere 

with  cultivation.     Drainage  is  good  and  the  type  somewhat   droughty.     The 
material  la  of  glacio  residual  origin.    The  prevailing  forest   growth  is  cedar. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE.  143 

The  type  produces  strong  and  lasting  sod  and  makes  excellent  pasture.     Culti- 
vation is  limited  because  of  the  rough  surface  and  numerous  rock  outcrops. 

Gloucester  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brown,  mellow,  fine  sandy 
loam,  about  8  inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  light-brown  to  brownish-yellow  fine 
sandy  loam  subsoil,  frequently  grading  into  grayish  yellow  .at  a  depth  of  30 
inches.  Some  fine  angular  or  slightly  rounded  gravel  is  found  in  the  soil,  and 
stones  and  bowlders  of  granite,  gneiss,  and  other  crystalline  rocks  frequently 
dot  the  surface.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  undulating  to  hilly,  with 
occasional  steep  slopes.  Except  in  the  more  level  areas  the  natural  drainage  is 
good.  Corn,  oats,  hay.  and  potatoes  do  well.  Some  kinds  of  fruit  are  grown, 
especially  apples. 

Judson  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  black,  dark-brown,  or  dark- 
gray  silty  fine  sandy  loam  from  12  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  somewhat 
heavier  fine  sandy  loam,  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil  and  extending  to  a  depth 
of  more  than  3  feet.  In  places  the  subsoil  is  very  silty,  approaching  the  texture 
of  a  silt  loam.  The  material  is  mainly  of  colluvial  origin,  but  includes  narrow 
strips  of  alluvium  along  the  smaller  streams  and  alluvial  fans  found  in  the 
margins  of  broad  valleys  at  the  point  of  confluence  with  smaller  streams.  The 
material  is  washed  from  glacial  and  loessial  deposits.  Good  yields  of  corn, 
clover,  and  alfalfa  are  secured. 

Kewaunee  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  fine  sandy 
loam  with  an  average  depth  of  8  inches,  underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  sandy  loam  of  medium  to  fine  texture.  Considerable  variation  exists 
in  the  depth  of  the  sandy  loam  portion  of  the  section,  but  the  underlying  light 
red,  slightly  calcareous  clay  is  usually  encountered  at  depths  of  2  to  3  feet. 
In  places  this  clay  reaches  nearly  to  the  surface.  The  topography  is  undulating 
to  rolling.  Drainage  is  generally  good,  except  in  the  more  level  areas  and 
where  the  red  clay  subsoil  lies  near  the  surface.  The  type  holds  moisture  well. 
It  is  easily  cultivated  and  yields  fair  to  good  crops  of  corn,  oats,  bacley,  rye, 
and  potatoes. 

Knox  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  heavy  fine  sandy  loam 
underlain  at  a  depth  of  14  to  16  inches  by  a  compact,  light-brown  to  yellow 
heavy  fine  sandy  loam  to  fine  sandy  clay.  At  a  depth  of  30  inches  the  subsoil 
usually  grades  into  coarser  material  containing  some  fine  gravel.  The  type  occu- 
pies broken  to  hilly  country,  with  occasional  level  areas.  The  soil  represents 
wind-blown  glacial  material.  Much  of  the  type  is  excessively  drained,  causing 
crops  to  suffer  in  dry  seasons.  Corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  clover  give  moderately 
good  returns.  The  soil  is  especially  suited  to  the  production  of  potatoes  and 
other  vegetables.     Apples,  peaches,  and  small  fruits  are  grown  to  some  extent. 

Marshall  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  medium 
to  fine  sandy  loam,  with  an  average  depth  of  14  inches.  It  contains  a  high  per- 
centage of  organic  matter,  but  this  decreases  with  depth,  as  does  also  the  dark 
color.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  variable,  but  consists  typically  of  a  yellow 
medium  to  fine  sandy  loam  containing  considerable  clay,  becoming  heavier  with 
depth  and  grading  into  a  mottled  yellow  sticky  sandy  clay.  This  in  turn  rests 
upon  a  bowlder  clay  at  a  depth  of  3  or  4  feet.  Occasionally  layers  of  sand  are 
encountered  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  derived  for  the  most  part  from  glacial 
till  modified  by  some  aeolian  material.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  roll- 
ing, and  drainage,  as  a  rule,  ample.  The  soil  is  very  productive  and  has  a 
wide  range  of  crop  adaptation. 

Miami  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  loose,  loamy,  brown  sand  or 
sandy  loam  from  10  to  30  inches  deep,  the  sand  being  from  medium  to  fine  in 
texture.  The  subsoil  is  a  clay  loam  or  sticky  sandy  loam.  This  type  differs 
from  the  Miami  sandy  loam  in  having  the  heavy  subsoil  within  3  feet  of  the 
surface.  The  type  is  of  glacial  origin,  occupies  rolling  country,  often  occurring 
as  rounded  hills  and  ridges,  and  has  good  drainage.  The  Miami  fine  sandy,  loam 
is  a  good  corn  soil.  Wheat  yields  from  15  to  30  bushels,  oats  from  35  to  75 
bushels,  rye  from  15  to  30  bushels,  and  hay  from  1£  to  2  tons  per  acre.  The 
soil  is  used  for  general  agriculture,  but  is  especially  adapted  to  medium  and 
late  truck  crops  and  fruit. 

Ontario  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  gray  to  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy 
loam  about  10  inches  In  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  fine  sandy  loam  of  somewhat 
lighter  color  and  looser  structure,  both  the  soil  and  subsoil  carrying  variable 
quantities  of  gravel  and  stones  of  glacial  origin.  The  drainage  of  this  typo 
is  excellent.  The  topographic  features  consist  principally  of  elevated  and 
nearly  level  plains  flanked  at  lower  elevations  by  kame  hills  and  glacial 
moraines.  The  typo  is  well  suited  to  the  production  of  potatoes,  hay,  wheat, 
oats,  etc. 


144 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


WaUpack  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  fine 
sandy  loam,  which  is  underlain  by  a  light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy 
loam  of  somewhat  heavier  texture  than  the  surface  soil.  Glacial  stones  and 
bowlders  are  scattered  about  over  the  surface  and  in  the  subsoil.  The  topog- 
raphy is  gently  tt>  steeply  sloping,  the  type  occupying  a  subordinate  ridge  on 
the  western  side  of  Kittatinny  Mountain  in  New  Jersey.  The  subsoil  is  derived 
from  glacial  till,  though  the  surface  has  been  modified  to  some  extent  by  more 
recent  wind  action.  The  surface  and  subsoil  drainage  is  good.  The  type  has 
not  a  high  agricultural  value  on  account  of  the  stone  content,  its  inherent 
droughtiness.  and  distance  from  markets.  It  is  best  adapted  to  pasturage.  Oak 
and  chestnut  are  the  common  native  forest  trees. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

.Veres. 

Miami  fine  sandy  loam 

Michigan  2, 5,  6,  7,  8;  "Wisconsin  3,  10,  15 

388.160 

171  ti4S 

Ontario  fine  sandy  loam 

New  York  5,  10,  13 

157, 69« 
93,440 
69, 184 

:«.2S0 

Carrington  fine  sandy  loam — 
Marshall  fine  sandy  loam 

hi  liana  7;  Minnesota  1;  North  Dakota  8;  Wisconsin  3 

Indiana  10;  North  Dakota  2 

.Michigan  4;  New  York  5 

24, 896 

Dover  fine  sandy  loam 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  4 

9.024 

Indiana  10 

4,608 

Missouri  12 

4.096 

Kewaunee  fine  sandy  loam 

Wisconsin  8 

2.112 

Wallpack  fine  sandy  loam .... 

New  Jersey  2 

1,408 

Total 

959,552 

'For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    FINE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


This  phase  is  an  unimportant  one,  and  though  the  mapping  includes  some 
relatively  stone-free  areas  of  undulating  topography,  where  field  crops  may  be 
grown,  the  greater  proportion  of  it  is  too  rough  and  stony  for  cultivation.  On 
the  whole,  its  best  utilization  is  for  pasturage  and  forestry  purposes. 

fjloucester  stony  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  fine  sandy  loam  about 
7  inches  deep,  grading  into  a  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown  line  sandy  loam, 
which  often  passes  into  a  yellowish-gray  or  brownish-gray  lighter-textured 
sandy  loan)  or  loamy  sand  at  24  to  30  inches.  Numerous  stones  and  bowlders, 
many  of  large  size,  are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  in  many  places  prohibit 
I  he  reclamation  of  the  land  on  account  of  the  cost  entailed  by  their  removal. 
Drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive.  The  topography  is  hilly  to  rough  and  broken. 
and  the  type  has  little  value,  except  for  pasture  land. 

•        Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

St.itf  or  aivn.1 

Kent. 

Connecticut  2 

93,952 

number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM    GBOUP. 

This  group  comprises  the  i>esi  general  purpose  soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessia] 
province  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  silt  Loam,  has  the  widest  area!  dis- 
tribution. The  soils  are  well  adapted  not  only  to  the  general  farm  crops,  but  also 
t<>  many  of  the  heavier  truck  and  markel  garden  products.  Where  Lighter- 
ired  soils  are  doI  available  upon  the  farm,  the  soils  of  this  group  reason- 
ably fulfill  the  requirements  for  Dearly  all  the  vegetables  Deeded  in  the  supply 

Of   Hie   home   l:ihle.      The   topography    is   gently    undulating   to    rolling.    Insuring 

fair  to  good  surface  drainage,  although  the  crop  yields  are  usually  enhanced  by 

tiling  or  ditching,  especially  OVOT  areas  of  heavier  subsoils.     Modern  lahor-sav- 


GLACIAL   AND   LOESSIAL   PKOVINCE.  145 

ing  machinery  can  almost  always  be  used,  making  it  practicable  to  grow  cereal 
and  grass  crops  requiring  extensive  acreages  for  their  economical  production. 
In  most  sections  where  the  loams  are  found  their  development  is  usually  so  uni- 
form that  little  waste  land  is  included  in  the  mapped  areas. 

A  noticeable  characteristic  of  the  loams  of  this  province,  however,  is  the 
variable  distribution  throughout  the  soil  section  of  angular  and  partially 
rounded  stones  and  bowlders  of  limestone  and  shale  or  the  more  resistant  gran- 
ite, quartzite,  and  other  crystalline  rocks,  many  of  which  have  been  transported 
long  distances  by  glacial  action.  This  stone  content  is  most  common  in  the 
Miami,  Volusia,  Gloucester,  Lackawanna,  and  Wethersfield  loams,  and  in  some 
of  the  areas  the  stones  are  so  abundant  as  to  offer  some  hindrance  to  cultivation. 
In  most  of  the  cultivated  areas,  however,  the  bulk  of  the  stones  has  been  re- 
moved, and  in  practically  none  of  the  areas  are  they  sufficiently  numerous  to 
make  the  types  stony  loams.  The  subsoils  of  the  larger  proportion  of  the  types 
are  sufficiently  heavy  to  be  very  retentive  of  moisture,  and  crops  seldom  suffer 
seriously  from  drought.  They  are  safe  soils,  therefore,  for  the  production  of 
such  crops  as  corn,  oats,  barley,  flax,  clover,  alfalfa,  and  late  potatoes,  and  are 
of  only  slightly  less  importance  for  wheat  and  timothy  hay.  The  loams  rank 
among  the  most  desirable  soils  of  the  province  for  the  production  of  both  tree 
and  bush  fruits,  being  particularly  adapted  to  apples,  plums,  cherries,  currants, 
raspberries,  and  blackberries,  and  in  a  less  degree  to  peaches  and  pears.  They 
are  well  adapted  to  such  late  vegetables  as  cabbage,  tomatoes,  peas,  and  sweet 
corn  for  canning,  and  to  turnips,  carrots,  rutabagas,  sugar  beets,  and  other  root 
crops.  In  considering  the  principal  special  uses  to  which  this  group  is  devoted, 
it  should  be  noted  that  a  large  proportion  of  the  apples  grown  in  northern  New 
York  are  produced  upon  the  Ontario  loam,  while  the  bulk  of  the  potatoes  shipped 
from  the  famous  northern  Maine  section  are  grown  on  the  Caribou  loam. 

Bangor  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  grayish  brown  silty  loam  from  8 
to  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish  gray  or  drab  loam  extending  to  a 
depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  A  shallow  phase  occurring  chiefly  at  higher  elevations 
and  occupying  hilltops  and  slopes  has  6  to  10  inches  of  a  brownish-yellow  silt 
loam  overlying  a  somewhat  more  compact  brownish-yellow  or  drab-gray  subsoil 
of  similar  texture  and  with  an  average  depth  of  less  than  3  feet.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  contain  many  rounded  and  subangular  granite,  quartz,  and  shale  bowl- 
ders, stones,  and  gravel,  the  proportion  of  shale  fragments  being  greatest  in  the 
shallow  phase.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
glacial  till.  The  deeper  areas  are  well  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  in- 
cluding potatoes,  oats,  clover,  and  timothy.  The  shallower  phase  has  a  low 
agricultural  value  and  a  considerable  proportion  of  it  is  in  forest  and  pasture. 

Bernardston  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light  clayey  or  silty  loam  of  dark  color 
about  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark  yellowish  loam  grading  at  a  depth  of 
14  inches  into  a  dark  slaty  blue  clay  loam  of  very  compact  nature.  The  type 
occupies  broken  and  hilly  areas,  occurring  largely  on  drumlinoid  hills.  The  for- 
est is  principally  hardwood,  sugar  maple  being  a  prominent  species,  but  in  the 
most  stony  areas,  where  the  soil  is  shallow,  chestnut,  pine,  and  hemlock  are 
common.  The  soil  is  formed  from  a  glacial  till,  made  up  of  argillaceous  rock 
material.  It  is  very  productive,  and  is  well  suited  to  grass.  It  also  produces 
excellent  crops  of  corn,  oats,  and  rye. 

Caribou  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  hazel-brown  silty  loam,  with  an  average 
depth  of  10  inches,  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  yellow  silty  loam,  grading  at 
depths  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  2  feet  into  the  lower  till,  consisting  of  a 
gray  or  grayish-yellow  silty  loam.  In  places  this  material  comes  within  a  few 
feet  of  the  surface,  in  which  case  the  yellow  stratum  is  lacking.  Small,  rounded 
fragments  of  sandstone,  gneiss,  granite,  and  quartzite  are  found  in  both  soil 
and  subsoil,  but  are  more  numerous  in  the  latter.  Almost  the  entire  type  is 
underlain  at  a  depth  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet  by  a  calcareous 
shale,  many  small  fragments  of  which  are  distributed  throughout  the  soil  and 
subsoil.  The  soil  is  of  glacial  origin,  the  material  having  been  derived  largely 
from  the  underlying  shaly  limestone.  In  virgin  forests  there  is  usually  a  thin 
layer  of  white,  floury  silt  just  beneath  the  covering  of  leafmold.  As  a  rule,  the 
soil  is  friable,  free  from  large  bowlders,  well  drained,  and  well  suited  to  cultiva- 
tion. It  is  an  upland  type,  occupying  swells  and  ridges  autl  extending  down  the 
stream  slopes  to  or  nearly  to  the  streams.  Drainage  is  good  and  the  type  is 
retentive  of  moisture.  The  native  vegetation  consists  mainly  of  maple,  ash, 
yellow  birch,  and  beech,  with  a  scattering  growth  of  spruce  and  fir.  This  soil 
is  admirably  suited  to  Irish  potatoes,  grass,  oats,  and  barley. 

79019—13 10 


146  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

(nrrington  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  mellow  loam,  ranging  in 
depth  from  10  to  14  inches.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown,  some- 
what more  compact  loam,  which  at  lower  depths  frequently  grades  into  a 
heterogeneous  stratum  of  clay.  sand,  gravel,  and  bowlders.  The  type  occupies 
undulating  to  rolling  country.  The  soil  consists  of  residual  material  derived 
from  glacial  till.  While  extensive  areas  are  well  drained  and  admirably  suited 
to  farming,  there  are  occasional  small  areas  of  obstructed  drainage  embracing 
bogs,  ponds,  and  swampy  depressions,  outlets  for  which  in  many  cases  would  be 
very  difficult  to  supply.  The  type  is  admirably  suited  to  general  farming. 
Wheat,  corn,  oats,  barley,  and  flax  are  the  principal  crops. 

Cazenovia  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  loam  about  12  inches  deep,  containing 
some  gravel  and  fragments  of  limestone  and  red  sandstone.  The  subsoil  is  a 
brown  to  reddish  clay  loam  resting  on  limestone  or  shale  at  a  depth  of  3  feet. 
Occasionally  large  bowlders  are  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  type  occupies 
high  rolling  hills  and  tablelands  and  is  quite  uniform  in  character  over  large 
areas.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  glacial  material  deposited  as 
terminal  or  ground  moraines.  In  many  instances  this  mantle  is  comparatively 
thin  over  the  underlying  limestone  and  shale,  which  has  contributed  consider- 
able material  to  the  drift.  The  principal  crops  are  grass,  alfalfa,  corn,  potatoes, 
and  wheat,  of  which  good  yields  are  usually  secured. 

Coloma  loam. — This  soil  is  a  brown  loam  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yel- 
lowish-brown to  yellowish  loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth  to  IS  inches, 
where  it  merges  into  a  sticky  sandy  loam  or  gravelly  loam.  It  is  gently  rolling 
to  rolling  in  topography  and  is  derived  from  glacial  material  deposited  in  the 
form  of  moraine.  The  drainage  is  good  and  yields  of  staple  crops,  such  as  corn, 
•oats,  rye.  hay.  and  potatoes,  are  fair. 

Culvers  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  medium  brown  loam  or  heavy  loam.  The 
subsoil  is  of  a  yellowish-brown  color,  with  a  peculiar  reddish  cast.  Subangular 
fragments  of  stone,  principally  from  the  Medina  sandstone  and  Shawangunk  con- 
glomerates, are  irregularly  scattered  throughout  the  profile,  though  not  to  such 
;m  extent  as  to  interfere  seriously  with  cultivation.  The  topography  is  gently 
rolling  to  rolling,  and  the  surface  drainage  is  usually  good,  though  the  movement 
of  water  through  the  subsoil  is  frequently  impeded  by  a  compact  substratum 
resembling  hardpan.  A  considerable  portion  of  the  tyi>e  is  timbered  with  oak 
and  chestnut.    Cleared  areas  produce  grass,  rye.  buckwheat,  and  some  corn. 

Dover  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown,  friable,  gran- 
ular loam  or  silt  loam,  about  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  3G  inches 
or  more,  is  a  yellowish  loam  or  silt  loam.  Sometimes  both  soil  and  subsoil  are 
reddish.  Gravel  and  blocks  of  limestone  are  usually  strewn  upon  the  surface. 
The  type  occurs  in  valleys  and  the  surface  is  made  up  of  low  hills  and  ridges 
and  numerous  outcropping  ledges  of  limestone.  The  drainage  is  good.  It  is 
largely  residual  from  underlying  limestone,  but  is  partly  glacial.  The  cedar  is 
a  characteristic  tree  growth.  This  is  a  strong  general  farming  soil  and 
especially  prized  for  pasture.  Corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  hay  give  excellent  results, 
and  the  typo  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  apples  and  other  fruits. 

Dutchess  loam. — This   is  a    Light-brown   to  brown   or  grayish-brown   rather 

heavy  loam  with  a  Bllghtly  lower  content  of  slate  and  shale  particles  than  is 
the  case  with  Other  members  of*  the  series.  Bowlders  are  sometimes  present 
and  are  for  the  most  part  derived  from  local  rocks.  The  BUbSOil  is  a  light- 
browil  to  yellowish-brown  loam  or  silt  loam.  In  some  cases  a  tendency  to  the 
formation  Of  hardpan  exists.  As  a  rule  the  soil  is  friable  and  easy  to  work 
if  cultivated  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  The  topography  is  sloping  or 
rolling  to  hilly,  and  surface  drainage  ordinarily  good,  though  where  the  subsoil 

is  beavy  and  Impervious  the  under  drainage  is  frequently  Inadequate.  The  type 
is  adapted  to  general  farming,  Including  such  crops  as  wheat,  corn,  oats,  and 
grass.    Clover  can  be  successfully  grown  when  the  soil  is  limed. 

East  on  loam.  This  type  consists  of  an  ashy  gray  to  nearly  white  silly  loam. 
underlain  at  a  depth  of  10  Inches  by  a  mottled  gray  ami  yellow  sllty  loam,  the 

yellow   color   becoming   more   pronounced    until    at    a    depth    of  86    inches  only   a 

slight  mottling  of  gray  is  discernible.  Frequently  a  layer  of  Bticky  yellow 
clay  is  encountered  al  depths  of  20  to  80  inches.  Usually  the  soil  and  subsoil 
carry  a  large  Dumber  of  angular  glacial  bowlders  and  rock  fragments  ami  also 

considerable   small    sandstone   and    shale   gravel.      When   dry    the   surface   has  a 

decided  whitish,  floury  character,  due  to  the  presence  of  glacial  ground  rock. 

The  type  OCCUrS  as  flat,  depressed  areas   in    larger  hodies  of  Caribou    loam  and 

as  narrow  strips  bordering  areas  of  muck,    in  its  presenl  condition  it  is  poorly 

drained   and    rather  difficult    to  handle.     '1'he  soil    is  of  glacial   origin   and   owes 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE.  147 

its  characteristic  light  color  to  a  less  advanced  stage  of  weathering  or  to  an 
alteration  of  the  upper  till  through  alternating  periods  of  wetness  and  drought. 
Where  properly  drained  fair  yields  of  a  rather  inferior  grade  of  potatoes  are 
secured.     Oats  and  grass  do  fairly  well,  but  the  latter  is  inclined  to  winter-kill. 

Farmington  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  silt  loam  from  6  to  10  inches 
deep,  resting  upon  thin-bedded  shaly  limestone.  This  shallow  soil  is  more  or 
less  filled  with  angular  fragments  of  limestone  carrying  some  glacial  gravel 
and  stones.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  and  the  drainage  is  good.  The 
type  occupies  valley  positions,  where  a  large  part  of  the  glacial  material  origi- 
nally present  has  "been  swept  away  by  glacial  streams,  and  the  soil  is  thus 
partly  residual.  It  is  well  adapted  to  potatoes,  beans,  corn,  oats,  and  clover, 
the  success  of  these  crops  depending  upon  the  depth  to  the  underlying  rock. 

Hustling  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  friable  brown  loam  from  8  to  14 
inches  in  depth  and  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  reddish  silty  or  fine  sandy  loam 
extending  to  a  depth  of  30  inches,  where  micaceous  yellow  sand  is  usually 
encountered,  though  in  some  cases  the  material  may  rest  upon  crystalline  bed- 
rock. The  type  is  developed  upon  glacial  moraines  and  the  intervening  depres- 
sions between  the  hills  and  upon  the  plains.  The  material  is  of  glacial  origin, 
mainly  from  granitic  rock,  and  unmodified  by  water  and  wind  action.  Grass 
is  the  principal  crop,  with  corn  next  in  importance.  Where  not  too  rough  this 
type  makes  a  strong  agricultural  soil. 

Gloucester  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  is  a  light-brown  to  medium 
brown  silty  loam  with  a  slightly  gritty  feel,  though  in  some  areas  the  presence 
of  finely  divided  mica  flakes  gives  the  soil  a  smoother  texture.  The  subsoil  is 
a  yellowish,  compact  silty  loam  about  30  inches  deep,  resting  upon  broken  or 
bed  rock.  A  few  rock  fragments  are  strewn  upon  the  surface  and  through  the 
soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  the  tops  and  slopes  of  high  ridges  and  has 
good  surface  drainage.  It  is  regarded  as  cold,  wet,  late  land,  owing  to  the  com- 
pactness of  subsoil,  and  would  be  improved  by  artificial  drainage.  In  origin  it  is 
partly  glacial  and  partly  residual.  It  is  an  excellent  soil  for  timothy,  redtop, 
and  clover,  and  makes  good  pasturage.  In  well-drained  locations  it  can  be  used 
for  orchard  sites. 

Judson  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  mellow  black  loam,  varying  in  depth 
from  a  few  inches  to  3  or  more  feet.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  clay  loam 
or  unaltered  glacial  till.  The  type  occurs  along  the  gentle  slopes  of  stream 
valleys  or  near  the  foot  of  these  slopes.  It  is  gently  sloping  in  topography  and 
of  colluvial  origin.  It  is  admirably  suited  to  fruit  culture,  especially  apples. 
Only  a  small  part  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  Good  crops  of  corn,  wheat, 
tabbage,  and  potatoes  are  raised. 

Kewaunee  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  loam  about  12  inches 
deep  containing  considerable  silt  and  some  coarse  angular  sand  and  fine  gravel. 
The  subsoil  is  a  brownish-red  clay  loam  grading  into  a  light-red  clay  or  silty 
clay  at  depths  of  24  to  30  inches.  This  clay  is  neutral  or  slightly  calcareous  in 
reaction.  Throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil  occur  numerous  glacial  gravels, 
cobblestones,  and  bowlders,  in  some  places  being  so  abundant  as  to  preclude 
boring  and  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  In  the  region  along  the  western  shore 
of  Lake  Michigan  these  arc  largely  of  limestone,  but  include  some  granite, 
sandstone,  and  other  rocks  brought  in  from  regions  farther  north.  The 
topography  varies  from  gently  undulating  to  rolling  and  morainic,  the  slope 
being  usually  sufficient  to  provide  ample  surface  drainage.  In  many  cases  tiling 
or  ditching  is  advisable  on  account  of  the  obstruction  to  moisture  movements 
due  to  the  heavy  subsoil.  Maple,  beech,  and  hemlock,  with  some  white  and 
Norway  pine,  constitute  the  principal  native  forest  growth.  The  cultivated 
areas  are  highly  productive,  giving  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  barley,  wheat,  rye, 
peas,  and  hay. 

Lackawanna  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  reddish  loam 
rather  high  in  silt,  about  8  inches  deep,  becoming  brown  or  reddish  brown  when 
moist.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-brown  or  Indian-red  loam.  Red  shale  and  sub- 
angular  sandstone  fragments  of  varying  size  occur  scattered  throughout  the 
soil  profile.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  glacial  till,  from 
the  red  shales  of  the  High  Falls  formation  of  Silurian  age.  The  topography 
varies  from  undulating  to  rough  and  hilly  or  mountainous,  so  that  the  agricul- 
tural value  is  variable.  The  general  farm  crops  are  grown  and  give  fair  yields 
under  favorable  climatic  conditions. 

Marshall  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  loam  10  to  12  inches  deep, 
resting  on  a  lighter  colored  loam  or  heavy  loam.  The  deep  subsoil  consists  of  a 
heterogeneous  mass  of  clay,  sand,  gravel,  and  bowlders,     The  type  is  derived 


148  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

from  unstratified  glacial  drift.  Glacial  bowlders  are  found  here  aud  there  on 
the  surface,  being  so  plentiful  in  some  areas  as  to  interfere  with  cultivation. 
The  type  occupies  gently  undulating  to  rolling  country  and  covers  wide  areas 
in  the  prairies  of  the  Northwest.  While  extensive  areas  are  well  drained  and 
suited  to  farming,  there  are  numerous  bogs,  ponds,  and  swampy  depressions, 
which  often  present  a  difficult  drainage  problem.  The  soil  is  excellent  for  gen- 
eral farming  purposes.  Wheal,  oats.  corn,  barley,  and  flax  are  the  principal 
crops.     It  is  also  adapted  to  vegetables  tor  canning. 

Miami  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark-gray,  rather  mellow 
loam  about  12  inches  deep,  sometimes  becoming  lighter  in  color  with  depth.  The 
subsoil  is  a  compact  yellow  or  light-brown  sandy  clay,  frequently  carrying 
stones  and  gravel.  Gravelly  material  is  often  encountered  at  a  depth  of  14  to 
25  inches.  A  few  bowlders  and  pebbles  are  usually  found  on  the  surface.  The 
type  occupies  level  to  rolling  upland,  and  is  fairly  well  drained,  except  some  of 
the  level  areas.  The  soil  is  especially  suited  to  corn  and  potatoes,  while  small 
grains  and  grass  are  grown  with  a  fair  degree  of  success.  Canning  crops  and 
small  fruits,  such  as  strawberries  and  raspberries,  do  well. 

Mohawk  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brown  to  brownish-gray  loam  about  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  heavy  brown  loam  extending  to  36  inches  and  becom- 
ing heavier  with  depth.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  some  glacial  stone  and 
gravel.  The  topography  is  usually  hilly.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weather- 
ing of  glacial  debris  slightly  modified  by  water  action  over  a  small  part  of  its 
area.     It  is  a  good  soil  for  corn,  oats,  and  grass,  and  potatoes  give  fair  results. 

Ontario  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  loam  about  9  inches  deep  con- 
taining from  20  to  50  per  cent  of  small  rounded  cobbles  and  bowlders  of  crys- 
talline origin.  Subangular  fragments  of  shale  .and  limestone  are  also  found 
mixed  with  the  soil  and  subsoil  over  portions  of  the  type.  The  subsoil  is 
usually  a  compact  brown  or  reddish-brown  loam,  often  slightly  mottled.  The 
topography  for  the  most  part  is  rolling  to  hilly,  especially  where  it  occurs  in 
the  drumlin  areas  of  western  New  York.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weath- 
ering of  glacial  drift.  It  is  usually  well  drained  and  the  retentive  character 
of  the  subsoil  makes  it  well  adapted  to  conserve  moisture  for  crops.  Good 
yields  of  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  and  vegetables  are  secured.  It  is  also  well 
adapted  to  tree  fruits,  especially  apples  and  cherries. 

Shelby  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  fine  sandy  or  silty  loam  of  a  gray  or 
brown  color  from  3  to  8  inches  deep,  grading  into  a  reddish-yellow  sandy  clay, 
which  extends  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  It  is  locally  termed  "  white-oak 
land."  Iron  pipes  and  concretions  are  usually  in  evidence.  The  subsoil  is 
made  up  mainly  of  pockets  of*  sand  and  clay,  with  occasional  thin  lenses  of 
cherty  gravel.  The  tyi>e  is  of  glacial  origin.  It  occurs  topographically  below 
the  futnam  silt  loam  and  is  exposed  through  stream  cutting  and  erosion  of  the 
overlying  prairie.  It  occupies  steep  slopes  adjacent  to  the  watercourses.  The 
Dative  timber  growth  consists  of  white  and  scrub  oak.  with  a  scattering  of  red 
oak  and  hickory.  The  type  is  much  less  productive  than  the  Putnam  silt  loam. 
It  is  poorly  adapted  to  wheat  and  corn.  The  former  yields  an  average  of 
about  H)  bushels  and  the  latter  about  26  bushels  per  acre.  The  soil  is  used 
almost  exclusively  for  pasture. 

VolUlia  loam.  -The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  loam  about  S  inches  deep. 
containing  a  considerable  quantity  of  ii.it  shale  and  sandstone  fragments  and 

;i  large  quantity  of  finely  divided  shale  chips,  popularly  called  "shale  gravel" 
or  "black  gravel."  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  mottled  yellow  or  gray  slightly 
silty    loam.      I'.olh    soil    and    subsoil    contain    a    large   percentage   Of    shale    and 

sandstone  fragments.     The  type  is  derived   through  the  feeble  glaclation  of 

the   underlying  shales  and   sandstones.      In   some  phicos  the  till    is  so   thin   that 

the  underlying  shale  or  sandstone  is  reached  within  the  8-foot  section.  The 
■urface  Is  generally  less  rolling  than  that  of  a  greater  part  of  the  Volusia  silt 

loam,  though  for  'the  most  part  the  drainage  is  adequate.  The  soil  is  well 
adapted    to   the  production   Of  grass,   oats,   buckwheat,  and  com    in   the  less  eh' 

rated  portions.  Apples  are  grown  to  advantage  on  this  type  throughout  a 
considerable  part  of  its  extent,  and  some  of  the  canning  crops  are  also 
produced. 

\\ctl,<rs/irl<l  loam.  'I'll.'  soil  is  a  rod  or  reddish  brown  line  sandy  loam 
about  11  inches  deep,  resting  OPOU  a  somewhat  heavier  sandy  loam  which  is 
light    Indian   red   in  color.      Both   soil   and  subsoil  contain  angular  bowlders  ami 

undecomposed  rock  fragments,  representing  from  r,  to  50  per  cent  of  the  soil 
mass  and  varying  in  diameter  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet.  The  surface 
of  the  type  is 'hilly  in  some  Instances,  though  more  often  rolling  ami  suitable  for 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL  PROVINCE. 


149 


agriculture.  The  type  is  derived  through  glacial  action  from  the  Triassic 
formation.  Where  the  stones  are  not  too  numerous  or  have  been  removed 
good  crops  of  heavy-bodied  tobacco  are  produced,  as  well  as  corn,  wheat,  and 
grass. 

Whitman  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  brownish-gray,  or  black  loam  about 
8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  somewhat  heavier  gray  loam  mottled  with  yel- 
low and  brown,  the  texture  usually  becoming  lighter  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
3-foot  profile.  Granite  or  gneiss  cobbles,  stones,  and  bowlders  frequently  occur 
at  the  surface  and  in  the  subsoil.  The  topography  is  flat  and  drainage  poor. 
The  type  usually  occurs  associated  with  areas  of  Muck  or  Meadow.  White 
pine,  maple,  and  birch  constitute  the  principal  timber  growth.  When  drained 
the  type  produces  corn,  grass,  and  the  heavier  truck  crops. 

Williams  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  loam  or  heavy  loam  about 
16  inches  deep,  the  color  being  due  to  the  presence  of  organic  matter.  The 
subsoil  is  a  whitish,  calcareous  loam  reaching  to  a  depth  of  more  than  3  feet. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  may  contain  a  small  percentage  of  gravel  and  bowlders, 
and  in  places  the  subsoil  at  lower  depths  passes  into  a  mass  of  subangular 
bowlders  and  clay  or  loam.  It  is  characteristic  of  the  type  that  it  rarely  con- 
tinues uniform  over  any  extensive  stretch  of  country.  The  type  is  of  glacial 
origin  and  occupies  areas  of  nearly  level  to  rolling  topography.  The  principal 
crops  are  wheat  and  flax  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  oats,  barley,  rye.  and  millet. 

Worth  loam. — This  tyre  is  a  light  brown  loam  varying  from  6  to  $2  inches 
in  depth,  underlain  by  a  yellowish-gray  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  a 
rather  high  percentage  of  partially  rounded  glacial  stones  and  gravel  as  well  as 
local  shale  from  the  Lorraine  formation.  The  soil  material,  however,  is  com- 
paratively deep  to  the  underlying  rock,  providing  an  excellent  moisture  reser- 
voir. The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  the  type  ranging  in  elevation  from 
700  to  1,700  feet.  The  surface  drainage  is  ample,  while  the  soil  coutains 
enough  sand  and  stone  to  make  underdrainage  fairly  good.  The  type  is  con- 
sidered well  adapted  to  potatoes,  yields  of  100  to  200  bushels  being  secured. 
Oats,  hay,  buckwheat,  and  corn  for  ensilage  are  also  profitable  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Carrington  loam 


Shelby  loam 

Volusia  loam 

Ontario  loam 

Miami  loam 

Williams  loam 

Caribou  loam 

Flushing  loam 

Cazenovia  loam 

Gloucester  loam... 
Wethersfield  loam . 

Colomaloam 

Dutchess  loam.... 

Dover  loam 

Kewaunee  loam... 

Bangor  loam 

Worth  loam 

Marshall  loam .... 

Judson  loam 

Hernardston  loam. 
Lackawanna  loam . 
Fannington  loam . 

Easton  loam 

Mohawk  loam 

Whitman  loam  . . . 
Culvers  loam,  i 


Indiana  6,  7;  Iowa  1,  3,  4;  Michigan  3;  Minnesota  1,  4,  5;  Ne- 
braska 3;  North  Dakota  1,  2,  5,  9;  Wisconsin  3, 12, 15. 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  1,  2,  12.  13,  16,  17,  19,  20,  21 

New  York  1,  6,  9,  13,  15,  18;  Ohio  1;  Pennsylvania  7 

New  York  1,  8.  10,  13,  15 

Michigan  1,3;  Minnesota2;  Ohio3,10;  Wisconsin 3,  8, 11, 12,15. 

North  Dakota  11 

Maine  1 

New  York  7;  Rhode  Island  1 

New  York  9,  14 

Connecticut  2;  Massachusetts  2;  New  Jersey  2;  New  York  4... 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

Wisconsin  10,  16 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  5 

New  Jersey  2:  New  York  4 

Minnesota'2;  Wisconsin  8 

Maine  2 

New  York  5 

Illinois  6;  Minnesota  5 

Minnesota  1;  Missouri  12 

Massachusetts  1 

New  Jersev  2 

New  York  11, 13 

Maine  1 

New  York  11 

Massachusetts  2 

New  Jersey  2 


1, 616, 768 

1,138,944 

599,650 

446,016 

432,886 

272, 256 

220, 672 

201,984 

176,512 

122,368 

109,116 

61,056 

51,776 

50,112 

33,408 

32,576 

24,384 

22,976 

17, 152 

16,064 

12,928 

10,560 

9,024 

7,  680 

4,736 

3,328 


Total. 


5,694,932 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column,  see  p.  733. 
STONY    LOAM    PHASE. 


While  areas  of  this  phase  occur  under  conditions  of  undulating  to  gently 
rolling  tonography,  many  of  them  are  roughly  rolling  to  hilly  and  even  moun- 
tainous, and  thus  unfavorably  situated  for  successful  cultivation.    The  soils  also 


150  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

• 

contain  glacial  stones  and  bowlders  of  such  size  and  in  such  quantities  that  the 
expense  of  their  removal  is  not  justified  by  the  subsequent  value  of  the  land. 
Where  relatively  smooth  and  stone-free  areas  exist  the  general  grain  and  hay 
crops  can  be  produced,  though  the  high  altitudes  of  some  of  the  areas  of 
Dutchess  and  Volusia  stony  loams  prohibit  the  growth  of  any  but  the  earliest 
maturing  varieties  of  corn.  Upon  these  Types,  as  well  as  upon  the  Lackawanna 
stony  loam,  buckwheat  and  potatoes  are  among  the  most  commonly  grown 
crops,  and  oats  do  very  well.  The  phase  as  a  whole  is  fairly  well  adapted  to 
grass,  especially  the  Dover,  Dutchess,  and  Volusia  types,  and  where  the  areas 
are  too  rough  or  stony  to  permit  of  profitable  harvesting  of  the  crop  for  bay. 
the  grazing  of  stock  can  be  successfully  engaged  in.  Where  favorable  slopes 
and  locations  can  be  secured  apples  do  well,  especially  upon  the  Dutchess. 
Volusia,  Hollis,  and  Gloucester  stony  loams.  The  reclamation  of  the  very  rough 
and  excessively  stony  areas  of  this  phase  should  not  be  attempted,  as  they  are 
better  reforested  or  used  for  pasture  lands. 

Bangor  stony  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  grayish  to  yellowish-brown  loam 
to  sandy  loam  6  or  8  inches  deep  overlying  a  somewhat  lighter  colored  and  more 
compact  subsoil  of  similar  texture  to  the  soil.  The  soil  section  varies  from  one 
to  several  feet  in  depth  over  the  country  rock,  and  in  places  there  are  numer- 
ous small  areas  of  rock  outcrop.  Stones  of  various  kinds  and  sizes  are  so 
numerous  as  to  preclude  profitable  cultivation,  except  in  small  patches.  The 
topography  is  broken  to  hilly.  The  type  is  devoted  almost  exclusively  to  hill 
pasture  and  has  a  low  agricultural  value.  A  considerable  portion  is  still 
forested. 

Caribou  stony  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  silty  loam  about 
8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish-gray  silty  loam  which  continues  to  the 
underlying  rock.  There  are  occasional  small  outcroppings  of  conglomerates, 
diabase,  andesite,  and  quartz  trachyte,  and  the  slopes  are  strewn  with  glacial 
bowlders  of  these  and  similar  rocks.  On  account  of  the  bowlders,  the  shallow- 
ness of  the  soil,  and  the  steepness  of  the  surface  the  type  is  difficult  to  cultivate. 
The  type  occupies  high  ridges,  peaks,  and  steep  slopes.  The  soil  is  derived 
mainly  from  glacial  till,  but  has  in  places  been  materially  Influenced  by  the 
decomposition  of  the  underlying  rock  or  by  accumulations  of  organic  matter. 
The  characteristic  tree  growth  consists  of  yellow  birch,  beech,  and  maple,  with 
a  sprinkling  of  spruce  and  fir.  None  of  the  tyi>e  is  under  cultivation,  and  it  is 
best  left  in  forest. 

Carrington  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy 
sandy  loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light -brown  or  yellow 
sandy  loam  to  clay  loam.  A  considerable  amount  of  gravel  and  bowlders  is  dis- 
seminated throughout  the  soil  mass  and  bowlders  are  thickly  strewn  over  the 
mrface.  The  type  occupies  rolling  uplands  and  broken  slopes.  The  soil  ma- 
terial is  derived  from  glacial  till.  The  abundance  of  stones  makes  cultivation 
difficult  over  most   of  the  typo.      Grass  does  well,  and  on   the  whole  (his  soil  is 

best  adapted  to  pasturage. 

'ijiuim  %tony  loam.-  This  type  consists  of  ;i  brown  or  snuff-colored  loam 
from  8  to  10  Inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  lighter  brown  loam  carrying  fragments 
of  shale.  c;ilc;ireous  sandstone,  and  some  foreign  glacial  bowlders.  The  subsoil 
usually    extends    to    depths    below    the    3-foot    section,    although    sometimes    the 

underlying  bedrock  more  closely  approaches  the  surface.  The  type  owes  its 
characteristic  brown  color  and  stone  content  to  the  weathering  of  this  calcareous 
sandstone  material,     it  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  uplands  ami  is  well  adapted  to 

COni    OatS,  potatoes,  hay,  apples,  and  other  tree  fruits. 

Culvers  stony  loam     The  Burface  soil  is  a  brown  to  grayish-brown  or  brown- 

Ish-drab,  friable  loam  or  silty  Loam,  easily  cultivated  when  dry.  but   inclined  to 

r,<-  somewhal  sticky  when  wet.    The  subsoil  varies  from  a  yellow  t<>  yellowish- 
mottled  silty  Loam  or  silty  chiy  loam.      Numerous  stones  and  large  bowlders 
Klstone    and    conglomerate    are    scattered    thickly    over    the    surface    :ind 

throughout  the  soil  profile,  rendering  the  type  for  the  most  pun  uonarable.  it 
is  locally  known  .-is  --ray  rock  land/5  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  hilly. 
Good  grass  sods  form,  and  the  type  is  best  adapted  to  pasturage. 

Dover  stony  loam.  The  Burface  soil  of  this  type  is  a  Light-brown  to  yellowish- 
brown  loam  "i-  silt  Loam  about  7  Inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  brown. 
heavier  silt  loam  containing  some  of  the  finer  grades  of  Band,  stones  and 
bowlders  ot  Limestone,  together  with  some  crystalline  bowlders  of  glacial  origin, 
are  also  present  in  the  soil  profile  Outcrops  <>f  limestone  rock  are  of  frequent 
occurrence.  The  topography  ranges  from  gently  undulating  to  rolling,  with 
ridges  in  the  valleys  where  tin-  limestone  Ledges  occur.    The  rough  topography 


GLACIAL  AND    LOESSIAL   PKOVINCE.  151 

and  the  abundance  of  rock  fragments  and  outcrops  preclude  any  attempt  at 
cultivation.  The  type  furnishes  excellent  pasturage,  however,  as  bluegrass 
grows  well. 

Dutchess  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  friable  and  some- 
what granular  loam  or  silt  loam,  about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  to  a  depth  of 
18  inches  by  a  yellowish  or  reddish-yellow  material,  similar  in  texture  to  the 
soil,  though  varying  somewhat  in  content  of  sand  and  clay.  The  type  occupies 
low  hills  and  ridges  and  rocky,  irregular  knolls  with  small  swampy  intervening 
depressions.  The  underlying  rock  is  often  exposed.  Drainage  is  genera lly 
good.  The  soil  is  of  glacial  origin,  but  the  underlying  rock  is  so  near  the  sur- 
face that  it  has  influenced  the  character  of  the  soil  somewhat.  The  forest 
growth  consists  of  oak,  chestnut,  maple,  and  cedar.  The  type  is  not  generally 
considered  good  farming  land,  though  in  places  it  is  excellent  for  apples  or 
pasture.  Where  so  used  organic  matter  should  be  supplied.  Some  areas  should 
be  left  in  forest. 

Gloucester*  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  sandy  loam  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  10  inches  by  a  more  sandy  and  gravelly  material  of  gray  color.  The 
subsoil  is  a  mass  of  rock  fragments,  the  thin  soil  mantle  often  resting  directly 
upon  the  bedrock.  From  20  to  80  per  cent  of  the  bowlders  occur  on  the  surface 
and  throughout  the  soil  profile,  while  frequently  the  bedrock  is  exposed.  The 
type  usually  presents  a  rough,  broken  topography,  hilly  and  almost  mountainous 
in  character,  and  on  account  of  its  position  and  the  loose,  open  character  of 
the  subsoil  it  is  in  many  places  excessively  drained.  The  soil  is  in  part  residual 
and  in  part  of  glacial  origin,  bearing,  however,  a  distinct  relation  to  the  under- 
lying or  adjacent  rock,  from  which,  in  the  main,  it  has  been  derived.  Very 
little  of  this  type  is  cleared  and  under  cultivation,  and  it  is  covered  for  the 
most  part  with  a  stunted  growth  of  chestnut,  oak,  white  birch,  and  undergrowth. 
Some  corn  and  potatoes  are  produced,  but  only  light  yields  are  obtained.  The 
type  as  a  whole  is  best  suited  to  forestry  and  pasturage,  though  in  some  places 
orcharding  should  be  profitable. 

Hollis  stony  loam. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  is  a  light-brown 
fine  loam,  silty  and  somewhat  sandy.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-yellow  or  grayish 
heavy  loam  to  sandy  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  filled  with  slaty  frag- 
ments of  schistose  rock.  Occasionally  there  is  considerable  mica  in  both  sur- 
face and  subsoil.  The  type  ranges  in  elevation  from  200  to  500  feet,  the  surface 
consisting  of  a  series  of  low  knolls  and  ridges.  It  is  in  part  derived  from  over- 
lying glacial  material  and  in  part  from  the  weathering  of  the  underlying 
micaceous  schistose  rock.  Fair  yields  of  corn,  oats,  and  grass  are  secured. 
Apples  are  the  principal  fruit  crop,  although  strawberries  and  other  small 
fruits  do  well  and  there  are  some  successful  peach  orchards  on  the  type. 
Dairying  is  the  principal  farming  industry-  Organic  manures  are  necessary 
to  maintain  the  productivity  of  the  type. 

1/olyoke  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellow  or  brown  loam  from  7  to 
12  inches  deep,  overlying  a  loam  or  heavy  sandy  loam  subsoil  to  the  depth  of 
about  3  feet.  Numerous  stones  and  bowlders  of  diabase  and  other  crystalline 
rocks,  together  with  some  gravel,  are  found  throughout  the  soil  section. 
The  material,  is  of  glacial  origin.  The  areas  are  rough  and  mountainous,  occur- 
ring along  the  lower  slopes  of  diabase  ranges.  Where  not  too  rough  and  stony 
the  soil  is  used  for  grass  and  grain  crops  and  to  some  extent  for  tobacco. 
Dairying  is  the  most  important  industry,  though  the  type  is  quite  extensively 
used  for  fruit,  especially  apples. 

Kewaunee  stony  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  consists  of  a 
light  -brown  loam,  underlain  by  a  loam  grading  into  red  clay  at  depths  of  22 
to  36  inches.  On  the  surface  and  mixed  with  the  soil  are  stones  and  bowlders 
in  considerable  quantity.  The  surface  is  rolling  to  hilly,  and  the  natural  drain- 
age is  generally  good.  It  is  a  glacial  soil,  and  where  not  too  rough  or  the  stones 
too  numerous  is  adapted  to  oats,  hay,  and  wheat. 

Lackawanna  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  loam  about  7  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  reddish  to  Indian-red  loam.  A  large  percentage  of  sub- 
angular  fragments  of  red  sandstone  and  shale  occur  throughout  the  section. 
The  topography  varies  from  rolling  to  hilly  and  mountainous,  and  drainage  Is 
good  to  excessive.  On  account  of  the  high  stone  content,  combined  with  the 
rough  topography,  much  of  the  type  is  valuable  only  for  pasturage  and  forestry. 
Chestnut  and  oak  are  the  prevailing  native  varieties  of  trees  growing  on  the 
type. 

Nunda  stony  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  6  inches  of  light-brown  heavy  loam. 
carrying  a  generous  content  of  rounded  glacial  stones  and  gravel.     The  subsoil 


152  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

is  a  brown  to  bluish  glacial  till,  also  filled  with  rounded  limestone  fragments 
and  other  glacial  materials.  The  type  is  of  till  origin.  It  has  a  small  total 
area  and  is  not  farmed  extensively. 

Ontario  stony  loam.— The  soil  is  a  light-brown  friable  loam,  with  a  subsoil 
of  about  the  same  color  and  texture  as  the  soil,  but  slightly  more  compact. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  numerous  subangular  glacial  stones  and  bowlders 
of  limestone,  together  with  some  foreign  rocks.  These  are  so  numerous  as  to 
seriously  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  some 
of  the  type  occurring  on  steep  slopes.  Drainage  is  usually  good.  The  native 
forest  growth  is  principally  hard  maple,  together  with  some  beech,  birch,  elm, 
etc.  The  type  is  principally  in  forest.  Where  not  too  rough  and  stony  cleared 
areas  are  quite  productive  of  the  ordinary  farm  crops. 

Shelby  stony  loam. — This  type  comprises  outcrops  of  the  Kansan  till,  too 
rough  and  stony  for  cultivation,  and  used  mainly  for  pasturage.  The  areas 
occur  associated  with  other  members  of  the  Shelby  series  and  probably  will 
be  mapped  only  in  areas  where  the  Kansan  till  or  other  older  glacial  till  is 
represented.  The  type  differs  from  the  Miami  stony  loam  in  being  noncal- 
careous,  while  the  interstitial  material  is  much  heavier  and  more  impervious 
than  that  of  the  Coloma  stony  loam  of  the  Wisconsin  drift.  The  type  is  found 
principally  along  the  margins  of  valleys  and  is  subject  to  considerable  erosion. 

Volusia  stony  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  9  inches  is  a  brown, 
rather  heavy  loam.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellow  or  mottled  yellow  and 
gray  loam,  which  becomes  more  sandy  with  increasing  depth  and  continues 
to  3  feet  or  more.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  filled  with  fiat  shale  and  sand- 
stone fragments.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  wash  of  higher  lying  areas  of 
Volusia  loam  or  Volusia  silt  loam  deposited  over  moraine  belts  bordering  the 
higher  uplands.  It  is  a  good  general-purpose  farming  soil,  and  where  well 
drained  is  adapted  to  apple  orcharding.  It  also  produces  good  yields  of 
timothy  hay,  oats,  buckwheat,  and  potatoes. 

Wallpack  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  yellowish-gray  loam  about 
7  inches  deep,  overlying  a  yellowish-brown  to  yellow  loam  of  similar  texture. 
The  type  occupies  steep  slopes,  and  both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  numerous 
loose  rock  fragments,  stones,  and  bowlders  of  chert,  limestone,  and  shale. 
Drainage  is  ample.  The  rough  topography  and  high  stone  content  restrict  the 
use  of  the  type  to  pasturage  and  forestry.  The  natural  timber  growth  consists 
of  oak  and  chest  nut,  together  with  occasional  dogwood  and  cedar  trees. 

Williams  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-brown  loam,  usually  under- 
T ; t lis  by  a  gray  or  yellowish-gray,  heavier  textured,  calcareous  subsoil.  The  type 
occupies  semiarid  upland  areas  that  are  so  covered  with  bowlders  that  cultivation 
is  difficult  and  sometimes  impossible.  The  stone  content  in  such  localities  may 
range  from  15  to  r>0  per  cent  of  the  soil  mass  to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  The  stone 
may  range  in  size  from  gravel  to  bowlders  weighing  many  hundred  pounds,  but 
the  large  bowlders  are  rare.  The  type  has  a  POUghfy  rolling  topography  and 
is  of  glacial  origin.      It   constitutes  a   valuable  pasture  land. 

Worth  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  grayish-brown  loam  or  tine  sandy 
loam  abOUl  <">  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  heavier  loam  snbsoil  of  light  brown  or 
grayish  color.     A   rather  large  percentage  of  foreign  bowlders  and  large  stones 

occur  .it  the  surface  and  throughout  the  profile,  and  mixed  with  this  is  some 

Local  shale  rock.  The  type  is  developed  on  hilltops,  steep  slopes,  and  to  some 
extent  in  valley  positions.  The  are.is  ;ire  for  the  most  pari  timbered  with 
maple,  elm.  beech,  and  birch.     The  type  has  a  low  agricultural  value  on  account 

of  iis  stonlness  and  rough  topography,  though  it  affords  considerable  pasturage. 

It    should  be  forested   rather  than  cultivated. 


GLACIAL   AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


153 


Soil  name. 


Holyoke  stony  loam 

Gloucester  stony  loam. . . 

Dutchess  stony  loam 

Cossayuna  stony  loam  . . . 
Carrington  stony  loam... 

Williams  stony  loam 

Bangor  stony  loam 

Culvers  stony  loam 

Dover  stony  loam 

Lackawanna  stony  loam. 

Volusia  stony  loam 

Kewaunee  stony  loam  . . . 

Hollis  stony  loam 

Ontario  stony  loam 

Caribou  stony  loam 

Wallpack  stony  loam 

Worth  stony  loam 

Shelby  stony  loam 

Nunda  stony  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.* 


Connecticut  1 ;  Massachusetts  1 

Massachusetts  2;  New  Hampshire  1,  2; 
York  4. 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  4, 17 

New  York  17 

North  Dakota  2,  5,  8;  South  Dakota  2  . . 

North  Dakota  11 

Maine  2 

New  Jersey  2 

do 


New  Jersey  2;  New 


.do 


New  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7. 

Minnesota  2 

New  Hampshire  2 

New  York  5,  14.. 

Maine  1 

New  Jersey  2 

New  York  5 

K  ansa  s  9 

New  York  6 


Acres. 


196,818 
141,632 

130, 048 

88,448 

84,096 

69,888 

29,248 

23,360 

21,632 

18, 624 

13, 184 

8,704 

7,040 

3,904 

3,328 

1,664 

1,344 

832 

320 


844,114 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733 . 


SHALE    LOAM    PHASE. 

This  phase,  like  the  stony  loam  phase,  is  characterized  by  a  rolling  to  hilly 
topography,  in  many  places  so  steep  as  to  render  cultivation  impossible.  The 
stone  content  is  fully  as  great  as  in  the  case  of  the  stony  loams,  but  consists 
to  a  large  extent  of  local  material  from  the  underlying  shale  formations.  This 
is  ordinarily  very  angular  and  usually  platy  in  form,  while  the  stones  and 
bowlders  found  in  the  stony  loams  are  more  rounded  in  outline  and  consist  for 
the  most  part  of  thicker-bedded,  harder  rock  fragments  of  granite,  gneiss,  sand- 
stone, quartzite,  trap  rock,  and  limestone,  many  of  which  have  been  transported 
long  distances.  The  fine  earth  texture  of  the  shale  loam  phase,  too,  is  more 
usually  a  silty  loam  or  silt  loam,  being  formed  from  the  disintegration  of  the 
finer-textured  shale  rock.  This  slightly  heavier  texture  makes  the  shale  loams 
somewhat  better  adapted  to  grass  and  the  small  grains,  though  the  soils  are  not 
infrequently  so  thin  and  shallow  as  to  be  more  droughty  than  the  deeper  stony 
loams.  Favorably  situated  and  not  too  shaly  areas  of  the  shale  loam  phase 
produce  fair  yields  of  corn,  rye,  oats,  buckwheat,  and  timothy.  Some  fruit, 
especially  grapes,  is  grown  on  the  Volusia  and  Dutchess  types. 

Dutchess  shale  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  light-brown  to  grayish-brown 
silty  loam  or  silt  loam,  ranging  from  4  to  8  inches  in  depth.  From  40  to  75 
per  cent  of  angular  shaly  and  slaty  rock  material  is  usually  present.  In  some 
places  where  the  extent  of  weathering  has  been  greatest  the  soil  is  gravelly. 
The  subsoil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  grayish-yellow  silt  loam  of  a  smooth,  velvety 
feel,  carrying  broken  fragments  of  shale  and  slate,  the  content  increasing  as 
bedrock  is  approached.  The  type  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  topography.  In 
many  places  the  surface  drainage  is  excessive,  though  where  the  underlying 
rock  approaches  the  surface  the  subsoil  is  apt  to  be  poorly  drained  during 
seasons  of  normal  precipitation.  The  native  forest  growth  usually  includes 
considerable  oak  and  chestnut.  On  account  of  the  many  steep  areas  and  the 
tendency  to  droughtiness  the  agricultural  value  of  the  type  is  low  compared  with 
other  members  of  the  series.  Corn,  buckwheat,  and  the  small  grains  are  grown, 
together  with  some  fruit. 

\'<tli<sia  shale  loam. — The  Volusia  shale  loam  occurs  upon  steep  slopes  leading 
down  to  the  old  glacial  lake  basins  or  along  narrow  V-shaped  valleys,  where 
there  has  been  either  very  little  glacial  material  deposited  by  the  ice  or  where 
such  deposits  have  been  to  a  large  extent  subsequently  removed  by  erosion. 
The  resulting  soil  material  consists,  therefore,  partly  of  glacial  soil  and  hetero- 
geneous rock  material  brought  in  by  the  ice  and  partly  of  residual  material  from 
the  underlying  shales.  Considerable  colluvial  action  has  also  taken  place  along 
these  steep  slopes,  which  has  assisted  in  mixing  the  glacial  and  residual  mate- 
rial.    The  soil    is  thin   and   shaly    and   of  low    agricultural    value,    except   for 


154 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


some  special  crops  such  as  grapes.    Areas  of  this  type  are  always  closely  asso- 
ciated with  some  other  member  of  the  Volusia  series. 

Wallpack  shale  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light,  ashy-gray  silt  loam,  containing  a 
high  percentage  of  small  shale  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale-yellow  or  yel- 
lowish-gray silt  loam,  containing  a  rather  higher  percentage  of  shale  than  is 
present  in  the  soil.  The  soil  is  uniformly  shallow,  the  underlying  rock  being 
found  at  a  depth  of  22  to  36  inches.  The  soil  is  considerably  influenced  by  the 
intermixture  of  residual  material  from  the  Oriskany  sandstone  and  Esopus 
slate.  The  topography  is  rolling  and  natural  drainage  good.  The  type  occurs 
on  top  of  Wallpack  Ridge,  on  the  western  side  of  Kittatinny  Mountain,  in  New 
Jersey.  On  account  of  the  rough,  broken  topography  and  high  content  of  shale 
its  agricultural  value  is  low.  Such  areas  as  can  be  cultivated  produce  fair 
yields  of  corn  and  rye. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  shale  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dutchess  shale  loam 

New  Jersey  2 

54, 272 

44,388 

2,176 

Volusia  shale  loam 

New  York  6, 13,  18 

New  Jersey  2 

Total 

100,836 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SLATE  LOAM    PHASE. 


The  genera]  characteristics  of  this  phase  are  much  the  same  as  those  of  the 
shale  loam,  the  principal  difference  consisting  in  the  size  and  thickness  of  the 
rock  fragments  which  occur  on  the  surface,  and  are  mixed  with  the  soil  and 
subsoil.  In  the  case  of  this  phase  the  fragments  are  usually  small  and  thin. 
offering  less  hindrance  to  cultivation  than  the  fragments  from  thicker  bedded 
shales.  As  a  whole  the  soil  of  the  slate  loam  phase  is  shallower  than  that  of 
the  shale  loam  phase.  It  contains  more  residual  material  from  the  underlying 
rock,  is  less  extensively  modified  by  glacial  action,  and  by  the  Intermixture  of 
foreign  stones  and  bowlders  of  crystalline  or  other  rock  material.  The  shallow 
soil  mantle  makes  the  slate  loams  droughty  as  a  rule,  and  not  well  adapted  to 
corn  or  crops  requiring  a  Long  season  in  which  to  mature.  Such  cereals  as 
rye  and  oats  do  well  on  areas  which  can  be  cultivated.  The  phase  is  best 
adapted  to  grass  and  buckwheat.  Apples  also  do  well  where  care  is  used  in 
Selecting  orchard  sites.      Some  of  the  rougher  areas  should  he  reforested. 

DutOheSS  stale  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown,  tine,  silly  shale,  or  slate  loam. 
0  or  8  Inches  deep,  often  quite  gritty,  and  underlain  by  a  lighter  colored  or 
yellowish  material,  extending  '<>  a  depth  of  24  inches,  and  similar  in  texture 
to  the  soil.  Bock  fragments  and  outcrops  are  common  The  type  occupies  hills 
and  ridges  of  varying  heights,  with  Bwampy  Intervening  depressions,  surface 
drainage  is  usually  good,  and  areas  on  the  hills  and  ridges  are  often  droughty. 
it  is  glacial  in  origin,  but  the  underlying  rock  is  so  near  the  surface  that  ii  has 

Influenced    the  Character  Of  the  soil    to  some  extent.      Much  of  the  type  is  still 
forested  with  chestnut,  oak.  and  cedar.      It    is  considered  a   light,  thin  land,  and 

requires  constanl  fertilization,     it  makes  fair  soil  for  m-ass,  pasture,  and  buck- 
wheat   ah  general  farm  crops  are  grown  i<>  some  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  slate  i>>am. 


Soil  name. 

Stat.'  or  am.1 

Acres. 

NVw  York    1.  17 

138,624 

in  :i,i  column  '■>•  p.  t;;;!. 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL  PROVINCE.  155 

GRAVELLY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam  phase  is  more  easily  cultivated  than  the  stony,  shale,  and 
slate  loam  phases,  on  account  of  the  smaller  size  of  the  rock  fragments  mixed 
with  the  fine  earth  or  soil  proper.  The  topography  varies  from  undulating  or 
gently  rolling  to  hilly  in  places.  Upon  some  of  the  steeper  slopes  the  free 
surface  drainage  combined  with  the  somewhat  porous  subsoil  causes  crops  to 
suffer  from  lack  of  moisture.  On  the  few  level  areas,  however,  the  presence 
of  the  gravel  in  the  subsoil  is  often  beneficial  and  assists  the  downward  seepage 
of  surplus  surface  waters.  Corn,  rye,  oats,  grass,  and  potatoes  are  productive 
crops  on  this  phase,  yields  depending  upon  the  surface  configuration  of  the 
land  and  the  drainage. 

Caribou  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gravelly  loam  high  in  silt 
and  varying  in  color  from  yellowish  brown  to  dark  chocolate  brown.  At  a 
depth  of  10  inches  the  soil  grades  into  a  bright-yellow  gravelly  loam,  with  a 
higher  content  of  gravel,  which  at  about  20  inches  passes  into  a  dark-colored 
coarse  gravel  or  compact  yellowish-gray  gravelly  loam.  Both  soil  and  sub- 
soil carry  from  40  to  50  per  cent  of  rounded  and  angular  glacial  gravel  varying 
from  one-fourth  of  an  inch  to  4  inches  in  diameter.  The  type  is  of  glacial 
origin  and  occurs  on  knolls  and  along  stream  slopes.  Drainage  is  good.  It  is 
well  adapted  to  potatoes,  grass,  and  buckwheat.     Oats  do  fairly  well. 

Carrington  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  light  sandy 
loam  to  heavy  sandy  loam  carrying  a  considerable  amount  of  small  gravel. 
The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  gravelly  sandy  loam  to  clay  loam.  In  the  vicinity 
of  streams  where  erosion  has  been  active  a  number  of  variations  from  the 
typical  soil  are  encountered,  among  others  areas  of  gravelly  clay  which  are 
difficult  to  cultivate.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  the  surface  often 
badly  dissected.  The  soil  is  derived  from  glacial  till.  Some  areas  have  a  suffi- 
ciently favorable  surface  configuration  to  be  used  for  crops,  but  much  of  the 
type  is  too  rough  for  cultivation  and  should  be  devoted  to  pasturage  or  timber. 
Corn  and  wheat  do  well  on  the  gently  rolling  areas. 

Kewaunee  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Kewaunee  gravelly  loam  is  gray 
to  brown  in  color.  The  subsoil  is  gray  to  brown  in  color.  The  soil,  to  an  aver- 
age depth  of  about  19  inches,  is  a  heavy  sandy  loam  to  clay  loam  with  small 
amounts  of  medium  to  coarse  gravel.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  bed  of  gravel 
with  interbedded  sand  layers.  The  gravel  varies  from  fine  to  coarse  and  in- 
cludes some  large  cobbles.  There  is  a  substratum  of  red  clay  which  may  occa- 
sionally rise  into  the  3-foot  section.  It  may  lie  20  feet  or  more  below  the 
surface.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  rolling,  usually  occurring,  as  a  low 
ridge.    The  material  was  deposited  as  a  beach  ridge.    It  is  a  droughty  soil. 

Mapleton  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  purplish-red,  rather  coarse  gravelly 
loam  of  varying  depth  up  to  12  inches.  Bedrock  may  be  encountered  at  depths 
of  6  to  20  inches  and  occasionally  outcrops  in  small  areas.  Where  the  depth 
of  soil  exceeds  12  inches  a  reddish-yellow  gravelly  loam  is  found  between  it 
and  bedrock.  The  gravelly  material  consists  of  angular  and  water-worn 
fragments  of  sandstone  and  quartz.  The  type  occupies  ridges  and  slopes  and 
is  well  drained.  The  soil  is  partly  glacial  and  partly  residual,  being  influenced 
by  the  underlying  red  conglomerate  and  sandstone.  Potatoes,  grass,  and 
grain  do  well  where  the  rock  does  not  lie  too  near  the  surface.  Apples  give 
good  results  when  care  is  used  in  selecting  orchard  sites. 

Miami  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  consists  of  a 
brown  silty  loam  carrying  a  small  amount  of  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  light- 
brown  to  brown  clay  loam  containing  more  gravel  than  the  surface  soil.  At 
a  depth  of  2  to  3  feet  gravel  beds  are  often  encountered.  The  type  occupies 
the  crests  of  upland  ridges.  It  is  residual  and  derived  from  glacial  till.  Gen- 
era) farm  crops  are  grown,  but  the  yields  are  rather  low,  especially  in  dry 
years. 

Ontario  gravelly  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  gravelly  loam  about 
8  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  subsoil  somewhat  lighter  in  color  but  other- 
wise of  the  same  character  as  the  soil.  Both  the  soil  and  subsoil  contain 
varying  quantities  of  gravel,  chiefly  suhangnlar.  and  varying  in  size  from  fine 
gravel  to  cobbles.  This  gravel  is  chiefly  limestone  with  some  foreign  crys- 
talline material.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  undulating  to  rolling 
and  surface  drainage  is  usually  fair.  Good  natural  underdrainage  is  ordinarily 
secured  through  the  presence  of  the  gravel.  It  is  a  valuable  agricultural  type, 
especially  adapted  tb  corn,  potatoes,  and  beans.     Grass  also  does  well. 


156 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Rodman  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown,  mellow 
silry  loam  about  1<>  inches  deep,  with  a  varying  content  of  coarse  and  fine  sand 
and  large  quantities  of  rounded  and  subangular  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  light- 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  gravelly  and  sandy  material,  the  gravel  and  stone 
content  consisting  of  foreign  glacial  erratics  and  limestone  of  local  origin.  The 
type  occurs  as  eskers  and  kames,  and  the  topography  is  broken,  ridgy,  and  hum- 
mocky.  Natural  drainage  varies  from  good  to  excessive.  The  land  is  generally 
too  rough  for  general  farming,  although  some  areas  produce  profitable  crops. 
For  the  most  part,  however,  it  is  used  for  pasture. 

Volusia  gravelly  loam. — The  soil,  to  an  average  depth  of  6  inches,  consists 
of  a  light-brown  to  ash-colored  loam,  containing  a  large  quantity  of  broken 
shale  and  sandstone  fragments  and  a  considerable  proportion  of  small  shale 
chips,  besides  some  round  gravel  and  cobblestones.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a 
yellow  loam  to  a  yellow  or  gray  sandy  loam.  The  type  is  derived  from  the 
material  of  small  moraines  scattered  through  the  Volusia  loam  or  Volusia  silt 
loam  areas.  It  occurs  in  the  high  valleys  of  the  region  in  which  the  Volusia 
series  is  found.  Corn,  oats,  rye,  and  potatoes  do  well  where  the  soil  is  not 
droughty  or  too  gravelly. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Carrington  gravelly  loam 

Volusia  Kravellv  loam 

Kansas  2;  Minnesota  4;  North  Dakota  2,  4,  8;  Wisconsin  4 

New  York  6,  13,  15;  Pennsylvania  4,7 

81,984 
45. 700 

45,374 

11.008 

Ontario  gravelly  loam 

New  York  13 

4.992 

Caribou  gravelly  loam 

Maine  1 

3.904 

Kewaunee  gravelly  loam 

Mapleton  gravelly  loarn 

Wisconsin  4 

1,280 

Maine  1 

192 

Total 

194,496 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILT  LOAM    GKOIT. 


The  silt  loam  soils  have  by  far  the  largest  area]  development  of  any  group  in 
this  soil  province,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  of  the 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plain  province,  the  largest  of  any  agricultural  soil 
in  the  United  Suites.  Upon  these  soils  is  grown  the  bulk  of  the  great  Staple 
crops  of  the  United  States.  They  furnish  the  greater  proportiOD  of  the  cereals 
directly  produced  for  local  consumption  and  export,  as  well  as  the  hay  and  grain 
DSed  in  the  production  of  beef  and  other  meat  supplies.  Dairying  is  also  an 
Important  ludustry  on  these  soils.  The  topography  in  the  main  is  gently  undu- 
lating to  smoothly  rolling,  Interrupted  in  places  by  nearly  level  areas  situated 
<>n  the  tops  of  drainage  divides.  The  BUrface  slopes  are  favorable  for  the  use 
of  ;ill  kinds  of  farm  machinery,  and  the  uniformity  m  texture  and  distribution 
in  large  bodies  makes  the  production  of  the  staple  cereals  more  economical  than 

upon  soils  of  other  groups  which  are  usually  developed  in  smaller  areas  Some 
of  the  types,  however,  notably  the  Memphis  sill    hum.  .ire  quite  rolling  to  rough 

in  topography,  and  erosion  is  frequently  so  severe  as  to  interfere  with  cultiva- 
tion ;in<l  result  in  many  areas  of  waste  hind.  Artificial  drainage  is  often  neces- 
sary on  some  areas  of  BUCh  types  as  the  Putnam,  .Marion,  and  VolUSia  silt  loam, 
on  aCCOUnl  of  the  lack  of  surface  slope  and  the  relatively  impervious  subsoils. 
Taken  as  a  whole  the  surface  drainage  of  the  group  is  adequate,  but  an  Intelli- 
gently constructed  system  of  underdrainage  in  nearly  all  cases  results  in  in- 
creased crop  returns  and  Is  a  profitable  investment.  The  soils  of  the  silt  loam 
group  are  relatively  friable  and  easily  cultivated,  and  under  favorable  moisture 
Conditions  it  is  possible  to  secure  a  mellow  seed  bed.  The  subsoils  are  dense 
and  hea\\   enougb  to  maintain  a  good  supply  of  soil  moisture  for  use  during  the 

slow  growth  ami  maturity  of  the  cereal  crops. 

The  Marshall  Sill   loam  is  the  principal  corn  soil  of  the  United  States,  and  only 

slightly  less  Important  for  wheat.     Buckwheat  and  late  potatoes  are  among  Hie 

principal  crops  produced  OD  the  Volusia  and  Lackawanna  and  some  of  the  other 
glacial  silt   loams  of  the  Allegheny  Plateau  region,  where  the  elevation  is  rather 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE.  157 

too  great  for  the  successful  production  of  corn  for  grain.     Fruit,  especially 
apples,  is  grown  to  some  extent  on  some  of  these  plateau  soils. 

Between  these  northern  glacial  soils  and  the  southern  extension  of  those 
derived  from  the  loessial  deposits  there  is  a  wide  range  in  latitude,  some  of  the 
loessial  soils  occurring  as  far  south  as  Baton  Rouge,  La.  Upon  these  southern 
loessial  silt  loams — the  Memphis,  Richland,  Lexington,  Carroll,  and  Safford — 
corn  and  cotton  are  the  principal  staple  crops,  while  some  tobacco  is  grown. 
Sweet  potatoes  rank  high  among  the  garden  crops,  and  sugar  cane  is  grown  to 
a  small  extent  for  home  consumption. 

The  silt  loams  of  this  province  are,  as  a  whole,  well  adapted  to  many  of  the 
late  vegetables  for  winter  supplies  and  for  canning  purposes.  The  vegetables, 
such  as  cabbage  and  the  root  crOps,  are  firmer  in  texture  than  those  grown  on 
lighter  soils  and  possess  good  keeping  qualities. 

Caribou  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  hazel-brown  silt 
loam  about  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brighter  yellow  silty  loam,  some- 
times continuing  throughout  the  soil  profile  or  frequently  grading  with  depth 
into  the  grayish  silty  loam  of  the  lower  till.  Calcareous  shale  is  encountered  at 
depths  varying  from  1  to  several  feet.  There  are  many  small  shale  fragments 
and  a  few  small  bowlders  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  type  contains  fewer 
stones  than  the  loam  member  of  the  series.  It  occupies  ridges,  slopes,  and  flat 
areas  and  has  good  drainage.  This  soil  consists  of  weathered  glacial  material 
derived  largely  from  the  underlying  limestone  or  calcareous  shale.  It  is  well 
adapted  to  Irish  potatoes,  grass,  and  grain.     Fruit  and  vegetables  do  fairly  well. 

Carrington  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  silt  loam 
having  an  average  depth  of  about  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown 
to  pale  yellow  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  The  topography  is  mainly  level  to 
undulating.  The  soil  represents  a  residual  stratum  derived  from  glacial  till. 
The  type  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  including  wheat,  corn, 
oats,  barley,  rye,  flax,  and  grass. 

Carroll  silt  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  light-gray  silt  loam  8  or  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact,  impervious,  heavier  subsoil  of  slightly 
darker  color,  which  is  more  or  less  mottled  with  yellow  and  brown  iron  stains. 
Numerous  iron  concretions  are  sometimes  found  in  the  subsoil,  with  marked 
traces  of  acidity.  The  type  occurs  in  a  broad,  flat  belt  contiguous  to  the 
Memphis  silt  loam  and  as  narrow  strips  of  "slash  land"  within  the  latter  type. 
The  drainage  is  naturally  poor  and  during  the  winter  and  spring  months  much 
of  the  land  is  covered  by  a  shallow  sheet  of  water.  The  type  represents  de- 
posits of  loess  which  have  been  subjected  to  very  poor  drainage  conditions.  It 
contains  little  organic  matter  and  not  much  of  it  is  in  cultivation,  being  covered 
with  a  heavy  growth  of  oak  and  an  undergrowth  of  palmetto.  Its  best  use  is 
probably  for  forestry,  although  it  can  possibly  be  reclaimed  at  considerable 
expense  and  made  a  good  rice  soil. 

Dutchess  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  friable  loam  8  to  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  rather  compact,  impervious  silt  loam,  the  color  of 
which  grades  from  light  brown  to  yellowish.  Below  30  inches  the  color  often 
changes  to  drab  and  bine.  Usually  there  is  an  abundance  of  rounded  rocks 
on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  material  is  derived  prin- 
cipally from  the  glacial  mantle,  influenced  in  places  by  the  proximity  of  the 
underlying  rocks.  It  forms  the  surface  of  rounded  drumlinoid  hills  and  ridges 
which  have  only  fair  drainage.  The  soil  as  a  rule  is  cold.  wot.  and  late,  and 
is  improved  by  tile  drainage.  Where  drained  it  is  a  good  general  farming  soil 
and  well  adapted  to  grass,  hay,  pasture,  and  ensilage  corn.  Wheat,  rye,  oats, 
and  potatoes  give  fair  results.     Apples,  peaches,  and  plums  do  well. 

Farmingtotl  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  mellow,  brown  to  dark-brown  silt  loam 
about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  to  light-brown  silt  loam.  Angular 
fragments  of  limestone  are  occasionally  found  in  the  soil  and  subsoil  of  some 
areas  of  the  type.  The  underlying  limestone  is  usually  encountered  at  depths 
of  3  to  5  feet.  The  rock  is  often  shattered,  however,  so  that  free  underdrainage 
is  secured  and  favorable  moisture  conditions  maintained.  The  type  generally 
occupies  broad,  level  areas.  Tin4  original  native  timber  growth  consisted  of 
beech,  maple,  and  other  hardwoods.  The  type  is  highly  esteemed  for  the  pro- 
duction of  general  farm  crops,  giving  excellent  yields  of  corn,  grain,  and  grass. 
Beets  are  grown  to  a  considerable  extent  for  cattle  feeding. 

Upon  slopes  and  rock  escarpments  a  shallow  phase  of  the  type  is  occasionally 
encountered.  Cultivation  in  such  situations  is  sometimes  more  difficult,  owing 
to  the  topography  and  higher  content  of  loose  limestone  fragments.  Practically 
the  same  system  of  agriculture  is  practiced,  and  the  same  crops  grown. 


158  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Hamburg  sijt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-yellow  to  light-br-own,  fine,  floury 
silt  of  loose  structure,  underlain  by  a  subsoil  possessing  practically  the  same 
characteristics,  though  sometimes  mottled  and  containing  iron  and  lime  con- 
cretions and  pipes.  The  material  is  subject  to  more  or  less  drifting  by  the 
winds.  While  essentially  loose  in  structure,  the  undisturbed  deposits  are  re- 
markable for  their  ability  to  maintain  vertical  exposures  along  the  bluff  lines. 
The  type  represents  the  material  forming  the  immediate  loess  bluffs  from  a  few 
rods  to  half  a  mile  or  so  in  width,  along  some  of  the  larger  rivers  of  the  Cen- 
tral West.  These  loess  deposits  range  from  a  few  to  200  feet  or  more  in  depth. 
The  topography  is  generally  so  rough  as  to  preclude  agricultural  operations. 
While  generally  found  under  prairie  conditions  the  type  is  sometimes  forested. 
On  account  of  its  unfavorable  topographic  position  it  is  of  little  agricultural 
value. 

Judson  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark  grayish  brown  silt  loam  of 
somewhat  variable  depth,  but  averaging  about  20  inches,  underlain  by  a  similar 
textured,  lighter  colored  subsoil.  It  occurs  as  a  strip  of  varying  width  at  the 
upper  side  of  the  stream  bottoms  along  some  of  the  larger  rivers  in  the  Glacial 
and  Loessial  region.  The  soil  is  of  colluvial  origin,  being  formed  largely  by  the 
talus  which  has  moved  downward  from  the  bluffs.  It  lies  above  overflow,  and  is 
a  very  productive  type,  well  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  and  alfalfa. 

Kno.r  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  light-brown  silt,  or  buff- 
colored  loam,  having  an  average  depth  of  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact, 
light-brown  to  pale-yellow  silt  loam  to  silty  clay.  It  occupies  rolling  to  hilly 
areas,  which  originally  supported  a  hardwood  timber  growth.  The  soil  is  the 
result  of  wind-deposited  glacial  material.  The  type  produces  good  yields  of 
wheat,  corn,  clover,  and  grass.  Certain  fruits  and  vegetables,  such  as  Irish 
potatoes,  give  profitable  returns. 

Lackaivanna  silt  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  peculiar  dark  Indian-red  or 
sometimes  pinkish-red  silt  loam  to  the  depth  of  8  inches  or  more  where  it  is 
underlain  by  a  silt  loam  of  the  same  color  or  sometimes  slightly  lighter.  The 
quantity  of  shale  and  sandstone  chips  occurring  in  this  soil  varies,  but  is  often 
large.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  much  of  the  type  occupying  rather 
plateaulike  hills  with  smoothly  rounded  tops  and  steep  sides.  The  surface 
drainage  is  good,  though  sometimes  artificial  means  are  necessary  to  perfect 
the  underdrainage.  This  is  a  good  general  farming  soil,  producing  fair  yields 
of  corn,  wheat,  buckwheat,  and  grass.  In  localities  where  the  type  is  associated 
with  the  Volusia  silt  loam  it  is  considered  superior  to  that  soil  on  account  of  its 
rather  better  drainage  and  the  possibility  of  cultivating  it  somewhat  earlier  in 
the  spring. 

Lexington  Hit  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  is  a  gray  or  yellowish- 
gray,  mellow  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  either  a  com- 
pact silt  loam,  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil,  or  a  silty  clay  varying  from  yellow 
to  bicwn  in  color  or  sometimes  tinged  with  red.  The  surface  is  moderately 
rolling  t<>  hilly,  the  rougher  portion  being  largely  the  result  of  erosion.  The 
drainage  Is  thorough  and  crops  suffer  for  lack  of  water  during  extended 
droughts.    The  type  is  derived  from  loess  and  closely  resembles  the  Memphis 

silt  loam;  but  the  deposit  of  loess  is  very  thin  and  the  soil  is  in  places  modi- 
fled  by  tic  underlying  Orange  Band  formation.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  corn, 
cotton,  forage  Crops,  vegetables,  and  strawberries.  The  natural  forest  growth 
consists  of  white,  red,  P«'st,  and  blackjack  oak.  chestnut,  hickory,  and  black 
gum. 

Murlnn  silt  loam.  —The  soil  consists  of  ;i  Light-brown  to  white  silt  loam,  about 
1L'    Inches    deep.     The    subsoil    is   a    stiff,    mottled    silty    clay,    locally    known    as 

i'hardpan,"   the   predominating  colors   being  gray,   light   yellow,  and   reddish 

yellow.      Between    the    soil    and    subsoil    occurs    a    white    layer    of   compact    silt. 

which  crumbles  easily  between  the  tinkers.  This  silty  layer,  together  with  the 
Impervious  subsoil,  Interferes  with  the  absorption  of  surface  water,  making 
the  type  somewhat  droughty.  The  type  occupies  level  prairie  Land  and  is  of 
loessial  origin.  Wheat,  corn,  and  grass  are  the  principal  crops,  the  type  being 
better  adapted  to  wheal  than  to  corn.  The  yield  of  -rain  is  rather  small.  Ap- 
i  lei  do  w eii  in  in \ orable  seasons. 
Marshall  sill  loam.    The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  silt  loam.  IB  inches 

deep.  re^tPiL'  iisu.-illy  upon  ;i  light  colored,  soinet  i mes  mottled,  silty  loam  or 
silty  day.      I.ime  concretions  occur  in  :i    few   instances  in   the  western  extension 

of  the  type.  The  topography  varies  from  [eve!  to  rolling  and  hilly.  The  soil 
is  derived  from  Loessial  deposits.     Drainage  is  generally  good  hut  not  excessive, 

the   subsoil    retaining   moisture   well   and   crops   resisting  drought    to   a    marked 


GLACIAL  AND   LOESSIAL   PROVINCE.  159 

degree.  This  is  a  fine  soil  for  the  production  of  wheat,  corn,  oats,  alfalfa, 
tobacco,  and  sugar  beets  where  climatic  conditions  are  favorable.  It  is  the 
most  important  corn  soil  in  the  United  States.  Vegetables  for  the  fall  and 
winter  markets  do  well  under  favorable  climatic  and  moisture  conditions. 

Mempnis  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  or  brown  silt  loam  8  inches  in  depth 
and  powdery  when  dry.  Beneath  this  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-yellow 
or  buff  compact  heavy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam.  The  type  occupies  uplands 
and  is  subject  to  serious  erosion.  It  is  largely  forested  to  oak,  hickory,  and  beech. 
In  Mississippi  it  is  divided  topographically  into  two  regions — the  Cane  Hills,  which 
are  steep-sided  and  narrow-topped,  and  the  Flat  Hills,  which  are  more  plateau- 
like and  cultivated  to  a  greater  extent  than  the  Cane  Hills.  Good  yields  of 
cotton,  corn,  wheat,  oats,  hay,  and  potatoes  are  secured  in  different  localities. 
In  northern  areas  the  soil  produces  good  yields  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Miami  silt  loam. — This  is  a  light-brown,  yellowish-brown  or  grayish  silt 
loam,  from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact,  yellowish  or  brownish 
mottled  silt  loam  or  silty  clay.  The  type  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  areas  and  was 
originally  timbered.  It  is  the  result  of  the  weathering  of  glacial  till,  with  the 
admixture  in  places  of  small  amounts  of  loessial  material.  It  is  not  as  produc- 
tive as  the  Marshall  silt  loam,  but  produces  good  yields  of  wheat,  corn,  clover, 
and  timothy  hay.    Fruits  do  well  in  some  locations. 

Mohawk  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  silt  loam,  about 
8  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  heavy  silt  loam  grading  with  depth  into 
a  clay  loam  and  frequently  mottled  with  yellow,  brown,  and  gray,  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  3-foot  section.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.  Surface  drain- 
age is  usually  good,  but  the  underdrainage  is  frequently  poor,  on  account  of 
the  heavy,  compact  subsoil.  This  type  is  derived  from  a  thin  mantle  of  glacial 
till.  It  is  a  general  farming  soil  producing  moderate  yields  of  corn,  oats,  grass, 
hops,  and  wheat.  Carefully  selected  sites  give  good  crops  of  apples.  It  is 
best  adapted  to  dairying. 

Ontario  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  grayish  silt  loam  8  to  12  inches  deep. 
It  is,  as  a  rule,  friable  and  easily  tilled,  especially  when  it  contains  a  small 
percentage  of  gravel,  small  stones,  and  bowlders,  as  is  usually  the  case.  In  de- 
pressions and  flat  areas  where  the  fine  material  has  been  accumulated  and  the 
drainage  is  poor  it  is  inclined  to  bake.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellowish  to 
grayish  silt  loam,  passing  sometimes  into  a  mottled  reddish,  yellowish,  and  gray 
silty  clay.  The  soil  is  derived  from  glacial  till  consisting  largely  of  weathered 
local  shale  and  limestone  rock  modified  by  some  foreign  glacial  material.  In 
most  of  the  areas  there  are  usually  a  great  many  limestone  fragments  in  both 
soil  and  subsoil.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  gently  undulating,  being  that  of 
a  till  surface.    Wheat,  corn,  beans,  oats,  and  hay  are  grown. 

Portage  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish-colored  silt  loam  8  or  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  mottled  gray  and  yellow  heavy  clay  loam.  At 
a  depth  of  25  inches  or  more  a  thin  stratum  of  sand,  sandy  loam,  or  sandy 
clay  is  often  encountered  which  grades  abruptly  into  a  dark-red  clay.  The  type 
occupies  level  or  slightly  undulating  areas,  is  rather  poorly  drained,  and  some- 
times marshy.  The  surface  soil  is  derived  from  glacial  material,  while  the  sub- 
soil is  to  a  large  extent  residual  from  the  underlying  crystalline  rocks.  It 
is  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Putnam  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  nearly  black  silt  loam  from  6 
to  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  stiff,  impervious,  brown  or  drab  mottled  silty 
clay,  streaked  with  blue  and  red.  A  thin  layer  of  white  silt  is  often  found  be- 
tween soil  and  subsoil.  This  type  resembles  both  the  Marshall  and  Marion  silt 
loams.  It  differs  from  the  former  in  having  a  heavy,  impervious  subsoil  and 
from  the  latter  in  the  darker  color  of  the  suiface  soil.  It  is  derived  from  a 
deposit  of  loess  over  glacial  material.  The  type  is  known  locally  as  "the 
prairie"  and  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  uplands.  The  greater  part  is  fairly 
well  drained,  but  the  impervious  subsoil  allows  water  to  collect  on  level  areas 
after  heavy  rains.  The  principal  crops  are  hay.  corn.  oats,  and  wheat,  with 
millet,  kafir,  and  sorghum  as  secondary  crops.  Fruit  also  does  well,  apples 
being  a  crop  of  some  Importance. 

Richland  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  12  inches  con- 
sists of  a  brown  or  light-brown  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow  to 
buff  silty  clay  loam  or  heavy  silt  loam,  more  compact  than  the  surface  soil. 
This  material  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a  considerable  thickness  of  yellow  silt 
or  material  of  the  loess  formation.  The  type  occurs  on  the  uplands  in  the  "  Hat 
hill"  portion  of  the  loess  area.    Natural  drainage  is  good.    Some  of  the  fields 


160  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

are  badly  washed,  but  the  type  is  nowhere  so  deeply  eroded  as  the  Memphis  silt 
loam.  It  gives  fair  yields  of  cotton  and  corn  and  in  some  localities  is  also  used 
for  the  production  of  strawberries,  cabbage,  Irish  potatoes,  and  other  truck  and 
fruit  crops.  It  is  distinguished  from  the  Memphis  silt  loam  by  more  level 
topography,  less  active  erosion,  and  uniform  existence  of  the  complete  soil 
and  subsoil  section  underlain  by  the  loess.  It  will  be  found  throughout  the  "flat 
hill  "  region  of  the  loess-covered  uplands  adjacent  to  the  Mississippi  River  and 
its  tributaries  south  of  the  Ohio  River. 

Safford  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  light-yellow  silt  loam  from 
8  to  10  inches  deep.  This  is  underlain  by  a  tough  plastic  clay  or  clay  loam  of  a 
red  or  reddish-brown  color,  grading  at  3  feet  or  more  into  greensand.  The 
surface  soil  is  loose  and  rather  incoherent  when  dry,  and  is  easily  cultivated. 
The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  unless  carefully  handled  the  soil  washes 
badly.  Natural  drainage  is  good.  The  silt  loam  covering  is  due  to  a  deposit 
of  loess,  while  the  subsoil  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  greensand 
marl  or  a  shallow  deposit  of  clayey  material  above  it,  or  from' a  mixture  of  both. 
The  soil  is  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  wheat,  hay,  truck  crops,  and  melons. 
The  timber  growth  consists  of  white,  red.  blackjack,  and  post  oak,  chestnut, 
and  some  hickory  and  beech. 

Scottsburg  silt  loam. — This  soil  is  an  ashy-gray  silt  loam,  grading  at  a  depth 
of  10  inches  into  a  light-yellow  or  slightly  mottled  silt  loam  which  becomes 
gradually  heavier  and  more  compact  with  depth  until  at  30  to  36  inches  a 
heavy  silt  loam  of  drab  to  gray  color,  slightly  mottled  with  yellow  stains,  is 
encountered.  Small  iron  concretions  occur  throughout  the  entire  soil  section. 
The  type  is  formed  from  local  material,  redeposited  by  glacial  Action,  and  mixed 
with  the  weathered  product  of  the  underlying  argillaceous  and  sandy  shales. 
The  areas  were  probably  at  one  time  level,  but  have  been  eroded  by  stream 
action  until  they  present  a  gently  rolling  topography.  The  soil  is  best  adapted 
to  tomatoes  and  other  vegetables,  fruits,  and  all  early  maturing  crops.  By 
adding  humus  and  adopting  an  intelligent  system  of  crop  rotation  the  general 
crops  may  be  made  to  do  well. 

Union  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  brown,  smooth, 
friable  silt  loam,  the  color  changing  at  an  average  depth  of  S  to  10  Inches 
into  a  light  brown  or  yellowish  brown.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellowish- 
brown  to  chocolate-brown  heavy  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  which  in  turn 
passes  at  a  depth  of  20  to  26  inches  into  a  friable  or  brittle  yellowish  or 
chocolate  brown,  heavy  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay,  often  mottled  with  gray. 
Reddish  and  brownish  iron-oxide  stains  and  iron  concretions  are  sometimes 
seer  in  the  subsoil,  particularly  in  the  Hat  areas,  while  over  the  level  ami 
poorly  drained  areas  the  soil  shows  a  more  grayish  cast.  Owing  to  erosion,  the 
heavy  subsoil  occurs  near  the  surface  on  many  of  the  slopes.  The  topography 
varies  from  gently  rolling  to  billy,  the  slopes  being  usually  smooth  and  gentle,  so 
thai  a  large  proportion  Of  the  type  is  well  suited  to  cult  ivat  ion.  The  Origin  of  this 
soil  is  not  perfectly  clear,  but  in  tiie  uniformity  of  texture,  structure,  and  color 
of  this  brownish,  friable,  silty  soil,  with  few  or  no  rock  fragments,  is  seen  a 

Close    similarity    to    loess.      On    some   of   the   more   eroded    areas    limestone   and 

sandstone  fragments  jir e  of  common  occurrence  and  often  the  lower  subsoil  is 
more  <>r  less  Bandy.    The  subsoil  portion  of  the  type  Is  do  doubt  mainly  derived 

from    limestone  and    sandstone.     This   is  a   good   agricultural    soil,   giving   under 

careful  management  fair  to  good  returns  with  wheat,  corn,  clover,  cowpeas, 
apples,  and  a  number  of  other  crops. 

Volusia  Silt  loam.  The  soil  of  the  Volusia  silt  loam,  to  an  average  depth  of  8 
Inches,    is   ;i    gray   to   brown   silt    loam.     The  subsoil,   t<>   a    depth   of   'J   feet,    is  a 

light  yellow  nit  loam,  at  which  point  mottlings  of  gray  or  drab  are  en- 
countered. Both  Boil  and  subsoil  contain  a  high  percentage  of  Hat  fragments  of 
Shale   and    Sandstone   ranging   from   1    or  _!   inches   to   a    foot    or   more   wide.      In 

addition  a  considerable  quantity  of  finely  divided  shale  fragments  is  found  in 

both  BOil  and  BUbSoil.  The  BUbSOil  usually  rests  at  varying  depths  below  18 
Inches    on    bedfl    Of    shale    or    sandstone    rock.      The    type    is    derived    from    the 

weathered  products  of  the  shale  and  sandstone,  reworked  by  glaciation  ami 
slightly  modified  by  extraneous  glacial  material,     it  occupies  rolling  and  hilly 

land    and    is    frequently    interrupted    or   bordered   by    steep    slopes   not    suited    to 

agricultural  purposes.     The  Volusia  silt  loam  where  properly  cultivated  is  a 
good  soil  for  timothy  and  small  grains*    in  the  eastern  part  of  the  region  where 
urs  it  lies  at  too  high  an  elevation  to  be  well  adapted  t<>  corn,     in  this 
locality  buckwheat  ami  potatoes  are  grown  to  advantage. 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


161 


WaUpdck  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  yellowish  gray  or  yellowish 
brown  silty  loam  or  silt  loam,  7  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  light  yellowish 
brown  or  yellow  silty  loam  or  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  carry  fragments  of 
chert,  limestone,  and  shale,  ranging  rather  larger  in  size  in  the  subsoil.  The 
topography  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  sloping,  the  type  occurring  on  a  sub- 
ordinate ridge  of  the  Kittatinny  Mountain  in  New  Jersey.  Drainage  is  good, 
and  fair  yields  of  wheat,  rye,  oats,  corn,  and  hay  are  secured.  The  native 
forest  growth  is  largely  oak  and  chestnut. 

Worth  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  yellowish 
mellow  silt  loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  about  the  same  or 
slightly  more  yellow  in  color  and  somewhat  more  compact  in  structure.  Both 
soil  and  subsoil  contain  a  large  quantity  of  flat,  angular  shale,  arenaceous  and 
relatively  thick  bedded.  Some  rounded  and  subangular  foreign  glacial  stones 
are  also  found.  The  topography  is  usually  hilly,  with  moderate  slopes,  the 
elevations  ranging  from  1,000  to  1,700  feet  above  sea  level.  Drainage  is 
good,  the  moisture-holding  capacity  of  the  type  being  excellent.  Where  not  too 
stony  the  soil  is  easily  cultivated.  Corn  for  silage,  oats,  hay,  buckwheat,  and 
potatoes  are  the  principal  crops  grown,  fair  yields  being  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Marshall  silt  loam. 


Knox  silt  loam . 


Memphis  silt  loam . 
Volusia  silt  loam . . 


Putnam  silt  loam. . . 
Carrington  silt  loam . 


Marion  silt  loam 

Miami  silt  loam 

Lexington  silt  loam. . . 

Union  silt  loam 

Richland  silt  loam 

Dutchess  silt  loam 

Lackawanna  silt  loam . 

Carroll  silt  loam 

Mohawk  silt  loam 

Scottsburg  silt  loam . . 

Safford  silt  loam 

Farmimgton  silt  loam . 

Portage  silt  loam 

Ontario  silt  loam 

Worth  silt  loam 

Judson  silt  loam 

Caribou  silt  loam 

Wall  pack  silt  loam 

Hamburg  silt  loam . . . 


Illinois  2,  5,  G,  8,  9,  11;  Indiana  3,  10;  Iowa  4;  Kansas  2.  7; 
Louisiana  7;  Missouri  1,  6,  10,  13,  16,  18;  Nebraska  3,  5,  6; 
Wisconsin  5, 14. 

Illinois  3,  5,  6.  7,  8,  10,  11;  Indiana  2,  3,  8,  10;  Iowa  2,  4;  Ken- 
tucky 6;  Missouri  4,  6,  8,  10,  13,  14,  16,  18;  Nebraska  5;  Wis- 
consin 3,  5,  7,  9,  14. 

Illinois  4,  7,  9;  Kentuckv  1;  Louisiana  7, 10;  Mississippi  1,  4,  6, 
7.  13,  19,  21;  Missouri  14;  Tennessee  8. 

Indiana  9;  New  York  2,3,6, 9, 11, 13, 15;  Ohio  10;  Pennsylvania 
4,7. 

Missouri  2,  12,  13,  17,  19,  20,  21 

Indiana  10;  Minnesota  1,5;  North  Dakota  2,5;  South  Dakota  2; 
Wisconsin  3,  4,  6. 

Illinois  1,  2,  9;  Missouri  14 

Illnois  2;  Indiana  10;  Wisconsin  3,  4,  6,  15 

Tennessee  6,  8 

Missouri  8 

Louisiana  6;  Mississippi  1,6 

New  York  4,17 

Pennsylvania  4 

Louisiana  6 

New  York  11 

Indiana  9 

Tennessee  6 

New  York  5 

Wisconsin  11 

New  York  10 

New  York  5 

Missouri  1,  4 

Maine  1 

New  Jersey  2 

Missouri  I 


3,480,902 


2,576,832 


2,035,642 

1,364,928 

1,050,112 
856,640 

695,040 

455, 104 

342,272 

254,528 

164,352 

129,984 

115,200 

83,584 

45,440 

37,184 

28,544 

25,856 

22, 656 

18,688 

16,128 

10,688 

10, 176 

7,232 

3,008 


Total . 


13.830,720 


»  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SIXTY    CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 


While  the  silty  clay  loams  have  been  encountered  in  a  number  of  instances  in 
the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province,  but  two  types  of  soil  of  this  tex- 
ture have  been  found  in  this  province.  These  soils  are  somewhat  heavier  than 
the  silt-loam  group  and  require  careful  and  timely  cultivation  under  proper 
moisture  conditions  to  prevent  clodding.  They  can  be  worked  into  a  fairly 
mellow  seed  bed,  however,  when  properly  cultivated.  The  phase  is  very  re- 
tentive of  moisture  and  is  well  adapted  to  such  crops  as  wheat,  barley,  and  the 
grasses. 

Dutchess  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  rather  dark  brown  mellow 
silty  clay  loam  S  inches  deep,  overlying  a  brown,  heavy,  and  compact  silty  clay 

79610—13 —  vll 


162  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

loam.  Varying  quantities  of  dark-colored  thin  shale  chips  and  fragments  of 
the  country  rock  occur  at  the  surface  and  throughout  the  section.  The  soil  is 
in  some  places  comparatively  thin,  so  that  the  underlying  rock  approaches 
within  2  feet  of  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  to"  hilly,  though  not 
usually  too  steep  for  cultivation,  except  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  stream 
valleys,  which  are  in  many  places  quite  narrow  and  steeply  cut  While  the 
surface  run-off  is  adequate  there  is  some  deficiency  of  underdrainage  due  to  the 
close  structure  and  heavy  texture  of  the  subsoil  and  nearness  of  the  underlying 
rock.  Com,  oats,  hay,  and  buckwheat  are  the  chief  crops  grown.  Potatoes  can 
be  profitably  grown  over  the  deeper  areas. 

Lackawanna  silly  clay  loam.— The  type  consists  of  a  red  to  reddish-brown 
heavy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam,  about  6  inches  deep,  overlying  a  subsoil 
varying  in  texture  from  a  silty  clay  loam  to  a  clay  loam,  and  of  Indian-red 
color.  In  places  the  deep  subsoil  is  slightly  mottled  with  bluish  gray.  Both  soil 
and  subsoil  contain  a  rather  high  content  of  fragments  of  red  sandstones  and 
argillaceous  shales  of  the  Catskill  formation.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling 
to  hilly,  the  type  usually  occurring  on  comparatively  gentle  slopes  between  the 
steep-sided  hills  of  the  Lackawanna  silt  loam  and  the  drainage  channels  below. 
Artificial  drainage  is  often  necessary  on  this  type  on  account  of  its  rather  defi- 
cient slope  and  the  impervious  character  of  the  subsoil.  Well-drained  areas  in 
good  physical  condition  produce  slightly  lower  yields  than  the  Lackawanna  silt 
loam. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

te  or  area.1 

Dutchess  silty  clav  loam 

New  York  5     . 

13  120 

Lackawanna  silty  clav  loam 

4  736 

Total , 

17.856 

;  Fur  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY    LOAM    GROUP. 

This  group,  while  comprising  but  four  types,  is  important  by  reason  of  the 
wide  distribution  of  the  Miami  clay  loam.  This  type  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
tensively cultivated  and  most  productive  of  any  glacial  till  soil  used  for  the 
general  farm  crops.  The  surface  soil  contains  enough  of  silt  and  the  finer 
grades  of  sand  to  render  it  friable  and  nearly  as  easily  cultivated  as  a  silt 
loam,  yet  the  heavy,  retentive  subsoil  lyin^r  within  10  inches  of  the  surface 
forms  an  excellent  reservoir  for  the  storage  of  atmospheric  waters.  The  soil 
is  very  drought  resistant,  and  for  this  reason  is  nearly  or  equally  as  well 
adapted  to  corn  as  the  Marshall  silt  loam,  while  it  has  no  superior  in  the  pro- 
duction of  wlic.it  and  grasa.  Together  with  the  various  phases,  the  clay  loams 
constitute  the  heaviest  textured  soils  of  the  province  and  are  well  adapted  to  the 
heavier  types  of  grains,  such  as  wheat  and  barley,  and  to  the  production  of 
timothy,  clover,  and  alsike  hay.  The  soils  are  too  heavy  for'satisfactory  results 
with  such  crops  as  potatoes,  and  are  adapted  to  only  a  few  of  the  heavier  vege- 
tables, such  as  cabbage.  Artificial  drainage  is  required  on  the  greater  propor- 
tion of  the  areas  of  this  class  of  soils,  since  the  surface  slope  is  often  insufficient 
to  carry  away  surface  waters  and  the  subsoils  are  so  impervious  as  to  impede 
their  passage  downward.  Thorough  systems  of  tile  drainage  are  always  bene- 
ficial on  these  soils. 

OarrinffUm  clay  loam.  The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam, 
averaging  about  12  indies  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  light-brown,  yellowish- 
brown,  or  grayish,  rather  stiff  and  plastic  Bilty  clay,    a  small  quantity  of  coarse 

materhil,  such  as  gravel,  stone,  and  bowlders,  is  found  throughout  the  soil  sec- 
tion, but  not  in  siiiiirient  quantity  to  Interfere  with  cultivation.  The  topography 
varies  from  nearly  level  to  undulating  or  slightly  rolling,  and  artificial  drainage 
is  necessary  in  many  areas,  principally  on  account  of  the  dense.  Impervious 
subsoil.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  weathering  <»f  glacial  till  under  conditions 
favoring  the  accumulation  of  considerable  organic  matter.    The  type  is  a  good 

corn,  Wheat,  and  ;:r:iss  soil.      Some  oats,  barley,  and  llnx  is  also  grown,  as  well 

as  sugar  boots  and  cabbage  In  some  of  the  areas.' 


GLACIAL   AND    LOESSIAL   PROVINCE. 


163 


Kewaunee  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  reddish  brown  silty  clay 
about  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  is  a  red,  heavy, 
plastic  clay.  The  soil,  on  account  of  the  low  content  of  organic  matter,  is  apt 
to  become  compact  and  assume  a  lighter  color  when  dry.  It  is  derived  from 
the  weathering  of  glacial  till.  Gravel  and  bowlders  are  found  in  varying 
amounts'  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to 
rather  strongly  rolling. 

Miami  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  inches  consists  of  a 
yellowish-gray  to  light-brown,  somewhat  silty  loam,  underlain  by  light-brown  to 
yellow  or  mottled  stiff  silty  clay  loam  or  clay,  which  is  in  turn  underlain  by 
bowlder  clay  at  depths  varying  from  5  to  10  feet.  Stones  and  erratic  bowlders 
are  found  on  the  surface,  but  in  no  great  quantity  except  in  small  areas.  The 
type  occupies  uplands.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling,  except 
near  streams  and  near  terminal  moraines,  where  it  becomes  hilly  and  broken. 
The  flat  interstream  areas  generally  require  artificial  drainage.  The  soil  is 
fairly  good  for  general  farming,  and  is  especially  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  hay, 
and  ensilage  crops,  dairy  farming,  the  heavy  vegetables  for  winter  use,  and  to 
apples  for  the  winter  market. 

Mohawk  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of  9  inches  is  a  heavy  silty 
clay  loam,  having  a  dark-brown  or  grayish-brown  color.  Prom  9  to  24  inches  it 
is  a  lighter  brown  silty  clay  loam.  Usually  below  24  inches  it  grades  into  a 
stiff  clay  loam,  not  infrequently  dark  colored  from  the  presence  of  some  partly 
decomposed  calcareous  shale  and  limestone  fragments.  In  topography  it  is 
rolling  to  hilly  and  ridged.  The  surface  drainage  is  good,  though  the  drainage 
of  the  subsoil  is  frequently  poor.  It  is  an  excellent  grass,  corn,  and  clover  soil 
and  produces  good  yields  of  oats,  making  an  admirable  soil  for  dairy  farming. 
The  type  is  not  well  suited  to  potatoes  and  root  crops. 

Volusia  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  8  inches  is  a  dark-yellow  or 
brown  heavy  loam  or  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale-yellow  or  drab  clay 
loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  a  considerable  quantity  of  shale  and  sand- 
stone chips  and  sometimes  larger  pieces  of  stone.  Some  large  erratic  bowlders 
occur,  but  are  not  abundant.  The  deep  subsoil  is  locally  called  "  blue  clay." 
The  surface  is  rolling  and  irregular  and  sometimes  morainal  in  character.  The 
type  is  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  but  is  in  need  of  drainage.  It  is  a 
strong  soil  for  wheat,  buckwheat,  grass,  and  for  corn  where  the  elevation  is 
not  too  great.  It  is  also  a  good  dairying  type,  and  some  vegetables  and  fruits 
are  produced  for  canning  and  winter  storage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Miami  clay  loam 

Indiana  1,  4,  5,  6;  Iowa  3;  Michigan  1,  2,  5,  6,  7,  8;  Ohio  2,  3, 

4,  7,  9, 10;  Wisconsin  12,  15. 
Iowa  1,3;  Minnesota  1, 5;  North  Dakota  8;  "Wisconsin  12, 15 

2,312,330 
613,120 

Carrington  clay  loam 

121,216 
105,088 

Volusia  clay  loam 

New  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7 

Mohawk  clav  loam 

New  York  11 '. 

67,206 

Total 

3,218,954 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


BLACK  CLAY  LOAM  PHASE. 


This  phase  differs  from  the  clay  loam  of  the  Carrington  and  Marshall  series 
in  containing  a  higher  percentage  of  organic  matter  and  in  occupying  level  to 
slightly  depressed  areas,  where  natural  drainage  is  poorer  and  where  ditching 
or  tiling  is  ordinarily  necessary  before  cultivated  crops  can  be  grown.  The 
soil  areas  are  comparatively  small,  ranging  from  one-fourth  acre  to  100  acres, 
or  in  rare  instances  as  much  as  1,000  acres.  The  greater  part  of  such  areas, 
however,  contain  only  a  few  acres  and  are  irregular  in  size  and  shape,  so  that 
it  is  the  common  practice  to  cultivate  them  along  with  an  associated  soil  type 
in  the  same  field.  Their  natural  crop  adaptation  is  generally  quite  different, 
and  whenever  the  areas  are  large  enough  to  handle  separately  different  crops 
are  grown.  The  phase  is  especially  well  suited  to  corn,  but  is  not  so  well  suited 
to  wheat  and  other  small  grains,  because  the  growth  of  straw  is  so  rank  that  the 
grain  almost  invariably  lodges  and  can  not  be  economically  harvested. 


164 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Carrington  black  clay  loam. — The  soil,  which  is  a  black  clay  loam  of  high  or- 
ganic matter  content,  is  underlain  at  10  or  12  inches  by  tenacious,  dark-gray  or 
drab  silty  clay .  It  occurs  generally  as  level  or  depressed  areas  having  insufficient 
drainage  outlets.  It  represents  residual  material  derived  from  glacial  till  and 
subjected  to  poor  drainage  conditions  under  which  large  quantities  of^organic 
matter  have  accumulated  in  the  soil  from  the  decay  of  water-loving*  plants. 
When  well  drained  the  type  is  highly  productive,  the  best  results  being  secured 
with  corn  and  grass.    Grain  crops  are  inclined  to  lodge. 

Marshall  black  clay  loam. — This  soil  is  a  black  clay  loam  10  to  12  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  tenacious,  drab  clay.  The  type  is  of  glacial  origin,  is  gen- 
erally level,  and  the  natural  drainage  is  poor.  Where  thoroughly  drained  it  is 
very  productive,  particularly  for  corn.  It  is  less  well  adapted  to  wheat  on 
account  of  the  liability  of  the  grain  to  lodge,  but  is  well  suited  to  hay  and 
dairying,  and  to  some  of  the  heavier  garden  crops,  such  as  cabbage. 

Area  amd  distribution  of  the  black  clay  loams 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Marshall  black  clay  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam .... 

Illinois  5;  6,  8,10;  Indiana  10 

228,224 
210,512 

Indiana  1, 4,  5,  6,  7;  Iowa  1 ;    Michigan  6,  7;  North  Dakota  5; 
Ohio  2,  4,  7,  9. 

Total 

438,736 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil 


Rough  stony  land. 


Rock  outcrop. 
Muck 


Peat 

Steep  broken  land.. 

Dunesand 

Rough  broken  land . 

Made  land 

Waste  land 


Total 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Connecticut  2;  Illinois  3,4,7;  Indiana  3;  Iowa  2;  Kansas  2 
Maine    2;  Massachusetts  2;    Michigan    4;  Minnesota    2.  6;  | 
Missouri  14;  New  Hampshire  1;  New  Jersey  2;  Now  York  4, 
11, 12, 15, 17;  Pennsylvania  4:  Rhode  Island  1;  Wisconsin  3, 9. 

Minnesota  2,6;  New  Hampshire  1;  New  Jersey  2;  New  York 
i,:>,  16,  17;  Vermont  I;  Wisconsin  13. 

Indiana    1;  Maine   2;  Massachusetts   2;  New  York    11;  Wis- 
consin 3,  5,  10. 

Maine  2;  Minnesota  5;  Wisconsin  3,  8,  15 

I  Vnnsylvania  4 

North  Dakota  9;   Wisconsin  5 

North  Dakota  2,  5 

New  York  4,14 

New  Jersey  2 


1,190.208 


276, 224 

248,256 

156,928 

25,344 

21,24S 

6,208 

1,024 

448 


1,986,888 


For  key  to  numbers  in  f  his  column  see  p  733. 


dual  Whitman 


SOILS  OF  THE  GLACIAL  LAKE  AND  RIVER  TERRACE  PROVINCE. 

By  J.  E.  Lapham   and  Curtis  F.   Marbut. 
DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

The  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province  embraces  two  series  of  deposits. 
The  first  series  includes  deposits  in  the  basins  of  lakes  formed  by  the  advance 
and  retreat  of  ice  during  the  Glacial  Period.  These  were  either  temporary 
lakes,  which  took  form  during  the  period  of  retreat  in  a  given  locality  only,  and 
which  ceased  to  exist  when  the  ice  had  passed  from  that  locality,  or  they  may 
have  been  permanent  lakes,  caused  by  the  reforming  of  the  land  surface  during 
the  Glacial  Period,  which  persisted  for  a  long  time  after  the  retreat  of  the  ice, 
and  which  ceased  to  exist  only  through  the  operation  of  natural  drainage  forces, 
either  by  draining  the  basins  or  filling  them  with  silt.  These  deposits  are 
therefore  widely  distributed  over  the  glacial  region,  especially  the  northern  part. 

The  second  series  of  deposits  consists  of  those  left  within  the  glaciated  area 
by  the  streams  that  flowed  from  the  ice  during  the  Glacial  Period.  These 
streams  were  presumably  more  abundantly  supplied  with  water  from  the  melting 
ice  than  at  present  from  the  normal  rainfall  of  the  glacial  region.  They  also 
carried  large  quantities  of  gravel,  sand,  and  finer  material,  which,  owing  to  the 
great  volume  and  transporting  power  of  the  streams,  were  carried  into  the 
valleys  and  deposited,  forming  new  slopes,  whose  grades  were  determined  by 
the  load  and  current  of  the  streams.  Since  the  retreat  of 'the  ice  and  the  reduc- 
tion in  the  volume  of  the  streams  and  the  amount  of  their  load  they  have 
cut  newer  valleys  in  these  old  valley  fill  lugs,  leaving  the  uneroded  remnants  as 
terraces  along  the  sides. 

These  features  are  more  or  less  clearly  developed  along  the  larger  streams 
within  the  glacial  region  both  east  and  west.  They  are  usually  higher  above 
the  present  valley  floors  in  the  eastern  mountain  areas,  where  they  consist  of 
coarser  material  than  in  the  smoother  regions  of  the  west.  In  general  the 
western  terraces  are  made  up  of  sands  and  silts  whose  original  source  is  un- 
known, while  in  the  mountain  regions  they  are  composed  largely  of  cobbles  and 
gravels,  whose  character  and  parent  rock  and,  through  the  latter,  the  original 
source  of  the  material,  can  often  be  determined. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  province  does  not  occur  as  a  single  large  area,  but  as  a  great  number  of 
small  areas,  many  of  them  a  square  mile  or  less  in  size,  the  river  terraces  being 
developed  as  narrow  strips  along  the  larger  rivers  of  the  glacial  region.  It  is 
therefore  impossible  to  describe  definitely  the  boundaries  of  the  province  as  a 
whole  or  the  location  of  a  part  of  the  areas.  In  general,  however,  the  larger 
areas  lie  within  the  basins  of  the  great  lakes,  and  represent  temporary  glacial 
lakes  or  extensions  of  the  existing  Great  Lakes  formed  during  the  Glacial 
Period. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The  surface  features  of  all  these  areas  are  essentially  alike.  The  topography 
is  generally  flat,  or  nearly  so.  though  not  usually  level,  the  areas  consisting  of 
smooth  to  gently  undulating  plains.  As  a  rule,  there  is  sufficient  slope  to  pro- 
vide good  natural  drainage  or  to  render  artificial  drains  effective.  Since  the 
province  includes  areas  <>f  glacial-lake  deposits  not  merely  the  areas  covered 
at  one  time  by  glacial  lakes,  it  is  evident  that  the  topography  could  not,  as  a 
whole,  have  been  rough  when  the  lake  beds  were  exposed.  It  would  have,  even 
where  not  perfectly  smooth,  the  smooth  outlines  of  constructional  forms.  These 
areas  are  so  recent  that  erosion  by  streams  has  bad  very  little  modifying  effect 
on  the  topography. 

L65 


166  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

GEOLOGY. 

The  lake  deposits  are  usually  thicker  than  the  normal  3-foot  soil  section.  The 
material  has  been  derived  from  various  sources,  so  that,  taken  as  a  whole,  Its 
ultimate  source  can  not  be  determined. 

In  the  eastern  areas  the  material  consists  of  grayish  and  bluish  to  yellowish 
clays,  silts,  and  silty  clays,. with  gray  to  brown  sands  and  gravels.  In  the  Lake 
Superior  and  other  Wisconsin  and  eastern  Minnesota  areas  the  heavy  material 
consists  of  red  clays,  and  the  light  material  is  lighter  in  color.  In  the  extreme 
western  areas  the  materials  are  again  bluish,  yellowish,  and  gray. 

In  some  cases,  usually  in  small  local  areas,  the  lake  silts  and  clays  form  a 
thin  mantle,  overlying  either  glacial  drift  or  country  rock.  In  such  cases  the 
silts  have  no  closer  genetic  relationship  to  the  underlying  rock,  as  a  rule,  than 
do  the  thicker  layers.  The  rock  may  be  any  of  the  formations  that  occur  in  the 
Great  Lake  region. 

The  most  important  areas  of  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  province  are: 
(1)  The  Iroquois-Warren  Basin,  (2)  the  Maumee  Basin,  (3)  the  Saginaw  Basin, 
(4)  the  Chicago  Basin.  (5)  the' Green  Bay  Basin,  (6)  the  Duluth  Basin,  and  (7) 
the  Agassiz  Basin. 

THE   IROQUOIS-WARREN   BASIN. 

This  area  lies  in  the  Ontario  plain  in  northern  New  York,  with  small  exten- 
sions southward  up  the  finger-lake  valleys  into  the  Allegheny  Plateau,  a  narrow 
belt  along  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  eastern  Ohio,  where  it  again  expands 
into  the  Maumee  Basin,  and  a  narrow  belt  down  the  St.  Lawrence  to  the  inter- 
national boundary. 

The  northern  or  inner  boundary  of  the  area  lies  along  the  Ontario  shore. 
The  eastern  end  of  the  southern  or  outer  boundary  commences  with  a  sweeping 
curve  along  and  around  the  northwest  and  west  foot  of  the  Adlrondacks,  thence 
southward  to  Koine.  X.  V..  and  westward  in  a  curve  by  Syracuse  to  Auburn. 
West  of  this  it  follows  a  very  Irregular  line  in  and  out  of  the  finger-lake  basins 
westward  to  the  vicinity  of  Le  Boy,  NT.  Y..  beyond  which  it  extends  southwest- 
ward  to  the  narrow  belt  along  the  Brie  shore. 

From  Wayne  County.  X.  Y..  westward  this  basin  is  divided  by  an  island  belt 
on  which  the  deposits  do  not  occur.  It  runs  westward  through  Monroe  and  into 
Genesee  and  Orleans  Counties.  The  exact  boundaries  of  its  western  end  are 
not  known. 

This  area  contains  practically  no  rough  land.  Some  of  the  shore  deposits 
occupy  hillsides,  and  some  areas  have  been  eroded  since  deposition  occurred,  but 
these  are  small. 

The  soils  are  Dunkirk  and  Clyde,  with  a  number  of  less  Important  groups. 
The  are;i  is  devoted  as  a  whole  to  general  fanning,  but  In  places  the  growing 

Dt  fruit,  especially  apples,  receive!  particular  attention.  The  industry  is  best 
developed  along  the  northern  belt  in  Monroe,  Orleans,  and  Niagara  Counties. 
which  represent  the  most  important  apple-growing  region  in  New  York,  and 
mii..  of  the  most  Important  In  the  United  States.  Locally  some  attention  is  paid 
ro  peach  growing;,  apparently  with  good  results,  Aside  from  fruit  growing  the 
•!:,,„i  [a  devoted  to  the  production  of  bay,  pasture  urr.-is<.  wheat,  beans,  corn. 
potatoes,  and  regetables. 

In    the  narrow   Krie  shore  belt  the  growing  of  grapes   baa  developed   into   an 

industry  of  the  greatest  Importance.  They  are  grown  mainly  for  table  use  and 
are  Bhipped  over  b  large  pari  of  the  United  States,  [n  recenl  years  large 
plants  for  the  manufacture  of  grape  juice  bave  been  established  In  the  region, 
and  this  baa  Increased  the  consumption  of  grapes  and  caused  an  extension  of 

the  industry. 

Throughout  the  area  the  Clyde  soils  are  utilised  to  a  greater  or  less  extent 
/(  the  growing  of  cabbage,  onions,  celery,  and  lettuce 

i  I ik  MAUMEE  aim:  \. 

This  area  is  developed  ns  a  fringe  along  the  south  aide  and  west  end  of  Lake 
Brie  extending  southwestward  from  the  end  of  the  lake  to  Fori  Wayne,  [nd., 
rod  northward  at  a  narrow  fringe  a  ion-  the  Detroit  aiver,  Lake  st    Glair,  and 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE.  167 

the  St.  Clair  River.  It  is  mainly  a  feature  of  the  southwestern  end  of  the 
Lake  Erie  Basin. 

It  has  a  smoother  surface  than  the  Iroquois- Warren  area,  and  consists  of  a 
practically  uniform  plain  with  a  gentle  slope  toward  the  lake.  Within  this 
area  are  a  few  narrow,  curving  island  areas  belonging  in  the  Glacial  and 
Loessial  province. 

The  soils  belong  to  the  Dunkirk  and  Clyde  series.  They  are  devoted  mainly 
to  general  farming,  which  is  conducted  profitably,  corn  being  the  principal  crop. 

THE  SAGINAW  AREA. 

This  area  occurs  around  the  southern  end  of  Saginaw  Bay,  Mich.  It  is 
connected  by  a  narrow  strip  around  "  The  Thumb "  of  Michigan  with  the 
Maumee  area,  and  narrows  down  to  a  point  on  the  west  side  of  the  bay  near 
the  junction  with  Lake  Huron.  The  area  is  widest  at  its  southern  end,  where 
it  reaches  a  north  and  south  width  of  about  40  miles  and  an  east  and  west  width 
of  a  few  miles  more.  Topographically  it  is,  like  the  Maumee  area,  a  smooth 
plain  with  a  gentle  slope  toward  the  Saginaw  River  and  the  bay.  It  includes 
very  few.  if  any,  islands  in  it. 

The  Clyde  soils  predominate  and  make  up  about  80  per  cent  of  the  area.  They 
are  devoted  to  general  farmiug  and  dairying,  but  considerable  attention  is  paid 
to  the  growing  of  sugar  beets  on  the  heavier  members  of  the  series.  The  greater 
part  of  the  area  is  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  the  farmers  are  prosperous. 

THE  CHICAGO  AREA. 

The  area  is  small,  and,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  city  of  Chicago  lies  within 
it,  agriculture  is  not  carried  on  in  the  northern  or  lake  border  belt  to  a  suffi- 
cient extent  to  merit  consideration.  In  the  southern  or  Kankakee  belt  a  large 
part  of  the  land  is  under  cultivation  and  devoted  to  the  production  of  general 
farm  crops,  which  in  that  region  consist  mainly  of  corn,  oats,  and  hay.  The 
topography  of  the  area  is  smooth,  except  where  sand  dunes  have  been  formed  by 
wind  action. 

The  soils  are  mainly  Clyde  and  are  usually  light  in  texture. 

A  large  part  of  this  area  is  so  poorly  drained  that  it  is  not  possible  to  grow 
crops  on  it.  As  a  whole,  the  Chicago  area  is.  therefore,  of  relatively  little 
agricultural  importance. 

THE    GREEN   BAY   AREA. 

This  area  lies  mainly  along  the  west  side  of  Lake  Winnebago  and  the  southern 
part  of  Green  Bay,  with  a  narrow  and  unimportant  fringe  along  the  shore  of 
Lake  Michigan,  south  of  the  mouth  of  the  bay.  On  the  eastern  shore  of  the 
lake  the  belt  varies  in  width  from  less  than  a  mile  to  4  or  5  miles,  and  between 
the  Lake  and  the  Bay  the  area  has  a  considerable  westward  expansion. 

The  surface  is  smooth,  resembling  in  this  respect  the  Maumee  and  Chicago 
areas,  being  smoother  than  the  southern  part  of  the  Iroquois- Warren  area. 

The  soils  are  black  to  red  in  color,  possess  clay  or  silty  clay  subsoils,  and 
belong  principally  in  the  Poygan  and  Superior  series.  Small  areas  and  ridges 
of  lighter  colored  sand  and  gravel  occur. 

This  is  a  region  of  general  and  dairy  farming,  in  which  grass  and  the  small 
grains  constitute  the  main  crops.  Corn  is  grown  to  a  less  extent  than  in 
southern  areas.  Practically  all  of  the  area  except  local,  poorly  drained  situa- 
tions, is  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 

THE  SUPERIOR  AREA. 

This  is  a  small  area  lying  along  the  south  shore  of  the  west  end  of  Lake 
Superior  as  a  belt  varying  from  a  very  few  miles  up  to  15  or  20  miles  in  width. 
The  topography  is  smooth  and  similar  to  that  of  the  Green  Bay  area.  The  soil 
is  essentially  identical  with  ih.it   in  the  Green  Bay  area. 

The  principal  crops  are  clover  and  timothy,  both  of  which  grow  luxuriantly. 
Some  attention  is  also  given  the  production  of  root  crops.  The  climate  is 
generally  too  severe  for  corn,  except  as  fodder. 


168  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED    STATES. 

THE  AGASSIZ   AREA. 

This  is  the  largest  of  the  Glacial  Lake  areas.  It  lies  in  northwestern  Minne- 
sota and  eastern  North  Dakota.  It  is  broadest  at  the  international  boundary, 
where  it  has  an  east  and  west  width  of  more  than  200  miles.  It  narrows  south- 
ward, ending  in  a  point  near  the  north  end  of  Big  Stone  Lake  in  Minnesota. 
It  reaches  far  across  the  line  into  Canada,  having  a  north  and  south  extent 
of  about  250  miles.  Its  area  within  the  United  States  is  .about  35.000  square 
miles. 

Topographically,  the  area  is  smooth.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  areas  of  almost 
perfectly  smooth  plain  in  North  America.  The  Red  River  flows  northward 
along  the  axis  of  the  area,  marking  its  lowest  level,  and  the  country  rises 
imperceptibly  east  and  west  from  this  River.  The  area  preserves  its  simple 
constructional  surface  features  practically  intact,  the  Red  River  having  done 
nothing  more  than  to  cut  a  channel  about  20  feet  deep  and  only  a  few  hundred 
yards  wide.    The  other  streams  have  affected  the  topography  even  less. 

The  predominant  soils  are  those  of  the  Fargo  series.  The  Sioux  soils  are 
associated  with  them,  but  only  in  relatively  small  areas  and  narrow  belts 

This  region  has  for  a  long  time  been  the  great  spring-wheat  producing  area  of 
the  United  States.  Up  to  the  last  few  years  it  was  the  most  important  area 
of  its  size  in  the  world,  but  the  plains  of  western  Canada  are  fast  becoming 
equally  important  in  agriculture.  It  continues,  however,  as  the  most  important 
area  in  the  United  States.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  particularly  adapted  to  spring 
wheat,  and  the  topography  is  favorable  to  the  bonanza  type  of  farming. 

The  continued  cropping  to  wheat  for  a  period  of  20  years  or  more  has  caused 
a  decided  decrease  in  the  yield  per  acre.  This  has  turned  the  attention  of  the 
farmers  to  a  greater  diversification  of  crops.  During  the  last  few  years  more 
attention  has  been  paid  to  oats,  barley,  and  grass,  though  wheat  continues  to 
be  the  main  crop. 

THE    RIVER    TERRACES. 

These  deposits  occur  along  all  of  tin4  larger  streams  within  the  glacial  area 
and  along  belts  where  no  stream  exists  ;it  present,  but  where  temporary 
streams  ran  during  a  part  of  the  Glacial  Period,  when  they  cut  valleys  and 
deposited  soils  of  more  or  less  importance  in  the  area. 

As  a  rule  these  terrace  materials  are  coarser  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
glacial  province  than  in  the  western.  The  coarser  grained  and  lighter  soils  are 
usually  lighter  colored  than  the  heavier  members.  In  the  eastern  part  of  the 
United  States  the  glacial  terrace  soils  are  mainly  those  of  the  Merriinac  series 
of  the  New  England  States,  where  they  are  composed  of  crystalline  material. 
the  Chenango  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountain  region,  where  they  are  made 
up  largely  of  sandstone  material,  the  Flshkill  soils  in  parts  of  the  Great  Valley 
region,  where  they  consist  mainly  of  limestone  material,  and  the  Hoosic  soils, 
also  in  the  Great  Valley  region,  where  they  are  largely  composed  of  shale 
material.  The  Chenango  soils  extend  into  the  middle  western  States,  and  the 
Merrimae  soils  will  probably  be  found  in  northern  Michigan  and  northern 
Wisconsin,  though  none  have  been  mapped  so  far.  In  the  States  west  of  the 
Mississippi  River  the  terrace  soils  are  darker  in  color,  and  are  mapped  as 
Sioux  soils. 

In   the  eastern    part    of   the   United    States   the   river   terrace   soils   are  often 

relatively  Lmportanl  on  account  of  their  level  topography  and  favorable  posi- 
tion.     In    many    parts  Of   the  country    they   constitute   the  greater   part    o\'   the 

smooth  land  available  for  agriculture,  and  where  not  so  coarse  in  texture  as 
to  be  extremely  droughty  they  are  valuable  soils. 

In  the  central  western  States  the  terrace  soils  are  usually  more  productive 
than   tli.-  apl«nd  soils,  vet   they  arc  not   so  important    relatively  as  in   the   Kast. 

on  account  of  the  larger  areai  of  more  highly  productive  upland  soils. 
These  soils  are  devoted  to  general  farming  as  a  rule 

CLIMATE. 

The  Glacial  Lake  and  Rivei  Terrace  province,  though  geographically  In- 
cluded within  the  Glacial  and  Loesalal  province,  possesses  distinct  differences 
in  climatic  conditions  which  •  h  beneflcal  Influence  upon  crops,  lengthen- 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


169 


ing  the  growing  season  and  rendering  the  soils  of  the  region  more  valuable  for 
fruit  and  truck  growing  than  the  till  soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province. 
The  soils  occupy  relatively  basinlike  positions,  and  except  where  they  occur  on 
the  leeward  sides  of  large  bodies  of  water  they  are  as  a  rule  less  subject  to 
drifting  than  the  glacial  till  soils.  The  precipitation  is  also  greater  and  more 
evenly  distributed  throughout  the  seasons  than  on  the  higher,  more  exposed 
till  uplands. 

The  effect  of  the  presence  of  large  bodies  of  water  in  ameliorating  the  in- 
fluence of  late  spring  and  early  fall  frosts  is  well  illustrated  by  comparing  the 
length  of  the  growing  season  of  Portland,  Me.,  with  Orono,  Me.,  which  is  187 
and  136  clays,  respectively,  and  of  Provincetown,  Mass.,  with  Middleboro,  Mass., 
194  and  141  days,  respectively,  Portland  and  Provincetown  being  seacoast  towns, 
while  Orono  and  Middleboro  are  situated  in  the  interior.  In  the  region  of  the 
Great  Lakes  this  influence  is  strikingly  illustrated  by  a  comparison  of  Sandusky, 
Ohio,  where  the  growing  season  extends  over  195  days,  with  Canton,  Ohio,  50 
miles  farther  south,  which  has  a  frostless  season  of  but  102  days.  Likewise, 
Grand  Haven,  Mich.,  situated  in  the  fruit  belt  on  Lake  Michigan,  has  a  growing 
season  of  165  days,  contrasted  with  140  days  at  Alma,  Mich.,  situated  near  the 
center  of  the  southern  peninsula.  This  period  of  immunity  from  frosts  extends 
over  both  the  spring  and  fall  ends  of  the  season,  thus  giving  the  truckers  and 
fruit  growers  an  advantage  in  competition  with  their  rivals  working  with 
inland  soils. 

There  have  been  surveyed  in  this  province  10,847,498  acres,  of  which  9,905,162 
acres  are  mapped  on  a  detail  scale  of  1  inch  to  the  mile  and  1,176,896  acres  on  a 
reconnoissance  scale  of  4  to  6  miles  to  the  inch,  with  an  overlap  of  234,560 
acres.  Of  the  total  area  9,943,014  acres  have  been  classified  according  to  ma- 
terial in  series  and  9,217,190  acres  have  been  classified  into  types.  In  addition 
there  are  904,484  acres  of  miscellaneous  materials,  mainly  not  suited  to  agricul- 
ture in  their  present  condition. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Adams  series. — The  Adams  series  includes  grayish-brown  to  brown  or  gray 
soils,  with  gray,  brown,  or  yellowish  subsoils  deposited  as  deltas  or  shore  ma- 
terial or  in  filled  valleys  in  connection  with  glacial  lakes,  principally  in  New 
York  State.  Tbe  material  has  been  carried  down  in  streams  of  glacial  age, 
mainly  from  glaciated  shale  and  crystalline  rock  areas,  and  is  essentially  non- 
calcareous  in  character.  The  series  differs  from  the  Hudson  in  the  absence  of 
the  heavy  underlying  clays  usually  associated  with  that  series,  and  from  the 
Hoosic  series  in  being  deposited  in  glacial  lakes  instead  of  as  river  terraces. 
The  deposits  are  usually  deep  and  the  soils  leachy  and  droughty,  supporting  a 
native  vegetation  of  acid  tolerant  plants  and  trees. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Adams  series. 


Soil  name. 

Stale  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  5 

24,000 
21,248 

do 

do 

320 

Total 

45, 568 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Beardcn  series. — The  Bearden  series  is  characterized  by  dark-colored  surface 
soils  overlying  gray  or  yellowish  subsoils,  which  are  somewhat  calcareous  and 
frequently  contain  shale  fragments.  It  represents  old  alluvial  material,  prob- 
ably deposited  for  the  most  part  following  the  recession  of  the  last  ice  sheet, 
and  occurs  as  terraces  or  high  first  bottoms  above  overflow  along  some  of  the 
smaller  streams  in  the  prairie  region  of  the  Dakolas.  This  series  differs 
from  the  Sioux  soils  in  the  absence  of  the  gravelly  layer  with  3  or  4  feet  of  the 
surface,  though  coarse  sands  are  sometimes  present  below  Hie  subsoil,  and 
from  the  Wabash  soils  in  the  water  table  being  farther  below  the  surface,  with 
consequently  better  drainage. 


170  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bearden  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bearden  loam 

North  Dakota  8 

3,584 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Benoit  series. — The  series  is  marked  by  dark  brown  to  black  surface  soils, 
underlain  by  gray  or  yellowish,  somewhat  calcareous,  subsoils,  which  grade  into 
beds  of  gravel  and  sand  at  about  36  inches.  Cobbles  and  small  bowlders  are 
frequently  present  on  the  surface  and  scattered  through  the  subsoil.  These 
soils  are  found  near  the  margins  of  old  glacial  lakes  and  are  of  lacustrine 
origin.  They  are  associated  with  gravelly  and  sandy  bare  ridges,  which  have 
been  subsequently  modified  more  or  less  by  wind  action.  The  topographic 
features  of  the  Benoit  series  consist  of  numerous  small  shallow  depressions  and 
gentle  swells  between  these  ridges,  and  the  aspect  of  the  series  as  a  whole  is 
gently  undulating.  The  soils  are  poorly  drained,  and  their  chief  value  is  for 
hay  meadows  and  pasture  land. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Benoit  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Benoit  fine  sandy  loam 

Minnesota  3 

4,032 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Caneadea  series. — The  Caneadea  series  consists  of  light-colored  soils  derived 
from  the  weathering  of  sediments  laid  down  in  temporary  glacial  lakes  held  at 
high  levels.  This  series  is  distinguished  from  the  Dunkirk  series  in  that  the 
soil-forming  materials  are  comparatively  local  in  character,  having  been  washed 
from  the  shale  and  sandstone  rock  of  the  high-hill  country  of  the  surrounding 
region,  or,  in  other  words,  they  are  the  Volusia  series  materials  deposited  in 
water,  while  the  soil-forming  materials  of  the  Dunkirk  series  are  derived  largely 
from  materials  foreign  to  the  locality  which  were  brought  in  by  the  ice  invasion. 
It  appears  that  the  Caneadea  series  of  soils  were  laid  down  during  the  time 
when  the  drainage  outlets  of  the  region  were  to  the  north,  and  that  the  soils  of 
the  Dunkirk  series  were  laid  down  when  the  drainage  outlets  were  to  the  oust 
or  west,  farther  north.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  more  or  less  local  in  extent, 
reaching  their  highest  development  in  the  Genesee  River  Valley  above  the  high 
bank  at  Mount  Morris,  in  southern  Ontario  County,  and  elsewhere  at  the 
southern  extension  of  flic  small  finger  lakes  in  the  hill  country  of  New  York 
State. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Caneadea  series. 


Soil  name. 


i 

i 

loam 

lly  loam 

■;iii  loam 

•  lay , 


State  ox  area.1 


N<>\v  York  <».... 
do 

do 

lo 

ork  6 


Acres. 


1,024 
3,840 
I,  L60 
1 1 , 328 
14,730 
1,280 


36,353 


i  For  key  to  numbers  Lo  ttua  column  see  i>.  733. 

Chapman  series.  The  Chapman  series  is  characterized  by  yellow  or  ii;,rht- 
brown  Burface  ^<»i!s  will)  gray  subsoils,  though  there  is  considerable  variation  in 
coloring  and  character  of  both  Burface  and  subsoils,  In  places  underlying  gray 
mi  coming  to  the  surface  op  white  silt  pockets  being  present.  The  gray  ,ni  '» 
the  depressions  is  sometimes  covered  by  Bhallow  deposits  of  muck  <>r  by  masses 
of  rock  from  the  underlying  Formation,  which  In  mosl  places  is  a  sfaaly  lime- 


GLACIAL    LAKE    AND   RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE. 


171 


stone.  This  series  was  derived  from  glacial  till  and  is  developed  in  a  low  plain 
country  in  northern  New  England,  where  the  till  is  comparatively  thin. 
The  topography  is  hummocky,  the  hummocks  being  4  or  5  feet  in  diameter  and 
1  or  2  feet  above  the  intervening  depressions.  The  hummocks  are  thought  to 
have  been  formed  by  the  overturning  of  trees.  Drainage  being  obstructed,  the 
soils  are  naturally  too  wet  for  cultivated  crops  and  are  in  most  general  use  for 
hay  meadows  and  pasture  lands. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Chapman  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maine  1 

27,648 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Chenango  series. — The  Chenango  series  consists  of  yellowish  to  light-brown 
surface  soils  and  brown  to  yellow  subsoils.  The  surface  soils  vary  in  texture, 
but  a  consistent  characteristic  is  the  almost  uniform  occurrence  at  the  depth  of 
3  feet  or  more  of  stratified  gravel  and  coarse  sand. 

The  series  includes  terrace  soils,  occurring  along  streams  in  those  sections  of 
the  glaciated  region  where  the  upland  soils  result  from  the  glacial  grinding  of 
limestones,  shales,  and  fine-grained  sandstones,  with  only  a  moderate  admixture 
of  material  brought  from  areas  of  igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks.  The  mate- 
rial forming  the  series  was  deposited  along  the  glacial  streams  by  relatively 
rapidly  flowing  waters  associated  with  the  melting  and  recession  of  ice  masses. 
Upon  the  disappearance  of  the  ice  and  the  subsequent  deeper  erosion  by  the  less 
voluminous  postglacial  streams,  this  material  was  left  as  terraces  and  is  not 
now  subject  to  overflow.  The  series  is  often  associated  with  the  Dunkirk  series 
of  lake  deposits  and  forms  southward  extensions  of  similar  material  along  old 
glacial  drainageways.  It  is  also  developed  in  Ohio.  Indiana,  and  some  of  the 
other  Central  States,  where  it  was  originally  mapped  as  Miami  gravelly  loam. 

The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  high  agricultural  value  and  are  adapted  princi- 
pally to  corn,  alfalfa,  and  other  grasses,  potatoes,  and  truck  crops,  depending 
upon  the  texture  of  the  surface  and  the  porosity  of  the  subsoils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chenango  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Chenango  sand 

fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

stony  gravelly  loam . 
gravelly  loam 


shale  loam 

silt  loam 

undifferentiated. 


New  Jersey  2 

do... . 

Indiana  5;  New  Jersey  2;  Pennsylvania  7 

New  York  3;  Pennsylvania  4 

New  Jersey  2 

New  Jersey  2;  Pennsylvania  7 

Pennsylvania  4 

Indiana"v.  Michigan  7;  New  York  2,  3;  Ohio  4,  5 
sylvania  7. 

New  York  2,  3 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  2,  3;  Pennsylvania  4, 
Pennsylvania  13 


'.).  LO;  Ponn- 


Total 


384 

512 

1.728 

7,680 

3,072 

4,736 

26. 4% 

106,304 

10,368 
26,432 
31,040 


218,  752 


1  For  key  lo  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clyde  scries. — This  series  is  characterized  by  dark-brown  to  black  surface 
soils  and  gray,  drab,  or  mottled  gray  and  yellowish  subsoils,  derived  through 
deposition  or  reworking  of  the  soil  material  in  glacial  lakes  or  ponds,  the 
dark  color  of  the  surface  soils  being  due  to  the  high  percentage  of  organic  matter 
caused  by  the  decay  of  plants  in  the  presence  of  water  under  swampy  condi- 
tions. The  soils  of  the  Clyde  series  grade  into  Muck  and  Peat  on  the  one 
hand  and  such  glacial-lake  soils  as  the  Dunkirk  series  on  the  other,  without 
very  sharp  boundary  lines.  They  are  distinguished  from  the  Poygan  soils  by 
the  gray  instead  of  reddish  subsoils,  and  from  the  Fargo  In  the  general  ab- 
sence of  calcium  carbonate.     The  topography  is  level  and  the  soils  are  naturally 


172 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


poorly  drained,  but  when  reclaimed  they  are  highly  productive  and  valuable 
for  corn,  grass,  sugar  beets,  cabbage,  and  onions. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  tla  Clyde  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  i 


Acres. 


Clyde  sand 

gravelly  sand, 
fine  sand 


Michigan  1,  2.  3,  7,  S 

Michigan  1,8 

Indiana  7;  New  York  5^  6.  9,  13;  Wisconsin  3,  4 

Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  15. 


Total. 


67,400 
24,656 
66,624 

126,400 
8,000 

103,936 


sandy  loam '  Indiana  3;  Michigan  2,  5 

stony  sandy  loam '  Mich; 

fine  sandy  loam Indiana  1;  Michigan  6, 8;  New  York  5,  9, 10,  12;  North  Dakota 

1;  Wisconsin  3,  12. 
loam Indiana  1,  7;  Michigan  1,  2,  5,  8;  New  York  6,  10.  11,  12;  North        519,  S52 

Dakota  2;  Wisconsin  3,  15. 

silt  loam Michigan  8;  New  York  13;  Wisconsin  3,  4,  8 36, 736 

clay  loam Michigan  10;  New  York  11;  Wisconsin  12 ,        16, 960 

silty  clay  loam Wrisconsin  4,  15 '       68, 928 

clay Indiana  1,  3;  Michigan  8,  9;  New  York  5,  12;  North  Dakota  1;  I      319,040 

Ohio  8. 


1,358,532 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dunkirk  series. — The  Dunkirk  soils  are  derived  from  the  weathering  of 
glacial-lake  deposits,  and  include  the  lighter  colored  soils  formed  from  such 
material.  The  surface  soils  range  from  brown  to  gray  in  color  and  the  sub- 
soils from  brown  to  yellow  or  gray,  with  or  without  mottling.  The  topography 
varies  with  the  thickness  and  character  of  the  deposits  as  well  as  with  the 
character  of  underlying  topography  It  ranges  from  smooth  to  rough,  the 
former,  however,  being  the  more  characteristic. 

The  important  criteria  in  distinguishing  these  soils  arc:  (1)  The  derivation 
from  glacial-lake  deposits  determined  by  (a)  the  nature  of  the  material  (clay, 
silt,  gravel)  ;  (&)  the  smoothness  of  the  topographic  outline:  (c)  the  stratifica- 
tion of  the  material  :  and  (2)  the  color  of  the  soil  and  subsoil. 

irea  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dunkirk  series. 


Soil  name. 


Dunkirk  sand 

gravel 

gravelly  sand 

coarse  sand 

fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

■  !ly  sandy  loam 
fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

loam 

lly  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

•  lay  loam 

■ lay  loam 

clay 

clay 


State  or  area. 


Michigan  9;  Minnesota  3;  North  Dakota  S;  Ohio  8;  Pennsyl- 
vania 7;  Wisconsin  s. 

Now  York  6,  18;  Ohio  l;   Pennsylvania  7 

Michigan  5,  8;  New  York  0,  10 

New  York  11 

Indiana  1,  7;  Michigan  5,  l\  New  Y"ort  I,  6,  B,  '.'.  10,  12,  13,  14; 
Pennsylvania  7;  w  Isconsin  10. 

Indiana  I:  UMtipn  9;  NVw  York  11,  12,  13;  Ohio  8,  10;  Wis- 
consin 12. 

New  York  fi,  10,  12.  13,  15.  18;  Ohio  1;  Pennsylvania  7 

Indiana   1;   New   York  6.  8,  9,  10,   11,   12.  18,  14,  16,  IS;  Ohio  1, 

3;  Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  12. 
New  Vorki,  8,  io,  li,  12,  13,  15;  Ohio 3;  Pennsylvania? 

New  York  8 

\rw  York  1,8,9,  i".  ii.  18,  ii.  18;  Ohio 3;  Pennsylvania 7 

New  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7 , 

New  i  I  ennsylvania 7 

Michi  ran  10;  New  York  l.  9,  12,  15;  Ohio  8 

New  York  10, 18 

New  York  1,6,  B,9,  11,  12,  13,  14,  18;  Ohio  1,3;  Pennsyli 

New  York  l,  6. 16 


Acres. 


82,816 

8,744 

32,992 

3,200 

225,152 

69, 632 

83,356 
266, 698 

245,184 

38,208 

172.800 

5,824 

212,290 
40,064 


|  1,833,904 


1  For  ki-y  t0  numbers  III  this  column  sec  p.  7XA. 

Elmwood  series.    These  soils  i  re  developed  in  a  former  iiiur!i  level  bed  of  the 

Great    Lakes  and  arc  formed  through  the  deposition  of  Bandy  material  over 

trine  clays.    The  Burface  soils  are  yellowish  or  grayish  In  color,  though 

darker  in  depressed  areas  where  vegetable  matin-  has  accumulated.    The  clay 

subsoils  are  stratified.    The  topography  is  flat   to  undulating  and  tiu>  agrlcul- 


GLACIAL    LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


173 


tural  value  of  the  soils  depends  upon  their  ability  to  overcome  the  naturally 
poor  surface  drainage  and  the  slowness  with  which  water  passes  through  the 
impervious  clay  subsoils.  Fruit  and  general  farm  crops  are  grown  upon  the 
Elmwood  loam  in  Michigan. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Elmwood  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Elmwood  loam Michigan  1 


3,810 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fargo  seizes. — The  series  occurs  principally  in  old  Glacial  Lake  Agassiz  in 
the  Red  River  Valley  and  in  other  old  glacial-lake  beds  in  the  same  region.  The 
soils  have  been  formed  by  the  reworking  of  glacial  material  and  its  deposition 
in  glacial  lakes.  They  are  very  black  in  color  and  contain  a  very  large  per- 
centage of  organic  matter,  in  some  cases  enough  to  make  them  slightly  mucky. 
There  is  also  present,  especially  in  the  subsoil,  a  large  percentage  of  lime. 
In  this  respect  they  differ  from  the  Clyde  soils,  which  are  noncalcareous.  The 
topography  of  this  series  is  uniformly  level. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fargo  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

North  Dakota  3,8 

51,520 
164, 160 

fine  sand 

North  Dakota  8,  9 

sandv  loam 

North  Dakota  9 

53,504 

gravelly  sandy  loam  . . . 
fine  sandy  loam 

Minnesota  3 

24,447 
432, 384 

Minnesota  1 ,  3;  North  Dakota  3,  4,  8,  9 

loam 

Minnesota  3,  4;  North  Dakota  1,  3,  4,  8,  9 

393,984 
6, 528 

gravelly  loam 

North  Dakota  3,9 

Minnesota  3,  5;  North  Dakota  4,  8,  9, 10 

154,368 
601,024 
159,296 
694,784 

Minnesota  1;  North  Dakota  3,  8,  9,  11. 

undifferentiated 

North  Dakota  10 

Total 

2,736,000 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fox  series. — The  Fox  soils  are  gray  to  brown  in  color  and  occur  typically 
on  a  level  topography.  When  the  topography  is  not  level  its  variation  is  due 
to  the  occurrence  of  potholes  or  to  the  existence  of  valleys  eroded  since  the 
formation  of  the  plain  or  the  deposition  of  the  material.  The  material  was 
laid  down  either  as  outwash  plains  or  as  terraces  along  streams  within  the 
glacial  area  or  flowing  out  of  it.  It  consists  largely  or  wholly  of  glacially 
derived  material,  but  must  contain  a  large  percentage — at  least  25  per  cent — of 
limestone.  This  can  be  determined  only  through  an  examination  of  the  gravelly 
material  usually  found  in  the  subsoil. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fox  series. 


Soil  name. 

be  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Fox  sand . . . 

2,368 
9,344 
2,048 
12, 928 
704 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

New  York  4;  Wisconsin  8 

loam 

1,600 

gravelly  loam 

New  Jersev  2;  New  York  4 

42, 624 

silt  loam 

15,040 

Total 

86,656 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


174 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Hartford  scries. — The  soils  are  red,  brown,  or  yellow  in  the  surface  section, 
underlain  by  yellowish  subsoils  of  a  sandy  character  but  containing  little  or 
no  gravel,  which  constitutes  one  of  the  prominent  characteristics  of  the  Mer- 
rimac  series.  The  soils  were  laid  down  in  glacial  lakes  and  deltas,  the  rock 
material  coming  mainly  from  areas  of  diabase  or  Triassic  sandstone.  They 
now  exist  as  high  terraces,  principally  in  the  Connecticut  Valley,  and  the 
underdrainage  is  thorough,  but  not  so  excessive  as  In  the  Merrimac  soils.  The 
topography  is  level  to  undulating,  the  latter  characteristic  being  due  to  wind 
action,  which  in  some  areas  is  at  present  an  active  force.  These  soils  ire 
most  valuable  for  the  production  of  truck  crops  and  tobacco. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hartford  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

Hartford  sandy  loam 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

95,304 
17,284 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Total 

112,588 

J  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hempstead  series. — The  Hempstead  soils  are  brown  to  black  in  color  in  the 
soil,  the  darker  color  predominating  in  all  except  the  lightest  types.  The  sub- 
soils are  yellow  to  reddish  yellow  in  color  and  are  usually  somewhat  heavier 
than  the  soils.  The  subsoils  rest  on  gravel  or  sand  beds  at  about  24  inches 
from  the  surface.  The  gravel  is  mainly  quartz.  The  topography  is  essentially 
level,  the  only  relief  consisting  of  dry-stream  channels  which  traverse  the 
area  of  these  soils.  They  are  derived  from  the  weathering  of  glacial  outwash 
material  and  have  been  identified  only  on  the  southern  smooth  prairie  plains 
of  Long  Island.  Where  utilized  at  all  they  are  used,  under  intensive  fertili- 
zation and  cultivation,  for  the  production  of  market  garden  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hempstead  scries. 


Soil  name. 


Hempstead  loam 

Hempstead  gravelly  loam. 


Total 


State  or  area.1 


New  York  7. 
New  York  7. 


Acres. 


34,560 
19,264 


63,824 


i  For  key  to  numbers  In  this  column  see  p.  733. 

HoneOye  series. — The  Honeoye  series  consists  of  brown  loam  soils  of  variable 
depth,  but  usually  thin,  and  passing  without  much  change  in  general  color  or 
physical  character  into  the  subsoil.  The  subsoil  directly  overlies  the  upper 
strata  of  Onondaga  limestones  of  Devonian  age,  fragments  of  which  occur 
throughout  the  soil  profile.  This  material  is  residual  from  the  weathering  of 
the  limestone,  and  mixed  with  it  is  usually  found  varying,  though  not  large, 
quantities  of  glacial  material  left  as  remnants  following  the  scouring  by  glacial 

stream.    The  series  occupies  valley  positions  where  there  has  been  considerable 

Stream  erosion  in  glacial  times.  The  topography  is  usually  gently  undulating 
to  rolling  and  sometimes  slightly  ridgy.  The  soils  are  so  thin  and  stony  that 
they  are  easily  affected  by  drought  and  are  comparatively  little  used  for  agri- 
culture. 

\)ci   <ind  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  llonmi/c  series. 


Soil  ■ 

State  oru 

Lores, 

Honeoye  stony  Looja 

New  York  6,  10,  13 

9,600 

i<>  DUmberi  in  this  column  m  p.  733. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


175 


Hoosic  series. — This  series  consists  of  the  high  glacial  terrace  and  delta  soils 
found  typically  developed  in  eastern  New  York  and  western  New  England. 
They  are  brown  to  yellow  in  color  and  generally  gravelly  and  sandy,  especially 
in  the  lower  depths.  They  are  well  elevated  above  present  drainage  channels 
and  consequently  well  to  excessively  drained.  The  materials  making  up  the 
series  are  derived  from  the  mingled  glacial  and  residual  debris  of  the  crystalline 
and  semicrystalline  rocks  of  the  region.  A  large  proportion  of  the  gravel  con- 
tent consists  of  thin,  waterworn  shale  and  slate.  These  soils  differ  from  the 
Merrimac  series,  which  consist  of  broad  flat  terraces  along  the  major  streams 
of  New  England,  and  which  are  formed  largely 'from  wash  from  acidic  rocks  of 
a  more  coarsely  crystalline  character. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hoosic  series. 


>oil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Hoosic  gravel '  New  York  li 

coarse  sand do 


fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam . 

loam 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 


Total. 


do 

New  Jersey  2. 
New  York  17. 
New  Jersey  2. 

do 

New  York  17. 


31,232 
6,080 
7,168 
5,888 
8,640 
6,080 

26,240 
4,288 

95,616 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hudson  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  yellowish  brown  and  are  under- 
lain by  drab  to  yellowish  subsoils.  The  latter  are  generally  lighter  in  texture 
than  the  soils  of  the  Vergennes  series.  They  occur  as  glacial-lake  terraces  in 
the  valley  of  the  Hudson  River  south  of  the  confluence  with  the  Mohawk  River. 
The  material  was  deposited  in  Glacial  Lake  Albany  and  is  composed  principally 
of  wash  from  glaciated  slate  uplands*  These  soils  are  lighter  in  color  than  the 
Vergennes  soils  and  are  noncalcareous. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hudson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  4. 
do 

1,856 
6,400 
3,904 
1,088 
9,984 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

do... 

...do  .. 

Total 

23,232 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lidgerwood  series. — The  Lidgerwood  series  is  marked  by  dark-brown  soils 
with  light-brown  or  mottled  reddish,  brown,  and  white  subsoils,  generally 
coarser  in  texture  than  the  soils.  The  soils  are  developed  in  old  abandoned 
preglacial  stream  channels  in  the  Northwestern  Prairie  States,  the  material 
having  been  laid  down  by  glacial  waters.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly 
level  to  somewhat  hilly,  the  latter  feature  being  possibly  due  to  the  action  of 
wind.  The  drainage  is  variable,  those  areas  which  are  low  and  wet  furnishing 
good  grazing  land,  while  the  higher-lying  and  hillier  areas  constitute  good  farm- 
ing land  for  the  production  of  the  small  grains,  as  well  as  potatoes  and  truck 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Lidgerwood  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Lidgerwood  fine  sandy  loam . . . : North  Dakota 


10,048 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

< 


176 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Livingston  series. — The  series  includes  brown  or  grayish-brown  surface  soils 
about  10  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  gray  and  brown  mottled  subsoils  of  some- 
what lighter  color.  The  soils  are  derived  from  two  sources.  The  subsoil  in 
many  instances  is  almost  wholly  residual  in  character  from  underlying  shales, 
while  the  surface  soil  is  formed  through  intermixture  of  this  residual  material 
with  remnants  of  the  glacial  material  surviving  glacial  stream  action  in  the  local 
valley  positions  where  these  soils  are  found.  The  topography  is  usually  rather 
flat  to  gently  rolling  and  the  natural  surface  drainage  poor.  The  soils  are  nat- 
urally well  adapted  to  grass  or  pasture  and  when  well  drained  produce  good 
yields  of  general  farm  and  grain  crops. 

irea  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Livingston  scries. 


Soil  name. 


>r  area. 


Livingston  loam I  New  York  6. . 

siltv  clay  loam New  York  13. 


13,504 


Total. 


19,712 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lockpori  scries. — The  Lockport  series  includes  surface  soils  of  light-brown, 
brown,  or  slightly  reddish-brown  color,  overlying  subsoils  of  distinctly  Indian- 
red  color  and  not  infrequently  mottled  with  yellow  and  light  gray.  These  soils 
occur  in  the  low  Ontario  Lake  Plain  in  northern  New  York  and  are  usually  thin, 
the  subsoils  frequently  grading  into  broken-up  and  more  or  less  decomposed 
red  Medina  sandstone  and  shale,  fragments  of  which  frequently  occur  in  the 
subsoil  and  sometimes  at  the  surface.  The  soils  have  been  formed  both  through 
the  weathering  of  the  underlying  Medina  formation  and  through  the  lacustrine 
sediments  which  have  been  left  upon  the  recession  of  former  Glacial  Lake 
Iroquois.  Drainage  is  usually  poor  and  requires  some  artificial  assistance. 
When  drained  these  soils  are  used  for  the  production  of  general  farm  crops, 
particularly  the  grains  and  grasses.  Some  fruits,  such  as  apples,  cherries,  pears, 
quinces,  etc.,  are  produced  upon  the  better-drained  members  of  the  series,  and 
the  value  of  the  areas  where  the  orchards  have  come  into  bearing  ranges  from 
$90  to  $200  an  :icre. 

irea  "nil  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lockport  scries. 


Soil  name. 


Lockport  fine  sandy  loam. 

stony  loam 

clay 


Total. 


Stale  0 


New  York  10. 

....do 

New  York  12. 


Aeres. 


4,096 
12,544 
6,656 


33,396 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  ibis  column  seo  p.  733. 


Manchester  series.  The  soils  of  the  Manchester  series  are  generally  rather 
sandy  In  texture  and  the  surface  soils  are  red  or  brown  in  color.  The  subsoils 
are  red  or  reddish  and  In  the  lower  part  ot  the  profile  grade  iuto  the  glacial  till 
giving  the  Wetbersiieid  series,  which  overlies  the  Triassic  red  sandstone  forma- 
tion.    The  series  is  formed  from  old  allin  i.il  or  kieustrine  sediments  disposed  as 

terraces  In  the  Connecticut  Valley,  and  their  geographical  occurrence  is  Inter- 
mediate between  the  deeper  lacustrine  soils  of  the  Eartford  series  and  the  till 
soils  of  the  Wethersfleld.    The  snrf.-ice  is  generally  rolling  in  character  and  the 

subsoils  are  porous  enough  to  effeel  good  underdrainago.  As  ;i  rule,  however, 
the  subsoils  are  more  retentive  than  those  of  the  Hartford  series  and  tbe  series 

h.'is  a  higher  agricultural  value.  Fruit,  early  truck,  grains.  ;uu\  tobacco  are 
grown  ppon  the  Manchester  soils. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Manchester  series. 


177 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Manchester  fine  sand 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

do 

46, 462 

sandy  loam 

44,160 

Total 

90,622 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733.' 

Mankato  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  black  in  color  and  grade  into  reddish- 
brown,  sandy-textured  subsoils,  which  directly  overlie  the  bedrock  of  sandstone 
or  arenaceous  Shakoper  limestone  of  Ordovician  age.  The  soil  material  varies 
in  depth,  but  is  usually  not  more  than  1  or  2  feet  in  thickness  over  the  bedrock. 
In  some  places  the  rock,  outcrops  and  in  others  glacial  bowlders  are  present. 
The  surface  soils  are  derived  from  alluvium  deposited  by  streams  probably  of 
Glacial  age,  while  the  subsoils  are  to  a  considerable  extent  residual.  The  soils 
occur  as  high  terraces  along  rivers  in  the  Central  Prairie  and  Northwestern 
States.  The  topography  varies  from  level  to  rolling.  The  more  sandy  members 
of  the  series  are  porous  and  inclined  to  be  droughty,  while  the  heavier  soils 
frequently  require  artificial  drainage.  The  soils  are  adapted  to  truck  crops, 
general  farm  crops,  and  pasture  land,  depending  upon  the  texture  and  drainage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Mankato  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mankato  sand 

Missouri  20 . . 

448 

sandv  loam 

Minnesota  1. 
do 

2,816 

loam 

1.600 

Total 

4,864 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Merrimac  series. — -The  surface  soils  of  the  Merrimac  series  are  brown  to 
light  brown  in  color  and  are  usually  underlain  by  yellowish  sand  and  gravel. 
This  series  is  found  almost  entirely  in  the  New  England  States  and  constitutes 
the  glacial  terraces  which  occur  along  nearly  all  the  streams  of  this  section. 
The  material  consists  principally  of  crystalline  rocks  which  were  ground  up  by 
the  ice,  reworked  by  water,  and  deposited  during  the  close  of  the  Glacial  period. 
These  soils  are  abundantly  developed  in  New  England  and  eastern  New  York 
on  high  terraces  along  the  streams.  From  their  composition  and  structure  they 
are  usually  leachy  soils,  especially  the  coarser-textured  members. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Merrimac  scries. 


Soil  name. 


Merrimac  sand 

coarse  sand . 


sandy  loam 

gravelly  Bandy  loam. 
coarse  sandy  ioam . . . 


fine  sandy  loam, 
silt  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


New  Hampshire  1,  2 

Connecticut    1:  Massachusetts    1;  New    Hampshire    1.    2: 

New  York  7;  Rhode  Island  1. 

Massachusetts  2 

Connecticut  1.  2:  Massachusetts  1,  2;  New  Hampshire  1.  2.. 
Connect ieut  1;  Massachusetts  1.  2;  New  York  7;  Rhode 

Island  1. 

Connecticut  2:  Massachusetts  2;  New  Hampshire  2 

Rhode  Island  1 


Acres. 


44,480 
13S,568 

62, 400 

259. 412 

247. GIG 

26, 432 
4,928 


783, 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


9G19— 13- 


-12 


178 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Newton  scries. — This  series  Is  marked  by  yellowish  or  brownish  surface  soils 
overlying  beds  of  muck  or  peat,  or  sands  or  sandy  loam,  containing  a  large 
proportion  of  organic  matter.  The  surface  soils  vary  in  depth  from  a  few 
inches  to  2  feet  or  less,  though  in  some  iustances  the  depth  may  exceed  2  feet. 
The  soils  are  formed  by  the  deposition  of  material  from  glacial  lakes  or  streams 
over  highly  organic  deposits  which  have  accumulated  during  conditions  of 
instability  of  the  glacial  lakes  at  the  close  of  the  last  glacial  epoch.  The 
topography  is  level  to  somewhat  undulating  or  hummocky,  where  subsequent 
modification  by  wind  action  has  taken  place,  and  for  the  most  part  drainage  is 
rather  poor.  On  account  of  the  generally  low-lying  position  and  unobstructed 
drainage,  the  soils  are  principally  used  for  pasturage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Neicton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  ar> 

Acres. 

Newton  fine  sand 

Indiana  7. . . 

5,888 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Orono  scries. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Orono  series  are  light-brown  and  gray 
and  the  subsoils  are  gray.  The  heavier  members  occupy  estuarine  and  glacial- 
lake  plains  or  outwash  plains  and  their  drainage  is  good  to  excessive,  while  the 
lighter  members  are  derived  from  esker  and  glacial-delta  material,  and  artificial 
drainage  is  sometimes  necessary.  These  soils  are  derived  from  stratified  drift  or 
glacio-moraine  deposits.  The  crop  adaptation  varies  with  texture  and  drainage, 
the  heavier  soils  being  best  suited  to  grass  and  grains,  those  of  intermediate 
texture  to  general  farming,  and  the  light,  sandy  ones  to  special  truck  crops. 
The  silty  clay  is  one  of  the  types  largely  in  use  for  potatoes,  principally  because 
of  its  smooth  topography  and  the  ability  to  use  machinery  on  it. 

Area  <in<i  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Orono  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maine  2 

3,264 

do 

4.352 

do 

640 

do 

14,464 

...do 

S3. 200 

Total                                  

105,020 

i»r  key  t«>  numbera  m  this  column  see  i>.  733. 


PI din  field  series.— The  surface  soils  of  the  Plainfleld  series  rauge  in  color 
from  brown  to  grayish  yellow,  while  the  subsoils  are  usually  yellow  to  pale 
yellow.  This  series  is  developed  in  the  deep  drift-covered  areas  of  Wisconsin, 
Michigan,  and  Minnesota,  and  comprised  soils  formed  from  snnily  :ind  gravelly 

glacial  debris  washed  out  from  the  fronts  of  the  glaciers,  it  la  also  developed 
.-is  deep,  fllled-ln  valleys  along  major  and  minor  Btreama  like  the  Manistee  and 
An  Sai»i<>  Rivers  iii  Michigan,  and  the  Wisconsin  River  Id  Wisconsin.  The  flrsl 
phase  occurs  as  nearly  level  or  gently  sloping  outwash  aprons  connected  with 
terminal  moraines,  while  the  sec. mi  is  funnel  by  the  filling  Id  of  valleys,  often 
,i  miles  in  width,  <lnring  periods  of  former  glaciation.  Upon  the  Bat 
floors  of  some  of  these  valleys  moraines  of  the  later  Ice  sheets  have  boon  de- 
posited, leaving  Intermorainic  exposures  In  the  form  of  Level  plains  The 
greater  pan  of  the  material  <>f  the  series  has  been  considerably  assorted  by 
voluminous  glacial  waters,  and  consists  mainly  of  sand  and  gravel.  The  de- 
posits are  deep  and  the  soils  leachy  and  droughty 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   KIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Plainfield  series. 


179 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Pkiinneld  sand. .,. ilichigan  5;  Wisconsin  3,5,6,  7, 10, 11, 15,  16. 

fine  sand Wisconsin  3,7 

sandy  loam Illinois  11;  Wisconsin  3, 5, 9 

loam Wisconsin  15 


silt  loam Illinois  10;  Wisconsin  3, 

fine  sandy  loam Wisconsin  3,15 


IS. 


Total. 


327,552 
22,912 
46,656 
4,160 
5S,048 
10,752 

470,080 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Poygan  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Poygan  series  are  dark  brown  to 
black  in  color,  and  differ  from  the  Clyde  soils  in  overlying  the  pinkish-red  clay 
which  gives  rise  to  the  Superior  series.  This  series  is  associated  with  the 
Superior  soils,  and  is  developed  chiefly  in  the  Upper  Peninsula  of  Michigan, 
Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota.  The  soils  are  level  to  gently  undulating  in  topog- 
raphy and  occur  in  old  lake  bottoms. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Poygan  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Poygan  sand 

Wisconsin  8 

64 

fine  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Wisconsin  4 

326 

Wisconsin  8 ! 

384 

clay  loam 

clav 

23,  ^ 

Wisconsin  4.  16 

37,696 

Total 

61,696 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Saugatuck  series. — The  Saugatuck  series  is  distinguished  by  the  spotted  a\)- 
pearance  of  the  surface  soils  and  the  uniform  presence  of  red  subsoils.  The 
soils  are  generally  sandy  in  nature  and  the  surface  colors  vary  from  white 
through  gray  and  red  to  almost  black,  alternating  with  spots  where  under- 
lying iron  crusts,  or  hardpan,  come  to  the  surface  or  impart  a  decided  red 
color  to  the  soil.  These  spots  vary  in  extent  from  1  to  several  rods.  The 
sandy  material  and  iron  crusts  are  underlain  at  from  3  to  6  feet  by  impervious 
lacustrine  clays,  and  this,  combined  with  the  generally  level  or  only  slightly 
undulating  topography,  produces  the  obstructed  drainage  conditions  under 
which  the  iron  crusts  are  formed.  The  presence  of  the  crusts  is  sufficient  in 
some  places  to  affect  injuriously  the  penetration  of  the  roots  of  crops  or  to  in- 
terfere with  the  downward  passage  of  surface  waters.  The  series  is  typically 
developed  in  the  fruit  belt  of  western  Michigan,  and  where  the  hardpan  is 
not  too  near  the  surface  and  drainage  is  adequate  fruit  and  general  farm  crops. 
including  potatoes,  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Saugatuck  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Saugatuck  sand 

24  120 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sioux  series. — This  series  occurs  in  the  glaciated  region  of  the  Central  and 
Northwestern   states,  and   comprises   the  dark-brown   to  black   terrace   soils, 

characterized  and  distinguished  from  the  Wabash  series  in  occupying  terraces 
above  overflow  and  by  a  bed  of  gravel,  usually  within  3  feet  of  the  SUl 
It  differs  from  the  Waukesha  series  in  its  occurrence  as  comparatively  narrow 
areas  along  streams,  instead  of  broad  outwash  plains  associated  with  moraines. 


180 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


The  underlying  gravel  bed  has  a  very  marked  effect  upon  the  drainage  of  the 
soils,  and  causes  crops  to  suffer  in  time  of  drought,  except  in  areas  where  the 
gravel  is  several  feet  below  the  surface. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sioux  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sioux  sand 

37,696 
141,056 

256 

sandy  loam 

Indiana  3,  10;    Iowa  1;    Minnesota  4,  5;  Missouri  14;    South 

Dakota  2;  Wisconsin  6, 14. 
Wisconsin  9. . . 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

Minnesota  5;  North  Dakota  5;  Wisconsin  9 

11,520 
73,920 
32,704 
9,082 
2,240 
2,432 

loam 

Illinois  10;  Indiana  5, 10;  North  Dakota  8  . . 

gravelly  loam 

Minnesota  5;  North  Dakota  8 

silt  loam 

Indiana  10;  Minnesota  5;  Wisconsin  9 

clay  loam 

Indiana  4 

clay 

North  Dakota  5 

Total 

310,906 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Suffield  scries. — The  Suffield  series  includes  dark-drab  soils  resting  upon  gray 
or  drab  subsoils.  The  subsoils  are  impervious  and  usually  show  stratification. 
The  origin  is  from  glacial  lake  or  possibly  marine  sediments  deposited  during 
the  Champlain  period.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  often 
with  sharply  defined  V-shaped  erosion  valleys,  the  soils  occurring  as  terraces 
above  the  Connecticut  River.  Both  surface  and  underdrainage  are  usually  defi- 
cient, so  that  the  soils  are  not  used  to  any  considerable  extent  for  cultivated 
crops,  being  best  adapted  to  grass. 


Area 

and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Suffield 

series. 

Soil 

name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Suffield  loam 

18,878 

clay 

do 

23,610 

Total... 

42,488 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  733. 

Superior  series. — The  surface  soils  are  gray,  brown,  or  reddish,  with  pinkish- 
red  to  lighi  chocolate  red,  rather  dense  clay  subsoils.  The  series  comprises  a 
group  of  glacial-lake  soils  developed  principally  along  the  nmrgain  of  Lake 
Superior,  but  found  to  a  lessor  extent  along  the  western  sliore  of  Lake  Michigan 
and  in  central  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota,  and  is  largely  confined  to  the  heavier 
textured  members,  though  in  some  places  sands  and  sandy  loams  have  been 
subsequently  deposited  or  the  red  clay,  giving  rise  to  soils  of  a  light  sandy  char- 
acter.   The  topography  is  usually   Level   to  only  slightly  undulating,  though 

Oil  produces  sharp  V-shaped  gullies  and  Stream  valleys.  Stratification  is 
usually  present  in  the  deep  subsoils,  which  are  calcareous.  The  series  is  well 
adapted  to  the  production  of  grasses,  grains,  and  the  general  form  crops. 


i rea  <m 

d  ,1 

strilmtion  of  the  soils  of  the 

Sui 

i 

trior 

scries. 

Boil  i 

•  ■  or  area 

Acres. 

1  I.MS 

108,488 



2,782 

3.328 

17, 664 

loam. 

r,  8,  ifi                                                

12,089 

8,084 

Mi.  i                                              ■'■  In  i 

2,13 

811,880 

Total.    . 

473,536 

to  aumbera  In  thli  column  see  p.  788 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND  RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


181 


Tonaicanda  series. — The  surface  soils  are  brown  to  black,  and  are  underlain 
by  subsoils  consisting  of  two  rather  distinct  members,  the  upper  of  drab  or 
yellow  and  brown  mottled  heavy  clay  loam  or  sandy  loam,  grading  sometimes 
into  sticky  sand  of  the  color  and  consistency  of  brown  sugar.  The  origin  is 
stated  to  be  from  alluvium  deposited  upon  glacial  lake  materials.  The  surface 
is  low  and  flat  or  slightly  undulating  along  streams.  The  soils  as  a  whole  are 
poorly  drained  and  some  areas  are  subject  to  overflow  or  inundation  through 
lack  of  drainage.  Fair  crop  yields  are  secured  in  good  seasons,  but  favorable 
conditions  are  uncertain.  The  soils  are  in  use  to  some  extent  for  the  production 
of  the  heavier  types  of  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tonawanda  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  12 

15,168 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p,  733. 

Tunkhannock  series. — The  Tunkhannock  series  consists  of  Indian-red  soils 
and  subsoils,  developed  as  terraces  in  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River  Terrace  prov- 
ince, the  types  occurring  above  ordinary  overflow,  usually  along  relatively  small 
streams  in  the  glaciated  region.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from  the  wash 
from  red  till  upland  soils  like  the  Lackawanna.  It  also  includes  small  areas 
of  kame  material  which  has  been  left  in  valleys  or  small  V-shaped  drainage- 
ways  in  the  hills.  It  differs  from  the  Lackawanna  soils  in  being  water  assorted 
and  from  the  Barbour  soils  in  occupying  a  higher  topographic  position.  The 
soils  are  like  the  Chenango  soils,  except  in  the  matter  of  color,  and  are  of  about 
the  same  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tunkhannock  series. 


Soil  name. 

9 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pennsylvania  4 

2,688 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tuscarora  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Tuscarora  series  are  light  brown 
to  gray  in  color,  and  the  subsoils  yellow  or  gray,  sometimes  mottled.  The  prin- 
cipal characteristic  of  this  series  is  the  sharp  difference  in  texture  between  the 
usually  rather  sandy  surface  soils  and  the  deep,  dense,  impervious  clay  sub- 
soils. Alternating  pockets  of  heavy  and  sandy  material  are  occasionally  found 
throughout  the  whole  section.  The  heavy  clay  substratum  usually  occurs  at  about 
30  inches,  and  is  drab  to  mottled  in  color.  These  soils  are  thought  to  have  been 
formed  by  the  deposition  of  material  from  glacial  lakes,  the  heavier  substratum 
during  the  occupancy  of  the  region  by  deep  waters  and  the  more  sandy  surface 
materials  while  the  lakes  were  more  shallow.  The  topography  is  nearly  level 
and  the  drainage  poor.  The  soils  are  principally  valuable  for  hay  where  cleared 
of  their  natural  vegetation  of  swamp  grass,  oak,  and  hickory. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tuscarora  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  6 

320 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Vergennes  series. — The  Vergennes  series  is  marked  by  brown,  yellowish,  or 
gray  soils  underlain  at  varying  depths  by  drab  to  blue  or  light-gray  clay  sub- 
soils, often  calcareous.  This  series  occurs  on  the  terraces  surrounding  Lake 
Champlain  and  in  the  St.  Lawrence  Valley,  in  northern  New  York.     It  consists 


182 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


of  deep-water  sediments,  known  as  the  Champlain  clays,  deposited  in  postglacial 
times  over  glacial  drift  during  a  period  of  submergence.  Since  the  uplift  these 
•lays  have  been  more  or  less  modified  by  stream  action  and  collnvial  wash  from 
"f  the  surrounding  highlands  derived  from  the  underlying  geological  forma- 
tions, usually  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone,  and  in  limited  areas  by  wash  from 
glacial  drift  soils.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  for  the  most  part 
artificial  drainage  is  necessary. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Yergennes  series. 


soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Ac  res. 

Y-ergonnes  sand 

New  York  5 

1.024 

gravelly  sand 

do 

4  672 

nne  sand 

New  York  5, 16;  Yermont  1 

33.344 

sandy  loam 

New  York  16;  Yermont  1 

2,112 

fine  sandy  loam 

\'t'\v  York  5 

3,392 

loam 

Now  York  5,16:  Yermont  1 

23  936 

■rton}-  loam 

New  York  5,  16,  17;  Vermont  1 

New  York  5, 16;  Vermont  1 

New  York  5 

26,304 

11.136 

84.288 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

•lay 

New  York  .5,  16,  17;  Yermont  1 

430,912 

black  clav 

New  York  17;  Yermont  1 

4,224 

R9K-S4J 

Total..: 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Waloott  series. — The  soils  of  the  Walcott  series  vary  from  dark-brown  to 
gray  in  color,  and  range  from  loams  or  finer  textured  soils  to  sands,  only  the 
sandy  loam  so  far  having  been  recognized.  This  series  has  been  recognized 
in  the  northern  prairie  States  in  connection  with  some  of  the  old  glacial  lakes, 
such  a's  Agassiz  Lake,  and  the  materials  which  so  to  make  up  the  soils  are 
of  varying  origin  and  characteristics.  The  series  typically  occupies  the  sites 
of  old  glacial  lake  shores.  The  heavier,  darker  colored  phases  possess  many  of 
the  characteristics  of  the  Fargo  soils,  while  the  lighter  colored  and  more  sandy 
material,  which  has  been  formed  by  wave  action  at  the  margins  of  the  lakes,  and 
been  more  or  less  assorted  and  piled  up  into  hillocks  and  dunes  by  the  winds 
possesses  more  the  characteristics  of  Dunesand.  The  topography  varies  from 
level  to  gently  rolling,  undulating  or  hillocky.  The  crop  yields  vary  with  the 
character  of  the  soil,  the  heavier  phases  producing  fair  yields  of  prairie  hay, 
while  the  sand  hillocks  are  of  little  value,  except  for  some  special  truck  crops. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  w<iic<>tt  aerie*. 

Boil  name. 

State  or  an 

AtTOS. 

North  Dakota  9 

3,264 

l  For  key  to  number  in  ihis  column  see  p.  733. 

Warner  %  tarfe*.— -The  characteristics  of  the  Warners  scries  are  the  brown  to 

black,   mucky   surface  soil,    varying   from    less   than   an    inch    to  several    feet    in 

depth,  and  the  underlying  subsoil  material  of  soft  white  marl,  which  sometimes 

Contains  shells  of  snails  and  other  land  animals,  though  probably  a  considerable 
pari    of   it    is  due  to   the  deposition   of  calcium   salts  by   plants,   such   as   Churn, 

which  are  known  to  secrete  this  material.  The  type  occupies  level  positions 
where  the  drainage  has  been  obstructed,  and  more  or  less  organic  matter  has 
accumulated  and  decayed.  Little  of  this  material  has  been  reclaimed  through 
drainage    it  Is  principally  uncleared  ami  is  used  for  pasturage, 


/  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Warm 

Soil  i 

■••  or  area.1 

Acres. 

ock  S,  10, 14              

2,660 

GLACIAL    LAKE    AND    RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE. 


183 


Washburn  series. — The  Washburn  soils  are  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  and 
are  high  in  the  content  of  organic  matter.  They  usually  overlie  grayish- 
yellow  or  mottled  yellow  and  brown  subsoils.  The  surface  is  strewn  with 
glacial  stones  and  bowlders  of  granite,  gneiss,  or  sandstone,  and  some  small 
shale  fragments  are  also  present,  giving  the  soils  a  gravelly  character.  ■  The 
deep  substratum  is  composed  of  calcareous  shale  rock.  The  series  is  closely 
associated  with  muck,  and  the  soil  areas  usually  occur  as  narrow  bands  along 
small  streams  and  areas  of  poor  drainage.  The  soils  are  derived  from  an  inter- 
mingling of  glacial  till  and  mucky  material  brought  about  through  weathering, 
with  loss  of  some  of  the  original  organic  matter  and  the  addition  of  more 
mineral  matter.  They  are  intermediate  in  character  between  the  upland  glacial 
till  soils  and  the  muck  areas  in  northeastern  New  England.  Their  use  for  culti- 
vated crops  is  dependent  upon  the  establishment  of  drainage,  as  they  are 
naturally  too  wet  for  anything  but  meadows. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Washburn  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maine  1 

5,504 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Waukesha  series. — The  Waukesha  series  is  characterized  by  dark-brown  to 
black  surface  soils,  underlain  by  yellow  subsoils  in  which  fine  gravel  is  usually 
present.  The  color  differentiation  has  been  developed  under  prairie  conditions. 
These  soils  occur  in  association  with  the  Plainfield  soils  in  the  areas  of  deep 
drift  in  the  Central  Lake  States.  The  Waukesha,  like  the  Plainfield  soils,  are 
derived  from  water-assorted  glacial  debris  deposited  in  broad  filled-in  valleys  or 
as  outwash  plains  and  terraces  and  are  sandy  and  gravelly  in  general  character. 
They  are  more  productive  than  the  Plainfield  soils,  on  account  of  their  higher 
content  of  vegetable  matter  and  greater  moisture-holding  capacity. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Waukesha  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

36,992 

118,848 

13,440 

704 

sandy  loam 

Indiana  6.  Wisconsin  11,  16 

Wisconsin  15 

gravelly  loam 

do 

Total 

169,984 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Williston  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Williston  series  are  brown  to  dark-brown 
in  color  and  are  underlain  by  light-brown  or  whitish  subsoils.  The  subsoils  are 
calcareous,  and  the  presence  of  beds  of  sand  and  gravel  is  not  an  uncommon 
feature,  particularly  of  the  coarser  members  of  the  series.  The  series  occurs  as 
terraces  about  midway  in  elevation  between  the  present  flood  plain  and  the 
uplands  along  some  of  the  smaller  tributaries  of  the  Missouri  River  in  North 
Dakota,  the  material  having  been  deposited  as  glacial  stream  sediment.  The 
topography  is  nearly  level  to  somewhat  rolling.  Where  considerable  sand  and 
gravel  are  present  in  the  subsoils,  drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive,  so  that  unless 
irrigation"  is  practiced  the  soils  are  droughty.  The  more  loamy  members,  how- 
ever, produce  fair  yields  of  grain  and  general  farm  crops  in  years  of  normal 
moisture. 


184  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  WUliston  t 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Willis  ton  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam. 
gravelly  loam 


North  Dakota  11. 

....do 

North  Dakota  10. 


Total. 


3,584 
12,352 
25,536 

41,472 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

SAND  GROUP. 

The  sand  group  of  this  province  differs  from  that  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
province  principally  in  the  character  of  its  topography.  The  soils  are  generally 
level  to  slightly  undulating,  and  in  the  case  of  the  Chenango.  Merrimac.  and 
Sioux  types,  which  occupy  rather  high  terraces  considerably  above  the  level 
of  ground  water,  they  are  underlain  by  beds  of  porous  gravel  and  sand,  so 
that  they  are  peculiarly  subject  to  drought.  They  are,  therefore,  not  well 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  and  the  yields  of  such  crops  are  low,  except  in 
unusually  wet  seasons.  Such  soils  are  best  adapted  to  some  of  the  special 
early  truck  crops.  The  Plainfield  and  Waukesha  occur  as  broader  outwaab 
plains  and  are  better  adapted  to  extensively  cultivated  Held  crops.  The  Clyde 
and  Dunkirk  sands  occupy  low  topographic  positions  and  are  Less  excessively 
drained:  in  fact,  artificial  drainage  is  sometimes  necessary  where  the  types 
occur  in  slight  depressions.  The  lighter  types  of  general  farm  crops  are  some- 
times grown  on  these  soils  and  fair  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye,  and  sugar 
beets  are  secured.  In  some  of  the  Michigan  areas  peppermint  and  chicory  are 
among  the  unusual  special  crops  grown  on  the  Clyde  sand.  The  Mankato  and 
Saugatuck  sands  are  types  of  local  occurrence  and  are  adapted  to  truck  and 
small  fruit. 

The  group  as  a  whole  is  better  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  vegetables 
and  to  peaches,  plums,  cherries,  strawberries,  and  other  small  fruits  than  to 
the  grain  and  grass  crops. 

Adams  sand. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  medium-textured  brown  sand  about 
6  inches  deep,  overlying  a  subsoil  of  yellow  to  grayish  coarse  sand.  The 
material  ranges  in  texture  from  medium  to  fine  and  is  without  much  of  the 
coarser  grades  of  sand  in  some  of  the  areas,  while  in  others  considerable  fine 
gravel  is  present.  The  type  usually  occurs  as  terraces  and  deltas,  and  the 
topography  is  usually  flat  to  gently  rolling  where  it  has  been  modified  by  the 
wind.  Owing  to  the  loose,  porous  character  of  the  subsoil  the  type  is  exces- 
sively drained,  being  leachy  and  droughty.  A  large  portion  of  the  area  in 
Jefferson  County,  N.  Y.,  is  known  as  the  "  pine  plains,*'  and  is  not  used  for 
agriculture.  It  is  better  adapted  to  forestry,  though  early  potatoes  and  other 
vegetables  and  fruits  such  as  strawberries  could  be  produced  under  careful 
management  The  native  vegetation  is  white  pine,  birch,  poplar,  huckleberry 
bushes,  sweet  fern,  etc. 

Chenango  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown  sand 
of  medium  texture  and  BbOUl  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown 
to  yellow  Band,  In  places  containing  B  small  quantity  Of  fine,  rounded  gravel. 
The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  Undulating  or  rolling  where  the 
material  is  blown  by  the  wind.  The  drainage  is  excessive  and  the  type  Is 
leachy  and  droughty,  so  th.it  its  best  adaptation  Is  for  certain  special  truck 
crops. 

Clyde  80nd.  The  sop  consists  <>f  1L*  inches  of  black  medium  to  fine  loamy 
■and,  underlain  by  sand  to  b  depth  of  ::<>  inches,  which  In  turn  is  generally 
underlain  by  clay.    The  type  occupies  low,  flat  areas  and  is  generally  swampy 

and   poorly  (trained.      It    is  composed   of   reworked   glacial   sands,   with   the  addi- 
tion of  organic  matter,     when  well  drained  the  soil  produces  (air  crops  of 

corn,  wheat,  gra/'s.  oatS,  rye,  and  all  kinds  of  truck  crops.      It    is  :i   tB.lt  soil   for 
SUgar  beets. 

Dunkirk    SOnd.     The   soil    consists   Of   yellowish    loamy    One    to    medium    sand 

and  is  derived  from  terrace  or  shoreline  deposits  representing  glacial  material 

reworked  by  the  water!  Of  glacial   lakes.     The  type  OCCUn  as  nearly  flat  to  un- 
dulating   areas,    parti    of    which    require    artificial    drainage    In    order    to    be 


GLACIAL   LAKE  AND  RIVER  TERRACE  PROVINCE.  185 

put  In  condition  for  agricultural  use.  Only  moderate  yields  of  grass,  corn, 
wheat,  and  truck  crops  are  secured.  Potatoes,  apples,  plums,  and  strawberries 
seem  to  give  particularly  good  results. 

Fargo  sand. — This  type  has  a  dark  surface  soil,  with  an  average  depth  of 
about  14  inches  and  varies  in  texture  from  a  loamy  sand  to  a  heavy  sandy 
loam,  the  sand  particles  being  for  the  most  part  coarse.  The  subsoil  is  a 
yellow  loamy  sand  or  a  coarse  sandy  loam,  and  occasionally  clay  is  found  at  a 
depth  of  about  3  feet.  There  is  no  gravel  in  the  soil,  but  a  little  fine  gravel  is 
sometimes  found  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  a  delta  deposit  and  has  a  very 
gently  rolling  to  level  topography.  When  thoroughly  drained  it  is  well  adapted 
to  truck  and  canning  crops  and  the  wet  portions  are  best  suited  for  hay  pro- 
duction. If  a  good  market  were  near  dairying  would  be  profitable  upon  this 
type.  Fair  yields  of  corn  are  obtained.  The  yields  of  wheat  and  other  small 
grains  are  rather  light.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  wet,  wild  land,  from 
which  some  wild  grass  is  cut  for  hay. 

Fox  sand. — The  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  inches  consists  of  a  light-brown 
medium  sand,  loose  and  open  in  structure,  and  containing  only  a  very  small 
quantity  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  loose  fine  sand. 
Red  clay  is  usually  encountered  in  the  deeper  subsoil.  Beds  of  gravel  are 
found  at  a  depth  of  3  feet.  The  topography  is  flat  to  gently  undulating,  though 
the  type  is  sometimes  found  on  stream  terraces.  The  natural  drainage  is  ex- 
cessive. With  the  addition  of  stable  manure  and  commercial  fertilizers,  the  type 
is  adapted  to  early  truck  crops. 

Mankato  sand. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  yellow  loamy  sand,  10  inches  deep, 
grading  into  reddish-yellow  sand  of  medium  texture,  underlain  at  from  24  to 
36  inches  by  sandstone  in  place.  The  subsoil  is  derived  from  underlying  rock, 
the  surface  soil  being  a  covering  of  wash  material.  This  type  occurs  as  gently 
rolling  upland  just  above  the  second  bottoms.  It  is  adapted  to  truck,  small 
fruit,  peaches,  and  wrapper  leaf  tobacco. 

Merrimac  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  light  or  dark  brown, 
medium-textured  sand,  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow- 
ish sand  of  about  the  same  texture  and  composition  as  the  surface  material. 
There  is  usually  a  noticeable  proportion  of  fine  sand  in  some  areas  occupying 
higher  elevations,  where  more  or  less  wind-blown  material  has  accumulated, 
while  in  other  areas  the  soil  tends  to  the  other  extreme,  approximating  a  coarse 
sand  in  texture  and  carrying  some  gravel.  The  type  occurs  along  streams, 
ponds,  and  lakes,  and  is  derived  from  reworked  glacial  drift  modified  by  wind 
action.  The  characteristic  native  vegetation  is  white  pine  and  coarse  grasses. 
Little  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  but  the  better  areas  are  devoted  to 
corn  and  grass.     It  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  truck  crops. 

Plainfield  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  yellow,  slightly 
loamy  sand,  about  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  loose,  yellowish- 
brown  medium  sand,  which  becomes  lighter  in  color  and  coarser  in  texture  as 
depth  increases.  A  small  proportion  of  fine  gravel  is  commonly  encountered 
at  a  depth  of  about  2  feet.  Practically  no  stones  are  to  be  found  on  the 
surface  of  this  soil.  The  type  occupies  broad,  level,  filled-in  valleys  and  out- 
wash  plains  of  glacial  material  which  has  been  left  by  the  action  of  swift  glacial 
waters.  Owing  to  the  loose,  porous  nature  of  both  the  soil  and  subsoil,  the  type 
is  excessively  well  drained  and  light  yields  are  secured,  especially  in  dry 
seasons.  In  wet  seasons  the  yields  are  fair.  Potatoes  give  the  best  results. 
Corn,  rye,  oats,  and  hay  are  the  other  crops  commonly  grown. 

Poygan  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  black  sand  to  light  sandy  loam,  about 
10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  or  grayish  sand  to  a  depth  of 
3  feet,  where  red  silty  clay  or  clay  is  encountered.  The  topography  is  level  to 
slightly  undulating,  though  where  the  sand  subsoil  is  30  inches  or  more  in  depth 
the  drainage  is  usually  good.  In  level  areas  where  the  red  clay  reaches  to  within 
2  feet  of  the  surface  drainage  is  deficient,  and  tiling  or  ditching  should  be 
resorted  to.  The  clay  substratum  usually  forms  a  sufficient  moisture  reservoir 
to  prevent  crops  from  suffering  materially  from  drought  in  dry  seasons.  The 
native  timber  growth  consisted  of  hardwoods,  principally  maple  and  ash,  with 
some  hemlock.  While  the  red  clay  of  the  subsoil  is  usually  neutral  or  slightly 
calcareous,  the  overlying  sand  is  apt  to  be  acid  in  reaction  and  lime  applications 
are  needed.  Corn,  oats,  and  potatoes  are  the  principal  crops  grown,  the  yields 
being  of  only  fair  size. 

Saugatuck  xand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  reddish-brown.  Mack,  and 
gray  sand.  9  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  consists  of 
medium  fine  sand,  containing  bands  of  sand  cemented  by  ferruginous  material. 


186 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


bands  of  iron  crusts  vary  from  a  fraction  of  an  inch  to  a  foot  or  more  in 
thickness.  The  type  occupies  slightly  depressed  areas.  It  is  best  adapted  to 
truck,  peaches,  and  small  fruits.     Grain  does  fairly  well. 

!  md. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or  black  medium  sand,  which 
in  some  pi; ices  is  slightly  loamy.  At  a  depth  of  from  12  to  IS  inches  it  is 
underlain  by  a  yellowish  sand,  which  sometimes  contains  a  small  quantity  of  fine 
gravel.  The  gravel  content  increases  with  the  depth  of  the  material  and  consti- 
tutes a  rather  high  percentage  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  slightly  more.  The  areas 
of  :he  type  occur  in  the  form  of  terraces  along  streams  and  are  above  overflow. 
While  the  topography  is  usually  flat  or  only  gently  undulating,  the  presence 
of  the  porous  gravel  in  the  subsoil  provides  good  to  excessive  underdrainage, 
so  that  the  type  is  often  droughty.  The  soil  warms  up  early  in  the  spring,  how- 
over,  and  produces  fair  crops,  especially  in  moist  seasons.  It  is  used  for  corn, 
wheat,  rye.  and  j>otatoes.  being  better  adapted  to  the  latter  and  to  truck  crops 
than  to  general   farming  or  dairying. 

Superior  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  sand  of  medium  to  rather 
fine  texture,  extending  to  a  depth  of  S  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  fine 
sand,  which  becomes  whitish  at  a  depth  of  about  2  feet  and  then  passes  into  a 
pinkish  sand  underlain  by  red  silty  clay  at  30  inches  or  slightly  less.  In  some 
poorly  drained  situations  the  subsoil  is  bluish  or  mottled.  The  topography  is 
level  to  undulating.  Where  the  slope  is  sufficient  to  carry  away  the  surface 
waters  and  the  clay  is  not  too  near  the  top  the  drainage  is  good.  Some  of  the 
flatter  areas  are  improved  by  ditching  or  tiling.  The  type  is  seldom  droughty, 
"\virn:  to  the  moisture  being  held  up  by  the  underlying  clay.  The  native  timber 
growth  consisted  of  oak.  elm,  maple,  and  some  white  and  Norway  pine.  The 
principal  crops  grown  are  corn.  oats,  timothy,  and  clover,  together  with  some 
potatoes     The  yields  are  superior  to  those  secured  on  most  other  sand  types. 

Vergennes  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  about  8  inches  of  brown  or  grayish- 
brown  medium  sand,  overlying  a  light-brown  or  yellowish  sand.  Some  coarse 
sand  and  tine  gravel  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  but  is  more  noticeable  in  the 
tatter.  The  topography  is  flat  and  terrace  like  for  the  most  part.  On  account  of 
the  looseness  ami  relatively  coarse  texture  of  the  subsoil  drainage  is  rather 
excessive  and  the  type  is  usually  droughty.  Its  best  use  is  for  special  crops 
such  is  lettuce,  radishes,  watermelons,  cucumbers,  etc.  It  is  too  light  in  texture 
for  general  farming. 

Waukesha  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  sand.  10  to  15 
inches  deep,  becoming  lighter  in  color  as  depth  increases.  The  subsoil  proper 
is  a  yellow  saml  of  practically  the  same  texture  as  the  surface  soil.  Frequently 
wer  portion  of  the  subsoil  contains  varying  quantities  of  fine  gravel.  This 
type  represents  sedimentary  material  resulting  from  the  reworking  of  glacial 
till  by  wind  and  rushing  glacial  waters.  The  topography  is  usually  level  to 
undulating.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  and  crops  sometimes  suffer  owing  to 
lack  of  moisture.  Corn.  oats,  rye,  and  timothy  are  the  principal  crops  grown. 
The  yields  arc  generally  small  and  uncertain,  being  larger  in  wet  than  in  dry 
Ctables  and   melons  do  well. 

Irea  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 


Ihmkii 


ml 

.nil..    .., 

SllJMTK 

nd 


i  area.1 




Miohiean  9;  Mlnni  i  ;i  Dakota  8;  Ohio  8;  Pannsyl- 

in  8. 



North  I  Dakota  8,  8 

[ampehire  L,  2 



Indiana  8  7;  Iowa  i;  v.  Isoonsln  16 



New  York  5 












Acres', 


67,400 

1,024 

us 
384 


■  p.  788. 


GLACIAL    LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE.  187 

GRAVEL   PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  gravel  phase  are  porous  and  leachy  and  of  low  value  for 
general  agricultural  purposes,  on  account  of  their  tendency  to  droughtiness. 
They  are  most  advantageously  used  for  the  production  of  early  truck  and 
market  garden  crops  which  can  be  matured  and  harvested  before  the  advent 
of  the  dry,  late  summer  season.  Some  of  the  favorably  situated  areas  of  Dun- 
kirk gravel  are  used  for  the  early  varieties  of  table  grapes  and  are  also  fairly 
well  adapted  to  some  of  the  stone  and  bush  fruits.  Fair  yields  of  a  good  quality 
of  sugar  corn  and  potatoes  are  secured  from  both  the  Dunkirk  and  Hoosic  types. 

Dunkirk  gravel. — This  is  a  very  gravelly  soil  of  old  lake  beaches  several  feet 
in  depth,  occurring  in  narrow  bands  between  the  lake  and  uplands.  It  is  com- 
posed of  waterworn  fragments  of  shale  and  is  quite  droughty.  This  soil  in  some 
of  the  areas  is  used  extensively  for  the  culture  of  grapes,  to  the  early  varieties 
of  which  it  is  well  adapted.  Peaches,  plums,  and  some  of  the  bush  fruits  also 
do  well.    The  soil  is  not  well  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Hoosic  gravel. — This  soil  consists  of  a  mass  of  small  to  large  gravel  and 
rounded  stones,  with  which  there  is  commingled  a  varying  but  usually  small  per- 
centage of  fine-earth  material.  The  surface  for  a  few  inches  is  brown  in  color, 
while  in  the  lower  depths  the  color  is  either  a  light  brown  or  yellow.  The  type 
is  a  stream  deposit  from  swiftly  moving  water  currents  of  large  volume.  The 
whole  section  is  loose  and  open  and  drainage  is  somewhat  excessive.  The  soil 
is  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  rye,  clover,  and  alfalfa,  though  yields  are  sometimes 
curtailed  by  drought. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravels. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

31,232 

Dunkirk  gravel 

New  York  6,  18;  Ohio  1;  Pennsylvania  7 

8,744 

Total 

39,976 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SAND    PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  gravelly  sand  phase  are  open  and  porous  in  character  and 
are  underlain  by  subsoils  which  are  still  more  leachy  and  unretentive  of  mois- 
ture. Although  the  topography  is  usually  level  to  gently  undulating,  the  pres- 
ence of  gravel  renders  subdrainage  so  free  that  the  soils  are  droughty  and  can 
not  be  recommended  for  the  ordinary  field  crops,  except  in  seasons  of  abundant 
and  frequent  rainfall.  On  some  of  the  areas,  however,  potatoes  and  sugar 
beets  do  well.  The  soils  are  best  adapted  to  the  lighter  varieties  of  truck 
crops,  such  as  cucumbers,  cantaloupes,  and  melons,  and  to  small  fruits. 

Clyde  gravelly  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  medium-textured,  light  to  dark 
brown  loamy  sand  or  light  sandy  loam,  10  inches  deep,  carrying  a  large  per- 
centage of  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  rather  coarse,  incoherent  gravelly  sand, 
usual ly  grading  into  a  mixture  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel  at  a  depth  of 
from  24  to  30  inches.  Clay  is  often  found  at  from  4  to  8  feet  below  the  surface. 
The  soil  is  the  result  of  beach  or  shallow  water  deposition,  in  places  influenced 
to  some  extent  by  local  wash  from  the  higher  lands.  The  topography  varies 
from  genlle  slopes  to  gently  lolling  ridges  representing  old  beach-lines  or 
terraces.  The  type  is  generally  well  drained.  Light  yields  of  corn,  oats,  wheat, 
rye,  timothy,  clover,  and  buckwheat  are  secured,  and  some  special  crops,  such 
as  sugar  beets,  beans,  and,  potatoes,  are  grown.  The  soil  is  also  adapted  to 
fruit  and  truck  crops. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  brown 
gravelly  sand,  about  S  Inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  is  a 
gravelly  Band,  somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  the  underlying  beds  of  stratified 
sand  and  gravel.  The  sand  content  of  both  soil  and  subsoil  is  largely  coarse, 
medium,  and  tine.  Though  the  gravel  content  in  the  soil  is  variable,  it  is 
usually  quite  high,  reaching  DO  per  cent  or  more  in  many  typical  areas.  The 
type  represents  beach  deposits  along  old  glacial  lakes  for  the  most  part,  though 
including  some  terrace  material.     The  soil   Is  well  drained      It  is  best  adapted 


188 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


to  such  crops  as  cantaloupes,  cucumbers,  and  other  truck  crops,  and  to  those 
crops  which  must  be  forced  to  early  maturity.  It  is  too  light  aud  loose  for 
general  farm  crops,  except  in  seasons  of  considerable  rain  and  when  heavily 
manured. 

Vcrgennes  gravelly  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  gravelly  sand  or 
gravelly  sandy  loam,  about  6  inches  deep,  the  gravel  being  small  and  water- 
worn.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  or  grayish  stratifted  gravelly  sand. 
The  topography  is  slightly  rolling  to  ridgy,  where  marking  old  beach  lines, 
though  some  flat-topped  terraces  exist.  The  natural  drainage  of  the  type 
is  excessive,  so  that  it  is  usually  droughty.  The  native  timber  growth  was 
beech,  maple,  white  pine,  hemlock,  etc.  Poplar  is  one  of  the  most  common 
second-growth  varieties.  The  type  is  best  adapted  to  the  special  crops,  such 
as  the  lighter  truck  crops.  Corn  for  ensilage  produces  fair  yields,  and  good 
crops  of  potatoes  are  secured.    Clover  also  grows  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sand 

Michigan  5,  8;  New  York  6,  10 

32,992 
24,656 
4,672 

Vergennes  gravelly  sand 

New  York  5 

Total 

62,320 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE    SAND    PHASE. 


The  coarse  sand  phase,  like  the  gravelly  sand,  is  too  light  in  texture  and  its 
moisture-retaining  capacity  is  too  low  to  be  suitable  for  the  growth  of  long- 
season  crops.  Its  best  use,  therefore,  is  for  early-maturing  truck  and  garden 
crops,  and  with  judicious  fertilization  good  yields  can  be  secured.  The  topog- 
raphy is  level  to  gently  undulating,  and  where  areas  of  this  group  of  soils 
occur  near  centers  of  population  providing  ample  markets  the  production  of 
perishable  truck  and  garden  crops  might  be  profitably  engaged  in. 

Dunkirk  coarse  sand. — This  type  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  consists  of  a 
loose,  friable  sand  of  yellowish  or  brownish  color.  The  surface  10  inches  is 
usually  slightly  more  loamy  and  darker  colored,  owing  to  the  incorporation  of 
organic  matter  by  tillage.  At  depths  ranging  from  5  to  10  feet  and  more  the 
sand  is  underlain  by  a  chocolate-colored  clay.  The  soil  is  of  lacustrine  origin 
and  represents  glacial  debris  assorted  by  the  action  of  water  and  deposited  near 
the  shores  of  extinct  lakes.  The  surface  of  the  type  is  usually  level,  but  the 
drainage  is  excellent.  The  type  is  highly  prized  for  trucking  where  markets 
are  available,  but  it  is  generally  considered  too  droughty  for  general  farming. 

Iloosic  coarse  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  1  to  6  inches  of  coarse  sand, 
light  brown  in  color.  The  snbsoil  is  of  about  the  same  texture,  light  brown  to 
yellow  in  color,  and  extends  to  a  depth  of  several  feet.  Some  small  gravel  is 
frequently  encountered  over  the  surface  and  throughout  both  soil  and  subsoil. 
This  typo  is  a  delta  formation,  deposited  under  glacial  lake  conditions.  The 
surface  is  level  to  gently  undulating  and  the  drainage  is  Inclined  to  be  excessive. 
The  soil  is  little  used  for  agriculture,  except  for  kitchen  gardens,  but  when  a 
BUfficlenl  moist  ore  Content  can  be  maintained  it  is  adapted  to  the  production  of 
early  truck  crops.  Strawberries,  and  curly  vine  crops. 

Merrimac  coarse  sand. — The  surface  soil  has  an  average  depth  of  about  8 
Inches  and  consists  of  a  yellowish  course  sand  to  dark  brown  course  louiny  Band. 
The  suhsoil  consists  of  n  yellow  course  Band,  usually  resting  at  an  average  depth 

of  20  inches  (»n  a  stratum  of  water-worn  Quartz  gravel,  which  is  generally  white. 

This  grave]  Sometimes  comes  within  a  few  inches  of  the  surface,  and  again  is 
not  found  within  the  :',  feet  of  the  profile.  Both  soil  and  BUbSOil  arc  composed 
largely   Of  Coarse   and    medium    sands,   with   very   little  of   the   liner  grades,  but 

both  often  contain  a  high  percentage  of  gravel.  The  type  occupies  terrace  areas 
along  stream  courses  and  the  surface  Is  quite  level  it  is  of  glacial  origin, 
being  evidently  reworked  glacial  drift  deposited  in  shallow  waters.    Very  little 

of  this  type  is  cleared.  Qood  yields  are  secured  only  in  abnormally  moist  sea- 
sons and  wiih  heavy  fertilization.  Beans  and  potatoes  do  fairly  well,  and  other 
light  truck  crops  could  he  produced  by  proper  fertilization. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE.  189 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Merrimac  coarse  sand 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1;  New  Hampshire  1,  2;  New 

New  York  7;  Rhode  Island  1. 
New  York  17 

138,568 
6,080 

Hoosic  coarse  sand 

Dunkirk  coarse  sand 

New  York  11 

3,200 

Total 

147,848 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


FINE  SAND  GROUP. 

The  fine  sands  constitute  the  most  important  group  of  soils  in  this  Province 
and  in  the  Northern  States  are  valuable  for  the  production  of  nearly  all  kinds 
of  vegetables  and  truck  crops.  The  range  in  topographic  position,  surface  con- 
tour, and  distance  above  ground  water  is  sufficient  to  make  possible  the  produc- 
tion of  vegetables  having  a  rather  wide  range  in  their  individual  characteristics 
and  requiring  a  considerable  degree  of  contrast  in  soil  conditions  for  their 
growth.  The  lighter  textured,  more  rolling,  and  better  drained  areas  of  the 
fine  sands  are  adapted  to  the  lightest  types  of  vegetables,  such  as  lettuce,  rad- 
ishes, cucumbers,  asparagus,  early  peas,  and  string  beans,  early  potatoes,  melons, 
etc.,  while  the  lower  lying  soils,  whose  texture  is  somewhat  heavier  and  which 
are  more  retentive  of  moisture  and  darker  in  color,  owing  to  the  presence  of 
more  organic  matter,  can  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  some  of  the  heavier 
truck  crops  which  are  usually  grown  on  fine  sandy  loams,  loams,  or  even  heavier 
soils.  Under  such  conditions  such  crops  as  sweet  corn,  tomatoes,  cantaloupes, 
spinach,  early  cabbage,  parsnips,  carrots,  and  salad  beets  do  best.  Some  of  the 
darker  colored,  heavier  phases  would  even  be  found  well  adapted  to  celery  and 
onions. 

Where  soils  of  this  group  occur  near  large  bodies  of  water  they  are  well  suited 
to  small  fruits,  including  peaches,  plums,  cherries,  and  grapes,  and  to  rasp- 
berries, blackberries,  and  strawberries.  Fair  yields  of  some  of  the  ordinary 
field  crops,  such  as  corn,  oats,  and  rye  are  produced.  The  best  use  of  the  soils 
of  this  class,  however,  is  for  garden  and  truck  crops  and  small  fruits,  and  they 
should  be  devoted  to  intensive  culture  along  these  lines  wherever  the  market 
demands  will  warrant. 

Adams  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  fine  sand,  about  8  inches  deep, 
overlying  a  yellowish-brown  fine  sand.  Comparatively  little  coarse  sand  or 
gravel  is  present  in  the  soil  section.  The  type  usually  occupies  terrace,  delta, 
or  beach  positions  and  the  topography  varies  from  level  to  rolling,  the  natural 
drainage  being  good  to  excessive.  The  soil  is,  however,  not  so  droughty  as  the 
Adams  sand.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of  white  pine,  poplar,  birch,  and 
scrub  oak,  with  an  undergrowth  of  huckleberry  bushes,  sweet  fern,  and  grasses. 
The  soil  is  adapted  to  truck  crops,  such  as  watermelons,  cantaloupes,  cucumbers, 
early  peas,  early  potatoes,  etc..  and  to  such  small  fruits  as  strawberries.  It  is 
not  so  well  suited  to  general  farm  crops. 

Cancadca  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  fine  to  very  fine  yellow  sand,  about 
10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  slightly  coarser  in  texture  than  the  surface  soil. 
The  type  is  not  largely  cultivated,  although  suited  to  early  truck  crops  if  care 
be  taken  to  increase  and  maintain  the  organic  matter  content. 

Chenango  fine  sand. — This  type  is  characterized  by  a  light-brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  fine  sand  surface  soil  of  fairly  uniform  texture  and  about  8  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  is  usually  a  yellowish-brown,  incoherent  fine  sand,  though  in  some 
areas  the  upper  subsoil  is  rather  more  compact  than  the  surface.  As  the  depth 
increases  the  texture  becomes  slightly  coarser,  and  a  few  small,  rounded  gravel 
are  in  some  cases  present  below  24  inches.  The  topography  is  level  to  undu- 
lating, or  it  may  be  somewhat  rolling  or  dunelike  where  blown  by  the  wind. 
The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  truck  crops,  including  green 
corn,  melons,  asparagus,  etc. 

Clyde  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  fine  sand 
varying  in  depth  from  4  to  20  inches.  The  subsoil  has  about  the  same  texture 
as  the  soil,  but  contains  less  organic  matter  and  is  lighter  in  color.  The  type 
has  been  formed  by  the  reworking  of  glacial  sands  and  their  deposition  in  former 
lakes.     The  topography  is  nearly  level,  and  the  natural  drainage  is  generally 


190  SOILS   OF    THE    UXITED   STATES. 

poor.  The  soil  is  greatly  improved  by  artificial  drainage.  The  crop  value  of 
this  soil  depends  much  upon  the  proportion  of  organic  matter  present  and  the 
drainage  conditions.  It  is  suited  to  small  fruits,  being  an  ideal  soil  for  straw- 
berries.    Fair  crops  of  corn,  oats,  and  potatoes  are  produced. 

Dunkirk  fine  %and\ — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  to  gray  or  yellow  tine  sand, 
varying  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  1  foot.  It  is  usually  quite  uniform  in 
texture  and  contains  few  stones  or  gravel.  In  some  case*  it  is  light,  while 
in  others  it  is  rather  loamy.  The  subsoil  is  an  orange,  gray,  or  yellow  to  brown, 
loose,  incoherent  fine  sand,  resembling  the  surface  soil  in  texture.  The  type 
occupies  lake-plain  lowlands.  It  sometimes  occurs  as  an  ancient  lake  beach 
and  again  as  lake  sediments  redistributed  by  wind  action.  A  small  part  of  the 
type  occurs  as  ridges  or  knolls.  It  is  the  result  of  the  reworking  and  dis- 
tributing of  water-deposited  glacial  sands.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly 
level  to  rolling.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  early  truck  crops,  such  as  melons, 
tomatoes,  and  cucumbers.  Small  fruits  also  do  well.  On  account  of  the  texture 
of  the  soil,  it  is  not  suited  to  general  farming. 

Fargo  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  dark-brown  loamy  fine  sand  having  an 
average  depth  of  about  16  inches,  beneath  which  is  found  a  yellow  loamy  fine 
sand.  There  are  no  stones  or  gravel  in  either  soil  or  subsoil.  There  are,  how- 
ever, occasional  wet  and  sloughlike  places  of  small  extent,  where  the  soil  is 
considerably  heavier  than  the  average  of  the  type.  The  soil  occupies  level  to 
gently  rolling  areas.  It  is  a  delta  deposit  of  glacial  material  carried  into  pre- 
existing lakes.  A  very  large  proportion  of  the  type  is  yet  unbroken,  being 
utilized  chiefly  for  the  production  of  wild  hay.  Wheat,  flax,  and  wild  hay  are 
the  principal  crops  grown  upon  the  areas  of  the  type  so  far  mapped.  When 
well  drained  it  should  be  a  very  good  soil  for  potatoes,  canning  crops,  and 
small  fruits.     It  is,  however,  better  adapted  to  stock  raising  or  dairying. 

Fox  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  fine  sand,  usually  loose, 
incoherent,  and  free  from  gravel  and  stones.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellow- 
ish fine  sand,  loose  and  incoherent  in  texture,  and  becoming  pale  yellow  in  color 
with  depth.  The  subsoil  contains  lenses  and  thin  beds  of  stratified  gravel, 
and  occasionally  heavy  beds  of  gravel  may  be  encountered  within  the  3-foot 
section.  The  type  may  occur  either  as  a  glacial  outwash  area  or  as  a  terrace 
along  a  glacial  stream  valley  or  an  existing  stream  within  or  flowing  from 
the  glacial  region.  The  topography  is  level,  pitted,  or,  in  rare  cases,  rolling, 
owing  to  erosion.  The  type  is  usually  well  drained.  It  is  naturally  deficient 
in  organic  matter,  but  when  liberal  quantities  of  stable  manure  are  applied 
or  green  crops  are  turned  under  fair  yields  of  corn,  potatoes,  and  early  vege- 
tables  can   be  secured. 

Hoortc  line  sainl. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  fine  sand,  with 
an  average  depth  of  7  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  very  light-brown  to  yellow  fine 
Band,  3  feet  or  more  in  depth.  The  origin  of  the  type  is  alluvial,  in  delta  or 
high-terrace  forms  of  former  flood  deposits.  It  is  adapted  to  early  truck  crops, 
corn,   rye,  potatoes,  and  clover. 

Manchester  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark  tine  sand,  about  S  inches  deep, 
underlain  at  about  20  inches  by  medium  sand  resting  on  glacial  till,  which  is 
generally  derived  from  red  Trlassic  sandstone.  The  surface  is  slightly  rolling 
and  has  been  modified  to  a  slight  extent  by  wind  action.  Where  the  subsoil  is 
not  too  deep  the  type  is  retentive  of  moisture  and  fair  crops  of  truck,  grains, 
and    tobaCCO   an-   produced. 

Newton    line   sand.    -The   s«.il    Consists  Of  a    Light-gray   to  yellowish    tine  sand. 

which  is  underlain  at  depths  varying  from  10  to  86  inches  by  Lnterstratlfled 
layers  of  peal  and  black  tine  sand.  The  type  has  probably  been  formed  by  the 
deposition  of  a  layer  of  light-colored  fine  sand  over  the  black  tine  Band,  which 
rise  to  the  ciyde  tine  sniid.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  although  some 
whM  broken  by  ponds  and  swampy  depressions.  Much  of  the  type  supports 
a  growth  of  water-loving  grasses,  willow,  and  birch,  and  its  chief  use  is  for 
pasture 
Orono  /me  sand.    This  soil  is  ;i  loose.  Incoherent  tine  sand,  several  feci  deep. 

The   first    7    to    K)   inches   is    \cry    light  brOWO    in   color,   and    the   subsoil    is   pale 

yellowish-brown,  becoming  gray  with  depth.    The  type  is  derived  from  glacial 

sandc  ed  by  water  currents  as  terraces  and  deltas.    The  porous  subsoil 

essl  s  dr.  Inage.    The  Burface  Is  rolling  to  sharply  undulating.    The 

type  is  droughty  and  not  a  Strong  general  farming  soil,  but  can  be  well  adapted 

to  garden  vegetables  and  early  truck  crops. 
Plainfleld  fine  iand.    The  surface  soil   is  a    light  brown  or  grayish-brown. 
Incoherent  t'mc  sand  about   i<»  Inches  deep-  In  which  a  small  percentage 


GLACIAL    LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


191 


of  fine  gravel  is  sometimes  found.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  and  a  fine 
sand  in  texture,  but  contains  varying  quantities  of  small,  waterworn  gravel, 
frequently  stratified.  The  type  is  derived  from  glacial  outwash  or  valley  fill, 
the  material  being  deposited  either  in  broad  outwash  aprons  or  as  high*  ter- 
races along  present  or  abandoned  stream  channels.  The  topography  is  flat 
to  gently  undulating.  On  account  of  the  porosity  of  the  subsoil  and  the  under- 
lying beds  of  gravel  drainage  is  excessive,  and  the  type  is  droughty  and  not 
well  suited  to  any  but  the  lighter  general  farm  crops,  such  as  rye  and  potatoes 
or  early  vegetables,  melons,  etc. 

Vergennes  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  black,  or  yel- 
low loamy  fine  sand,  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  or 
yellow  medium  sand,  resting  upon  the  basal  clays  of  the  region  at  depths 
ranging  from  3  to  4  feet,  though  in  rare  instances  the  sandy  material  may 
be  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  Small  quantities  of  gravel  are  frequently  found 
in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  This  type  is  a  lacustrine  deposit,  more  or  less  modi- 
fied by  recent  stream  action.  It  is  quite  varied  in  surface  features,  occurring 
in  level  areas,  along  slopes,  and  among  foothills,  and  for  the  most  part  is  well 
drained.  The  soil  is  probably  best  adapted  to  truck  crops  and  small  fruits, 
though  corn,  oats,  and  hay  are  grown  with  fair  success. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Indiana-1,  7;  Michigan  5,  8;  New  York  1,  6,  8,  9,  10,  12,  13,  14; 

Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  10. 
North  Dakota  8,  9 

225,152 
164,160 

Fargo  fine  sand 

Indiana  7;  New  York  5,  6,  9, 13;  Wisconsin  3,  4 

66,624 
46,462 
33,344 
22,912 
21,248 

New  York  5,  i.6;  Vermont  1  " 

Adams  fine  sand 

New  York  5 

Fox  fine  sand 

Wisconsin  3 „ 

New  York  17 

9,344 

Hoosic  fine  sand 

7,168 
5,888 

Newton  fine  sand 

Indiana  7 

Maine  2 

Orono  fine  sand 

3,264 
1,024 

Caneadea  fine  sand.  

New  York  6 

Chenango  fine  sand 

New  Jersey  2 

512 

Total 

607, 102 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SANDY   LOAM   GROtJP. 


The  sandy  loam  group  comprises  soils  of  friable  structure  which  are  easily 
worked.  As  a  rule,  the  subsoils  are  sufficiently  retentive  of  moisture  for  the 
maturity  of  many  of  the  ordinary  field  crops,  at  least  in  years  of  rather  more 
than  normal  rainfall.  Even  in  relatively  dry  seasons  some  of  the  intertilled 
crops  can  be  grown  with  fair  success  by  the  practice  of  frequent  cultivation  so 
as  to  form  and  preserve  a  dust  mulch  at  the  surface  which  will  lessen  the 
evaporation.  Under  ordinary  methods  of  cultivation  corn,  oats,  wheat,  rye, 
potatoes,  and  some  clover  and  timothy  are  grown.  Alfalfa  and  sugar  beets  have 
also  given  good  results  in  some  localities  and  are  field  crops  in  one  of  the 
Wisconsin  areas  and  in  the  Connecticut  Valley  This  group  is  the  lightest 
textured  one  on  which  the  general  crops  can  be  grown,  and  it  is  most  valuable 
for  early  maturing  special  crops,  such  as  tomatoes,  cantaloupes,  early  potatoes, 
sweet  corn,  string  beans,  peas,  etc..  and  for  the  small  fruits,  especially  straw- 
berries, raspberries,  and  blackberries.  Such  tree  fruits  as  peaches  are  well 
suited  on  this  class  of  soils,  though  the  texture,  especially  of  the  subsoil,  is 
rather  too  light  for  any  but  the  earlier,  more  j>erishable  varieties  of  apples. 

The  Sioux  sandy  loam  has  the  most  extensive  acreage  of  any  of  the  sandy 
loams  of  the  group  and  it  and  the  Superior  and  Fargo  are  widely  used  for  the 
general  farm  crops,  while  the  types  on  which  special  and  truck  crops  are  most 
profitably  developed  are  the  Dunkirk  and  Clyde  sandy  loams.  Both  of  these 
latter  soils  are  well  situated,  both  with  respect  to  topography  and  to  geography, 
for  their  best  economical  use  for  truck  and  market-garden  products.  They  also 
contain  a  higher  percentage  of  organic  matter  and  are  less  subject  to  drought 
than  the  Chenango,  Hoosic,  and  some  of  the  other  members  of  the  group. 


192  $pILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Taking  the  group  as  a  whole,  better  success  may  he  expected  with  truck  and 
special  crops  than  with  the  staple  farm  crops. 

Chenango  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  this  type  is  a  light-brown  sandy 
loam,  about  8  inches  deep,  overlying  a  yellowish-brown  somewhat  incoherent 
sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand.  Small  gravel  is  found  at  the  surface  and  in  the 
subsoil.  The  type  occupies  stream  terraces  above  overflow  and  is  well  suited  to 
the  production  of  truck  crops  and  small  fruits. 

Clyde  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  brown  medium-textured 
sandy  loam,  from  S  to  12  inches  deep,  resting  on  material  of  similar  texture  but 
lighter  color,  which  is  underlain  at  lower  depths  by  a  drab  or  brownish  mottled 
sandy  clay,  sometimes  tending  more  toward  a  sticky  sandy  loam.  The  soil 
carries  a  fair  percentage  of  organic  matter  and  is  easily  brought  into  good  tilth. 
The  type  has  been  formed  by  the  reworking  of  glacial  material  as  beach  or 
shallow-water  deposits.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  upon  the 
whole  the  drainage  features  are  fairly  good.  This  is  a  good  soil  for  general 
farm  crops,  sugar  beets,  beans,  potatoes,  and  orchard  fruits. 

Dunkirk  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  sandy  loam  about 
10  inches  deep,  which  is  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  by  lighter 
colored  sandy  loam,  sometimes  containing  fine  gravel.  This  type  is  derived  from 
glacial  material  reworked  under  stream  and  wave  action.  The  topography  is 
undulating  to  gently  rolling.  Drainage  is  always  good  and  sometimes  excessive. 
This  is  not  an  especially  good  soil  for  general  agriculture,  but  is  well  adapted 
to  truck  and  garden  crops,  especially  cabbage,  tomatoes,  cucumbers,  potatoes,  etc. 

Fargo  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  fine  sandy  loam.  IS  inches  deep, 
underlain  to  a  depth  of  2  feet  by  a  yellowish  fine  sandy  loam,  below  which  is 
a  grayish-yellow  silt  loam  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  Gravel  is  often 
present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  along  the  border  of  glacial 
lakes  and  is  composed  of  reworked  glacial  material.  The  surface  features  vary 
from  undulating  to  broken,  and  the  natural  drainage  is  usually  good.  This  soil 
is  devoted  to  all  of  the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region,  though  the  yields  are 
generally  light.  It  is  a  safe  soil  for  corn  under  the  usual  variations  of  the 
climate. 

Fox  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  grayish  medium  Bandy 
loam.  8  inches  deep,  having  a  loose  structure  and  containing  only  a  small  pro- 
port  ion  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  or  reddish-brown 
medium  sand,  which  becomes  loamy  at  from  12  to  18  inches.  Below  18  inches 
beds  of  medium  to  course  sand  and  fine  gravel  are  found.  The  surface  of  the 
type  is  gently  undulating  to  flat,  and  on  account  of  the  underlying  beds  of  sand 
and  gravel  and  the  loose  Structure  of  the  Surface  soil  the  natural  drainage  is 
excessive.  With  proper  fertilization  the  type  is  adapted  to  truck  crops,  corn. 
oats,  hay,  etc. 

Hartford  sandy  loam. — The  "surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  sandy  loam  about 
1  foot  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  \\  feet  or  more  is  a  red  or  yellow  sand 
or  light  sandy  loam.  Medium  and  fine  grains  of  sand  predominate,  and  the 
content  of  coarse  Band  and  gravel  is  small.  The  type  occurs  in  broad  terraces 
and  plains  situated  some  distance  bark  from  the  larger  streams.  It  is  derived 
from  glacial  material  laid  down  in  glacial  lakes.  The  topography  is  usually 
level,  though  BOmetlineS  slightly  rolling  and  billowy  as  ;i   result   of  wind  action. 

The  soil  is  extensively  used  in  the  production  of  truck  crops  and  tobacco.  The 
heavier  phase  of  the  type  appears  i<»  be  the  best  tobacco  soil  of  the  Connecticut 
Valley  area,  especially  for  the  shaded  crop,  the  leaf  being  of  good  quality,  light 

Colored,  elastic,  and  of  fair  body. 

Iloo sir   sandy    loam.     Tbe    surface    soil    is   a    light  -brown    or   yellowish  brown 

sandy  loam,  :»  Inches  deep,  containing  a   small  percentage  of  small,  rounded 

gravel.  The  subsoil  is  B  yellowish  brown  to  yellow  light  textured  Bandy  loam, 
in  which  the  proportion  Of  coarse  sand  and  gravel  increases  with  depth.  This 
material  is  usually  stratified  below  a  depth  of  :;  feet  and  sometimes  lies  Dearer 
the   surface.     The   topography    is   level    to  gently    undulating  or   slightly    rolling. 

and  drainage  is  apt   to  be  excessive,  owing  to  tbe  porous  character  Of  the 

deeper  subsoil.    The  soil  is  used  for  a  variety  of  cultivated  crops,  though  only 

yields  of  tbe  grains  and  grasses  are  generally  secured,    it  la  best  adapted 

to  early  green  COTO,   potatoes,  and  truck  crops. 

Hudson  tandy  loam.  The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  Inches  is  a  light-brown  medium 
sandy  loam,  underlain  by  a  medium-textured  somewhat  incoherent  yellow 
sandy  loam,  which  occasionally  contains  an  admixture  of  gravel.    The  subsoil 

is    underlain    by   clay   deposits.      The   type   is    lacustrine   in   origin.      The  surface 

varies  from  nearly  level  to  rolling  and  has  good  drainage 


GLACIAL   LAKE    AND   RIVEK    TERRACE   PROVINCE.  193 

Only  a  small  part  of  this  type  is  in  cultivation,  though  it  is  a  fair  soil  for  all 
general  farm  crops  and  is  particularly  well  adapted  to  trucking  and  small  fruit. 
Manchester  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish  or  dark-yellow  medium  sandy 
or  gravelly  loam,  from  8  to  18  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  loamy  sand  and 
gravel,  frequently  containing  large  bowlders.  The  type  is  a  combination  of 
glacial  lake  and  stream  deposits,  and  the  material  is  exceedingly  irregular  in 
thickness.  It  is  formed  in  part,  especially  the  subsoil,  from  the  underlying  red 
Triassic  rocks.  The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  in  the  form  of  ridges  and 
knolls,  though  the  type  occasionally  occurs  as  low,  flat  terraces.  The  soil  is 
naturally  fertile,  but  the  porous  subsoil  renders  it  readily  subject  to  drought. 
It  is  well  adapted  to  corn. 

Mankato  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  dark-brown  medium 
fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  at  an  average  depth  of  15  inches  by  solid  bedrock. 
Usually  2  or  3  inches  of  the  material  directly  overlying  the  bedrock  is  a  reddish- 
brown  fine  loam.  In  some  places  the  soil  is  2  feet  deep,  while  in  others  it  is 
only  a  few  inches  deep,  and  in  places  the  bedrock  outcrops.  Generally  the 
shallower  the  soil  the  more  loamy  the  texture.  The  underlying  rock  is  either 
Shakopee  limestone  or  Jordan  sandstone.  Granitic  and  gneissic  bowlders  from 
1  to  6  feet  or  more  in  diameter  are  thickly  scattered  over  the  surface  in  some 
localities,  but  as  a  rule  do  not  interfere  seriously  with  cultivation.  The  type 
occurs  in  the  form  of  river  terraces.  It  has  been  formed  by  the  deposit  of  a 
thin  layer  of  sandy  material  over  the  underlying  rock.  It  is  quite  droughty. 
Light  to  fair  yields  of  corn  and  small  grains  are  secured.  The  soil  makes  ex- 
cellent pasture  in  wet  and  moderately  wet  seasons.  Where  the  sand  is  deepest 
the  soil  is  quite  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  vegetables. 

Merrimac  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  sandy  loam,  about  8 
inches  deep,  often  containing  small  quantities  of  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a 
light-brown  sandy  loam,  becoming  less  coherent  with  depth,  and  at  about  20 
inches  passing  into  a  yellowish-gray  coarser  sandy  loam,  more  or  less  inter- 
stratified  with  fine  gravel,  extending  to  variable  d^ths.  The  type  occupies 
level  to  gently  undulating  or  more  or  less  pitted  topography,  occurring  as  kame 
deposits  and  filled-in  valleys.  The  drainage  is  good.  Corn  and  grass  are  the 
principal  farm  crops,  though  the  type  is  also  well  adapted  to  potatoes  and 
vegetables,  as  well  as  fruits. 

Plainfield  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  loamy  sand  to  sandy 
loam,  16  to  18  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  becomes  lighter  in  color  and  somewhat 
coarser  in  texture  as  depth  increases,  and  at  about  30  inches  is  usually  a  yellow 
sand,  possessing  but  little  coherency.  For  the  most  part  the  material  has  been 
laid  down  by  rushing  glacial  waters  and  occurs  in  broad,  filled-in  valleys  along 
the  streams  and  as  glacial  outwash  in  the  glaciated  region  of  the  Great  Lakes, 
and  also  in  the  Driftless  area  of  Wisconsin.  The  type  presents  a  level  to  only 
slightly  undulating  topography  and  the  material  often  extends  to  many  feet  in 
depth.  While  subirrigated,  the  soil  is  now  above  all  overflow.  It  produces 
light  yields  of  corn,  hay,  rye,  and  some  of  the  other  general  farm  crops.  Dairy- 
ing is  an  important  industry  on  some  areas  of  the  type. 

SiOUX  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  coarse  to  medium  brown  sandy  loam 
or  heavy  sandy  loam,  from  10  to  24  inches  deep,  containing  considerable  organic 
matter.  The  color  becomes  lighter  with  depth.  The  subsoil  over  wide  areas  con- 
sists of  almost  pure  water-worn  gravel,  which  is  found  at  an  average  of  22  inches 
below  the  surface  and  extends  to  great  depths.  The  subsoil  varies  consider- 
ably, however,  and  the  gravel  is  frequently  bedded  in  a  matrix  of  sandy  loam, 
silty  sand,  or  sand.  This  is  an  alluvial  type,  occupying  river  terraces,  with  level 
to  gently  rolling  topography.  The  drainage  is  too  thorough  for  good  crop  yields 
where  the  pure  gravel  subsoil  predominates,  although  the  soil  is  early  and 
might  be  profitably  utilized  in  the  production  of  early,  short-season  crops. 
Hay,  corn,  oats,  and  alfalfa  are  important  crops,  but  the  yields  are  very 
irregular.  In  a  wet  season  or  on  areas  of  better  moisture  conditions  40  to  80 
bushels  of  corn  are  obtained  per  acre,  but  a  dry  spell  at  the  critical  period  of 
growth  often  results  in  total  failure.  Some  truck  is  grown.  Clover  and 
timothy  have  been  produced  with  fair  success. 

Superior  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  gray  to  reddish  sand  or  light  Bandy 
loam  of  medium  texture,  varying  in  depth  from  1  to  2  feet.     Sometimes  the 
surface  is   strewn   with   small    rocks   and   bowlders   in   such   quantities   as   to 
interfere  with  cultivation.     The  subsoil  is  a    stiff,   tenacious,   Impervious 
clay,  similar  to  the  material  formiug  the  Superior  clay,  and  is  sometimes  Inter- 

79619—13 13 


194  90ILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

stratified  with  thin  layers  of  fine  sand.  The  sandy  soil  is  the  result  of  wash 
from  higher  lying  sandy  land.  The  type  usually  occupies  level  and  gently 
rolling  areas  with  sufficient  elevation  to  secure  good  natural  drainage.  It  is  a 
warm  soil,  easily  tilled,  and  adapted  to  a  variety  of  crops,  including  medium 
late  vegetables  for  midsummer  and  fall  markets.  The  crops  grown  are  clover, 
timothy,  potatoes,  and  small  fruits.    The  original  timber  growth  is  pine. 

Tuacarora  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  mellow  sandy 
loam,  about  8  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  to  gray  sandy  ioam  to  a 
depth  of  30  inches.  Relow  this  there  occurs  a  deep,  dense  clay  subsoil,  causing 
poor  drainage  conditions.  This  type  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay 
and  for  permanent  pastures. 

Vergenncs  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  black  or  dark-brown  medium  to  fine 
sandy  loam,  from  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  surface  soil  does  not  differ  ma- 
terially in  texture  from  that  of  the  Vergennes  fine  sand,  but  the  subsoil  is  a 
drab  clay  Loam  >r  day.  In  a  few  places  the  typical  soil  is  underlain  at  an 
average  depth  of  a  foot  by  a  layer  of  medium  sand,  which  rests  directly  upon 
the  heavy  underlying  clay.  In  low-lying  areas  the  soil  is  derived  from  late 
sedimentary  deposits  overlying  the  Champlain  clays:  other  areas  are  either 
colluvial  material  or  shore  deposits  overlying  the  Champlain  clays.  In  topog- 
raphy the  type  is  either  level  or  rolling,  being  marked  sometimes  by  hum- 
mocks and  low  swells.  For  the  most  part  it  is  well  drained.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  corn,  clover,  and  late  truck  crops. 

Walcoti  sandy  loam. — This  type  is  composed  of  various  phases  of  soil,  but  in 
general  the  surface  soil  ranges  from  a  grayish  to  brownish  sandy  loam,  with  an 
average  depth  of  about  8  to  10  inches,  while  the  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet 
or  more  varies  from  a.  sand  to  a  sandy  clay  of  yellowish  color.  Sometimes 
small  sand  dunes  from  1  to  2  feet  high  occur,  and  in  such  cases  the  type  is 
sandier.  Aside  from  the  low  sand  dunes,  the  surface  of  the  type  is  level,  and 
there  are  considerable  areas  which  are  poorly  drained  and  uncultivated.  The 
type  is  derived  largely  f-om  light,  sandy  material  blown  from  the  adjacent 
areas  of  Fargo  fine  sand  and  spread  out  over  the  heavier  lacustrine  types  to 
ihe  eastward.     It  is  devoted  largely  to  prairie  hay  and  pasturage. 

Waukesha  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  sandy  loam 
of  loose  structure  extending  to  an  average  depth  of  1  foot.  It  contains  only  a 
small  proportion  of  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  about  24  to  30  inches 
is  a  yellowish  gravelly  sandy  loam,  the  gravel  content  being  fine  and  not  in- 
frequently including  small,  rounded  cobbles.  The  deep  subsoil  is  a  light-yellow- 
ish, heavy,  gravelly  sandy  loam  or  gravelly  clay.  The  type  occurs  both  in 
broad  extensive  valley  fills  and  as  outwash  plains  and  narrower  intermorainic 
filled-in  valleys.  It  is  derived  from  reworked  glacial  material  deposited  by  rush- 
ing glacial  waters.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating.  On  account 
of  the  porous  nature  of  the  subsoil,  drainage  is  often  excessive  and  crops 
frequently  suffer  from  drought,  except  in  relatively  wet  seasons.  Under  favor- 
able moisture  conditions  good  crops  of  corn,  rye,  hay,  and  potatoes  are  secured. 

W'illiston  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  medium  to  fine, 
liglit-textured  sandy  loam,  underlain  at  an  average  depth  of  2  feel  by  a  whitish 
loam  or  sandy  loam.  The  type  is  probably  mainly  reworked  glacial  material, 
it  occupies  high-lying  stream  terraces  and  probably  once  composed  pari  of  the 

flood-plain  of  a  swollen  glacial  Stream.  In  seasons  of  average  rainfall  good 
crops  are  secured.  Wlieat  yields  25  bushels  and  flax  20  bushels  to  the  acre  in 
good  seasons. 


GLACIAL*  LAKE   AND   LIVER    TEEEACE   PROVENCE.  195 

Area    and   distribution    of   the   sandy   loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sioux  sandy  loam. 


Clyde  sandy  loam 

Waukesha  sandy  loam . 
Superior  sandy  loam . . 
Hartford  sandy  loam. . , 
Dunkirk  sandy  loam. . 


Merrimac  sandy  loom . . 

Fargo  sandy  loam 

Plainfieid  sandy  loam. . 
Manchester  sandy  loam 
Hoosic  sandy  loam. 


Williston  sandy  loam j  North  Dakota  11 


Indiana  3,  1G;  Iowa  1;  Minnesota  4,  5;  Missouri  14;  South 
Dakota  2;  Wisconsin  6,  14. 

Indiana  3;  Michigan  2,  5,  8;  Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  15 

Indiana  6;  Wisconsin  11,  16 

Wisconsin  1, 13,  16 

Connecticut  1 ;  Massachusetts  1 

Indiana  1;  Michigan  9;  New  York  11, 12,  13;  Ohio  8,  10;  Wis- 
consin 12. 

Massachusetts  2 

North  Dakota  9 .• 

Illinois  11;  Wisconsin  3,  5,  9 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

New  Jersey  2. 


Walcott  sandy  loam 

Mankato  sandy  loam 

Vergennes  sandy  loam . . 

Fox  sandy  loam 

Hudson  sandy  loam 

Chenango  sandy  loam . . 
Tuscarora  sandv  loam.. . 


Total. 


North  Dakota  9 ' 

Minnesota  1 

New  York  16;  Vermont  1 

Wisconsin  8 

New  York  4 

Indiana  5;  New  Jersey  2;  Pennsylvania  7. 
New  York  6 


141,056 

126,400 
118, 84S- 
103,488 
95,304 
69,632 

62,400 

53,504 

46, 650 

44,160 

5,888 

3,534 

3,264 

2,816- 

2,112 

2,048 

1,85ft 

1,728 

320 

885,064 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   SANDY   LOAM   PHASE. 


This  type  has  been  recognized  so  far  in  only  one  of  the  areas  surveyed.  In 
a  general  way  it  is  much  like  the  stony  loam  phase,  except  that  it  is  rather 
more  friable  in  texture  and  contains  a  small  quantity  of  gravel,  which  makes  it 
better  adapted  to  special  than  to  general  farm  crops. 

Clyde  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  medium-textured  gravelly 
sandy  loam,  18  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  sandy  loam  or  mottled  brown 
clay  loam  containing  a  small  percentage  of  gravel.  A  noticeable  characteristic 
of  the  type  is  the  occurrence  of  bowlders,  which  are  found  in  large  numbers  over 
the  surface  and  to  a  less  extent  below  the  surface.  These  bowlders  are  mainly  of 
granite,  and  range  from  cobbles  to  angular  fragments  2  or  3  feet  in  diameter.  With 
these  stones  removed  from  the  surface,  the  soil  is  a  good,  friable  sandy  loam 
and  produces  fairly  good  crops.  The  .type  is  of  glacial  or  lacustrine  origin, 
has  level  to  gently  rolling  topography,  and  for  the  most  part  is  fairly  well 
drained.  The  crops  grown  are  corn,  oats,  wheat,  sugar  beets,  beans,  potatoes, 
hay,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Clyde  stony  sandy  loam Michigan  8 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


8,000 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  soils  are  light  and  loose  in  texture  and  structure,  and  are  underlain  by 
subsoils  which  are  relatively  porous  and  leachy.  They  are  not,  therefore,  nat- 
urally suited  to  the  production  of  the  heavier  farm  crops,  which  require  larger 
stores  of  moisture  for  their  slow  growth  and  maturity  than  these  soils  can 
retain,  although  in  some  locations,  where  the  ground  water  is  near  the  surface 
or  where  the  soils  are  slightly  heavier  than  normal,  or  in  seasons  of  moderately 
heavy  rainfall,  the  staple  crops  are  grown  with  fair  success.  Some  wheat  and 
flax  are  produced  on  the  Williston  gravelly  sandy  loam,  and  some  of  the  areas 
of  the  Orono,  Caneadea,  and  Dunkirk  types  give  fair  yields  of  corn.  Clover  and 
alfalfa  are  also  grown  to  some  extent.  The  Caneadea  and  Dunkirk  types  are 
well  suited  to  grapes,  especially  the  earlier  table  varieties,  and  to  blackberries, 
raspberries,   and  strawberries,   while  peaches,  cherries,   and  plums  give  good 


196  S    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

yields  of  fair  quality.  Where  the  demands  of  the  market  will  warrant,  the 
group  should  be  devoted  to  the  growth  of  special  vegetable  and  fruit  crops. 
rather  than  to  the  grains  and  hay. 

Caneadea  graveUy  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light  gravelly  sandy 
loam,  brown  to  yellowish  brown  in  color.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown 
to  yellow  sandy  loam.  The  sand  content  of  both  soil  and  subsoil  is  medium  to 
fine  in  texture.  Gravel  is  abundant  but  generally  small  in  size.  This  soil  type 
is  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  potatoes,  vine  crops,  and  berries. 

Chenango  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  slightly  yel- 
lowish brown  gravelly  sandy  loam,  about  8  inches  deep,  overlying  a  subsoil  of 
yellowish  brown  to  yellow  gravelly  sandy  loam  or  gravelly  sand.  At  the  sur- 
face and  throughout  the  subsoil  a  small  quantity  of  water-worn  gravel  is  found, 
while  within  or  immediately  underlying  tbe  3-foot  section  occur  beds  of  strati- 
fied sands  and  gravel.  The  type  occurs  as  glacial  terraces  and  is  above  ordi- 
nary overdo w.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  or  somewhat 
hummocky  and  rolling  where  kame  material  is  developed. 

The  drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive,  on  account  of  the  porous  character  of 
the  subsoil,  and  the  type  is  rather  droughty.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  the  market 
garden  and  truck  crops,  but  is  too  uncertain  for  general  farm  crops. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  containing  from  40 
to  60  per  cent  of  small  gravel,  consisting  principally  of  water-worn  shale  frag- 
ments, and  is  underlain  at  about  3  feet  by  shale  fragments  or  sand.  The  type 
represents  reworked  glacial  material  deposited  in  water  along  the  foot  of  low 
ridges  on  lake  forelands  and  also  as  terraces  in  stream  valleys.  It  is  well 
drained  and  early,  and  is  adapted  to  market-garden  and  truck  crops.  It  is  not 
well  suited  to  most  general  farming  crops,  but  is  a  good  corn  soil.  Grapes  are 
successfully  grown. 

Fargo  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  about  12  inches  of 
a  dark-brown  to  black  loamy  sand  or  light  sandy  loam,  containing  a  few  small 
gravel  and  a  considerable  proportion  of  organic  matter.  The  sand  content  is 
made  up  of  all  grades  from  fine  to  coarse  sand  or  small  gravel,  but  the  medium 
to  fine  grades  usually  predominate.  The  subsoil  is  composed  of  layers  of 
gravel  and  coarso  sand,  which  often  occur  in  strata  of  uniform  thickness.  The 
gravel  particles  vary  in  size  from  coarse  sand  to  small  cobbles  several  inches 
in  diameter,  and  the  interstitial  material  consists  of  various  grades  of  sand. 
The  typo  is  reworked  glacial  material,  and  most  of  it  occupies  narrow  ridges 
which  mark  old  beaches  <>f  Glacial  Lake  Agassiz.  The  crop  yields  vary  con- 
siderably, according  to  the  amount  of  rainfall  during  the  growing  season. 
Who.: i    oats,  ll.i x.  barley,  ami   rye  are  the  principal  crops  grown. 

]■'<>.>•  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  gravelly  loam  or  sandy 
loam,  about  s  Inches  deep,  changing  to  yellowish  2  incites  below  the  surface. 
The  Burface  is  covered  with  rounded  gravel  2  to  3  incites  in  diameter.  This 
in«-r<'.,v(.s  with  depth,  and  in  the  subsoil  there  is  a  greal  quantity  of  gravel  of  all 

sizes.  Tbe  type  occupies  terr. ,ces  abo\e  tbe  first  bottoms  along  streams  and 
is  marked  by  rounded  knolls  with   frequent    kettle-hole  depressions.      The  slopes 

are  often   quite  sleep  and   difflcull    to   cultivate,   though   no   large  stones  or 

bowlders  outcrop.  The  type  lies  farther  back  Prom  the  Streams  than  the  fox 
gravelly   loam.      It    owes  its  origin   to  glacial    material   which   has  been   modified 

by  water  action.  This  material  consists  chiefly  of  shale  and  sandstone  with 
enough  limestone  to  give  it  the  character  ^\'  ,-t  calcareous  soil.  The  soil  is  so 
light  and  porous  as  to  i>e  of  little  agricultural  value  and  is  generally  u<iHi  for 
pasturage. 

H008iC   gravelly  sandy    loam.      The   surf;tce   soil    consists   of  a    brown    gravelly 

sandy  loam,  \  to  6  Inches  in  depth.    The  subsoil  is  a  light  t<>  yellowish  brown 

gravelly   Bandy    loam   of  about    the   Same   texture.      The   type  OCCUrs   as   terraces 

;imi  was  formed  Prom  materials  deposited  in  glacial  lakes.    The  soil  is  too  light 

Id  texture  for  general  farming,  but  i<  well  adapted  under  Intensive  methods  of 

cultivation  to  early  truck  crops,  such  as  melons,  cucumbers,  and  small   fruits 

ally  strawberries.    On  the  heavier  and   less  gravelly  phase  of  the  type 

Corn,  <>ats.  rye,  potatoes,  and  buckwheat    may  bo  grown  with  some  sue. 

\ierrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam.  The  sod  ranges  from  a  gray  or  light-yellow- 
ish, medium-textured  sand  to  .-i  light-brown  loamy  sand  or  sandy  loam,  with 
:in  average  depth  of  12  inches,  resting  upon  gravelly  beds  composed  of  rounded. 
waterworn   gravel   varying  in  size   from   small   pebbles  to   large  cobblestones. 

The  interstitial   material,  Of  which   th. -re  is  relatively  B   small  quantity,  consists 

generally  of  coarse,  yellow   sand.     Some  tine  gravel  i^  encountered  in  the  soil 

;.nd    upon    the  The   typo  (..curs   along   stream   curses   and    is  derived 


GLACIAL    LAKE   AXD   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


197 


from  reworked  glacial  drift.  Tlie  surface  is  hurumocky.  being  characterized  by 
small  hills  of  gravel  with  uneven  surfaces,  alternating  with  depressions  or 
kettle  holes.  General  farm  crops  are  grown  upon  the  soil,  but  as  a  rule  it  is 
not  a  desirable  type  to  cultivate,  since  the  open,  leachy  nature  of  the  subsoil 
causes  it  to  be  subject  to  drought.  In  many  cases  it  is  better  adapted  to  the 
growing  of  truck  than  to  general  farming. 

Orono  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  S  or  10  inches  of  a 
brown  gravelly  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  brownish  gray  gravelly  sandy 
loam.  The  content  of  rounded  and  waterworn  gravel  and  stones  in  the  soil  and 
subsoil  is  extremely  variable,  but  the  subsoil  is  usually  underlain  at  from  2 
to  6  feet  by  deep,  cross-bedded  sands  and  gravels.  This  type  is  derived  from 
stratified  drift,  deposited,  with  few  exceptions,  in  the  form  of  eskers.  The  soil 
is  loose,  friable,  well  drained,  and  easily  tilled,  its  agricultural  value  depend- 
ing largely  upon  depth  of  soil  over  the  porous  gravels.  Individual  fields  are 
held  in  high  esteem,  while  others  are  poor,  because  droughty. 

Sioux  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  loam,  about 
16  inches  deep,  containing  some  coarse  sand  and  enough  clay  to  cause  it  to 
become  somewhat  sticky  when  wet.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  4  to  6  feet  or 
more,  contains  a  large  proportion  of  fine,  well-rounded  gravel,  which  causes 
the  type  to  be  excessively  drained  and  droughty.  The  topography  is  level  to 
undulating.     Good  yields  of  corn  and  oats  are  secured  in  favorable  seasons. 

Williston  gravelly  sanrfii  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  12  inches  of  a 
brown,  very  sandy  loam,  containing  a  large  amount  of  gravel.  The  clay  con- 
tent, though  small,  is  sufficient  in  places  to  give  the  soil  a  sticky  character 
when  wet.  The  subsoil  is  a  very  sandy  loam,  usually  loose  and  incoherent,  with 
about  the  same  proportion  of  gravel  as  the  soil.  The  gravel  in  both  soil  and  sub- 
soil ranges  from  the  finest  grades  to  rounded  pebbles  one-half  inch  in  diameter. 
The  type  is  composed  of  reworked  glacial  material  deposited  at  an  early  date 
as  alluvium  along  stream  courses.  The  topography  is  level  to  rolling.  The 
soil  is  productive  and  yields  good  crops  of  wheat,  flax,  and  rye. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.] 

Acres. 

Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Connecticut  1,  2;  Massachusetts  1,  2;  New  Hamp- 
shire 1, 2. 

New  York  6,  10,  12,  13,  15.  18;  Ohio  1;  Pennsyl- 
vania 7. 

Minnesota  3 

259,412 
83,356 
24,448 

Fargo  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Fox  gravelly  sandy  loam 

12,928 
]2.3.r.2 

Williston  gravelly  sandy  loam 

North  Dakota  11 

Hoosic  gravelly  sandy  loam 

New  York  17 

8^640 

Chenango  gravelly  sandy  loam 

New  York  3;  Pennsylvania  4 

7,6^0 

Orono  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Maine  2 " 

4,352 

Caneadea  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Sioux  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Xew  York  6 

3,840 

Wisconsin  9 

256 

Total 

417,264 

>  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE     SANDY     LOAM     PHASE. 


On  account  of  the  rather  heavy  texture  of  the  soil  and  the  immediately 
underlying  subsurface  stratum  the  coarse  sandy  loam  phase  is  a  fairly  pro- 
ductive soil  for  corn,  grains,  and  tobacco.  The  gravel  stratum  which  forms 
the  lower  subsoil  provides  good  underdrainage.  and  in  situations  where  it 
approaches  nearer  than  2  feet  of  the  surface  the  type  is  uncertain  for  general 
farm  crops.     Its  best  use  is  for  truck  crops  and  some  of  the  small  fruits. 

Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  sandy  loam,  8  or  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  to  depths  varying  from  about  1  to  2  feet  by  reddish  or 
yellowish  heavy  sandy  loam.  Below  this  the  material  is  underlain  by  coarse 
sand  and  gravel.  The  type  is  lacustrine  in  origin.  The  surface  varies  from 
level  to  slightly  rolling  and  the  drainage  is  good.  This  soil  is  excellent  for 
all  general  farm  crops,  besides  being  especially  adapted  to  early  truck  crops 
and  potatoes.  Small  fruits  do  well.  In  the  Connecticut  Valley  it  produces 
large  yields  of  tobacco  of  good  quality. 


198  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area.1 


Merrimac coarse  sandy  loain...,  Connecticut    1;    Massachusetts    1,  2;   New   York    7;    Rhode 
Island  1. 


Acres. 


247. 616 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
FINE  SANDY  LOAM   GROUP. 

The  value  of  this  .group  of  soils  for  the  production  of  ordinary  farm  crops 
is  a  little  higher  than  that  of  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
province,  owing  to  their  more  favorable  topographic  position  and  because  the 
ground  water  is  generally  nearer  the  surface.  The  surface  is  usually  level  to 
gently  undulating  or  slightly  rolling,  and  the  group  includes  some  areas  which 
require  artificial  drainage.  In  general,  however,  the  drainage  is  adequate, 
though  the  water  table  is  high  enough  to  afford  sulficient  moisture  for  the 
maturity  of  many  of  the  ordinary  farm  crops  during  any  but  the  driest  seasons. 
The  yields  of  the  grain  and  grass  crops  are  not,  however,  as  high  as  on  heavier 
textured  soils.  Upon  the  rather  heavy  textured  Fargo  fine  sandy  loam  BUCh 
crops  as  wheat,  oats,  barley,  flax,  and  millet  give  good  yields,  and  these  crops, 
as  well  as  ensilage  crops,  clover,  alsike.  buckwheat,  hops,  potatoes,  and  tobacco 
are  successfully  grown  on  the  Dunkirk  tine  sandy  loam.  Some  sugar  beets 
are  produced  on  the  Clyde  member  of  the  group,  in  addition  to  the  crops  men- 
tioned. Nearly  all  of  the  soils  of  the  group,  particularly  in  the  eastern  regions, 
are  suited  to  such  fruits  as  peaches,  plums,  cherries,  and  even  apples.  Prob- 
ably the  highest  usefulness  of  this  group  of  soils  is  in  the  production  of  the 
heavier  types  of  truck  and  market  vegetables,  including  tomatoes,  cabbage, 
cucumbers  for  pickling,  corn,  peas,  and  other  crops  for  canning,  and  small 
vine  and  bush  fruits,  including  strawberries,  raspberries,  blackberries,  and 
currants.  The  earlier  varieties  of  grapes  also  do  well  in  favored  locations  on 
the  Dunkirk  type. 

Benoit  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black 
fine  sandy  loam,  with  an  average  depth  of  12  to  15  inches.  It  contains  a  tela 
tively  large  quantity  of  organic  matter,  and  a  few  small  bowlders  are  some- 
times encountered  scattered  over  the  surface.  This  surface  material  grades 
into  a  subsoil  consisting  of  a  gray  to  yellow  sandy  loam,  becoming  lighter  in 
texture  &8  the  depth  increases,  until  at  25  to  30  inches  it  is  a  yellow  to  gray 
fine  sand,  con!  lining  gravel  and  small  cobbles.  This  subsoil  is  underlain  by 
beds  of  gravel,  which  usually  occur  at  a  depth  of  30  to  36  inches,  but  are 
sometimes  encountered  nearer  the  surface.  The  type  occupies  low  basinlike 
depressions,  which  occur  between  or  adjacent  to  small  ridges,  it  owes  its 
origin  to  glacial  drift  which  has  been  modified  by  the  action  of  the  waters  of 
Glacial  Late  Agassis  a  part  of  the  tine  sand  in  the  surface  soil  has  prob- 
ably been  washed  down  from  the  adjoining  Sandy  ridges.  The  surface  of  the 
type  as  a  whole  is  gently  undulating.     A  large  part  of  it  is  poorly  drained. 

Only  ;i  \ 'cry  small  par;  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  the  greater  proportion 

being  used   for  hay   meadows  and  as  pasture  Land.     The  better-drained  areas  are 

not  productive  during  dry  seasons,  and  during  rainy  seasons  the  greater  part 
of  the  type  is  to«»  wot  ami  poorly  drained  to  be  of  much  agricultural  value. 
cin  mango  fiw  tandy  loam. — The  Burfi  ce  Boll  is  a  Light-brown  or  yellowish- 

brown  fine  Bandy  Loam,  s  inches  in  depth,  containing  some  coarser  material. 
The    subsoil    is     i    yellowish    tine    sandy    loam,    becoming    gradually    coarser    in 

texture  with  depth,  and  contains  a  small  proportion  of  fine  gravel.  The  topog- 
raphy   varies   from   Level   to  somewhat    undulating.    The  surface  drainage   is 

Improved  •    places   by    ditching   and    tiling,    hut    the   relative    porosity    of 

the  subsoil  is  usually  sufficient  to  take  i-.:r<>  of  xcesa  water.  The  type  has  a 
higher  value  for  general  Barm  crops  than  the  Chenango  sandy  Loam  and  fair 
to  excellent  •  Lelds  of  corn,  outs.  rye.  potatoes,  and  hay  are  secured. 

Clyde  fine  <<nnh/  loam.  The  surface  soi:  [g  :>  io  1°  inches  in  depth  and  varies 
from    very    fine    sand    to    tine   sandy    loam    of   a    brownish-gray    or   brown    color, 

homogeneous  in  texture,  friable,  and  easily  kept  in  good  tilth.    The  subsoil  is 

:i  brown  or  yellow  tine  sand  or  line  sandy  Loam  to  .1  depth  of  2  feet  or  more  over- 
lying B    'lay  simihr  to  the  subsoil  of  the  I  ES       Both  BOil  and  subsoil  are 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE.  199 

entirely  devoid  of  gravel.  Portions  of  the  type  seem  to  be  the  resuit  of  delta 
formations  subsequently  modified  by  wind  and  wave  action,  while  other  por- 
tions occur  in  the  form  of  low  ridges  as  wind-blown  beach  deposits.  The  sur- 
face is  slightly  undulating  to  rolling,  and  drainage  varies  considerably  with 
local  topography.  Besides  general  farming  and  dairying,  the  production  of 
sugar  beets,  beans,  and  potatoes  are  important  interests,  and  to  a  less  extent 
the  growing  of  chickory,  apples,  pears,  grapes,  and  vegetables. 

Dunkirk  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  light-brown  fine  sandy  loam 
to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches,  underlain  by  a  yellowish  fine  sandy  loam  or  fine 
sand.  It  occurs  on  lake  forelands  and  to  a  lesser  extent  as  terraces  along  some 
of  the  larger  streams.  It  is  for  the  most  part  of  lacustrine  origin.  The  sur- 
face is  gently  rolling  to  hummocky.  Parts  of  the  type  have  been  influenced  by 
wind  action.  The  drainage  is  usually  good,  except  in  local  areas  of  depression. 
The  soil  is  adapted  to  grapes  and  is  also  fair  grass  land. 

Fargo  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black 
very  fine  sandy  loam,  having  a  depth  varying  from  8  to  24  inches.  The  content 
of  organic  material  in  the  first  few  inches  is  often  high.  Enough  silt  and  clay 
are  frequently  present  to  render  the  soil  slightly  sticky  under  certain  moisture 
conditions.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish,  brownish,  or  yellowish  fine  sandy  loam 
to  a  depth  of  from  2  to  3  feet.  The  lower  portion  is  often  of  the  nature  of 
quicksand.  The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin.  The  topography  is  level  or  very 
gently  rolling. 

Wben  well  drained  this  soil  yields  good  crops  of  corn  and  fair  crops  of  grain, 
particularly  barley.  Potntoes,  flax,  buckwheat,  rye,  and  wheat  will  do  well 
with  good  drainage.  Some  heavy  yields  of  hay  are  produced.  Much  of  the 
type  is  covered  with  native  grasses  and  for  this  reason  it  is  largely  used  for 
pasture.  When  properly  drained  it  should  be  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  onions  and  celery. 

Fox  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Fox  fine  sandy  loam  is  brown 
to  gray  in  color,  a  fine  sandy  loain  in  texture,  and  in  places  somewhat  sticky 
when  wet.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil  and  at  the  top  has  the 
same  texture,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.  At  24  inches  it  is  a  fine  sandy 
clay,  below  which  it  becomes  lighter,  a  bed  of  fine  sand  often  being  encoun- 
tered within  the  3-foot  section.  There  is  always  a  substratum  of  gravel  con- 
taining at  least  25  per  cent  of  limestone  pebbles.  This  type  may  occur  as  a 
glaciai  outwash  plain  or  a  glacial  stream  terrace.  The  surface  is  level  or 
pitted,  and  sometimes  slightly  rolling,  owing  to  erosion.  The  gravelly  substratum 
insures  good  underdrainage.  With  sufficient  fertilization,  the  type  is  fairly 
productive  of  the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  corn  and  small  grains,  as  well  as 
vegetables  and  some  fruits,  especially  in  moist  seasons. 

Hudson  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  dark-brown 
silty  fine  sandy  loam  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  colored  and  more 
compact  than  the  surface  soil  and  is  underlain  by  beds  of  clay.  This  type 
occurs  as  hilly  to  rolling  and  sometimes  level  areas,  with  good  natural  drain- 
age, and  is  of  lacustrine  origin.  The  soil  is  particularly  well  adapted  to  truck 
crops,  apples,  pears,  and  small  fruits. 

Lidgerwood  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  18  inches  of  a  brown 
or  dark-brown  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  by  a  light-brown 
medium  sand  frequently  mottled  with  gray  and  reddish  spots.  The  type  occurs 
in  the  bottoms  and  on  the  bordering  slopes  and  low  bills  of  the  glacial  water 
courses  and  consists  of  reworked  glacial  material  deposited  during  glacial  times. 
The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  rolling,  and  the  drainage  is  usually 
good.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  potatoes  and  truck  crops  and  is  a  fair  type  for 
general  farming. 

Lockport  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  to  Indian-red.  friable 
fine  sandy  loam  or  light  loam,  about  9  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  subsoil  of 
dark  reddish  brown  to  Indian-red  color.  Scattered  through  the  soil  and  subsoil 
are  found  varying  quantities  of  broken,  angular  fragments  of  Medina  sandstone, 
but  not  sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  A  small  percentage  of  glacial 
gravel  is  also  present.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  slightly 
rolling.  The  natural  drainage  is  usually  poor.  The  native  timber  growth  on 
this  type  consists  of  elm,  beech,  hemlock,  cherry,  maple,  and  locust  When 
drained  the  soil  is  adapted  to  the  production  of  apples,  pears,  quinces,  and 
many  small   fruits  and  bush  fruits.     Ordinary  farm  crops  also  yield  well. 

Merrimac  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  extending  to  an  average  depth  of  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow 
fine  sandy  loam,  grading  into  yellow  fine  sand,  and  usually  rests  upon  gravel  at 


200  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  This  type  occurs  as  narrow  terraces  along  the  river 
and  represents  glacial  flood-plains  deix.sits.  Ir  lies  at  10  to  50  feet  above  the 
level  of  t lie  river.  Grass  for  pasturage  and  hay  constitutes  the  principal  crop, 
though  early  truck  crops  for  local  supply  are  profitably  grown. 

Orono  tine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown,  incoherent  fine  sandy 
loam  to  a  depth  of  8  inches,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  20  inches  by  a  mottled 
brown  and  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  with  a  thin  layer  of  hardpan  in  places  at  a 
depth  of  18  inches.  Stiff  blue  clay  is  encountered  at  about  30  inches.  The  type 
is  derived  from  the  stratified  drift  formation.  The  surface  is  flat  and  the  soil 
orly  drained.  It  is  a  poor  soil  in  its  natural,  undrained  condition,  but  can 
de  a  good  general  farming  soil  by  thorough  underdrainage. 

I'lainfwld  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  varies  from  yellowish  to  brown- 
ish in  color,  and  in  texture  is  a  fine  sandy  loam,  extending  to  a  depth  of  about 
10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  generally  somewhat  looser  and  coarser  than  the  over- 
lying soil  and  small  gravel  is  usually  present.  The  type  occurs  as  nearly  level 
to  gently  undulating  outwash  plains,  the  materials  forming  which  are  often 
many  feet  in  depth.  The  underdrainage  is  thus  free.  In  seasons  of  a  moderate 
amount  of  moisture  the  type  produces  fair  crops  of  potatoes,  corn,  and  the 
genera]  farm  crops. 

Poygan  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  dark-brown  to  black  in  color 
and  extends  to  a  depth  of  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  reddish  brown  down  to 
about  26  inches,  below  which  it  is  red.  The  texture  of  the  surface  soil  is  a  fine 
sandy  loam,  of  the  upper  part  of  the  subsoil  a  sandy  clay,  and  of  the  deeper 
subsoil  a  clay.  The  reddish-brown  sandy  clay  subsoil  is  not  always  present, 
and  when  absent  the  red  clay  makes  up  the  whole  of  the  subsoil.  The  type  is 
derived  from  glacial  lake  deposits.    The  topography  is  level  to  undulating. 

Sioux  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  black  tine  sandy 
loam,  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  a  relatively  high  percentage  of 
organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  fine  to  medium  sandy  loam  of  a  light-brown 
color.  At  from  3  to  8  feet  below  the  surface  the  material  changes  to  sand  and 
gravel.  This  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  occupies  both  river  bottoms  and 
terraces,  but  is  generally  confined  to  the  latter.  The  surface  is  generally  level. 
The  soil  generally  maintains  a  good  supply  of  moisture,  although  in  areas  of 
light  rainfall  Irrigation  4s  desirable.  The  drainage  is.  on  the  whole,  satisfac- 
tory, artificial  drains  being  necessary  only  in  depressed  areas.  This  is  a  desir- 
able soil,  yielding  35  to  35  bushels  of  wheat,  25  to  50  bushels  of  corn,  15  to  (50 
bushels  of  oats,  about  40  bushels  of  barley,  and  20  bushels  of  flax  per  acre 
Alfalfa  grows  well,  and  sugar  beets  give  yields  ranging  from  8  to  18  tons  per 
acre.     On  low-lying  areas  considerable  hay  is  made  from  wild  grasses. 

Superior  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  or  brown  tine 
sandy  loam  to  ;i  depth  of  1<>  t<>  16  inches,  overlying  a   lighter  colored  subsoil.      At 

rarylng  depths  the  characteristic  red  or  pinkish-red  heavy  silt >•  clay  is  encoun- 
tered, extending  to  ;i  depth  of  several  feet.  The  topography  \aries  from  level 
to  gently  roiling,  the  sandy  loam  soil  being  found  deeper  on  the  uneven  than 
on  the  tiat  land.  The  drainage  is  generally  good,  except  fa  the  lower.  Bat,  or 
depressed  areas,  where  there  is  sufficient   run-off  and  'he  subsoil   is  Dear  the 

surface      '["he    native    regetatlOfl    consisted    of   oak,    maple,    and    pine,    with    ash 

ome  of  the  poorly  drained  portions.    Corn,  oats,  barley,  hay.  and  tobacco 
ire  grown. 

i  ergennes  flfu    sandy  loam.    The  surface  soil   is  a  grayish-brown  to  brown 

tine  sandy  loam.  8  to  12  Inches  deep.  A  small  quantity  of  coarse  sand  and 
gravel  Is  present  in  some  instances.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  ><»  yellowish- 
brown  heavy  tine  sandy  loam,  though  it  is  often  found  to  grade  into  a  looser, 
coarser   material    in    the  lower   part    of   the   profile.'   The  soil    is  mellow,    friable, 

and  easily  cultivated.    The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  the  type  usually 

Occupying    broad,    flat    terraces.     Though    surface    runoff    is    sometimes    insuffi- 
cient." the  porosity  of  the  subsoil   renders  the  type  well  drained.    The  native 
timber  growth   is  maple,  beech,  ami  other  hardwoods     Corn,  <':ii^.  and   hay 
be  principal  farm  crops,  with  some  peas  mid  spinach  for  canning  purposes. 


GLACIAL    LAKE    AND    RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE.  201 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Minnesota  1,3;  North  Dakota  3,  4,  8,  9 

432.384 

Indiana  1;  New  York  6,  8,  9, 10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  18; 

Ohio  1,  3;  Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  12. 
Indiana  1;  Michigan  6, 8;  New  York  5, 9, 10, 12;  North 

Dakota  1;  "Wisconsin  3,  12. 
Connecticut  2;  Massachusetts  2;  New  Hampshire  2... 

266, 698 
103, 936 

Merrimac  fine  sandy  loam 

26,432 
11,520 

10,  752 

Lidgerwood  fine  sandy  loam 

North  Dakota  9 

10,048 

Hudson  fine  sand  v  loam 

6,400 

Lockport  fine  sandy  loam 

New  York  10 

4,096 

Benoit  fine  sandy  loam 

4,032 

Vp.rpp.nnp.s  fine  sandy  ]nam  . . 

3.392 

Chenango  fine  sandy  loam 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  3 

3.072 

Superior  fine  sandy  loam 

Fox  fine  sandy  loam 

2.752 

704 

Orrmo  fine  sandy  loam 

640 

Pnvgan  fine  sandv  lnam 

320 

Total 

887, 178 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
VERY  FINE   SANDY  LOAM    PHASE. 

Hartford  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  10  inches  of  dark- 
brown  very  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  to  3  feet  or  more  by  a  yellowish  silty  fine 
sand.  More  or  less  finely  divided  mica  occurs  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  This 
soil  occurs  principally  as  flat  or  slightly  undulating  first  and  second  bottoms 
along  rivers  and  large  streams.  The  drainage  is  usually  good.  The  type  is 
known  as  a  strong,  safe,  and  productive  soil  for  this  texture.  It  is  particularly 
well  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  and  cabbage.  It  is  the  most  desirable  soil  in 
the  Connecticut  Valley  for  broadleaf  tobacco. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Connecticut  1:  Massachusetts! 1        17.284 

. 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM  GROUP. 

The  loams  have  the  widest  distribution  of  any  soils  in  this  province,  and 
they  are  the  most  valuable  for  general  agriculture,  their  large  water-holding 
capacity  aud  intermediate  texture  fitting  them  for  the  production  of  a  wide 
variety  of  field  crops,  as  well  as  many  special  truck  and  canning  crops.  The 
Clyde,  Dunkirk,  and  Fargo  are  the  principal  types  in  the  group. 

The  Clyde  loam  contains  large  quantities  of  organic  matter,  and  where  well 
drained  it  is  a  strong  soil  for  general  crops,  including  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and 
hay.  although  its  special  adaptability  lies  in  the  production  of  sugar  beets,  of 
which  large  yields  of  good  quality  are  secured.  The  Dunkirk  type  yields 
heavy  crops  of  corn  and  small  grains,  as  well  as  clover,  timothy,  and  some 
alfalfa  hay.  while  potatoes,  field  beans,  and  hops  form  subordinate  crops  in 
certain  sections  of  New  York  State.  The  Fargo  loam  is  one  of  the  best  soils 
of  the  Middle  West  for  grains,  including  corn,  wheat,  oats,  barley,  flax,  and 
millet,  while  potatoes  do  well  in  some  areas.  Resides  being  well  suited  to  the 
ordinary  farm  crops,  the  loams  form  one  of  the  most  important  groups  for  the 
production  of  staple  heavy  truck  crops  for  late  markets  and  storage  for  winter 
supplies.  Cabbage,  tomatoes  for  canning,  carrots,  turnips,  table  beets,  and 
other  root  crops  yield  well,  especially  on  the  Clyde  and  Dunkirk  types,  while 
on   the  latter   a    marked   adaptation   to  apples  is  evidenced   along   the   Ontario 


202  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

line  in  New  York  State  Cherries,  plums,  pears,  tbe  smaller  bush  fruits, 
and  strawberries  also  do  well. 

Bearden  loam. — Tbe  soil  is  a  dark  loam  from  14  to  20  inches  deep,  under- 
lain by  a  gray  or  sometimes  yellow  loam  or  silty  loam.  Fragments  of  shal^ 
are  frequently  encountered  and  from  3  to  6  feet  below  the  surface  a  water- 
bearing sand  is  often  found.  Generally  the  soil  is  entirely  free  from  stones 
and  gravel,  but  in  some  small  areas  glacial  bowlders  are  seen.  This  type  is 
composed  of  reworked  glacial  material.  The  topography  is  fairly  level  and 
nearly  all  of  the  type  is  sufficiently  well  drained  to  produce  good  crops.  At 
present  it  is  devoted  chiefly  to  small  grains,  flax,  and  wild  hay.  In  the  best- 
drained  portions  alfalfa  might  be  made  to  grow. 

Caneadca  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  mellow  loam,  yellowish-brown  in  color 
to  a  depth  of  8  or  10  inches.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  is  a  light  loam. 
There  is  always  a  considerable  percentage  of  shale  and  fine-grained  sandstone 
fragments,  with  some  rounded  gravel,  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  This  soil  is 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops.  Potatoes,  vine  crops,  and  berries  are  especially 
suited  to  it. 

Chapman  loam. — This  type  is  quite  variable  in  character.  A  striking  charac- 
teristic is  seen  in  the  hummocky  surface.  These  hummocks,  with  a  diameter 
of  4  or  5  feet  and  an  elevation  of  a  foot  or  two  above  the  intervening  depres- 
sions, consist,  for  the  most  part,  of  a  bright-yellow  to  brown,  rather  coarse  loam, 
which  is  sometimes  gravelly,  though  usually  free  from  larger  stones.  At  about 
12  inches  a  sticky  loam  somewhat  lighter  in  color  is  encountered.  This  becomes 
heavier  with  depth  and  at  from  24  to  30  inches  grades  into  the  compact  silt 
loam  or  silty  loam  of  the  lower  till.  On  other  mounds  the  anweathered  whitish 
till  is  found  at  the  surface,  while  in  still  other  cases  the  soil  may  consist  of  a 
light  to  yellowish-gray  silty  loam,  mottled  with  brown  iron  stains.  In  the 
depressions  the  material  may  consist  of  a  grayish  silt  loam,  similar  to  the  lower 
till,  covered  with  6  to  8  inches  of  vegetable  mold,  or  there  may  be  merely  a 
of  rocks,  underlain  by  the  grayish  lower  till.  The  type  occupies  low  coun- 
try about  the  source  of  some  of  the  streams  or  along  their  courses.  It  is  of 
glacial  origin.  Some  of  it.  locally  known  as  "blueberry  bog."  supports  a  thick 
growth  of  blueberry  bushes,  alder,  moss.  etc.  The  better-drained  portions  pro- 
duce fair  yields  of  grass  and  grain. 

Chenango  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  reddish-brown  loam,  about  8 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  somewhat  lighter  colored  and  occasionally  mottled 
loam  or  silty  loam.  Fine  shale  fragments  and  rounded  gravel  occur  in  the  soil 
find  subsoil.  The  type  oceans  on  stream  terraces,  and  by  reason  of  the  grave' 
in  the  subsoil  is  usually  well  drained.  The  flatter  areas  are  sometimes  improved 
by  tiling.  This  is  a  good  soil  for  general  farm  crops,  as  well  as  for  cabbage, 
potatoes,  and.  where  topographic  and  climatic  conditions  are  suitable,  fruit. 

Clyde  I 'in  hi.  The  soil  ranges  from  a  moderately  friable  loam  to  a  rather 
heavy,  compact  loam  of  a  dark-gray,  hrown.  or  black  color,  from  ^  to  12  inches 
deep,  resting  upon  a  drab-colored  sandy  or  silty  clay,  somewhat  streaked  and 
mottled  with  Iron  stains.  On  account  of  former  Inadequate  drainage,  much  of 
the  soil  is  still  in  a  puddled  and  compacl  stale,  sticky  and  Impervious  when  wet 

BJld   very  hard  when  cultivated  only  B  short  time.     In  its  natural  state,  the  soil 

possesses  marked  clayey  properties  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  surface,  where 

there  is  an  accumulation  of  organic  matter,    in  the  better-drained  areas  the  soil 

d  the  Bubsoil  is  more  friable  and  pervious  to  water.    The  type  is 

derived  Prom  glacial  lake  deposits  that  have  not  been  modified  to  any  extent  by 

Kubsequei  action.      Its  almost    level   surface,  with  occasional  low  knolls 

and  swell-  and   intervening  shallow  depressions,  naturally  causes  poor  drain- 
When  properly  drained  and  cultivated  large  crop  yields  are  secured.    The 
principal  crops  grown  are  corn,  oats,  wheat,  hay.  and  Bugar  beets,     it   is  con- 
sidered an  ex<  »il  for  the  latter  crop,     it   is  also  an  excellent   soil  for 
•.in-  crops  and  late  cabbage     Some  fruit  is  also  grown 

Dunkirk    Ion,.;.      The    -  oil    is    :i    light    or    dart    brown    loam.    10    inches 

generally  containing  considerable  sand,  which  renders  it  easy  to  cultl 

bsoil    Ifl   ;i    yellow   or   light  brown    lino   sandy    loam,    usually    rather 

compact    becoming  darker  in  color  and  heavier  in  texture  with  depth      \  small 
quantity  i  occurs  In  soil  and  subsoil,  but  seldom  enough  to  interfere  with 

tillage.    The  type  Is  derived  from  glacial  material,  probably  In  part   reworked 

with  residual  soil  derived  from  sandstone  and  arenac a  -hale     The  surface 

is  undulating  and  usually  well  drained     The  lirable  for  general  Barm 

purposes,  producing  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  barley,  buckwheat,  and  potatoes 
iruit.  especially  apples  and  pears,  and  most  vegetables  do  well  on  this  soil. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE    PROVINCE.  203 

Elmwood  loam. — This  soil  is  a  dark-brown  fine  sandy  loam,  2  feet  in  depth, 
overlying  a  close,  poorly  drained  clay.  It  occupies  level  terraces  along  the  Con- 
necticut River  and  is  a  lacustrine  deposit.  The  type  has  a  rather  low  present 
agricultural  value,  on  account  of  its  compact  nature  and  poor  underdrainage. 
Some  areas  produce  small  fruits,  and  some  general  fnrm  crops  are  grown, 
yields  of  corn,  wheat,  rye,  and  hay  being  moderate. 

Fargo  loam. — The  soil  is  a  black  loam  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches,  underlain 
to  about  3  feet  by  a  heavier  yellowish  or  drab  loam.  Occasionally  there  are 
layers  of  sand  below  2  feet.  The  type  has  been  formed  from  reworked  glacial 
material.  It  occurs  as  low,  flat 'areas,  with  no  drainage  channels,  and  a  large 
part  of  it  is  too  wet  for  cultivation,  being  left  in  native  prairie  and  slough 
grasses.  The  better  drained  portions  produce  some  timothy  and  prairie  grass. 
If  well  drained,  this  soil  should  produce  wheat,  oats,  and  flax  with  success,  be- 
sides being  an  excellent  grass  land. 

Fox  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gravelly  dark-brown  loam  or  silty  loam  to  a  depth 
of  from  8  to  12  inches,  underlain  by  a  gravelly  material  of  lighter  color,  chang- 
ing to  yellowish  at  about  2  feet,  where  it  rests  on  a  gravelly  or  sandy  sub- 
stratum. Occasionally  a  little  rounded  gravel  is  found  upon  the  surface.  This 
material  consists  chiefly  of  shale  and  sandstone,  with  enough  limestone  to  give 
it  the  character  of  a  calcareous  soil.  The  type  occurs  on  gravelly  terraces  above 
overflow,  though  some  areas  of  depression  are  wet  enough  to  require  drainage. 

It  is  derived  from  glacial  material  deposited  as  outwash  or  in  comparatively 
swift  water  along  stream  courses.  Where  well  drained,  good  yields  of  corn  for 
fodder  are  produced.  Applications  of  lime  are  desirable  on  some  areas  of  this 
type. 

Hempstead  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Hempstead  loam  is  friable  in  structure  and 
brown  to  black  in  its  range  of  color.  Although  a  loam  in  texture,  it  carries  a 
small  amount  of  white  quartz  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  yellow  to  reddish  yellow 
and  extends  to  a  depth  of  24  inches.  It  is  somewhat  heavier  than  the  soil.  At 
24  inches  the  subsoil  lies  on  a  bed  of  rounded  quartz  gravel  embedded  in  a 
sandy  loam  matrix  stained  with  iron.  The  topography  of  the  type  is  level,  or 
practically  so,  and  it  is  derived  from  glacial  outwash  material.  The  drainage 
is  good  on  account  of  the  gravel  substratum.  It  is  a  natural  prairie  soil  occur- 
ring east  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains.  It  is  utilized  under  intensive  cultiva- 
tion and  fertilization  for  the  production  of  the  medium  to  late  market  garden 
crops. 

Hoosic  loam. — The  surface  sail  is  a  light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  loam, 
about  7  inches  in  depth,  containing  a  few  small,  rounded  gravel.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellowish-brown  or  yellow  loam,  containing  considerably  more  sand  and 
gravel  than  the  surface  soil.  The  saDd  and  gravel  content  usually  increases 
with  depth,  so  that  the  subsoil  is  a  light  sandy  loam  or  sandy  gravelly  loam  in 
texture  in  the  lower  part  of  the  profile.  The  topography  varies  from  level  to 
undulating  or  slightly  rolling  and  the  drainage  is  good  to  excessive.  The  type 
is  easily  tilled  and  is  for  the  most  part  under  cultivation  to  such  crops  as  corn, 
small  grains,  grass,  and  potatoes.     It  is  also  used  for  fruit,  especially  peaches. 

Hudson  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  loam  or  heavy  sandy 
loam,  8  or  10  inches  deep,  underlain  to  about  3  feet  by  a  light-colored,  compact 
gravelly  sandy  loam.  Below  3  feet  gravelly  material  is  encountered  and  con- 
tinues to  a  considerable  depth.  The  soil  has  a  coarse  feel,  owing  to  the  pres- 
ence of  some  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin.  The 
surface  is  flat,  but  the  drainage  is  good.  In  dry  times  crops  do  not  suffer  from 
drought.  It  is  an  early  soil  and  especially  well  adapted  to  potatoes,  tomatoes, 
and  root  crops,  as  well  as  to  general  farming.  Commercial  apple  orchards  have 
not  met  with  success* 

Livingston  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  loam,  about  a  foot 
deep,  and  is  almost  identical  with  the  soil  of  the  Dunkirk  loam.  The  subsoil  is 
a  heavy  silty  clay,  olive  to  drab  in  color.  The  surface  soil  is  derived  from 
glacial  lake  deposits  foreign  to  the  locality,  while  the  subsoil  is  derived  from 
the  weathering  of  the  underlying  soft  shales.  The  soil  is  poorly  drained. 
When  underdrained  it  is  adapted  to  the  production  of  corn,  wheat,  oats, 
grasses,  etc. 

Mankato  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  stiff  black  loam  to  clay  loam,  from  1  to 
2  feet  in  depth,  resting  directly  upon  bedrock  of  limestone  or  sandstone  For  a 
few  inches  immediately  overlying  the  bedrock  the  soil  is  reddish-brown  in  color 
and  sandy  in  texture.  Groups  of  gneissic  and  granitic  bowlders  varying  from 
1  to  6  or  more  feet  in  diameter  occur  in  places  so  thick  as  to  render  the  soil 
unfit  for  anything  but  pasture.     The  type  occupies  the  position  of  river  ter- 


204  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

races.  It  is  of  residual,  alluvial,  glacial,  and,  to  a  lesser  exteut,  colluvial  origin. 
In  wet  seasons  trouble  is  experienced  in  cultivating  this  soil,  necessitating  the 
use  of  a  large  part  of  it  for  hay  or  pasture  land.  On  the  other  hand,  in  seasons 
of  drought  crops  suffer  badly  from  lack  of  moisture.  With  favorable  seasons 
good  crops  of  corn  are  grown,  though  the  soil  is  best  adapted  to  wheat. 

Plainfield  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  light-brown  medium  loam,  about  10 
inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  yellowish-brown  or  yellowish  subsoil  of  slightly 
heavier  texture,  though  containing  a  small  proportion  of  sand  and  fine  gravel. 
The  gravel  content  increases  below  18  inches  and  frequently  grades  into  a 
gravel  bed.  The  soil  is  easy  to  cultivate  and  the  underlying  gravel  gives  good 
drainage.  In  prolonged  dry  seasons  crops  are  liable  to  suffer  somewhat  from 
lack  of  water,  but  in  seasons  of  normal  moisture  the  type  is  a  good  general- 
purpose  soil,  being  particularly  well  adapted  to  corn  and  potatoes.  The  topog- 
raphy varies  from  level  to  somewhat  undulating. 

si'ju  -  loam.  -The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  slightly  sandy  loam,  about 
10  inches  in  depth.  It  is  friable,  easily  worked,  free  from  stones,  and  generally 
quite  level.  The  subsoil  has  a  depth  varying  between  20  and  40  inches  and  con- 
sists of  a  brownish-yellow  loam,  underlain  by  a  reddish  gravelly  loam,  beneath 
which  is  a  bed  of  gravel.  The  type  constitutes  the  higher  terraces  formed  by 
rivers  during  the  close  of  the  glacial  epoch.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  the 
production  of  crops  for  canning  purposes,  but  is  largely  used  for  general 
farming. 

Nuffield  loam. — The  soil  is  :i  dark  sandy  loam  8  inches  deep,  under  which  is 
a  layer  of  rather  compact  sand,  from  12  to  28  inches  thick,  which  rests  on 
heavy,  impervious  drab  clay.  The  impervious  nature  of  the  underlying  clay 
renders  the  type  wet  and  poorly  drained.  There  is  a  light  formation  of  iron 
hardpan  in  the  soil.  When  properly  drained  corn,  small  grains  and  grass  give 
moderate  yields. 

Superior  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  loam.  8  to  14  inches  deep,  car- 
rying a  small  percentage  of  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  loam,  usually  lighter 
in  color  than  the  soil,  and  grades  into  a  stiff,  pinkish-red  clay  at  from  18  to 
24  inches.  The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin.  The  surface  is  gently  undulating 
to  moderately  rolling,  and  natural  drainage  is  generally  good.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  hay.  oats,  and  wheat. 

Tonaivanda  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  black  fine,  mellow 
loam,  varying  from  8  to  16  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  drab  or 
yellow  and  brown  mottled  clay  loam  or  loam  to  a  depth  of  24  to  30  inches.  This 
heavy  material  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a  light-yellow  loam  or  sticky  sandy  or 
sHty  loam  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  Frequently  the  last  few  inches  of  the 
section  is  a  sticky  sand.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  devoid  of  coarse  material. 
The  type  is  of  mixed  alluvial  and  lacustrine  origin.  The  topography  is  low  and 
flat,  with  occasional  slight  elevations  along  stream  courses.  The  chief  crops 
grown  are  corn.  oats,  hay,  and  potatoes.  During  favorable  seasons  fair  yields 
are  produced,  but  crops  are  practically  ruined  on  an  average  of  one  year  out  of 
three.  ,On  the  higher  lying  portions  crops  are  more  certain.  The  soil  is  not 
wo]]  adapted  to  fruit. 

Vergennes  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  n  heavy  fine  sandy  loan  with  an  aver- 
depth  of  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  either  ;i  plastic  mixture  of  clay  and 
sand  or  :i  medium  to  heavy  loam,  which  often  grades  at  3  feet  into  a  stiff  clay 
Similar  to  the  BUbsoil  of  the  Vergennes  clay.  The  subsoil  occasionally  contains 
H  small  percentage  of  gravel  and  stones.  The  type  occupies  level  areas  or  low. 
rounded  or  fli  t -topped  hills  and  gentle  slopes,  and  is  derived  from  postglacial 
deposits,  modified  in  some  instances  by  colluvial  material  or  stream  action. 
The   soil  '•   for  Com   and   als<.   produces   good   crops  of  hay.   oats,   and 

hnrley. 

Warners  loam-YThe  soil  consists  <>f  10  Inches  of  mellow  brown  loam,  con- 
taining man\  calcareoUf  nodules  ami  a  considerable  proportion  of  marl,  resting 
on  a  subsoil'  of  white  or  gray  marl.  The  soil  is  silty  in  character  and  has  a 
soft,  unctuous  feel,  containing  thin  layers  of  muck  at  various  depths.  It  pro- 
duces  fairly  good  crops  of  corn  and   gmss. 

Washburn  loam.  The  surface  soil  is  a  dark  brown  or  black  silty  loam,  12 
Inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  tilty  Loam,  mottled  -ravish  yellow,  brown  and  yel- 
low, and  underlain  at  about  .".  feet  by  yellowish  sandy  day.  The  surface  is 
strewn  wilh  granite,  gneiss.  ;in<l  sandstone  bowlders.  Many  small  shale  and 
fragment!  occur  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  depth  to  the  un- 
derlying  limestone  is  greater  than  in  the  case  of  the  Caribou  loam.  The  type 
•   i  -  along  the  streams  in  the  depressions  which  the  drainage 


GLACIAL    LAKE    AND    RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE. 


205 


waters  follow,  iu  small  isolated  depressions,  and  as  marginal  fringes  to  the 
Muck  areas.  Drainage  conditions  have  favored  the  accumulation  of  a  large 
quantity  of  organic  matter  in  the  soil.  The  type  is  intermediate  between  the 
Caribou  loam  and  Muck,  and  to  a  certain  extent  partakes  of  the  characteristics 
of  each.  It  is  especially  adapted  to  grass.  Oats  and  buckwheat  do  tolerably 
well.  Large  yields  of  potatoes  are  secured,  but  the  quality  is  decidedly  inferior. 
Waukesha  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  heavy  sandy 
loam  to  sandy  clay,  containing  some  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  usually  light 
brown,  yellow,  or  yellowish  gray  in  color  and  the  content  of  gravel  increases 
with  depth,  the  material  grading  into  beds  of  stratified  gravel  at  2  or  3  feet. 
The  type  occupies  gently  sloping  areas  laid  down  as  outwash  plains  and  high 
terraces  of  glacial  age.  This  is  a  very  desirable  trucking  soil  and  in  moist 
seasons  will  give  good  results  with  small  fruits,  hay.  barley,  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


I    Acres. 


Clvde  loam. 


Fargo  loam 

Dunkirk  loam 

Sioux  loam 

Hempstead  loam. 
Chapman  loam — 
Vergennes  loam . . . 

Suffield  loam 

Tonawanda  loam.. 
Livingston  loam. . 
Waukesha  loam... 

Hoosic  loam 

Washburn  loam... 

Chenango  loam 

Plainfield  loam 

Caneadea  loam 

Hudson  loam 

Elm  wood  loam 

Bearden  loam 

Superior  loam 

Warners  loam 

Fox  loam 

Mankato  loam 


Total. 


Indiana  1,  7;  Michigan  1,  2,  5,  8;  New  York  6,  10. 11, 12;  North 
Dakota  2;  Wisconsin,  3,  15. 

Minnesota  3,  4;  North  Dakota  1,  3,  4,  8,  9 

New  York  1,  6,  10,  11,  12,  13,  15;  Ohio  3;  Pennsylvania  7.. 

Illinois  10:  Indiana  5,  10;  North  Dakota  8 

New  York  7 

Maine  1 

New  York  5,  16;  Vermont  1 

Connecticut  1 ;  Massachusetts  1 

New  York  12 

New  York  6 

Wisconsin  15 

New  Jersey  2 

Maine  1 

New  Jersey  2;  Pennsylvania  7 

Wisconsin  15 

New  York  6 

New  York  4 

Michigan  1 

North' Dakota  8 

Wisconsin  16 

New  York  6,  10,  14 

New  York  4 

Minnesota  1 


519. 852 

393,984 

245, 184 

73,920 

34,560 

27.  648 

23.936 

18,878 

15,168 

13,504 

13, 440 

6,080 

5,504 

4,736 

4,160 

4,160 

3,904 

3,810 

3.584 

3,328 

2,560 

1,600 

1,600 

1,425,100 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   LOAM    PHASE. 


On  account  of  the  unusually  hilly  to  rough  topography  and  the  presence  of 
large  numbers  of  stones,  the  greater  part  of  this  group  is  not  extensively  used 
for  farm  crops  requiring  much  cultivation,  but  is  utilized  for  pasturage.  The 
Dunkirk  and  Vergennes  stony  loams  are  particularly  adapted  to  apples  and 
grapes  and  to  some  of  the  smaller  tree  fruits,  such  as  peaches,  pears,  plums, 
and  cherries, while  the  smoother,  loss  stony  areas  give  good  yields  of  corn,  wheat, 
oats,  beans,  buckwheat,  cabbage,  and  potatoes.  The  Lockport  and  Honeoye 
types  have  a  rather  level  to  gently  undulating  topography,  but  the  soils  are 
quite  stony  and  so  shallow  as  to  be  droughty.  They  are  best  suited  to  grass  and 
pasture,  although  where  the  soils  are  deepest,  small  grains,  potatoes,  and  apples 
are  grown  with  fair  profit. 

Dunkirk  stony  loam. — -The  surface  soil  is  a  gray  or  brown  sandy  loam,  con- 
taining a. large  percentage  of  stone  and  gravel  of  different  sizes.  This  overlies 
a  yellowish-brown  sandy  loam  subsoil,  generally  extending  to  about  3  feet, 
which  is  in  turn  underlain  by  gravel  and  sand  at  varying  depths.  The  type  is 
derived  from  glacial  material,  subjected  to  subsequent  glacial  lake  action.  The 
topography  ranges  from  nearly  level  or  gently  undulating,  where  the  type  occurs 
in  the  Ontario  Lake  plains,  to  quite  hilly  where  it  is  developed  upon  small 
drumlins.  Where  rolling  the  natural  drainage  is  good,  but  level  areas  require 
ditching.  Where  not  too  steep  and  stony  for  cultivation,  wheat,  oats.  corn,  and 
fruits  give  good  yields. 


206 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Honeoye  stony  loam. — This  soil-  consists  of  a  brown  loam,  from  a  few  inches 
to  about  1  foot  in  depth,  filled  with  fragments  of  limestone  and  resting  upon 
either  the  massive  limestone  itself  or  limestone  fragments.  It  is  best  suited  for 
pasturage.    Where  the  soil  covering  is  deepest  alfalfa  thrives. 

Lock-port  stony  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  brown  to  dark  reddish-brown 
loam  to  heavy  loam,  about  9  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  or 
Indian-red  clay  loam  or  clay  subsoil.  Scattered  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil 
are  numerous  fragments  of  red  Medina  sandstone,  mixed  with  a  small  propor- 
tion of  glacial  gravel  and  bowlders.  The  soil  is  frequently  so  thin  that  the 
subsoil  grades  into  the  underlying  sandstone  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  slightly  loss. 
The  topography  is  flat  to  undulating,  and  because  of  this  and  the  heavy  char- 
acter of  the  subsoil  natural  drainage  is  deficient.  The  native  forest  vegetation 
includes  elm,  scrub  oak,  hickory,  poplar,  etc.  When  cleared  and  properly 
drained  this  type  is  well  suited  to  the  production  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  hay,  and, 
on  the  areas  where  the  soil  is  deepest,  to  fruit. 

Vergennes  stony  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  clay  loam  or  sometimes 
of  a  loam,  with  an  average  depth  of  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  clay,  similar 
to  that  of  the  material  of  Vergennes  clay,  but  its  depth  is  variable,  depending 
on  the  position  of  the  underlying  rock.  The  type  usually  occupies  long,  narrow 
ridges  or  low  hills,  and  also  the  lower  slopes  of  higher  hills.  It  has  been  derived 
from  the  Champlain  clays.  Outcrops  of  limestone  occur  and  large  quantities 
of  limestone  fragments  are  found  scattered  over  local  areas.  Most  of  the  type 
is  left  in  pasture  or  woodland.  On  the  more  level  areas  medium  yields  of  corn 
and  hay  are  secured.  The  soil  is  best  suited  to  certain  fruits,  especially  apples, 
an  excellent  quality  of  which  is  produced. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  8 

38.208 

New  York  5, 1G,  17;  Vermont  1   . . 

20. 304 

New  York  10 

12.544 

New  York  fi,  10,  13 

9,000 

Total 

86.656 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    GRAVELLY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  gravelly  loam  phase  represents  a  soil  which,  while  relatively 
smooth,  is  very  leachy,  droughty,  and  of  low  agricultural  value.  In  wet  seasons 
fair  yields  of  corn,  oats,  and  potatoes  can  be  secured  in  selected  areas  which 
are  not  so  stony  at  the  surface  as  to  preclude  cultivation  or  so  porous  in  the 
^'ihsoil  as  to  make  them  droughty. 

Chenango  stony  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  brown- 
ish-yellow loam,  about  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  yellow 
loam.  In  both  the  soil  and  subsoil  small  gravel  and  stones  up  to  the  Biae  <>f 
cobbles  arc  so  numerous  as  to  make  boring  difficult  and  to  interfere  with  cul- 
tivation. The  type  occupies  bigb  terraces  along  streams  and  in  the  more  hilly 
regions,  and  also  Includes  more  or  less  small  fan  deltas  where  minor  lateral 
streams  coalesce  with  the  main  valleys.  This  Latter  phase,  of  course,  is  to  a 
great  extent  of  recent  origin.  The  topography  varies  from  tl.it  to  somewhat  roll- 
ing or  billocky.  The  drainage  is  excessive  and  the  soil  has  a  low  agricultural 
value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  stony  gravelly  loam. 


name. 

State  or  an 

Lore) 

Panu                    

lumber  In  this  oolumn  a 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE.  207 

GRAVELLY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  gravelly  loam  phase  of  this  province  contain 
rather  higher  percentages  of  interstitial  material  in  the  form  of  silt  and  clay 
than  are  usually  present  in  the  gravelly  loams  of  most  of  the  other  provinces, 
and  thus  form  a  more  efficient  reservoir  for  the  storage  of  moisture  for  crop  uses. 
Consequently  a  wider  variety  of  crops  can  be  successfully  grown,  and  the  farmer 
is  more  independent  of  moderately  dry  seasons  than  in  the  cultivation  of  the 
coarser-textured  gravelly  loams  of  other  soil  provinces.  The  presence  of  the 
moderate  amount  of  small  gravel  renders  the  soil  friable  in  structure,  early, 
and  easily  cultivated.  Among  the  general  farm  crops  excellent  yields  of  corn, 
both  for  ensilage  and  for  grain,  and  of  oats,  beans,  potatoes,  clover,  timothy, 
and  alfalfa  are  produced,  while  the  heavier  truck  crops,  like  tomatoes,  sweet 
corn,  peas,  and  beans  for  canning,  cabbage,  and  the  root  crops,  give  good  yields 
of  fine  quality.  Fruit  does  well  on  selected  areas  of  the  Dunkirk,  Fishkill, 
Chenango,  and  Hoosic  types.  Hops  are  quite  extensively  grown  on  the  Dun- 
kirk gravelly  loam  in  Madison  County,  N.  Y. 

Adams  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  rather  light-textured  gravelly 
:o;im  to  a  depth  of  about  8  to  10  inches,  underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  yellow 
gravel  or  gravelly  sandy  loam  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  content  of 
gravel  in  the  subsoil  increases  with  depth,  and  usually  below  3  feet  beds  of 
porous  stratified  gravel  are  encountered.  The  type  occurs  as  delta  deposits  in 
former  glacial  lake  Iroquois,  at  the  mouths  of  streams  which  brought  their 
detritus  principally  from  areas  of  crystalline  rocks.  The  topography  is  usually 
level.  This  soil  is  naturally  too  droughty  for  use  in  general  agriculture  and  is 
best  adapted  to  the  production  of  special  crops,  such  as  early  vegetables  and 
some  of  the  fruits. 

Caneadea  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light  to  dark  brown  gravelly 
loam,  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches.  The  subsoil  to  3  feet  is  yellowish- 
brown  to  ocher-colored  gravelly  loam.  Rounded  stones  and  coarse  gravel  are 
abundant  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  interstitial  material  is  usually  light 
in  texture.  The  areas  of  this  soil  are  well  drained  and  quite  easily  cultivated. 
It  is  devoted  to  general  farming,  and  the  yields  are  usually  satisfactory, 
though  often  curtailed  by  drought. 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  reddish  loam,  12  inches 
deep,  containing  15  to  30  per  cent  of  rounded  gravel,  underlain  to  a  depth  of 

2  feet  by  a  stiff,  tenacious  clay  loam,  which  is  in  turn  underlain  by  gravel. 
The  type  occupies  level  or  gently  rolling  river  terraces  and  is  composed  of 
original  glacial  material  worked  over  by  the  streams.  This  is  recognized  as  a 
fine  soil  for  general  farm  purposes,  as  well  as  for  fruits  for  canning. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  varies  from  a  light-brown  to  brown 
loam,  averaging  10  inches  in  depth,  containing  from  20  to  50  per  cent  of 
rounded  water-worn  gravel,  principally  limestone  or  shale.  The  subsoil  is  a 
yellowish  to  brown  loam,  usually  heavier  than  the  soil,  with  a  somewhat 
higher  gravel  content,  which  increases  with  depth.  The  type  is  composed  of 
a  reworked  glacial  deposit  occurring  as  stream  and  lake  terraces.  Its  position 
and  the  porous  nature  of  the  subsoil  afford  thorough  drainage.  The  soil  is 
mellow  and  easily  tilled,  the  stones  seldom  being  large  or  numerous  enough 
to  offer  much  resistance  to  cultivation.  Fruits  and  most  of  the  ordinary  farm 
crops,  particularly  corn  and  oats,  do  well  on  this  soil. 

Fargo  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-colored  loam  or  sandy 
loam,  10  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  to  about  2  or  3  feet  by  a  lighter-colored, 
coarser-textured  material.  Scattered  upon  the  surface  and  disseminated 
through  the  soil  and  subsoil  are  varying  quantities  of  gravel.  Sometimes 
crystalline  rock  fragments  and  shale  are  also  present.    At  depths  ranging  from 

3  to  10  feet  the  type  is  often  underlain  by  beds  of  gravel  and  sand.  The  type 
is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  glacial-lake  beaches.  The  topography  varies 
from  undulating  to  rolling,  and  the  drainage  is  inclined  to  be  excessive.  The 
soil  is  used  in  places  for  wheat,  oats,  and  corn.  Considerable  areas  are  si  ill 
in  prairie  grass. 

Fox  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  loam  or  heavy 
sandy  loam,  about  8  inches  deep,  containing  some  rounded  and  some  Hit  shaly 
gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish,  gravelly  or  heavy  sandy  loam  of  about  the 
same  texture  but  containing  rather  more  gravel.  The  type  occupies  terraces 
above  the  first  bottoms  along  stream  courses  and  owes  its  origin  to  glacial  out- 
wash  and  glacial  stream-modified  material,  very  often  showing  cross  bedding. 
This  material  consists  chiefly  of  shale  and  sandstone  with  enough  limestone 


208  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

to  give  it  the  character  of  a  calcareous  soil.  The  topography  is  flat  or  gently 
undulating,  with  occasional  kettle  holes.  The  soil  is  light  and  friable  and 
easily  cultivated,  although,  on  account  of  its  leachy  character,  crop  yields  are 
generally  light.  It  produces  corn,  potatoes,  and  some  of  the  truck  crops,  and 
in  favored  locations  it  is  also  a  fair  fruit  soil. 

Hempstead  gravelly  loam. — The  Hempstead  gravelly  loam  is  a  brown  sandy 
loam  and  gravelly  loam  to  a  depth  of  about  8  inches.  This  is  underlain  by  a 
yellow  gravelly  loam  usually  more  silty  than  the  surface  soil.  The  subsoil  rests 
at  about  2  feet  on  gravel  and  sand.  The  gravel  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  consists 
of  small  quartz  pebbles  from  pea  size  to  a  diameter  of  2  inches.  The  topography 
of  the  type  is  essentially  level.  It  is  well  drained  and  is  derived  from  glacial 
outwash  material.  Market  gardening  is  practically  the  only  agriculture  carried 
on  on  this  soil  at  present. 

Hoosic  gravell ij  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  gravelly 
loam.  0  or  8  inches  deep,  the  gravel  being  usually  small,  shaly,  and  water- 
worn.  While  some  sand  is  present  in  the  surface,  this  is  more  abundant  in 
the  subsoil  and  increases  with  depth,  usually  constituting  it  a  gravelly  sandy 
loam.  The  subsoil  is  also  lighter  in  color,  being  a  yellowish  brown  to  yellow, 
though  in  some  areas  it  has  a  reddish  cast.  The  topography  varies  from  level 
to  undulating,  or  somewhat  rolling  on  broken  and  eroded  terraces  or  where  the 
type  is  developed  as  valley  kames.  Owing  to  the  porous  nature  of  the  subsoil, 
the  drainage  is  good  to  excessive,  the  type  being  usually  droughty.  Corn, 
potatoes,  and  some  of  the  staple  truck  crops,  as  well  as  some  fruits,  are  the 
commonly  grown  crops.  Both  organic  matter  and  lime  are  required  in  order 
to  get  the  best  results  from  this  type. 

Siouw  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark  loam  or  heavy  sandy  loam,  con- 
taining some  coarse  sand  particles,  underlain  by  a  yellow  stratum  of  about 
the  same  texture  and  having  a  depth  of  8  to  24  inches.  Beneath  this  occasion- 
ally occurs  a  layer  of  coarse  sand,  a  few  inches  thick,  which  rests  on  a  bed  of 
gravel.  The  latter  is  nearly  always  stratified  and  varies  in  extreme  cases 
from  a  coarse  sand  on  the  one  hand  to  the  coarsest  gravel  and  bowlders  on  the 
other.  On  low  knolls  and  in  other  places  where  erosion  has  been  severe  gravel 
is  frequently  scattered  over  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  occasionally  it  is  turned 
op  by  the  plow.  The  type  is  composed  of  reworked  glacial  material.  Most 
of  it  is  level  to  gently  rolling.  A  large  proportion  of  the  type  is  uncultivated, 
being  used  for  pasture  or  hay,  which  is  scant  in  dry  seasons.  On  the  cultivated 
areas  fairly  good  crops  of  wheat,  barley,  flax,  etc.,  are  secured  in  favorable 
seasons,  but  practically  nothing  in  dry  seasons. 

Ttmkhatmock  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  to  brownish- 
red  or  Indian-red  loam,  containing  considerable  fine  waterworn  gravel,  together 
with  some  angular  stones,  while  the  subsoil  is  usually  an  Indian-red  gravelly 
ioam.  The  type  occupies  level  to  undulating  or  hillocky  topography,  occurring 
m  both  terraces  above  overflow  along  streams  and  as  kame  deposits  in 
small  V-shaped  drainageways  of  high  gradient  tributary  to  the  main  drainage 
system.  Ii  also  occasionally  occurs  as  small  cone  deltas  at  tin-  months  of  minor 
lateral  streams.  The  drainage  is  usually  excessive.  The  crop  value  is  as  a 
i-nlo  higher  than  on  the  corresponding  type  of  Volusia  or  Chenango  series.  The 
■Oil   is  used  for  general  farm  crops. 

Vergermes   gravelly   loam.     -The   surface   soil    is   a    sandy    loam,    from    ('»    to    L0 

inches  deep,  containing  from  LO  to  45  per  cent  of  One  gravel,  pebbles,  and  small 

stones.  The  subsoil  consists  of  light  sandy  loam  or  sticky  samly  loam,  with  a 
gravel  content   similar  to  that  of  the  soil.      In   its  lower  depths  the  snhsoi!  often 

grades  Into  Band  with  a  high  content  of  flne  gravel.    The  type  occupies  two 

topographic  positions      low  bars  and   ridges  surrounded   by  the  Champlain  clays 

.,f  the  region,  where  it  represents  delta  deposits,  and  broken  terrace  formations 

along  the  ancienl    shore   line.      On   account    of  its  texture  and    position   this  soil 

el]  drained  and  is  susceptible  t'»  drought.  <>n  the  more  loamy  areas  fair 
yields  of  corn  and  hay  are  secured.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  the  production 
nf  potato 

Waukesha  gravelly  i<>a,n.  The  surface  soil  is  a  brownish  to  black  loam.  8  or 
LO  Inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  subsoil  somewhat  Lighter  in  color  and  containing 

more   One  gravel   and   sand      At    a   depth   Of   U   t<>  2   feet    the  gravel    increases   in 

quantity,  often  grading  into  beds  of  gravel  showing  marked  stratification.  The 
topography  varies  from  level  to  undulating  or  slightly  rolling  and  is  best  adapted 

lo  BUCh  crops  as  rye  and  oatS,  although  in  seasons  of  considerable  rainfall  corn 
\ery  fair  yields. 


GLACIAL    LAKE    AND   RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE. 


209 


Williston  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  12  inches  is  a 
brown  to  dark-brown  loam,  containing  a  large  quantity  of  gravel,  usually  of 
small  size.  The  content  of  clay  is  usually  sufficient  to  give  the  soil  a  somewhat 
sticky  character  when  wet.  The  surface  material  is  underlain  by  a  somewhat 
loose  and  incoherent  sandy  loam  of  a  lighter  color  than  the  soil.  The  type 
occurs  on  sloping  to  gently  rolling  terraces,  the  material  having  been  deposited 
as  glacial  stream  sediment.  When  irrigated  it  should  produce  good  yields  of 
alfalfa  and  other  forage  crops,  grains,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  loam 

Chenango  gravelly  loam 

Fox  gravelly  loam 

New  York  1,  6.  9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15;  Ohio  3:  Pennsylvania  7 

Indiana  5;   Michigan  7;   New  York  2,  3;  Ohio  4,  5,  7,  9,  10; 
Pennsylvania  7. 

172,800 
106. 304 

42, 624 
32, 704 

Hoosic  gravelly  loam 

26, 240 

Williston  gravell v  loam 

North  Dakota  10  

25,536 
19,264 
11,328 

Hempstead  gravelly  loam 

Caneadea  gravelly  foam 

New  York  6, 13 

Vergennes  eravellv  loam 

New  York  5, 16;  Vermont  1 

11,136 

Fareo  sravellv  loam 

North  Dakota  3,9 

6,528 

Tunkhannock  gravelly  loam.. 

2,688 

Waukesha  gravellv  loam  

704 

Adams  gravelly  loam 

New  York  5 

320 

Total 

458,176 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SHALE   LOAM   PHASE. 


A  relatively  large  part  of  the  areas  of  this  phase  are  marked  by  the  presence 
of  large  and  small  shale  fragments  in  sufficient  quantities  to  prohibit  the  use 
of  the  soil  for  crops  requiring  much  cultivation.  Where  not  too  shaly,  however, 
corn,  oats,  potatoes,  and  hay  are  profitably  grown.  Some  tobacco  is  produced 
in  the  Bigflats  area,  New  York,  while  practically  the  entire  area  in  Erie  County, 
Pa.,  is  devoted  to  the  production  of  Concord  grapes. 

Chenango  shale  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Chenango  shale  loam  ranges  from  light 
gray  through  yellowish  to  light  brown  in  color  and  from  a  loam  to  a  silt  loam 
in  texture,  and  is  usually  mellow  and  easily  cultivated.  The  soil  carries  from  20 
to  40  per  cent  of  shale  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil, 
being  usually  yellowish,  and  varies  from  about  the  same  texture  to  lighter 
where  made  up  mainly  of  shale  fragments.  The  topography  is  smooth.  The 
soil  occurs  in  the  larger  valleys  of  the  northern  Allegheny  Plateau  as  alluvial 
fans  spread  out  where  lateral  ravines  and  small  stream  valleys  open  onto  the 
broad  valleys  of  the  larger  streams.  The  material  is  mainly  shale  and  sand- 
stone, though  fragments  of  crystalline  rock  and  of  limestone  may  be  encoun- 
tered occasionally.  The  type  is  devoted  to  the  production  of  tobacco  and  the 
general  farm  crops,  though  good  yields  are  secured  only  with  liberal  applications 
of  barnyard  manure. 

Dunkirk  shale  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light-gray  loam,  10  or  more  inches 
in  depth,  containing  considerable  silt  and  fine  sand.  The  subsoil,  from  10  to 
24  inches  below  the  surface,  is  of  the  same  texture  as  the  soil,  but  lighter  in 
color,  and  contains  large  quantities  of  angular  shale  fragments  or  bowlders. 
All  general  farm  crops  are  grown,  but  to  obtain  the  best  results  a  liberal  appli- 
cation of  manure  is  required. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  shale  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

U  res. 

Dunkirk  shale  loam 

Now  York  15;  Pennsylvania  7 

10,368 

Chenango  shale  loam 

New  York  2,  3  

Total 

16  192 

79619—13- 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


14 


210  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

SILT   LOAM    GROUP. 

The  silt  loam  group  is  the  most  inextensive  of  the  Glacial  Lake  province  and  is 
adapted  to  a  relatively  narrow  range  of  crops.  Most  of  the  types  are  compara- 
tively friable  iir  structure,  however,  and  if  cultivated  under  conditions  of 
optimum  water  content  a  mellow  seed  bed  is  secured  with  little  difficulty.  The 
Boils  are  for  the  most  part  devoted  to  the  production  of  general  farm  crops  and 
give  excellent  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  barley,  and  grass  for  both  hay  and  pastur- 
Timothy  and  clover  both  do  well,  especially  the  former.  The  soils  are  less 
productive  of  oats  and  rye.  Tobacco  is  successfully  grown  on  the  Dunkirk  silt 
loam  in  the  Bigflats  and  Syracuse  areas,  New  York.  Besides  grain  crops  the 
soils  give  good  returns  when  employed  in  the  production  of  the  heavier  truck 
■•.  bbage  and  many  of  the  root  crops,  including  potatoes,  late 
varieties  of  which  do  well  in  the  better-drained  locations  where  the  soil  is  mellow 
and  friable.  Apples,  peaches,  pears,  and  quinces  are  successfully  grown  on  suit- 
able ground,  esi>ecially  if  within  the  ameliorating  influence  of  large  bodies  of 
water,  so  that  freedom  from  late  frosts  is  secured.  The  soil  a.lso  produces  strong 
nursery  stock. 

Caneadea  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  mellow  silt  or  silt  loam,  pale 
yellow  to  gray  or  dingy  white  in  color,  extending  to  a  depth  of  10  inches.  The 
subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  is  a  pale-yellow  to  yellowish-brown  or  light-drab  silt 
or  silt  loam.  Practically  no  stones  or  gravel  are  found  in  either  soil  or  subsoil. 
This  soil  is  easily  eroded  and  if  left  bare  gullies  badly.  It  is  adapted  to  the 
production  of  hay.  corn  for  ensilage,  etc.  It  is  best  suited  to  dairy  farming  or 
animal  husbandry  in  some  form. 

Chenango  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  9  inches  is  a  brown  silt 
loam,  overlying  a  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam  subsoil  of  somewhat  lighter  color. 
Variable  amounts  of  fine  gravel  occur  in  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  along 
streams  on  terraces  lying  above  overflow  and  the  topography  is  level  to  slightly 
undulating.  The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  is  well  adapted  to  corn,  grain,  and 
grass  crops,  and  to  pear  and  apple  orchards  where  suitably  located. 

Clyde  .silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  chocolate-brown  to  black  silt  loam. 
10  inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  similar  silt  loam  of  a  lemon-yellow  color,  con- 
taining little  or  no  organic  matter.  The  texture  is  very  homogeneous  to  a  depth 
of  3  feet,  and  gravel  is  entirely  absent,  but  there  are  some  bowlders  strewn  over 
i  ho  surface.  The  soil  is  very  friable  and  easily  kept  in  good  tilth.  It  was  probably 
derived  from  material  carried  by  streams  and  deposited  in  glacial  lakes.  The 
topography  is  somewhat  rolling  and  the  drainage  fairly  good.  The  soil  Is  well 
adapted  to  grain  and  hay  and  is  used  for  general  farm  crops  and  for  the 
production  of  chicory. 

Dunkirk  sili  loam.  -The  surface  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  Inches  con- 
sists of  a  pale  yellow  to  light-brOWU  silt  loam.  This  is  underlain  by  a  slightly 
heavier  BUbSOil  of  a  brown  or  chocolate  color.  The  type  is  sedimentary  in 
origin  and   represents  the  wash   from  the  bigher  shale  slopes  deposited   in  (piiet 

i  lake  waters,     it  occupies  Lake  forelands  and  the  higher  terraces  along 

Streams.  The  soil  is  easily  tilled  and  produces  good  yields  of  general  farm 
crops,  besides  berries,  tree  fruits,  and  late  truck  and  canning  crops. 

Fargo  Hit  loam.  The  surface  soil  is  ;i  black  to  dark-brown  silt  loam  or  silty 
cl.i\  loam,  with  .in  average  depth  of  about  14  inches.  The  upper  layer  ol'  soil 
Contains  a  targe  quantity  Of  decomposed  organic  matter  and  in  some  places  con- 
siderable  fine  sand.     The  subsoil   is  a   yellow  or  grayish  silt    Loam  or  silty  day. 

The  type  is  level  to  gently  rolling  ami  is  of  lacustrine  origin,  it  is  a  productive 
soil  and  is  Largely  under  cultivation,  n  is  well  adapted  to  grass  and  small  grain. 
Wheat,  oats,  barley,  and  flax  give  good  yields.  Vegetables  and  garden  truck  are 
grown  with  excellent  results,  well-drained  areas  produce  good  com.  clover. 
;iif-  Ifa,  and  BUgar  beets. 

/<,./■   &4lt    loam.       rhe   BUrface   soil    consists  Of   a    medium   brown,    fairly    I 

textured  silt  loam  i<>  Inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  ;i  yellowish  brown 
loam,  and  at  ;<  depth  «-f  from  i<">  to  24  Inches  more  or  less  gravel  ami  finely 
ground  limestone  rocs  is  fonn.i.  The  type  consists  of  glacial  materia]  reworked 
i,\    streams  .Mid  deposited  Ln  the  form  of  overwash  plains.    The  topography  is 

level  OF  pitted,  or  Slightly  rolling,  and  the  natural  drainage  is  \ery  good.      With 

sufficient  fertilization  the  soil  is  fairly  productive  of  <>;its.  corn,  and  rye.  some 
w  i  e  m  and  alfalfa  are  grown. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AXD   RIVER    TERRACE    PROVINCE.  211 

Hoosic  silt  loam. — Tlie  surface  soil  is  a  silt  loam,  light  brown  in  color,  and 
extending  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale-brown  compact 
silt  loam.  The  type  is  derived  from  quiet-water  deposits  in  high  terrace  and 
delta  positions.  It  is  well  adapted  to  grass  and  grain  crops,  and,  where  well 
drained,  to  corn  and  potatoes. 

Hudson  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  varies  from  a  light-brown  silt  loam  to  a 
heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  3  feet  is  a  yellowish  silt 
loam,  which  often  becomes  drab  in  the  lower  depths.  The  type  occupies  a  ter 
race  above  streams  and  the  surface  is  rolling  to  flat.  The  drainage  is  fair.  In 
the  higher  locations  this  soil  is  well  adapted  to  corn  and  cabbage,  and  in  the 
lower,  poorer  drained  locations  it  is  best  adapted  to  hay  and  pasturage. 

MerHmac  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  silty  soil,  10  inches  deep, 
containing  very  little  coarse  material.  The  subsoil  is  a  uniform,  plastic,  yellow 
silt  loam,  resting  at  about  32  inches  upon  a  substratum  of  coarse  sand  and 
gravel.  Except  for  a  few  glacial  erratics,  the  type  is  free  from  stones  and 
gravel.  It  consists  of  glacial  material  reworked  by  wind  or  glacial  waters, 
The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating  and  the  soil  is  usually  well  drained. 
It  is  well  suited  to  the  ordinary  farm  crops,  and  particularly  to  vegetables  and 
the  heavy  truck  and  canning  crops,  as  well  as  to  fruit.  The  soil  is  easily  kept 
in  good  physical  condition  and  responds  readily  to  improved  farm  methods. 

Orono  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  or  10  inches  is  a  light-brown,  friable 
silt  loam.  The  upper  part  of  the  subsoil  is  an  ashy-gray  silt  loam,  but  the 
texture  gradually  becomes  heavier  with  depth,  passing  through  a  silty  clay  loam 
to  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  surface  is  very  gently  undulating  and  drainage  is  well 
established.  The  native  tree  growth  was  largely  white  birch.  The  type  is  free 
of  stone  and  is  extensively  cleared  and  cultivated.  It  is  one  of  the  best  soils  of 
the  locality  (central  Maine)  for  general  farm  crops,  including  potatoes. 

Plainfield  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  light-brown  silt  loam,  varying 
from  8  to  12  inches  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  a  yellowish-brown  heavy  silt 
loam  or  clay  loam  subsoil.  At  from  about  18  inches  to  3  feet  fine  gravel  is 
usually  found.  This  underlying  gravel  provides  good  subdrainage.  so  that 
the  soil  can  be  cultivated  under  a  rather  wide  range  of  moisture  conditions. 
The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  somewhat  undulating  and  the  type 
usually  forms  outwash  plains.  It  is  a  good  general  farm  soil  and  produces 
moderate  yields  of  ordinary  farm  crops,  including  grains,  roots,  etc. 

Poygan  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  silt  loam,  about  10 
inches  deep,  overlying  a  pinkish-red  heavy  silty  clay,  which  is  usually  cal- 
careous. In  some  areas  the  red  clay  is  not  encountered  nearer  to  the  surface 
than  from  18  to  24  inches,  the  intervening  layer  being  a  light-brown,  grayish, 
or  mottled  silty  clay  loam.  The  topography  is  level  and,  on  account  of  the 
heavy  texture  of  the  subsoil,  the  drainage  is  poor,  so  that  ditching  or  tiling  is 
required  for  the  most  profitable  development  of  the  type.  The  native  timber 
growth  consists  principally  of  elm,  ash,  cedar,  and  hemlock.  Where  cleared 
and  drained  this  is  a  strong,  productive  soil  for  the  staple  farm  crops,  especially 
for  hay. 

Sioux  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  smooth,  friable  silt  loam, 
12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  reddish-yellow,  heavier  silt  loam,  which  in  turn 
is  underlain  by  sand  or  gravel  at  from  5  to  8  feet.  The  type  occurs  as  terraces 
along  streams.  The  surface  soil  is  gently  rolling.  The  underlying  gravel  bed 
affords  good  underdrainage.  This  is  an  exceedingly  fertile  soil,  very  highly 
esteemed  for  corn  and  small  grain. 

Superior  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light  chocolate-colored  silt  loam,  from  6  to 
10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  silty  clay  loam,  grading  into  a  stiff,  red  silty 
clay  at  varying  depths.  The  type  is  a  lacustrine  deposit  consisting  of  reworked 
glacial  material.  The  surface  is  usually  rough  and  broken,  being  often  deeply 
eroded  by  stream  action,  and  on  this  account  the  soil  is  not  of  much  value  for 
agricultural  purposes. 

Vergennes  8Ut  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  grayish-brown,  brownish-gray,  or 
light-drab  silt  loam,  about  9  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown, 
yellowish-gray,  or  slightly  mottled  heavy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam.  Some 
fine  sand  is  occasionally  present,  although  at  the  lower  portion  of  the  subsoil 
the  texture  is  apt  to  be  heavier  and  overlie  a  substratum  of  clay.  The  surface 
is  rather  friable,  and  if  worked  under  favorable  moisture  conditions  works  up 
into  a   good  tilth.     The  topography   varies   from   level   to  undulating  and   the 


212 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


drainage  is  rather  deficient.  The  type  is  improved  by  tiling  or  ditching.  The 
native  timber  growth  is  elm,  soft  maple,  pine,  and  oak.  The  soil  is  particularly 
adapted  to  the  production  of  hay,  corn,  ensilage,  oats,  etc.  It  is  also  a  good 
Boil   for  such  canning  crops  as  peas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loam*. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

I  >  in  kirk  silt  loam 

New  York  6,  8,  9,  10,  12,  13,  14,  15;  Pennsylvania  7  . 

1H2  Q44 

1  ;ir^o  silt  loam 

Minnesota  3,  5;  North  Dakota  4,  8,  9,  10.." 

154,368 
58,048 

Vernennes  silt  loam 

jrk  5 

I'luiniield  silt  loam 

Illinois  10;  Wisconsin  3,  6,  15 

Clyde  silt  loam 

Michigan  8;  New  York  13;  Wisconsin  3  4,  S. . 

Chenango  silt  loam 

v  York  2,  3;  Pennsylvaii; 

26  432 

Superior  silt  loam 

Minnesota^;  Wisconsin  l ! 

17,664 

Fox  silt  loam 

Wisconsin  4, 8 

15,040 

New  York  6,  13 

14  720 

Orono  silt  loam 

Maine  2 

14.  4«V4 

4.928 

Merrimac  silt  loam 

Rhode  Island  1 

Hoosic  silt  loam 

New  York  17 

4,288 

1 1  udson  silt  loam 

New  York  4 

1.088 

Voygan  silt  loam 

Wisconsin  8 

384 

Total 

604,474 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY    LOAM    GROUP. 


By  far  the  largest  part  of  the  clay  loam  group  of  the  Province  is  included  in 
the  Fargo  series  and  confined  to  the  Dakotas  and  western  Minnesota.  On 
account  of  its  high  organic  matter  content,  he'  y  subsoil,  and  nearness  to  the 
level  of  ground  water,  the  Fargo  clay  loam  is  extraordinarily  retentive  of 
moisture  and  constitutes  the  best  wheat  soil  in  this  famous  wheat-producing 
section  of  the  United  States.  Because  of  the  rigorous  climate  it  is  a  less  valu- 
able soil  for  corn  than  some  of  the  lighter  textured,  better  drained  types,  which 
bring  the  grain  to  earlier  maturity.  Oats,  although  a  subordinate  crop,  are 
profitable.  Good  yields  of  barley  are  produced,  as  well  as  some  hemp,  while 
the  type  is  probably  unsurpassed  in  the  production  of  timothy,  clover,  and  other 
grasses  for  bay.  Next  to  the  Fargo  the  Dunkirk  ;iud  Clyde  types  have  the 
largest  extent,  and  are  especially  important  in  the  production  of  grains  and 
grasses.  These  are  all  excellent  dairying  types  and,  together  with  the  less 
important  scries,  arc  among  the  most  valuable  soils  for  heavy  truck  and  can- 
ning crops.  In  favorable  topographic  situations  and  with  suitable  climate  the 
Dunkirk,  Hudson,  and  some  of  the  other  types  are  well  adapted  to  fruit,  es- 
pecially apple*  and  pears,  while  small  fruits  and  bush  berries  are  grown  with 
fair  success.  Nearly  all  of  this  group  of  soils  are  level  to  only  gently  rolling  in 
topography,  so  that  artificial  drainage  Is  a  necessary  factor  In  their  reclamation 

and   Improvement 

Clyde  <hiy  lomnu—The  surface  sol]  is  a  dark-brown  or  black  loam,  from  8  to 

I!    Inches  deep,   resting  upon  a  yellow  or  drab-colored  clay,  often  Streaked  with 

Iron  stain  a  The  clay  subsoil  is  a  plastic,  somewhat  silty  materia]  when  wet, 
and  contains  very  little  coarse  sand  or  One  gravel,  excepting  along  stream 
courses,  where  coarse  material  may  be  encountered  within  the  8-foot  section. 
The  type  la  lacustrine  In  origin,  combined  with  some  reworked  glacial  till,  it 
pies  level  id  the  drainage  li  poor.    Comparatively  few  areas  are 

under  cultivation.     Corn,  oats,  and  hay  are  the  principal  general  farm  crops 
grown.    C  ad  celery  are  quite  extensively  grown  on  some  parts 

of  the  type     Nearly  all  of  the  type  li  capable  of  improvement  through  drain- 
and  when  reclaimed  will   prove  to  be  i  d  soil  for  both  general 

farming  and  trucking. 

Dunkirk  clay  loam, — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  grayish-brown  clay 
loam,  9  Inches  In  depth.  li  is  quite  stiff  ind  heavy  and  cracks  upon  drying. 
The  subsoil  ;  .1  brown  and  graj   heavy  clay  loam  or  clay.     Both  soil 

nod  snhsoii  are  generally  free  from  Btones  or  gravel,  although  small  quantities 
re  sometimes  found  In  local  Boots.    The  type  is  derived  from  lacustrine  sedi- 
ments laid  down   In  glacial  lakes,  though  mixed  to  a   greater  or  less  extent 

will,    glacial    till    in  ind    possibly    some   r-'sidual    material    from    the   local 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE.  213 

underlying  rocks.  It  occupies  gently  undulating  areas  and  the  slopes  of  hills, 
which  are  sometimes  quite  abrupt.  The  drainage  is  adequate  in  some  locations, 
but  in  the  nearly  level  or  depressed  areas  it  is  often  necessary  to  resort  to 
artificial  drainage.  On  account  of  its  heavy*  compact  nature  the  subsoil  is 
almost  impervious  to  water.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  and  grass  and 
corn  also  do  fairly  well.  Alfalfa  has  been  successfully  grown  in  some  localities. 
It  is  well  adapted  to  grapes. 

Fargo  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  1  to  2  feet  of  a  dark-brown  to 
black  clay  loam  to  silty  clay,  often  containing  a  large  percentage  of  organic 
material.  From  4  to  8  inches  of  the  surface  material  is  often  mucky  in  the 
deeper  depressions.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  drab  to  gray,  grayish-brown,  or 
bluish-black  silty  clay  to  clay,  often  having  a  finely  stratified  structure.  The 
type  has  the  general  appearance  of  being  almost  level,  but  gentle  swells,  and 
shallow  depressions  give  to  it  a  very  gently  rolling  topography,  consequently 
it  is  poorly  drained.  The  materials  of  which  the  type  is  composed  probably 
(•we  their  origin  to  deposits  laid  down  in  the  beds  of  old  lakes  and  shallow 
ponds  of  glacial  age  and  also  to  further  alluvial  deposits  laid  down  in  more 
recent  times.  Large  areas  are  too  wet  for  agricultural  purposes,  but  when 
thoroughly  drained  cultivation  is  possible.  The  relatively  large  quantity  of 
organic  matter  in  the  soil  renders  it  loamy,  friable,  and  easily  cultivated  when 
drained,  but  when  wet  it  is  sticky  and  tenacious,  clods  badly,  and  does  not 
scour  well,  making  plowing  almost  impossible.  When  well  drained  this  type 
is  a  valuable  soil  for  general  farming  purposes.  The  principal  crops  grown  are 
corn,  wheat,  oats,  flax,  and  millet.  Barley,  timothy,  and  hemp  are  grown  to 
some  extent.    The  soil  is  not  particularly  adapted  to  rye,  potatoes,  or  vegetables. 

Hudson  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  drab  silty  clay  loam,  6  or 
7  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  plastic  silty  clay,  which  in  the  lower  depths 
grades  into  a  stiff,  tenacious  silty  clay  of  mottled  drab,  blue,  and  yellow  color. 
The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin.  It  is  used  extensively  for  brick  making.  The 
surface  is  usually  flat  and  poorly  drained,  but  in  places  its  original  terrace 
form  has  been  deeply  eroded.  This  is  considered  a  cold,  wet  soil,  and  when  dry 
the  surface  bakes  and  cracks,  and  crops  suffer  from  drought.  Cedars  thrive. 
The  soil  is  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  but  is  especially  good  for  grass. 
Its  texture  is  greatly  improved  by  the  application  of  lime  and  coarse  manures. 

Poygan  clay  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  loam 
or  clay  loam,  10  inches  deep,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  by  a  heavy  pinkish- 
red  clay.  It  is  an  easily  tilled  soil,  owing  to  its  large  content  of  organic 
matter.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  lacustrine  sediments 
deposited  at  a  time  when  the  Great  Lakes  stood  at  a  higher  level  than  at  pres- 
ent. It  produces  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  and  hay,  and  is  an  excel- 
lent dairying  type.  It  occupies  low,  level  to  slightly  undulating  areas,  and 
the  depth  to  ground  water  is  usually  only  a  few  feet. 

Sioux  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  mellow  clay  loam, 
from  8  to  14  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  clay  'loam  or  clay,  which 
usually  becomes  heavier  below  2  feet.  Throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil  a  small 
quantity  of  rounded  gravel  is  disseminated.  The  type  is  underlain  usually  by 
sandy  or  gravelly  material,  and  on  this  account  the  greater  proportion  of  it  has 
excellent  drainage.  Seepage  waters  from  adjacent  slopes  or  higher  lands  give 
rise  to  local  conditions  of  poor  drainage.  The  type  occupies  nearly  level  terraces 
built  up  by  glacial  flood  waters.  It  is  used  largely  for  corn,  wheat,  and  grass. 
Truck  crops,  such  as  cabbage  and  tomatoes,  give  moderate  yields,  and  berries 
and  potatoes  do  well. 

Superior  elay  loam. — This  is  a  light-brown  or  reddish  loam,  grading  into  a 
pinkish-red  or  light  chocolate  red  silty  clay  at  about  8  inches.  The  type  is 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  lacustrine  sediments  deposited  during  glacial 
lake  occupancy  of  the  country.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  sloping,  and 
the  water  table  is  usually  only  a  few  feet  below  the  surface.  Artificial  drainage 
is  usually  necessary.  The  soil  is  very  retentive  of  moisture,  and  when  adequate 
drainage  is  established  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  and  hay  are  produced. 


214  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1                                             Acres. 

Fargo  clay  loam 

Minnesota  1,  6,  5;  North  Dakota  3,  9;  South  Dakota  2    .                 601.024 

Dunkirk  clay  loam 

Michigan  10:  New  York  1,  '.»,  12,  15;  Ohio  8 128  768 

Fovgan  clay  loam 

Wisconsin  16 

Clyde  clav  loam 

Michigan  in;  New  York  11;  Wisconsin  12....                                         16  i)tiO 

iisin  7,  8,  16 

York  1 9.984 

Indiana  4 2, 240 

794. 240 

Total 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY  CLAY  LOAM  PHASE. 

The  silty  clay  loam  phase  is  of  relatively  small  extent,  but  is  typically 
developed  in  the  Great  Lakes  region.  It  contains  more  silt  and  less  of  the 
various  grades  of  sand  than  do  the  clay  loams,  giving  it  a  heavier  texture.  It 
is  more  difficult  to  work,  and  greater  care  is  necessary  to  prevent  the  formation 
of  clods.  Under  the  most  intelligent  methods  of  cultivation,  however,  the  soils 
are  very  productive  of  the  small  grains,  especially  wheat,  and  are  excellent 
hay  lands.  In  favorable  locations  apples,  pears,  quinces,  and  nursery  stock  are 
grown  with  good  results.     The  type  is  probably  best  adapted  to  wheat  and  grass. 

Clyde  silty  clay  loam. — This  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  silty  clay  loam,  ranging 
from  6  to  10  inches  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  a  drab  or  gray  usually  mottled 
clay  subsoil.  The  topography  is  level  and  the  drainage  is  naturally  poor,  so 
that  ditching  is  necessary  before  crops  can  be  profitably  grown.  When  reclaimed 
through  drainage  the  type  is  strong  and  productive  and  good  yields  of  corn 
and  general  farm  crops  are  secured.  Such  crops  as  cabbage  and  onions  are 
also  very  well  adapted  to  it.  Timothy  and  redtop  produce  from  1  to  2*  tons 
per  acre  on  reclaimed  land. 

Dunkirk  -silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  light-brown,  or  grayish-brown. 
Ueavy,  silty  clay  loam,  6  or  8  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  brown  or  sometimes 
chocolate-colored  heavy  clay  subsoil.  Although  a  small  quantity  of  stone  and 
gravel  are  sometimes  found  in  the  type,  this  is  not  a  noticeable  characteristic. 
The  type  is  derived  from  the  wash  from  glacial  material  deposited  in  various 
ways  as  till,  moraine,  etc.,  and  subsequently  modified  by  glacial  lakes,  the 
material  being  reworked  and  redeposited  under  quiet-water  conditions.  The 
topography  is  level  to  slightly  rolling,  and  while  the  surface  drainage  is  fair, 
on  account  of  the  dense,  impervious  character  of  the  subsoil,  the  internal 
drainage  is  pour,  so  thai  open  ditches  or  tile  drains  are  necessary  tor  the  best 
improvement  of  the  land.  The  soil  is  very  well  adapted  to  corn  and  grass. 
And  yields  of  wheat  range  from    15   to  30  bushels;   oats,  40  to  50  bushels;    mikI 

hay,  1|  lo  2  tons  per  acre.     Buckwheat  is  grown  to  some  extent. 
Living 8t on  silty  chin  loam.  -The  soil  is  a  brown  to  light -brown  heavy  Loam 

or  silty  clay   loam,   about    L0   inches  deep.   Overlying  a   dense   silty  clay    loam  or 

..•lay  of  mottled  gray  color.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  to  gently  undulating 
and  the  natural  drainage  is  Inadequate,  both  on  account  of  the  unfavorable 
pnrface  topography  and  the  dense.  Impervious  nature  of  the  subsoil.    The  prin« 

,ip;il  n:it  i  e  fore  I  growth  consists  Of  oaks  and  hickory,  with  some  elm.  When 
well   drained,     he  areas  are  adapted   to  Com,   wheat,  beans,  etc..  and   to  hay. 

Superior  silty  clay  loam.-  The  Burface  sop  is  reddish  brown  in  color  to  a  depth 
of  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  red.  The  texture  of  the  Boil  is  a  silty  clay  lot  m, 
ihat  of  the  subsoil  is  b  clay,  which,  w  osed,  cracks  badly  in  dry  weather. 

small  fragments  of  stone,  often  limestone,  occur  throughout  the  soil  and  sub- 
soil, though  large  bowlders  are  of  rather  rare  occurrence  in  the  soil.  This 
type  is  glacial  in  origin,  being  laid  down  by  the  melting  of  the  Ice  sheet,  hut 

the  red  clay  is  supposed   to  ha\e  hoen   ULCUS  fine  clay  before  being  taken   up  by 

the  ice.  The  topography  is  Level  to  undulating  or  gently  roiling.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  general  farming. 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND   RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE.  215 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Clyde  silty  clay  loam j  Wisconsin  4,  15. . 

Dunkirk  silty  clay  loam New  York  10,  13 . 

Superior  silty  clay  loam j  Wisconsin  4 

Livingston  silt  clay  loam i  New  York  13 


68, 928 

55,232 

8,064 

6,208 


Total. 


138,432 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY  GROUP. 

The  clay  group  comprises  the  second  largest  group  in  the  province  and  is  very 
important  in  connection  with  dairying  and  the  production  of  hay  for  market. 
The  soils  are  very  heavy  in  texture,  making  them  difficult  to  till,  so  that  con- 
siderable labor  and  heavy  teams  and  improved  implements  are  necessary  when 
they  are  utilized  for  the  ordinary  intertilled  crops.  In  the  production  of  hay 
the  minimum  of  tillage  is  required,  and  on  smooth  stone-free  ground  improved 
hay-harvesting  machinery  is  employed,  so  that  little  hand  labor  is  necessary. 
Timothy  and  clover  both  do  well  on  most  of  these  soils,  though  on  some  of  them 
alsike  and  white  clover  are  slightly  better  suited  to  the  heavy  textured  sub- 
soils, on  account  of  the  peculiarity  of  their  root  development.  Redtop  does 
well  on  some  of  the  soils,  which  are  rather  too  poorly  drained  for  timothy  and 
clover,  while  alfalfa  has  proved  successful  on  some  of  the  better  drained,  more 
pervious  soils.  The  clays  are  also  excellent  producers  of  wheat,  although 
in  some  regions  where  winter  wheat  is  grown  some  difficulty  is  encountered, 
owing  to  the  tendency  of  the  crop  to  heave  out  of  the  ground  during  the  cold 
season.  Good  yields  of  oats  are  produced  on  well-drained,  rolling  areas,  though 
they  are  usually  as  fully  productive  and  more  easily  handled  on  lighter  soils. 
Corn  is  successfully  grown  only  upon  the  lighter-textured  phases,  where  drain- 
age is  of  the  best  and  where  the  presence  of  considerable  organic  matter  renders 
the  soils  unusually  friable.  The  Clyde  and  Fargo  types  are  thus  better  suited 
to  corn,  in  favorable  latitudes,  than  the  Dunkirk,  which  contains  considerably 
less  organic  matter.  The  soils  are  too  heavy  for  the  successful  growing  of 
potatoes,  for,  although  yields  are  sometimes  very  heavy,  the  tubers  are  badly 
shaped  and  often  watery  and  hollow.  Other  root  crops,  such  as  sugar  beets, 
mangel-wurzels  for  stock  food,  turnips,  and  carrots,  are  fairly  well  suited  to 
these  clay  soils.  Good  yields  of  a  fine  quality  of  cabbage  for  winter  storage 
are  secured.  Some  onions  and  celery  are  occasionally  grown  on  such  types  as 
the  Clyde  and  Fargo  in  locations  where  the  soil  is  slightly  mucky,  owing  to 
the  content  of  organic  matter.  The  growing  of  bush  fruits  has  been  fairly 
successful  on  some  of  the  inland  types,  but  the  drainage  of  the  subsoils  is  too 
sluggish  for  success  with  apples  and  most  of  the  tree  fruits.  Pears,  however, 
should  do  well  in  carefully  selected  locations.  It  is  in  the  production  of  hay, 
however,  that  the  soils  of  the  clay  group  excel,  and,  so  far  as  this  crop  can  be 
economically  produced  for  the  market,  the  soils  should  be  utilized  for  its 
production. 

Caneadea  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  gray  to  drab  heavy  silty  clay,  about 
6  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  dense  clay,  drab  to  brown  in  color.  The  under- 
lying shale  or  sandstone  is  sometimes  reached  in  the  third  foot.  This  type  is 
tough  and  plastic  in  character  and  very  difficult  to  cultivate.  It  is  of  lacustrine 
origin.  The  topography  is  rolling  and  the  surface  drainage  is  good,  but  under- 
drainage  is  desirable.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay  and 
to  permanent  pasture. 

Clyde  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  rather  silty  clay  of  a  brown  or  black  color; 
and  from  6  to  9  inches  deep.  Where  the  proportion  of  organic  matter  is 
highest  the  soil  is  darkest  and  more  loamy  and  friable.  The  subsoil  is  a  bluish 
or  drab-colored  clay,  very  tenacious  and  practically  impervious  to  water.  The 
type  is  derived  from  glacial  lake  deposits  and  occupies  low  wet,  level  areas, 
some  of  which  were  originally  covered  with  peat.  With  good  drainage  the  soil 
is  well  adapted  to  sugar  beets,  as  well  as  to  general  farm  crops,  especially  grass. 
It  is  a  good  dairy  type. 


216  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Dunkirk  clay.— The  soil  is  a  drab  or  gray  clay.  6  to  12  inches  in  depth,  under- 
lain by'  a  tenacious,  mottled  gray,  brown  and  yellow  clay,  beneaih  which,  at 
a  depth  of  4  to  10  feet,  occurs  the  typical  bowlder  clay.  Near  ancient  beach 
lines  the  soil  is  sometimes  underlain  by  gravel.  The  type  is  found  upon  lake 
forelands  and  in  upland  valleys  and  is  derived  from  deposition  in  quiet  water. 
Some  areas  are  poorly  drained.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  grapes,  grain,  and  grass, 
as  well  as  to  wheat  and  hay. 

Fargo  clay. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  black  clay,  6  to  14  inches  deep,  underlain 
y  or  blue  clay  of  the  same  texture.  At  from  5  to  9  feet  occurs  a  mottled 
gray,  brown,  and  yellow  clay,  similar  to  the  subsoil  of  the  Miami  black  clay 
loam.  When  wet  this  type  is  very  waxy  and  gummy  and  has  an  oily  feel. 
It  is  exceedingly  slippery  under  foot  and  often  sticks  to  wagon  wheels  in  great 
quantities.  The  type  occurs  in  depressions  in  the  upland.  The  drainage  is  poor 
and  the  soil  is  difficult  to  till.  It  is  a  very  strong  and  productive  soil  when 
well  drained,  and  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  especially  wheat,  oats, 
barley,  and  corn. 

Lockport  clay. — This  type  is  a  heavy  red  to  brown  clay  loam,  from  4  to  8 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  stiff  Indian-red  clay.  Under  most  of  the  type  bed- 
rock occurs  at  a  depth  greater  than  3  feet,  but  occasionally  it  is  encountered 
within  the  third  foot.  The  soil  is  largely  residual,  being  the  weathered  product 
of  red  Medina  shale  mixed  with  some  glacial  material  near  the  surface.  The 
type  is  marked  by  nearly  level  areas,  the  surface  of  which  is  thickly  strewn 
with  large  granitic  bowlders.  Owing  to  its  level,  stony  nature,  the  greater  part 
of  the  type  is  devoted  to  pasture  and  woodlots.  It  is  best  suited  to  grass,  which 
fact  has  been  generally  recognized.  Tree  fruits  of  all  kinds  are  generally  a 
failure.     Bush  fruits  do  better. 

I'oygan  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  loam,  about  10  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  pinkish-red  clay,  which  in  some  instances  is  mottled  with 
white.  This  is  sometimes  succeeded  by  a  stratum  of  water-saturated  sand. 
The  surface  contains  considerable  organic  matter,  and  tillage  is  not  especially 
difficult.  This  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  lacustrine  sediments  de- 
posited at  a  time  when  the  Great  Lakes  stood  at  a  higher  level  than  at  present. 
The  soil  occupies  level  areas  in  old  lake  bottoms  and  always  requires  artificial 
drainage.  It  is  well  adapted  to  grass  and  produces  good  yields  of  corn  and 
oats. 

Sioux  clay. — The  Sioux  clay  is  a  black,  dark-biown,  or  sometimes  yellowish- 
brown  clay  loam  or  clay,  about  18  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  grayish-brown  or 
grayish-yellow  clay  of  stiff,  tenacious,  waxy  texture.  The  type  occupies  river 
bottoms,  and  is  partly  alluvial  and  partly  a  wash  from  t lie  uplands,  the  latter 
areas  having  the  characteristics  of  the  gumbo  found  in  the  Red  River  Valley. 
It  is  ;in  excellent  soil  for  small  grain,  wlient  sometimes  yielding  as  much  as  40 
bushels  per  acre.  Oats  and  flax  also  do  remarkably  well.  The  lighter  areas 
are  suitable  for  certain  of  the  truck  crops.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of 
oak,  elm,  ash.  and  other  forest  trees. 

Nuffield  clay. — The  soil  is  a  clay  loam.  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  close- 
textured,  laminated  day  subsoil.  The  type  owes  its  origin  to  Lacustrine  de- 
posits, it  occupies  very  poorly  drained,  level  areas  in  the  Connecticut  Valley. 
On  account  of  its  poorly  drained  condition  and  close  structure,  the  soil  is  not 
adapted  at  present  to  any  agricultural  purposes,  although  used  t<>  some  extent 
for  pasture 

Superior  clay. — This  is  a   heavy,  Compact,  and  almost    Impervious  pinkish   rod 

clay,  with  no  apparent  difference  in  color  or  texture  between  soil  and  Bubsoil. 
When  wot  it  is  o'f  m  bright  brick-red  color  and  quite  adhesive  and  gummy:  when 
drj  cracks  an  Inch  or  more  In  width  are  common  on  the  surface,  and  the  soil 
breaks  up  into  cubical  blocks.    Sometimes  there  are  small  fragments  of  rock  in 

both  soil  ;:nd  subsoil.  :in<]  usually  upon  new  ground  there  is  an  inch  or  so  of 
tble  mold.     This  type  is  hicust rine  in  origin.     It   occurs  generally  in  broad, 

ti.it  .no-,  with  surface  Inclinations  toward  streams,  and  Is  very  retentive  of 

■  in-      The   soil    is  adapted    to   timothy   and   clover.      It    Improves   with    use, 

and  good  crops  of  potatoes,  peas,  beets,  and  other  root  crops  have  been  grown. 

■  |  clay.     The  surface  soil   consists  of  he:i\y  -ray  Clay  «»r  liidit  brown 

clay  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  6  to  r_»  inch.-  The  subsoil  is  q  gray,  drab, 
ht  brown  heavy  clay,  somewhat  tenacious  when  wet.  hut  extremely  stiff. 
ict,  and  Intractable  when  dry.     Wherever  the  soil  is  so  shallow  that  the 

plow  goes  below  it  the  upturned  furrows  of  the  underlying  gray  clay  become 

white  upon  exposure  to  the  atmosphere,  and  this  has  given  rise  to  the  local  term 

"white-faced  clay."    On  the  steep  slope*    »f  many  ridges  outcrops  of  slate  are 


GLACIAL   LAKE   AND    RIVER    TERRACE   PROVINCE. 


217 


frequent,  and  thin  fragments  are  often  strewn  over  the  tops  and  the  steeper 
slopes.  This  type  is  derived  from  the  postglacial  or  Champlain  clays.  The 
glacial  material  comes  to  the  surface,  or  nearest  it,  on  the  hills,  and  in  some 
cases  this  has  been  washed  down  the  slopes  and  mingled  with  the  post-glacial 
clays.  The  type  for  the  most  part  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  broken  only  by 
occasional  ridges.  Except  in  the  depressions,  it  has  sufficient  surface  drainage. 
As  the  greater  part  of  this  soil  is  compact  and  impervious  to  moisture,  under- 
drainage  would  result  in  better  crop  returns.  This  is  an  excellent  soil  for  hay. 
Other  crops  giving  profitable  yields  are  corn,  oats,  and  barley. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Vergennes  clay 

New  York  5, 16. 17;  Vermont  1 

430, 912 
319,040 

311,360 

Indiana  1,  3;  Michigan  8,  9;  New  York  5,  12;  North  Dakota  1; 

Ohio  8. 
Michigan  4;  Minnesota  2,  6;  Wisconsin  1,  2,  13 

New  York  1,6,  8,9, 11,12, 13,14,18;  Ohio  1,3;  Pennsylvania?.. 
Minnesota  1;  North  Dakota  3,  8,  9,  11 

212,290 

159,296 

37,696 

23,610 

6,656 

2,432 

1,280 

Wisconsin  4,  16 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1 

New  York  12 

New  York  6 

Total 

1,504,572 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


BLACK    CLAY   PHASE. 


But  one  type  of  the  black  clay  phase  has  so  far  been  recognized,  and  it  is  not 
unlikely  that  further  study  will  show  this  to  be  in  all  essential  respects  similar 
to  the  Clyde  clay  or  some  of  the  other  black  clays  mapped  farther  west  in  the 
Great  Lakes  region.  An  abundance  of  organic  matter  gives  the  soil  a  friable 
structure  for  one  of  so  heavy  a  texture,  so  that  the  labor  of  cultivating  it 
for  intertilled  crops  is  attended  with  less  difficulty  than  in  the  case  of  some  of 
the  other  clays. 

Vergennes  black  clay. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  black  loamy  clay,  from 
C  to  15  inches  deep.  It  contains  a  high  percentage  of  organic  matter  and  is 
very  tenacious  and  sticky  when  wet,  but  is  granular  and  friable  when  dry. 
The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  tenacious  drab  clay,  somewhat  plastic  in  certain  areas. 
The  soil  is  more  often  underlain  at  24  inches  by  a  stiff  heavy  clay,  similar  to 
the  subsoil  of  the  Vergennes  clay.  The  type  owes  its  origin  chiefly  to  wash 
from  higher  lands  mingled  with  decaying  vegetation,  thus  giving  rise  to  a 
rich  black  soil.  The  surface  is  usually  flat  or  basinlike,  and  artificial  drainage 
is  often  necessary  to  secure  the  best  yields.  It  is  naturally  a  strong  and  pro- 
ductive soil  and  gives  large  yields  of  corn  and  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  black  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

New  York  17;  Vermont  1 

4,224 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   CLAY   PHASE. 


In  the  restricted  development  of  the  stony  clay  phase  the  presence  of  the 
stone  and  gravel  in  the  subsoil  has  the  effect  of  securing  better  internal  drain- 
age than  would  otherwise  be  the  case.  This  beneficial  influence,  in  conjunction 
with  a  more  rolling  topography  than  usually  attends  the  clay  soils  of  the  Glacial 
Lake  province,  permits  the  profitable  growing  of  fruit,  including  apples,  pears. 
and  grapes. 


218  SOILS   OF   THE  -UNITED   STATES. 

Dunkirk  stony  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  compact  yellow  silty  clay  loam. 
8  inches  deep,  containing  from  10  to  20  per  cent  of  small,  rounded  or  angular 
stones.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown,  yellowish  brown,  or  mottled  stiff  clay,  which 
becomes  very  sticky  and  plastic  when  wet.  The  stone  content  of  the  subsoil 
is  greater  than  that  of  the  soil.  The  type  is  probably  derived  from  an  old 
lake  sediment.  It  occurs  in  steeply  to  gently  sloping  areas,  characterized  by  a 
series  of  parallel  ridges  and  gullies.  At  the  maximum  elevation  the  surface  is 
rather  flat  and  the  soil  deeper;  although  there  is  usually  sufficient  surface  drain- 
age, the  underdrainage  is  retarded  by  the  very  compact  nature  of  the  subsoil, 
so  that  ditching  and  tiling  are  necessary.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  grapes, 
producing  about  4  tons  to  the  acre,  and  pears  and  apples  also  do  well.  Wheat 
and  grass  are  profitably  grown,  the  former  averaging  20  or  more  bushels  to  the 
acre  and  the  latter  from  1*  to  3  tons  of  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dunkirk  stony  clay 

New  York  1, 6, 15 

40.064 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY    CLAY   PHASE. 

The  presence  of  a  rather  large  proportion  of  silt  in  this  soil  is  beneficial  in 
ameliorating  the  otherwise  dense  character  of  a  clay  soil,  so  that  tillage  opera- 
tions are  carried  on  with  less  difficulty  and  the  soil  can  be  worked  under  a 
wider  range  of  moisture  conditions.  Judiciously  selected  areas  of  this  type 
can  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  late  potatoes  to  some  extent,  as  is  the 
case  with  the  Superior  clay,  which  also  possesses  more  than  ordinary  quantities 
of  silt.  Where  lighter  types  of  soil  can  be  secured  for  the  growing  of  root  crops, 
however,  this  type  should  be  left  for  the  production  of  grass  and  the  small 
grains. 

Orono  silty  clay. — The  soil  is  an  ashy-gray  silty  clay,  underlain  by  the  same 
material  several  feet  deep.  When  dry  it  is  darker  colored,  often  a  dark  bluish 
gray,  and  becomes  more  sticky  and  plastic.  It  is  free  from  stones  and  gravel. 
This  type  is  derived  from  stratified  drift  and  occupies  an  almost  continuous 
estuarine  and  glacial-lake  plain  below  the  230-foot  contour.  The  surface  is  level 
or  very  gently  undulating,  and  both  surface  and  subdrainage  are  Insufficient 
The  native  growth  w;is  white  birch  and  alder,  but  a  large  proportion  of  the  type 
is  cleared  and  under  cultivation.  It  is  an  excellent  grass  and  grain  soil  and  is 
extensively  used  for  general  farm  crops,  including  potatoes,  but  must  be  arti- 
ficially underdrained  to  insure  their  success.  Very  little,  if  any,  aoderdrainage 
has  been  attempted. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  aroa.i 

Miuif  2 

For  key  to  number  In  this  oolun 


GLACIAL   LAKE  AND  RIVER   TERRACE   PROVINCE.  219 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  miscellaneous  materials. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Muck 

Illinois  11;  Indiana  4,  5,  6,  10;  Iowa  1;  Maine  1;  Michigan  1,  2,        656.426 

Peat 

3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  10;  Minnesota  2;  New  Jersey  2;  New  York,  1, 
3,  5,  6,  8,  9,  10,  12,  13,  14,  17;  North  Dakota  4;  Ohio  3;  Ver- 
mont 1;  Wisconsin  6,  11,  12,  13,  16. 

Illinois  10;  Indiana  1,  3,  7;  Minnesota  1,  3;  New  York  2;  Ohio 
10;  Wisconsin  4,  10. 

Michigan  1,  4;  Minnesota  6;  New  York  5,  10;  North  Dakota  8, 
10;  Rhode  Island  1;  Wisconsin  13. 

Indiana  7;  Michigan  7,  8;  New  York  3, 14,  16;  Rhode  Island  1; 
Vermont  1. 

Michigan  4;  New  York  5,  10,  17;  Wisconsin  1 

120,320 

Dunesand 

56,506 

48,256 

13,888 
4,864 

4,224 

Swamp 

Marsh 

Coastal  beach,  beach  gravel, 

and  beach  sand. 
Tidal  marsh 

Rhode  Island  1 

Total 

904,484 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Bulletin  96,  Bureau  of  Soils,  U.  S.  Dept.  of 


>t   September,  1912. 


Solle  of  t!ie 


1 1 ]    : 

Yol-  Pea-   Wilts 

low   dish  eub- 


Yellow  Bubeoll 


TB.uk' 


uke-   I 
ha  Sub- 


Jb- 

jll   Cai- 


«t:r 


T 

Oener. 

ally 

oal- 

Sloux 


arlato 


Sandstone  Shale 
material 

nixed 


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SOILS  OF  THE  ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 

By  Hugh  H.  Bennett. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  constitute  one  of  the  most  important 
physiographic  divisions  of  the  United  States.  This  province  comprises  ap- 
proximately 365,000  square  miles  of  the  predominantly  flat  to  smoothly 
rolling  region  bordering  the  Atlantic  Ocean  and  extending  from  the  northern 
end  of  Long  Island  in  New  York  to  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Florida 
Peninsula  and  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande.  From 
a  narrow  strip  along  the  coast  of  Long  Island  the  Atlantic  division  of  this  great 
province  widens  southward  to  a  width  of  200  miles  in  North  Carolina,  becoming 
slightly  narrower  to  the  south,  and  again  approximating  a  width  of  200  miles 
at  Fernandina,  Fla.  The  distance  between  the  coast  at  Pensacola,  Fla.,  and  the 
inland  border  of  the  Gulf  division  of  the  Coastal  Plain  is  close  to  200  miles. 
From  this  point  the  province  broadens  rapidly  toward  the  Mississippi  River, 
until  the  maximum  width  for  the  entire  Coastal  Plain  province  is  reached  along 
the  meridian  from  the  Gulf  coast  near  the  Alabama-Mississippi  line  to  a  point 
near  the  Kentucky  line  in  the  neighborhood  of  Paris,  Tenn.,  a  distance  of  nearly 
450  miles.  The  distance  to  the  northern  inland  boundary  from  Galveston,  Tex., 
is  approximately  350  miles  and  to  the  western  boundary  about  225  miles. 

Between  New  York  City  and  Clanton,  Ala.,  the  inner  boundary  of  the  Coastal 
Plain  is  marked  by  the  border  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  This  boundary  line 
passes  approximately  through  New  Brunswick,  N.  J. ;  Chester,  Pa. ;  Wilming- 
ton, Del.;  Baltimore;  Washington;  Richmond;  Petersburg;  Raleigh;  Columbia; 
Augusta ;  and  Columbus,  Ga.  From  the  vicinity  of  Clanton,  Ala.,  the  line  runs 
in  a  northwesterly  direction  along  the  southern  border  of  the  Appalachian  Moun- 
tain system  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Mississippi,  and  thence  in  a  northerly 
direction  to  the  Kentucky  border  near  Paris,  Tenn. 

There  is  a  broad  gap  in  the  Gulf  Plain  represented  by  the  Mississippi  bottoms 
and  the  belt  of  loessial  soils  adjoining  the  bottoms  on  the  east  and  extending 
from  Kentucky  to  the  vincinity  of  Lake  Pontchartrain,  La.  Thus  the  western 
border  of  the  Gulf  Plain  east  of  the  Mississippi  River  is  approximately  marked 
by  a  line  extending  northeasterly  from  the  neighborhood  of  Hammond,  La., 
through  Jackson,  Miss.,  to  the  vicinity  of  Paris.  Tenn. 

West  of  the  Mississippi  the  Gulf  Plain  is  encountered  near  Little  Rock,  Ark., 
from  which  point  the  inland  boundary  skirts  the  Ozark  border,  embracing  a 
narrow  strip  of  southern  Oklahoma  as  far  west  as  Ardmore,  and  extends  south- 
westward  to  Brownwood,  Tex.,  thence  westerly  to  San  Angelo,  and  southward 
to  the  Mexican  border  near  Boquillas,  Mexico. 

The  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province  includes  roughly  the  seaward 
margin  of  Long  Island,  N.  Y.,  the  southern  two-thirds  of  New  Jersey,  nearly  all 
of  Delaware,  the  eastern  and  southern  two-thirds  of  Maryland,  the  eastern 
third  of  Virginia,  the  corresponding  part  of  North  Carolina,  the  eastern  half  of 
South  Carolina,  the  southeastern  half  of  Georgia,  all  of  Florida,  the  southern 
and  western  two-thirds  of  Alabama,  practically  all  of  the  eastern  half  of  Mis- 
sissippi, a  narrow  strip  in  western  Tennessee,  the  southern  one-third  of  Arkan- 
sas, a  narrow  strip  of  southeastern  Oklahoma,  the  western  two-thirds  of 
Louisiana,  and  the  eastern  and  southern  two-fifths  of  Texas. 

PHYSIOGRAPHY. 

In  its  general  aspect  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province  consists 
of  a  broad  plain  which  rises  gradually  either  from  sea  level  or  low  bluffs  along 
the  coast  to  the  border  of  the  higher  inland  regions  of  different  topographic 
forms,  namely,  (1)  the  Piedmont  Plateau,  representing  the  inner  border  of  the 

221 


222  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Atlantic  Coastal  Plain:  (2)  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands;  (3)  the  Appa- 
lachian Mountains  and  Plateaus,  marking  the  inland  boundary  of  the  eastern 
Gulf  division;  (4)  the  Ozark  and  Arbuckle  Mountains:  and  (5)  the  Residual 
Prairie  region,  defining  the  interior  limits  of  the  western  Gulf  division.  The 
inner  boundary,  representing  the  highest  part  of  the  main  province,  varies  from 
about  200  to  500  or  600  feet  above  sea  level.  This  region,  although  formerly  a 
plain  having  a  gradual  slope  from  the  sea  inland,  has  been  eroded  since  its 
uplift  above  sea  level  to  its  present  varying  topographic  features  of  low  to 
moderate  relief  as  compared  with  the  much  more  uneven  surface  of  the  Appa- 
lachian and  Piedmont  regions.  There  are,  here  and  there,  some  prominent  ele- 
vations between  the  coast  and  the  inner  border,  and  local  areas  have  been  so 
severely  eroded  that  their  surface  is  too  uneven  for  profitable  tillage. 

Several  well-defined  subordinate  topographic  features  are  included  in  the 
Coastal  Plains  province.  The  lowest  and  smoothest  division  is  embraced  in 
the  Flatwoods  region  of  the  Atlantic  and  eastern  Gulf  coast  and  its  prairie 
equivalent,  the  flat  Coastal  Prairies  of  Louisiana  and  Texas. 

FLATWOODS    AND    COASTAL    PRAIRIES. 

The  Atlantic  Flatwoods  region  assumes  importance  as  a  physiographic  fea- 
ture in  southeastern  Delaware,  extends  southward  as  a  narrow  fringe  along  the 
Maryland  coast,  includes  the  southern  end  of  the  Maryland-Virginia  peninsula 
and  the  country  lying  to  the  east  of  a  line  passing  approximately  through  York- 
town  and  Suffolk.  Va.,  crosses  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia  at 
a  distance  varying  from  20  to  40  miles  from  the  coast,  and  extends  across 
Florida,  through  Live  Oak,  to  the  vicinity  of  Appalachee  Bay.  This  includes 
a  portion  of  the  interior  Florida  Peninsula  which  does  not  have  the  charac- 
teristic flatness  of  the  typical  Flatwoods  region,  but  comprises  a  section  of 
hillocky  and  low,  ridgy  topography. 

Beginning  as  a  narrow  fringe  at  Moble,  Ala.,  and  widening  westward  to  nearly 
30  miles  in  central  Mississippi  is  another  strip  of  Flatwoods  which  is 
dominantly  of  the  same  topography  as  the  Atlantic  Flatwoods.  This  belt  merges 
into  the  Mississippi  alluvium  and  the  loessial  soil  regions  between  Pearl  River 
and  Lake  Pontchartrain. 

The  Flatwoods  belt  typically  has  the  appearance  of  a  dead-level  plain, 
.aried  occasionally  by  slight  sand  hillocks  and  ridges  and  shallow  valleys  of 
the  streams  rising  within  the  region.  The  average  inland  slope  is  close  to  2 
feet  to  the  mile,  although  many  broad  areas  have  a  gradient  of  less  than  I 
foot.  The  elevation  of  the  inland  border  ranges  roughly  from  15  to  30  feet 
between  Delaware  and  the  southern  Virginia  line,  40  to  50  feet  in  North 
Carolina,  50  to  100  feet  in  South  Carolina,  and  100  to  125  feet  in  Georgia  and 
Florida.  Between  the  coast  and  inner  border  of  the  Gulf  Flatwoods  there  is  a 
rise  of  approximately  50  to  75  feet. 

The  coast  line  of  most  of  this  region  is  marked  by  long  narrow  sand  bars 
and  barrier  islands,  fronted  on  the  ocean  side  with  a  narrow  ridge  of  dune 
sand  from  16  to  50  feet  high.  Coral  keys  take  the  place  of  the  Band  bars  and 
islands  about  the  SOUtben]  coast  of  the  Florida  Peninsula.  Generally  the  main- 
land, which  is  separated  from  the  bars  and  islands  by  sounds  and  tidal  marshes. 
from  ili«-  edge  of  the  water  or  tidal  marshes  in  a  distinct  bluff  scarp 
seldom  more  than  1<»  to  L6  feel  in  height  There  are  places,  however,  where 
the  mainland  slopes  imperceptibly  off  to  the  water  or  the  tidal  marsh.  The 
inland  boundary  Of  the  regiOD  is  marked  both  by  sudden  ami  gradual  rises  to 
the  older  and  more  rolling  inner  Coastal  Plain. 

on  accounl  of  the  flat   surface  the  drainage  over  the  greater  part  of  the 

Flat* 1-    Ll    poor.      With    the    exception    of    the    larger    streams    crossing    the 

.it.  such  as  the  .lames.  Roanoke,  pee  Dee,  Santee.  Savannah,  and  Altaniaha 
rs,    most    of    the    drainage    linds    its    way    through    Blight    depressions    and 

swampy  st  re., n.-  Id  which  there  is  usually  QO  well-defined  channel  and  but  a 
:isii     current       In     mam     sections    shallow    drainagewayi    are    numerous. 

Winding    in    and    out    and    Often    rejoining   each   other    to    form    an    interminable 

network  of  waterways.     Elsewhere  there  are  broad   stretches  with  but    few 

drainage  OUtletl   from  which  the  rain  water  fl0WI  off  and  seeps  down  so  slowly 

that    the   water    table    ll    permanently    maintained    near    the   surface.      Some   of 

11.-, t    Itretchec    whicb    support    only   a    sparse   growth    of   trees   are   locally 

called  ••  s;  ami  "prairie         0  er  some  of  the  flat  areas  haying  few 

outlets    for    the    removal    of    rain    water    the  drainage    is    so    poor    that    a    dense 

growth  of  ii  become  established.    These  '-bays," 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.      223 

"  pocosins,"  and  "  swamps  "  constitute  what  might  properly  be  considered  upland 
swamps. 

The  western  Gulf  equivalent  of  the  Flatwoods,  generally  known  as  the 
Coastal  Prairie,  comprises  a  coastal  strip  from  25  to  100  miles  wide,  begin- 
ning in  central  Louisiana  and  continuing  to  the  Mexican  border.  This  strip 
is  mainly  treeless  and  its  surface  is  so  flat  that  in  many  places  a  broad  view 
does  not  show  any  perceptible  variation  of  surface  contour.  •  Although  pre- 
senting little  topographic  diversity  throughout  its  main  extent,  local  areas  are 
slightly  dissected  by  streams  or  "  arroyos  "  or  are  billowy  as  a  result  of  drift- 
ing sand.  As  in  the  Flatwoods  region,  this  belt  is  dissected  by  conspicuous, 
broad-bottomed  valleys  of  the  larger  streams,  such  as  the  Colorado,  Brazos, 
Trinity,  and  Rio  Grande.  The  inland  boundary  is  approximately  marked  by 
the  100-foot  contour  line.  The  regional  drainage,  even  in  the  humid  portion 
of  the  section,  outside  of  the  Coastal  marsh  areas,  is  better  established  than 
in  the  Flatwoods  region  of  the  Atlantic  coast. 

INNER   COASTAL   PLAIN. 

The  higher  part  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains,  the  interior  division 
of  the  province,  covers  a  much  larger  area  and  is  far  more  varied  in  its  sur- 
face configuration  than  the  adjacent  Flatwoods  and  Coastal  Prairies.  Topo- 
graphically this  inner  division  varies  from  flat  to  hilly,  and  its  elevation  for 
the  greater  part  ranges  from  about  20  to  100  feet  along  the  outer  margin  to 
500  or  600  feet  along  the  inner  border.  The  region  is  prevailingly  one  of 
moderate  relief,  except  along  the  inner  margin,  where  the  land  is  generally 
deeply  dissected,  owing  to  long-continued  erosion  and  the  higher  elevation. 
There  are,  however,  irregularly  distributed  groups  of  hills  and  ridges  that  rise 
to  conspicuous  elevations,  occasionally  to  500  feet,  or  even  to  1.000  feet  in  south- 
western Texas.  With  these  occasional  exceptions,  including  the  steep  valley 
slopes  of  the  major  streams  which  have  cut  deep  trenches  through  the 
dominantly  soft  material  of  the  region,  the  surface  features  are  well  suited 
to  tillage  operations. 

North  of  the  Virginia-North  Carolina  line  the  greater  part  of  the  Coastal 
Plain  has  an  elevation  of  less  than  100  feet.  Within  the  narrow  fringe  along 
the  Piedmont  border  elevations  up  to  400  feet  are  reached,  with  here  and  there 
conspicuous  groups  of  outlying  hills.  The  Pleasant  Hills  of  northern  New 
Jersey,  for  example,  rise  to  an  elevation  of  391  feet.  The  highest  point  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  south  of  Maine  is  reached  in  the  Highlands  of  Navesink  on  the 
New  Jersey  coast,  with  an  elevation  of  276  feet  within  a  mile  of  the  ocean. 
This  is  the  only  conspicuous  coast  elevation  of  the  Atlantic  seaboard,  with  the 
exception  of  the  narrow  strips  of  sand  dune  which  stand  out  prominently  in 
places.  Over  most  of  the  North  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain  the  land  rises  gradually 
from  the  lower  beach  dunes  or  salt  marshes  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
inner  border,  where  there  is  usually  a  rather  sudden  ascent  to  the  higher 
Piedmont  hills.  The  topography  east  of  this  rolling  inner  rim  is  prevailingly 
undulating  to  gently  rolling. 

Fringes  of  low,  flat  estaurine  terraces  in  many  places  border  the  shores  of 
the  larger  bodies  of  water,  such  as  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  Bays,  and  the 
lower  embayments  of  streams  which  enter  them.  The  long,  narrow  "  river 
necks."  or  peninsulas,  usually  flat  topped,  developed  between  the  frequent  rivers 
and  creeks  entering  the  estuaries  constitute  a  distinctive  feature  of  the  North 
Atlantic  forelands.  The  estuarine  terraces  are  usually  marked  along  their 
outer  margins  by  distinct  scarps,  separating  them  from  the  adjacent  higher 
land.  The  greater  part  of  the  Maryland-Delaware- Virginia  peninsula  is  almost 
fiat  to  gently  rolling.  It  is  mainly  a  terraced  region,  the  higher  elevations  being 
reached  by  gently  sloping  to  undulating  terraces  or  plains.  That  portion  of 
"  Tidewater  Virginia  "  to  the  west  of  the  Flatwoods  is  gently  rolling  to  hilly 
near  the  outer  border,  or  about  the  same  topographically  as  southern  Maryland 
away  from  the  terraced  topography  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Potomac  forelands. 

In  North  and  South  Carolina  the  Coastal  Plain  swings  far  west  of  the  100- 
foot  elevation  line,  overlapping  the  Piedmont  rocks  at  an  altitude  ranging  front 
300  to  450  feet.  In  this  section  the  slope  over  a  distance  of  about  75  miles  be- 
tween the  Piedmont  and  the  Flatwoods  border  ranges  from  3  to  6  feet  to  the 
mile.  This  portion  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  with  few  unimportant  exceptions,  is 
characterized  by  undulating  to  gently  or  moderately  rolling  topography.  There 
are  but  few  broken  hills  and  ridges  and  only  a  small  extent  of  severely  eroded 
land. 


224  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Essentially  the  same  topography  of  moderate  relief  and  undissected  slopes 
prevails  over  the  greater  part  of  the  inner  Coastal  Plain  of  Georgia  and  eastern 
Alabama.  The  Piedmont  border  in  this  section  averages  considerably  higher 
than  to  the  north,  a  few  points  attaining  an  elevation  upward  of  700  feet.  The 
distance  from  the  margin  of  the  Flatwoods,  however,  is  much  greater  than  in 
the  regions  to  the  north,  making  the  gradient  very  nearly  the  same. 

A  strip  of  low  to  moderately  high,  irregularly  arranged  sand  hills,  from  5  to 
30  miles  wide,  borders  the  Piedmont  almost  uninterruptedly  from  the  vicinity  of 
Sanford,  N.  C,  to  the  vicinity  of  Auburn.  Ala.  Locally  the  region  is  known  as 
"The  Sand  Hills,"  on  account  of  the  peculiar  hillocky  to  hilly  topography  and 
the  excessively  sandy  texture  of  the  soils.  Another  region  of  peculiar  surface 
character  is  comprised  in  the  "  Lime  Sink"  section  of  southeastern  Georgia  and 
western  and  central  Florida.  The  abundance  of  rounded  and  elongated  sink 
holes  or  sink-hole  depressions  lends  a  distinctive  character  to  the  surface  of 
this  general  region.  In  the  country  about  Gainesville  and  Ocala,  Fla.,  there  is 
developed  an  unusually  broken  topography,  where  there  are  no  streams  and  no 
continuous  ridges.  Throughout  the  lime-sink  country  the  greater  part  and 
occasionally  all  of  the  surface  drainage  finds  its  way  through  subterranean  pas- 
sages into  the  limestone  platform  underlying  the  region.  Streams  frequently 
disappear  beneath  the  surface,  reappearing  in  other  locations. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Appalachee  and  Mobile  Bays  the  rolling  Coastal  Plain 
begins  very  close  to  or  borders  the  waters  of  the  Gulf,  there  being  no  important 
intervening  strip  of  flat  country  such  as  elsewhere  characterizes  nearly  the 
entire  seaward  border  of  the  Gulf  and  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain  south  of  New  York. 

A  rather  broad  belt  beginning  in  southwestern  Alabama,  to  the  west  of 
Greenville,  crossing  jnto  Mississippi,  and  extending  northwesterly  in  a  wide 
curve  to  the  border  of  the  loessial  soils  in  the  vicinity  of  Kosciusko,  embraces 
an  extensive  area  of  hilly  and  badly  dissected  land  which  is  too  rough  for  profit- 
able cultivation.  South  of  this  strip  of  rough  country  the  surface  is  generally 
moderately  rolling  and  well  suited  to  tillage,  although  occasional  sections  are 
too  hilly  and  gullied  for  the  easy  maintenance  of  a  profitable  agriculture. 

To  the  north  of  the  rolling  belt  of  southwestern  Alabama  and  central  Missis- 
si  ppi  is  a  curved  strip  of  moderately  rolling  to  rolling  topography  which  includes 
little  or  no  land  too  rough  for  cultivation.  Still  another  curved  belt  of  flat 
to  undulating  and  gently  rolling  country  ("Flatwoods")  adjoins  this  on  the 
DOlth,  and.  again,  to  the  north  of  this,  comes  in  the  "  Black  Prairie"  belt,  com- 
prising a  strip  of  flat  to  undulating  or  gently  rolling  mixed  "post-oak"  and 
prairie  land  about  25  miles  in  width,  which  swings  in  a  curved  line  from  the 
vicinity  of  DniOD  Springs,  .Ma.,  through  Macon.  Miss.,  to  the  Ten  icsscc  line  near 
Corinth.  Between  the  black  prairie  section  and  the  higher  lands  of  the  Appa- 
lachian and  Piedmont  regions  the  country  becomes  more  rolling  as  the  line  of 
contact  is  approached,  the  hills  rising  to  elevations  of  500  to  »;<x>  feet.  The 
former  more  uniform  character  of  this  inner  border  of  the  Coastal   Plain  has 

1 ii  almost  completely  obscured  here  through  long-continued  and  active  erosion, 

the  original  plains  features  haying  given  way  to  irregular  high  hills  and  ridges, 
steep  sloped  and  separated  by  gorge-like  valleys.  A  considerable  proportion  of 
this  border  belt  is  too  uneven  for  profitable  agriculture,  especially  along  the 
Appalachian  Mountain  border. 

West  of  the  Mississippi  Rivet  the  surface  features  of  the  Coastal  Plain  corre- 
spond   Closely    with    the    main    characteristics   of   that    portion    of    the   province 

lying  easl  of  the  river.    There  is  a  broad  strip  of  Hat  country  bordering  the 

■    which  rises  within  a  distance  varying  from  26  to  100  miles  to  an  elevation 

of  nearly  LOO  feet,  i  n<i  above  this  line  an  Inner  division  which  stretches  away 
toward  the  higher  hinterland  with  a  varied  topography  of  Sal  snd  gently  undu- 
lating prairies  to  hilly  and  ridgy  marginal  fringes. 

in  Louisiana  and  eastern  Texas  small  circular  mounds  of  unknown  origin 
are  of  freqoenl  occurrence,  often  giving  the  surface,  which  is  otherwise  flat  or 
undulating,  a  billowy  or  bumpy  appear,-. nee.  a  large  part  of  north-central  and 
central  Text  i  Li  occupied  by  the  "black  belt."  which  comprises  something  like 
40,000  square  miles  of  tint  to  undulating  ami  occasionally  rolling  prairies,  of 
somewhat  triangular  shape,  extending  from  the  Red  River  is  the  base  south- 
ward t<.  an  apei  in  the  vicinity  of  Ban  Antonio.  The  western  limits  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  border  the  higher  region  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds  and  the  residi  al 
prairies  of  southwest  Texas  'Phis  western  margin  possesses  the  rolling  topog- 
raphy characteristic  of  the  inner  border  of  the  entire  province,  although  here 
the  anevenness  is  probably  greater,  in  placet  at  least,  than  elsewhere. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.       225 

The  entire  inner  Coastal  Plain  division  is  for  the  most  part  well  drained. 
Streams  are  numerous  and  of  nearly  the  same  character  throughout  the  entire 
belt.  They  have  a  moderately  strong  current  and  broad  first  bottoms,  some  of 
which  are  more  than  10  miles  in  width.  A  well-developed  feature  in  connection 
with  the  drainage  system  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi  is  the  presence  of  one  or 
more  conspicuous  old  alluvial  terraces  along  nearly  all  the  important  streams. 
These  terraces,  representing  old  first  bottoms  of  streams  along  which  they  are 
developed,  now  stand  above  overflow.  Some  of  them  are  several  miles  in  width, 
and  in  places  reach  elevations  of  more  than  100  feet  above  the  first  bottom. 
Both  stream  and  marine  terraces  are  conspicuous  in  Virginia,  while  marine 
terraces  are  one  of  the  most  prominent  features  of  the  water-foreland  topog- 
raphy in  the  Maryland-Delaware-New  Jersey  section. 

Notwithstanding  the  local  diversity  throughout  the  vast  extent  of  the  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province,  a  fairly  close  similarity  in  surface  features, 
drainage  characteristics,  and  soil-forming  materials  is  maintained  over  the 
corresponding  sections  of  the  general  region. 

GEOLOGY. 

The  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  province  constitutes  a  vast  outwash  plain 
built  up  by  material  carried  down  by  the  regional  drainage  from  the  older 
mainlands  to  the  rear  (the  Piedmont  Plateau,  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and 
Plateaus,  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands,  the  Glacial  and  Loessial,  and  the 
Residual  Prairie  regions)  and  deposited  in  former  coastal  waters  through  a 
long  period  of  time  under  varying  conditions  of  sedimentation.  The  component 
particles  of  the  Coastal  Plain  soils  were  subject  to  the  abrasive  action  of  running 
water  in  their  progress  to  the  sea,  where  they  were  assorted  and  deposited,  the 
heavier,  coarser  particles  being  laid  down  close  to  shore  and  the  finer  silt  and 
clay  carried  out  into  deep  water.  Here  the  particles  were  again  ground  and 
worn  upon  each  other  by  the  agitation  of  tides  and  waves,  and  the  less  resistant 
thus  finely  comminuted.  Through  the  action  of  sea  water  there  has  resulted  an 
extensive  assorting  of  the  sedimentary  materials,  which  range  from  the  coarsest 
gravel  and  sand  to  the  finest  silt  and  clay,  and  under  the  powerful  abrasive 
action  of  running  water,  tides,  and  waves,  coupled  with  the  strong  solvent  power 
of  water,  the  less-resistant  minerals  have  been  worn  down  to  silt  and  clay  or 
dissolved,  leaving  the  harder  particles,  chiefly  quartz,  as  the  dominant  con- 
stituent of  the  Coastal  Plain  soils. 

These  wearing  and  dissolving  forces,  coincident  with  the  formation  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  soils,  have  in  all  cases,  regardless  of  geologic  age.  tended  toward 
a  simplification  in  the  mineralogical  constitution  of  the  soils  and  the  destruc- 
tion of  all  but  the  hardest  particles.  Water  thus  had  acted  in  the  dual  role  of 
simplifying  mineral  constitution  and  magnifying  textural  complexity  of  the 
coastal  sediments  at  the  time  of  their  uplift. 

While  it  is  not  possible  to  trace  the  origin  of  any  soil  type  of  the  Constal 
Plain  to  a  particular  rock  because  of  the  transformation  and  mixing  of  the 
original  particles,  there  are  present  in  some  regions  certain  constituents  which 
can  be  traced  to  definite  interior  regions.  Furthermore,  certain  soils,  from  these 
positions,  obviously  have  been  derived,  in  part  at  least,  from  one  or  more  of 
the  older  soil  provinces.  In  a  general  way  the  physiographic  position  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  with  reference  to  the  regions  to  the  rear  indicates  the  general 
regional  source  of  the  original  material. 

The  position  of  that  section  of  the  Coastal  Plain  to  the  north  of  the  Potomac 
River  and  along  the  shores  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay  with  reference  to  the  main 
drainage  lines  from  the  north,  the  Hudson,  Delaware,  and  Susquehanna  Rivers, 
is  such  as  to  make  it  obvious  that  probably  the  greater  part  of  the  material  is 
composed  of  the  mixed  wash  from  all  the  soils  of  the  drainage  basins  of  these 
streams.  This  would  include  material  from  the  glacial  region,  the  Appalachian 
Mountains,  the  Limestone  Valleys,  and  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  There  is  no 
other  position  of  the  Coastal  Plain  province  where  the  source  of  the  materia] 
can  be  the  same  in  so  far  as  shown  by  present  land  forms,  soil  provinces,  and 
drainage  systems.  The  fact  that  the  dominant  soils  here,  the  Sassafras  group, 
occur  in  no  other  part  of  the  Coastal  Plain  is  strongly  suggestive  that  similar 
conditions  as  to  origin  of  material  have  not  previously  existed  elsewhere  In  the 
region.  Ice-borne  bowlders  weighing  several  tons  are  not  uncommon  over  the 
Coastal  Plain  of  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland  at  a  distance  of  75  to  100  miles 
south  of  the  Piedmont  border. 

79G19— 13 15 


226  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Southward  from  the  Potomac  River  and  Chesapeake  Bay  to  the  vicinity  of 
the  Alabama  River  the  Coastal  Plain  sediments  have  been  largely  derived,  as 
judged  by  the  position  of  the  region  with  reference  to  interior  soil  provinces, 
from  the  soils  of  the  Piedmont  Plateau  and  Appalachian  Mountains,  modified 
somewhat  by  limestone  material  in  the  section  between  the  Potomac  and 
Roanoke  Rivers,  where  the  streams  have  their  sources  in  the  Limestone  Valleys. 
Chert  gravel  is  not  present  in  any  conspicuous  amount  south  of  the  Roanoke 
River  until  the  region  in  which  drainage  from  the  Limestone  Valleys  is  reached. 
This  absence  of  chert  indicates  the  absence  of  limestone  material  from  the 
soils  of  this  part  of  the  Coastal  Plain.  From  the  Alabama  River  section  to 
the  loessial  belt  bordering  the  Mississippi  bottoms  east  of  the  river,  beneath 
which  the  Coastal  Plain  deposits  disappear,  chert  gravel  is  abundant,  furnishing 
proof  of  the  presence  of  limestone  material  and  indicating  the  Appalachian 
Mountains  and  Limestone  Valleys  to  the  north  and  northeast  as  being  the 
chief  regional  sources  of  the  soil  material. 

A  group  of  soils  such  as  the  Crowley,  Acadia,  and  Landry,  occurring  in  the 
smooth,  low  country  skirting  the  Mississippi  bottoms,  which  has  been  classed  as 
belonging  to  the  Coastal  Plain,  are  prevailingly  high  in  silt.  This  silr  content, 
together  with  the  location  of  the  soils  with  respect  to  the  Mississippi  River. 
suggests  that  much  of  the  material  had  its  source  in  the  glacial  ami  loessial 
regions  to  the  north,  having  been  conveyed  to  its  present  position  by  the 
Mississippi. 

The  soil  forming  the  material  of  the  Coastal  Plain  west  of  the  Mississippi 
River  in  the  eastern  division  is  doubtless  derived  chiefly  from  the  soils  of  the 
Ozark  Uplift,  while  that  of  the  central  and  western  portions  undoubtedly  came 
from  the  soils  of  the  Residual  Prairie  region. 

In  addition  to  the  variation  in  the  character  of  the  Coastal  Plain  sediments, 
due  to  the  different  sources  of  origin,  and  the  degree  of  comminution  and  elu- 
triation  as  determined  by  distance  transported  and  the  conditions  governing 
deposition,  still  other  divergencies  have  resulted  from  the  deposition  o\'  matter 
<•:  rried  in  solution,  particularly  calcareous  material,  through  the  interposition  of 
marine  life.  The  remains  of  shellfish  and  other  forms  of  sea  life  carrying  lime 
extracted  from  the  water  constitute  the  bulk  of  the  calcareous  material  found 
in  the  various  marls  and  soft  and  hard  limestones  throughout  the  province. 

There  were  probably  emergences  and  resubmergeuces  of  the  sea  floor  during 
the  building  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  and  there  undoubtedly  were  variations,  from 
time  to  time,  in  the  source  of  the  material  and  in  the  manner  of  its  de-position. 
Possibly  some  of  the  material  was  simply  washed  down  from  the  Land  areas 
.  nd  spread  out  as  broad  alluvial  fans.  At  any  rate  the  Coastal  Plain  province 
comprises  a  succession  of  hells  representing  geological  formations  ol'  differenl 
age,  in  most  of  which  there  is  some  distinctive  peculiarity  of  topography, 
structure,  or  component  material.  The  older  .hMn.sits  constitute  the  Interior 
belts  which  conform  in  direction  with  the  outer  rims  of  the  older  rear  land 
are:is.  Later  deposits  were  laid  down  successively  over  the  older  ones,  and 
each  belt  has  a  general  slope,  either  toward  the  present  coast  or  toward  the  coast 

iis  it  existed  Immediately  subsequent  to  the  period  of  deposition.    Thus,  along 

the  Atlantic  coast  the  slope  is  to  the  east  and  south,  in  Alabama  il  is  almost 
due  south,  along  the  Mississippi  it  is  toward  the  bottoms  on  both  sides,  and  in 
Texas  il    IS  toward   the  shores  of  the  Gulf  Of  Mexico.     All   the  geological   forma 

lions  represented   in  the  Coastal   Plain  do  aot    reach  the  surface  everywhere, 

since  in   some  Instances  they  have  been  covered  by   later  deposits  and   in  others 

removed  by  erosion. 

son.-. 

since  the  Onal  emergence  of  the  Coastal  Plain  deposits  many  changes  have 
These  represent  mainly  the  effects  of  oxidation,  percolation,  and 
running  water,  and  modifications  due  to  the  action  of  organic  life.  Oxidation, 
governed  It  rgely  by  drainage  conditions  and  porosity  of  the  deposits,  has  been 
largely  Instrumental  In  the  development  of  the  many  shades  of  red  yellow,  and 
brown  presented  in  the  varied  soils  of  the  region.  Accumulated  decaying  \<M-r<' 
intion  accounts  for  the  Mack  and  dark  gray  colors,  while  the  leaching  effects 
of  percolating  and  running  water  and  the  consequent  Inhibition  of  oxidation 
through  the  exclusion  of  air  are  mainly  responsible  for  the  gray  and  white 
colors  of  the  soils,     percolating  water  ba  »d  in  currying  the  Oner  par 

tides  from  the  Burface  zone  down  t<-  greater  depths,  while  running  water  has 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.       227 

been  a  powerful  agent  in  changing  the  texture  of  the  original  deposits  over 
local  areas  by  washing  out  the  finer  particles.  The  degree  of  textural  change 
through  the  removal  of  the  finer  particles  has  depended  considerably  upon  the 
local  character  of  the  topography.  On  ridges  and  slopes  the  fine  material  has 
washed  more  completely  and  to  a  greater  depth  than  on  the  level  areas,  leaving 
deep  sand  beds. 

Drain? ge  has  been  the  determining  factor  in  the  development  of  the  soils  of 
the  Flatwoods  and  has  governed  the  degree  of  weathering,  which  has  consisted 
chiefly  of  the  oxidation  of  the  contained  iron  and  salts  and  the  accumulation  of 
organic  matter  in  the  soil. 

In  the  semiarid  western  portion  of  the  province,  where  the  materials  have 
been  brought  down  from  regions  of  soils  having  a  high  salt  content,  the  low 
rainfall  has  not  favored  the  leaching  out  of  the  soluble  salts.  As  a  result  the 
soils  contain  more  water-soluble  salts  than  is  the  case  in  the  humid  portion 
of  the  provinces,  where  excessive  leaching  has  been  a  natural  corollary  of  the 
heavy  rainfall. 

While  most  of  the  soils  of  the  Coastal  Plain  have  probably  been  derived 
from  unconsolidated  sedimentary  material,  there  is  a  large  aggregate  area  which 
represents  the  residual  products  from  the  decay  of  consolidated  sediments,  such 
as  the  hard  limestones  of  Florida  and  Georgia  and  the  soft  and  hard  limestones 
of  Alabama,   Mississippi,  and  Texas. 

The  most  important  soil  series  of  the  North  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain  are  the 
sandy  members  of  the  Sassafras,  Elkton,  and  Collington.  The  Sassafras  soils 
are  by  far  the  most  important  in  extent  and  agricultural  value.  South  of  the 
Chesapeake  Bay  and  Potomac  River  the  sands,  sandy  loams,  and  fine  sandy 
loams  of  the  Norfolk  series  embrace  the  greater  proportion  of  the  area  to  the 
latitude  of  central  South  Carolina.  These  soils  are  also  of  much  importance 
throughout  the  entire  region  west  of  this  point  to  the  Mississippi  loessial  belt. 
West  of  the  Mississippi  the  Norfolk  continues  as  a  fairly  important  series,  espe- 
cially the  sand  types.  In  the  Flatwoods  belt  the  sands,  fine  sandy  loams,  sandy 
loams,  clay  loams,  and  silt  loams  of  the  Portsmouth,  Coxville,  Scranton,  and 
Plunimer  series  constitute  the  most  important  soils.  These  are  types  of  poor 
to  only  moderate  drainage. 

The  sandy  Norfolk  and  Orangeburg  soils  are  of  about  equal  extent  aud  im- 
portance over  the  inner  Coastal  Plain  from  the  latitude  of  central  South  Caro- 
lina to  the  Savannah  River.  Between  the  Savannah  and  Chattahoochee  Rivers 
the  sandy  members  of  the  Tifton,  Orangeburg,  and  Norfolk  are  the  most  ex- 
tensively developed  soils  above  the  Flatwoods  border,  with  the  exception  of  the 
lime-sink  section  of  southwest  Georgia,  where  the  Greenville,  Grady,  Tifton, 
and  Orangeburg  are  the  prominent  series,  with  a  range  in  texture  of  the  im- 
portant types  from  coarse  sand  to  clay  loam.  That  portion  of  the  Flatwoods 
lying  within  southeast  Georgia  and  Florida  is  occupied  to  a  large  extent  by 
the  deep,  sandy  Leon  soils,  which  give  the  region  its  dominant  white  surface 
appearance.  The  Leon  and  Portsmouth  sands  are  very  extensive  soils  through- 
out the  Florida  peninsula,  north  of  the  Everglades  region.  Central  Florida 
includes  large  areas  of  heavy  and  sandy  residual  limestone  soils,  represented 
chiefly  by  the  Gainesville  and  related  series. 

The  western  panhandle  of  Florida  and  that  portion  of  southern  Alabama  and 
Mississippi  lying  approximately  between  the  Flatwoods  and  the  latitude  of 
Hattiesburg,  Miss.,  is  occupied  largely  by  the  sandy  members  of  the  Norfolk, 
Ruston.  and  Orangeburg  series  and  both  the  heavy  and  sandy  types  of  the 
Greenville,  with  a  fair  area  of  heavy  Susquehanna  and  light  Tifton  soils.  The 
Susquehanna,  Norfolk.  Ruston.  and  Orangeburg,  with  heavy  and  light  members. 
are  the  important  series  of  northern  Alabama  and  Mississippi,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  heavy  Houston  and  Oktibbeha  soils,  occupying  the  greater  portion 
of  the  Black  Prairie  belt  of  central  Alabama  and  northeastern  Mississippi. 

The  .low  Coastal  Plain  country  bordering  the  Mississippi  bottoms  in  south- 
ern Louisiana,  southeast  Texas,  and  southeast  Arkansas  is  dominated  by  the 
mixed  prairie  and  timbered,  silty  soils  of  the  Crowley.  Acadia.  Monroe,  and 
Landry  scries.  In  eastern  Texas,  above  the  low  Coastal  Prairies,  and  in  south- 
eastern  Arkansas  the  light  and  heavy  grades  of  the  Susquehanna,  Caddo,  and 
Norfolk  soils  constitute  the  most  important  land  areas,  while  in  central  Texas 
these,  with  the  heavy,  calcareous  soils  of  the  Crockett  and  Wilson  series,  are 
collectively  the  most  important.  The  western  portion  of  the  Texas  Coastal 
Plain  comprises  mainly  the  heavy  members  of  the  Houston  and  Webb  series. 
In  the  flat  coastal  belt  the  heavy  Victoria  and  Lomalto  soils  are  the  most 
prominent. 


228 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


The  soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plain  provinces  are  thus  seen  to  be 
very  diversified.  They  comprise  a  suthcient  range  to  texture  and  climate  to 
support  a  highly  varied  agriculture.  There  are  included  a  tremendous  area 
of  medium  to  excellent  general-farming  soils  and  vast  tracts  of  special-purpose 
soils  preeminently  adapted  to  highly  specialized  industries  requiring  the  most 
intensive  and  expensive  methods  of  cultivation. 

A  large  portion  of  the  soils  are  predominantly  sandy,  easy  to  cultivate,  and 
outside  of  tin-  low  coastal  belts,  usually  well  drained.  Their  open  structure 
makes  for  thorough  aeration,  with  consequent  susceptibility  to  severe  leaching 
and  rapid  depletion  of  the  organic  content.  Where  properly  supplied  with 
organic  matte'-,  fertilized,  and  cultivated,  millions  of  acres  of  these  san  ly  lands 
are  being  profitably  used  in  the  production  of  a  great  variety  of  crops,  such  as 
cotton,  corn.  oats,  forage  crops,  peanuts,  a  large  number  of  vegetables,  melons, 
small  fruits,  peaches,  plums,  oranges,  and  pineapples. 

There  are  also  within  this  province  large  areas  of  fine-textured  soils  that 
require  heavier  implements  and  equipment.  These  are  not  so  rapidly  depleted, 
partly  for  the  reason  that  they  are  not  so  readily  leached  nor  so  thoroughly 
aerated,  requiring  less  heavy  fertilization  than  the  sandier  lands. 

CLIMATE. 

The  climate  ranges  from  the  subtropical  immediately  along  the  Gulf  coast  to 
the  moderately  temperate  in  the  latitude  of  New  York.  The  soils  are  favored  in 
their  proximity  to  the  Ocean  and  Gulf,  which  insures  a  warmer  and  more 
equable  winter  and  spring  climate  than  is  found  in  other  parts  of  the  eastern 
half  of  the  United  States.  For  these  reasons  they  have  a  monopoly  of  the  mar- 
kets of  a  very  large  part  of  the  country  for  fresh  vegetables  and  fruits  for  six 
months  of  the  year,  or  from  about  January  1  to  July  1.  On  account  of  the 
great  range  in  latitude — over  a  thousand  miles  in  actual  distance — and  the 
rather  slow  advance  of  spring  northward,  as  well  as  the  difference  in  time  of 
maturity  of  crops  on  the  different  grades  of  soil,  as  indicated  in  subsequent 
pages,  a  constant  daily  supply  of  fresh,  perishable  vegetables  and  fruits  is 
poured  into  the  northern  markets  during  the  first  half  of  the  year.  After  this 
period  the  season  has  advanced  to  a  point  where  the  supply  is  drawn  in  a 
similar  progressive  manner  from  the  various  types  of  soil  belonging  mainly  t<> 
the  glacial-soil  provinces. 

An  idea  of  this  progressive  movement  of  the  sources  of  supply  of  vegetables, 
due  both  to  the  advance  of  the  season  from  south  to  north  and  to  the  influence 
of  soil  texture,  is  given  in  the  following  table: 

Market  periods  for  fresh  vegetables  for  the  six  months  January  to  -June,  and  the 
relative  order  of  the  supply  from  localities  and  from  different  BOH  types  in 
each  locality. 


Locality. 

First 
period. 

Second 
period. 

Third  period. 

Fourth 
IR'riod. 

Fifth  period. 

Sixth  period. 

Sana. 



Fine  sand  , . 
Band;  loam. 

I'inr  aand; 

loam 

Loam 

Fine  aand. 

Band 

Pino  aand. . . 

Band;  loam. 

Pint 
loam. 

Band;  loam. 

North  Carolina 

Band 

Fine  aand. 
Bandy  laam , 

Fine     sandy 

South  Carolina 

Band 

Fint  •  and 

loam. 
Loam 

i  and  Florida 

Band.. 

S:lt  loam 

Baefc  of  the  Localities  named  can  in  normal  seasons  cum  on  a  margin  of 
10  days  t..  -j  vreeka  advance  in  crop  maturity  over  the  Locality  m'\t  in  order 
to  the  north  within  which  crops  can  be  marketed  ut  the  greatest  profit  There 
is,  furthermore  d  similar  Interval  of  i<>  days  to  a  weeks  in  the  time  of  maturity 
>f  csopf  on  the  several  different  classes  of  soil  existing  under  similar  conditions 
a"  drainage  Id  the  districts  named.     The  earliest   vegetables  come  from  the 

light,   porous,   well-drained,  :ind   warm,   dry   sands.     The  yields   from   such    very 

early  soils  are  Light  unless  heavily  fertilised;  the  quality  of  certain  of  these 
crops  is  nut.  as  a  rale,  the  best  a  number  of  the  rapidly  grown  vegetables 
from  these  s.uis  are  perishable  and  do  not  stand  transportation  well,  both  on 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


229 


account  of  poor  quality  and  the  tendency  of  the  truckers  to  ship  in  an  immature 
state.  They  usually  bring  high  prices,  however,  because  of  the  great  demand 
and  the  limited  supply  on  the  markets. 

The  crop  from  the  fine  sand  maturing  about  10  days  later  gives  a  larger 
yield,  which  compensates  for  the  earlier  entrance  into  the  markets  of  the 
products  from  the  more  sandy  soils  of  the  next  northern  locality.  Georgia, 
for  example,  can  not  compete  in  the  northern  markets  with  truck  grown  on  her 
heavier  soils,  simply  because  at  the  time  it  matures  there  is  such  a  wide  range 
of  soils  in  more  northern  localities  rushing  vegetables  over  an  ever  decreasing 
length  of  haul  to  the  great  markets. 

Conditions  with  respect  to  the  soils  of  Texas  and  Louisiana  are  somewhat 
different  in  that  they  can  continue  for  a  longer  time  to  supply  the  great  markets 
of  the  Middle  West,  including  Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Kansas  City,  Omaha,  St. 
Paul,  and  Minneapolis,  as  there  is  less  competition  from  more  northern  locali- 
ties and  a  wider  textural  range  of  soil  types  which  can  be  used  for  early 
vegetables  than  can  profitably  be  used  in  the  more  eastern  and  northern  parts 
of  the  province. 

Throughout  the  humid  portion  of  the  province,  which  comprises  the  major 
portion  of  the  region  lying  to  the  east  of  central  Texas,  general  and  specialized 
farming  are  conducted  upon  approximately  the  same  general  lines.  Certain 
crops  with  their  peculiar  methods  of  culture,  however,  are  confined  to  different 
ranges  of  temperature,  as  for  example  the  citrus  fruit  industry,  which  is 
restricted  to  the  Gulf  border.  Rice  and  sugar  cane  are  confined  to  the  Gulf 
States,  Georgia,  and  South  Carolina ;  cotton  to  the  south  of  the  latitude  of 
Norfolk,  Va. ;  timothy  to  the  north  of  Norfolk.  Crops  like  corn,  cowpeas,  and 
vegetables  can  be  successfully  grown  under  the  same  methods  of  treatment 
from  Texas  to  New  York.  In  the  semiarid  western  portion  of  the  provinces 
irrigation  is  necessary  for  best  results  with  all  crops,  but  certain  drought- 
resistant  plants,  such  as  cotton,  sorghum,  milo  maize,  and  kafir  corn  are  grown 
with  better  results  than  the  more  susceptible  crops  such  as  corn,  wheat,  oats, 
and  potatoes. 

In  addition  to  the  limitations  imposed  by  climate,  the  soil  itself  has  a 
tremendous  influence  upon  the  success  of  agriculture  in  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
Coastal  Plain.  The  various  types  have  unequal  agricultural  values  and  unlike 
adaptations,  and  should  be  farmed  in  accordance  with  their  individual  adapta- 
tions to  crops. 

Of  the  60,119,138  acres  surveyed  in  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains 
province,  there  are  2,209,536  acres  where  the  material  or  series  is  known, 
but  the  types  have  not  been  differentiated,  and  1,845,342  acres  of  miscellaneous 
material. 

There  have  been  39,150,626  acres  surveyed  on  the  detail  scale  of  an  inch  to  a 
mile,  and  22,420.224  acres  on  the  reconnoissance  scale  of  4  to  6  miles  to  the 
inch  in  Texas,  from  the  total  of  which  must  be  deducted  1,451.712  acres  which 
have  been  overlapped  in  the  maps  as  published. 

Of  the  56,064,260  acres  of  soil  types  and  phases  which  have  been  differen- 
tiated, the  following  table  shows  the  amount  and  proportion  of  each  grade  of 
material : 


Grade. 

Acres. 

Per  cent. 

j 

Grade. 

Acres. 

Percent. 

5,230,016 

9.3  : 

Silt  loams 

2, 284, 562 

4.0 

6,108,270  1           10.9  , 
7,681,334               13.7  1 

Clay  loams 

3,372,704                6.2 

Clays 

6,744,830               12.0 

19,603,248 
5,039,296 

34.9  : 
9.0 

Total 

56,064,260             100.0 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 


Acadia  series. — The  surface  soils  are  light  gray  or  white  with  mottled  gray 
and  yellow  or  gray,  yellow,  and  red  friable  subsoils,  carrying  lime  nodules  and 
iron  concretions.  They  are  derived  mainly  from  reworked  loessial  material. 
The  surface  configuration  is  gently  rolling  and  is  apparently  the  result  of 
erosion  of  former  prairie  soils.  The  series  is  timbered  with  pine,  oak.  gum,  hick- 
ory, and  some  cypress  in  the  lower,  poorer  drained  situations.  The  Acadia  soils 
are  typically  developed  in  close  association  with  the  prairies  of  Louisiana  and 


230 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Arkansas.     They  are  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  cotton,  corn,  peas,  and 
oats.     Wild  grasses  and  lespedeza  can  be  grown  for  grazing  purposes. 

Area  and  distribution  (>t  the  soil  of  the  Acadia  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Acadia  silt  loam 

Arkansas  4;  Louisiana  1 

225,792 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Alloncay  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  reddish-brown.  The  sub- 
soils consist  of  a  gray,  yellow,  or  mottled  gray,  yellow,  and  red,  stiff,  plastic 
heavy  clay.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling,  the  country  hav- 
ing rather  poor  drainage  on  account  of  the  impervious  subsoil.  The  soils  are 
typically  developed  in  the  Coastal  Plains  of  New  Jersey.  They  seem  to  be 
related  to  both  the  Elkton  and  Susquehanna  series.  By  improving  the  drainage 
conditions  fair  yields  of  grass  and  grains  can  be  secured. 

and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Allotcay  aeries. 


Soil  name. 


Alloway  clay New  Jersey  1,  3 


State  or  area. ' 


Acres. 


22,484 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Beer  Hie  scries. — This  series  has  light-gray  surface  soils  with  gray  or  mottled 
gray  subsoils  of  plastic,  sticky  clay.  The  soils  occupy  terrace-like  areas  along 
streams,  probably  representing  an  inland  extension  of  the  Pleistocene  formation 
of  the  flat  coastal  region  of  southwest  Texas.  Little  of  the  land  is  under 
cultivation,  the  greater  part  supporting  a  growth  of  mesquite,  chaparral,  and 
live  oak,  with  some  grass.  The  agricultural  value  is  prevailingly  rather  low, 
I  he  general  farm  crops  not  doing  well.  Iu  years  of  favorable  rainfall  early 
truck  crops  have  been  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Beeville  scriis. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Anv- 

Texas 12,  28 

il  7, 504 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  73:5. 

BerzeUa  series. — These  soils  are  marked  by  their  grayish  to  almost  white 
OOlor  and  by  the  yellowish  to  white  color  and  chalky  character  of  the  subsoil, 
which  consists  principally  of  kaolin,  with  a  scattering  of  mica  Hakes.  The 
material  represents  Hays  and  clay  shales  encountered  in  various  places  on  the 

Piedmont   Coastal  Plain  border  and  used  in  the  manufacture  of  kaolin  products. 
The  soils  are  <>f  low  agricultural  value. 

and  distribution  of  the  soils  <>\   tin    l(<r:<  liu  srri>  <. 


Soil  name. 


sin  loam 


Stale  01 


Total 


1   lor  kr\  Id  numbtt  in  tln>  column  IC 


B83 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


231 


Bienville  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  light  brown,  with  light 
brown  or  orange  colored  subsoils.  They  are  derived  from  reworked  loessial 
material.  The  types  occur  as  hummocky  areas  in  or  adjacent  to  the  recent 
stream  deposits,  but  are  seldom  if  ever  overflowed.  They  are  fairly  productive 
soils,  suited  to  trucking  and  general  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bienville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bienville  fine  sand 

Texas  9 

384 

fine  sandy  loam 

6,336 

Total 

6,720 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bladen  series. — This  series  is  characterized  by  a  thin  mantle  of  gray  to  black 
surface  soil.  The  subsoils  consist  of  mottled  brownish,  yellow,  and  gray  heavy 
plastic  clay.  The  members  occupy  flat  depressions  which  appear  to  have  been 
recently  under  tidal  marsh  conditions.  The  series  is  apparently  intermediate 
between  Tidal  Marsh  and  the  Coxville  soils.  It  differs  from  the  latter  in  not 
being  so  well  drained  and  in  the  absence  of  red  in  the  subsoil.  The  members 
are  characteristically  developed  in  close  association  with  Tidal  Marsh  and  have 
been  very  little  used  for  agriculture.  The  soils  are  derived  from  the  reworking 
of  Piedmont-Appalachian  material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bladen  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Bladen  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

clay  loam 

clay 


Georgia  10. 

, do.... 

do.... 

do.... 

Georgia  3.. 


2,048 

14,592 

960 

19,776 

3,648 


Total. 


41,024 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Boeuf  series. — The  surface  soils  are  brown,  with  yellow  plastic  subsoils. 
The  members  occupy  low  areas  in  the  vicinity  of  drainageways,  and  are  usually 
found  associated  with  the  loessial  soils.  They  are  derived  from  Piedmont- 
Appalachian  material.  Where  the  loessial  mantle  hap  been  removed  good  yields 
of  cotton  and  corn  are  obtained.  These  soils  should  be  well  suited  to  vege- 
tables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Boeuf  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Boeuf  fine  sandy  loam 

Louisiana  6 

320 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Bradley  scries. — The  surface  soils  are  grayish  aud  sandy.  The  subsoils  are 
predominantly  red,  slightly  mottled  with  yellow  or  gray,  and  have  a  clay  tex- 
ture. The  series  represents  soils  having  a  thin  surface  mantle  of  Coastal  Plain 
material  (Norfolk)  over  residual  Piedmont  material  (mainly  Cecil).  These 
soils  are  developed  most  extensively  near  the  junction  of  the  Coastal  Plain  and 
Piedmont,  or  in  that  region  where  there  is  an  overlapping  of  sedimentary 
material  made  up  of  reworked  Piedmont-Appalachian  material  upon  residual 
Piedmont  material.  They  are  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  thai  region, 
principally  corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  cotton. 


232  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bradley  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bradley  sandy  loam 

Alabama  8;  North  Carolina  15,  23;  Virginia  5 

76.992 

gravelly  sandy  loam. . 
coarse  sandy  loam 

Alabama  8,  14;  North  Carolina  15 

23,232 
10,560 

Georgia  5 

Total 

110,784 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Brennan  series. — This  series  consists  of  gray  calcareous  soils  containing  a 
small  amount  of  humus  and  a  large  amount  of  lime.  They  have  been  derived 
from  Pleistocene  deposits  occurring  in  broad  valleys  of  the  inner  Gulf  Coastal 
Plains.  The  soils  are  closely  related  to  both  the  Zapata  and  Victoria  series. 
The  more  level  topography,  absence  of  greater  depth  to  the  underlying  rock. 
and  a  higher  agricultural  value  are  the  striking  features  of  this  series  as 
compared  with  the  former.  The  lighter  color,  larger  lime  content,  and  smaller 
percentage  of  humus  distinguish  these  from  the  Victoria  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Brennan  Beriee. 


Soil 

name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Texas  27 

do 

...      1.108,224 

142,848 

Texas  28 

142.  MS 

Total 

1,393,920 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Caddo  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  yellow  in  color.  The  subsoils  are  mottled 
gray  and  yellow,  or  gray,  yellow,  and  red,  and  of  rather  stiff  structure.  Low, 
sandy  mounds  or  hummocks  over  the  surface  are  a  feature  of  the  series.  In 
some  places  the  subsoil  has  a  pronounced  grayish  color,  while  in  others  it  is 
mottled  yellow  and  gray.  These  soils  are  typically  developed  in  slightly  de- 
pressed upland  areas  of  imperfect  drainage,  frequently  about  the  heads  of 
streams.  Some  areas  occupy  higher  situations  and  have  better  drainage. 
Water  frequently  stands  in  the  depressions  between  the  mounds,  making  arti- 
ficial drainage  necessary  to  secure  the  best  results  with  crops.  The  timber 
growth  consists  principally  of  post  oak,  water  oak,  pin  oak,  sweet  gum.  and 
ash.  Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal  crops,  while  peaches  have  been  grown 
with  a  fair  degree  of  success  on  some  of  the  higher  areas.  These  soils  are 
most  extensively  and  typically  developed  In  northwestern  Louisiana  and 
northeastern  Texas,  where  loessial  material  has  been  reworked  and  spread  out. 

i"'/  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Caddo  aeries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

18,970 

tin'-  ■  ;iii'lv  louin 

173,038 

51,380 

Tote] 

237,278 

1  I -oi  fa  y  tO  QUmbttl  ill  this  column  sec  p.  733. 
Chcstrr/h  hi    scrii  s.     The    Mill    IN    generally    gray     in    COlor,    with    friable. 

yellow  subsoils.  The  leriea  represent  soils  having  a  thin  layer  of  Coastal 
plain  material  (Norfolk)  overlying  residua]  Piedmont  aiaterial  (mainly  Dur- 
ham). The  member!  are  developed  near  the  junction  of  the  Ooaatal  Plain  and 
Piedmont,    or    where    there    ll    an    overlapping   of   sedimentary    upon    residual 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


233 


material.    They  are  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region,  principally 
corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chesterfield  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

95,680 
52,480 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

Alabama  14;  Virginia  5 

Total 

148, 160 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Collington  series. — The  surface  soils  are  brown  to  reddish  brown  in  color. 
The  subsoils  are  dark  green  to  olive  green  and  contain  larger  quantities  of 
glauconitic  sands.  These  soils  are  typically  derived  from  the  greensand  deposits 
of  the  Maryland,  Delaware,  and  New  Jersey  portion  of  the  Coastal  Plains,  ex- 
tensively modified  by  deep  sea  accretions,  and  are  found  in  the  key  under 
Glacial-Piedmont-Appalachian  material.  The  surface  configuration  varies  from 
nearly  flat  to  gently  rolling  and  drainage  is  good.  In  some  places  erosion  has 
been  active,  exposing  patches  of  unproductive  clay.  When  properly  handled 
and  supplied  with  organic  matter  good  yields  of  wheat,  corn,  oats,  rye,  tobacco, 
Irish  potatoes,  sweet  potatoes,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  are  obtained.  Straw- 
berries, pears,  and  peaches  have  been  successfully  grown.  The  series  is 
especially  well  suited  to  the  growth  of  nursery  stock. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Collington  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1,216 

152,486 

320 

Maryland  1,  8;  New  Jersey  1,  3 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

Maryland  1 

Total 

154, 022 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Coxville  series. — The  series  comprises  dark  gray  to  nearly  black  soils  derived 
from  the  quiet  or  deep  water  deposits  of  the  Columbia  formation.  The  subsoils 
range  from  a  moderately  mellow,  friable  clay  in  the  upper  portion  to  yellowish, 
rather  plastic,  compact  clay  mottled  with  drab  and  bright  red  in  the  lower  por- 
tion. The  topography  is  prevailingly  flat,  with  frequent  sparsely  timbered  areas. 
The  treeless  lands  are  found  on  the  savannas  of  the  seaward  portion  of  the 
Atlantic  Coastal  Plain  formed  of  material  brought  down  by  the  larger  rivers 
from  the  Piedmont-Appalachian  region.  Most  of  the  types  are  so  flat  that 
water  stands  on  the  surface,  making  open  ditching  necessary  before  they  can 
be  successfully  used  for  agriculture.  The  soils  are  admirably  adapted  to  cot- 
ton, corn,  oats,  and  certain  varieties  of  strawberries.  When  well  drained  they 
are  even  more  productive  than  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Norfolk 
series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Coxville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Coxville  very  fine  sand 

3,904 

14,336 

coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

15, 552 

South  Carolina  7,  10 

150, 784 

Georgia  3,  10;  South  Carolina  7 

38,016 

17,408 

Georgia  2;  North  Carolina  25;  South  Carolina  10 - 

Georgia  3;  South  Carolina  7,  10 

22,144 

17,280 

Total  . 

279, 424 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


234 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Crockett  series. — The  surface  soil  is  gray  to  dark  gray  and  sometimes  almost 
black,  with  mottled  red,  gray,  and  black  subsoils,  the  red  mottling  being  the  dis- 
tinguishing characteristic.  The  members  of  this  series  occur  as  isolated  prai- 
ries in  the  timbered  part  of  Texas.  The  series  may  be  considered  as  represent- 
ing a  gradation  from  the  black  prairie  soils  of  the  Houston  to  the  mottled  red 
clays  of  the  Susquehanna  series.  The  material  from  which  they  are  derived 
is  slightly  calcareous,  making  them  productive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Crockett  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Crockett  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  24 

4,416 

28,288 

loam 

Texas  3,  25,  28 

gravelly  loam 

clay  loam 

Texas  24 

3,008 
21,440 

Texas  3,  14,  24 

Total 

57,152 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Crowley  series. — The  soils  range  from  ashy  gray  to  light  brown  in  color,  with 
mottled  brown,  yellow,  and  red  to  almost  uniformly  yellow  clay  subsoils.  Lime 
and  iron  concretions  are  present  in  the  subsoil,  which  is  quite  impervious  to 
water.  This  feature  favors  the  production  of  rice.  The  surface  configuration 
is  very  flat.  These  are  the  typical  prairie  soils  of  Louisiana  and  Arkansas, 
formed  of  reworked  loessial  material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Crowley  series. 


•                 Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

477, 120 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Durant  series. — The  series  consists  of  dark  gray  to  dark  brown  surface  soils, 
with  yellow  to  dark  brown  subsoils.  The  members  are  derived  from  soft 
sandstone  and  calcareous  marl,  the  material  being  originally  derived  from  the 
Great  Plains.  The  heavier  soils  were  originally  prairie  Lands  and  some  of  the 
more  sandy  types  supported  a  timber  growth.  The  soils  are  productive,  glv- 
lr  yields  of  general  farm  crops. 

irea   <iiut   distribution   of   the  soils   of   the    I>ur<iiit   scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  urea.1 

<  )klahoma  2                                         

4.2H8 

ill                                                       

1 ,  tUX) 

Aim  sand;  Irani 

vcrv  Due    :in.|\  Ilium.  . 

MUali'una  -j    T>-\  i    0    II                               



2,752 

ill                                                         

73.  2 Hi 



Total 

211,648 

1  For  k<'y  to  Domben  in  this  ooloms   ''•  |».  781. 
Dm  <il    leries.     These   soils  are   marked   by   their   bright    red   color   and   rather 

low  Lime  content  The  series  is  the  semiarid  equivalent  of  the  Orangeburg 
soils  of  the  bumid  areas  of  the  Coastal  Plains,  being  derived  from  fluvial  de- 
posits of  red  sands  and  sandy  clays  closely  resembling  the  Lafayette  formation 
of  the  southeastern  United  States.    The  members  are  less  calcareous  than  the 

Webb  soils,  the  red  of  the  subs<tii  being  more  pronounced. 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS    PROVINCE.  235 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Duval  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  27,  28 

709, 632 

...do 

2,240,960 
214, 272 

Texas  28 

Texas  12,  28 

297,216 

Total  .. 

3,462,080 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Edna  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  dark  gray.  The  subsoils 
consist  of  gray  or  mottled  gray  and  yellow,  heavy,  impervious  clay.  The  sur- 
face is  level  to  gently  undulating,  with  some  slightly  rolling  areas  near  stream 
courses.  Small  sand  mounds  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  These  soils  are 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  noncalcareous  marine  deposits  in  the  Coastal 
Prairie  section  of  the  Western  Gulf  Plain.  Drainage  is  often  poor,  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  series  is  now  used  for  pasturage.  While  the  soils  are  not 
inherently  productive,  fair  to  good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  can  be 
obtained  with  good  drainage  and  careful  soil  management.  Cotton,  corn,  and 
other  general  farm  crops  are  grown  to  some  extent.  Vegetables  do  well  on 
the  lighter  types.  The  supply  of  organic  matter  is  prevailingly  low.  Liberal 
additions  of  vegetable  matter  are  necessary  to  maintain  the  productivity  of 
the  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Edna  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Edna  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  12 

1,248,768 

loam 

do 

209,664 
73,728 

do 

Total 

1,532,160 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Elkton  scries. — The  soils  are  light  gray  to  white,  and  the  subsoils  are  mottled 
whitish  gray  and  yellow.  Gravel  or  coarse  sand,  usually  saturated  with  water, 
is  found  at  a  depth  of  2£  to  3  feet.  These  soils  are  closely  associated  with 
the  Sassafras,  the  difference  being  due  to  the  intermittent  wetting  and  drying 
to  which  the  Elkton  soils  have  been  subjected,  rendering  them  much  lighter  in 
color  and  lower  in  agricultural  value.  They  are  encountered  in  that  part  of 
the  Coastal  Plain  which  has  been  supplied  with  Glacial-Piedmont-Appalachian 
material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Elkton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Elkton  sandy  loam 

Maryland  4 

9  280 

fine  sandy  loam 

Virginia  5 

14,656 

loam 

Maryland  4 

2,624 
168  468 

silt  loam 

Delaware  1;  Maryland  1.3,4,5,6.8,10;   New  Jersey  1; 
sylvania  6. 

Penn- 

Total 

195,028 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Ellis  scries. — These  soils  are  yellowish  brown,  with  yellowish  subsoils  formed 
from  marly  clays  or  similar  calcareous  material.  The  topography  varies  from 
rolling  to  hilly  and  broken.  For  this  reason  the  soils  are  usually  of  rather  low 
agricultural  value. 


236 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Ellis  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ellis  clay 

Texas  9 

18.SS0 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gadsden  series. — This  series  includes  the  dark-gray  soils  encountered  on 
gentle  or  undulating  slopes  adjoining  streams  and  on  level  or  depressed  areas  in 
the  uplands.  Their  formation  is  due  largely  to  the  peculiar  topographic  con- 
ditions resulting  from  the  sinking  of  the  limestone  which  in  some  areas  under- 
lies the  material  from  which  the  Norfolk  and  Orangeburg  soils  have  been  de- 
rived. They  may  be  considered  as  colluvial  soils,  formed  by  the  creeping  or 
washing  of  material  from  higher  lying  areas.  They  constitute  valuable  farming 
soils,  so  far  as  mapped. 


Area 

and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gadsden  series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gadsden  sand 

Florida  2, 5. 6:  Georgia  1 

54,784 

sandv  loam 

Florida  5,6 

6.592 

14,592 

Total 

75,968 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gainesville  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  prevailingly  gray  in  color, 
with  brownish  colored  subsoils,  which  carry  calcareous  clay  or  partly 
weathered  limestone  within  the  3-foot  section.  These  soils  are  sometimes 
locally  known  as  "chocolate  hammock  land."  or  "second  hammock  land."  and 
are  developed  most  extensively  in  the  rolling  uplands  of  the  Florida  peninsula. 
The  native  timber  growth  consists  of  large  scattering  pines,  interspersed  with 
hickory  and  several  varieties  of  oak.  The  natural  drainage  is  good.  Corn, 
oats,  peanuts,  and  Sea  Island  cotton  are  the  important  products.  The  soils 
are  shown  in  the  key  under  Piedmont-Appalachian  material. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Gainesville  series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

A.0TO6. 

Florida  3 

7.744 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Glenn  series.   The  Will  are  gray  to  grayish  yellow,  with  yellow,  friable  sub 

soils.  Those  soils  represent  a  thin  layer  of  reworked  Piedmont-Appalachian 
material  resting  udod  sandstone  and  shale  rock.  Some  residua]  material  is 
occasionally  encountered  In  the  subsoils.  Tho  soils  arc  characteristically  de- 
veloped in  Dorthern  Alabama,  where  they  occur  as  detached  areas  of  gently 
rolling  to  rough  topography.  They  are  used  principally  for  the  production  <>f 
the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region. 

Lrea  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Glenn  series. 


Boil  Dame, 

State  oc  area.1 

Lean 

Alabama  27  .                

72,600 

ana  10, 27.                     

42,688 

\l;ili;irim   10                                       

89,812 

Total         

185,000 

'  For  kej  to  d  bl  ootamn  ne  p.  788. 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


237 


Goliad  series. — These  soils  are  prevailingly  dark  gray  to  black,  with  reddish 
brown  to  red  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay  subsoils,  in  the  lower  portions  of  which 
a  white  soft  calcareous  substratum  is  encountered.  In  places  this  calcareous 
material  has  been  consolidated  into  impure  limestone.  In  their  typical  develop- 
ment these  soils  occupy  gently  rolling  to  moderately  hilly  areas  in  the  Gulf 
Coastal  Plain  of  Texas.  The  soil  material  consists  of  weathered  marine  de- 
posits.. Fair  to  good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured  over  areas 
of  smoother  topography  and  vegetables  give  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Goliad  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  12.. 

16  128 

fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  28 

172,800 
960,768 

undifferentiated 

Texas  12 

Total 

1, 149, 696 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Grady  series. — The  surface  soils  of  this  series  are  generally  dark  colored, 
with  mottled  yellow  and  gray,  or  yellow,  gray,  and  red  plastic  heavy  clay  subsoils, 
resting  upon  a  limestone  substratum.  The  subsoil  is  partly  residual  in  places, 
derived  from  the  underlying  limestone.  These  soils  are  characteristically  devel- 
oped in  low,  flat  situations  in  which  Piedmont-Appalachian  material  predomi- 
nates. They  are  poorly  drained  in  wet  seasons.  The  series  is  timbered  with 
oak,  beech,  gum,  magnolia,  pine,  and  haw.  Where  properly  drained  good  crops 
of  corn,  cotton,  oats,  and  sugar  cane  can  be  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Grady  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Grady  fine  sandy  loam 

Florida  7  

1,536 
896 

loam 

Total 

2,432 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Grayson  series. — The  series  include  dark  gray  to  brown  surface  soils,  and 
yellow  or  mottled  yellow,  stiff  subsoils.  The  material  is  derived  from  reworked 
material  from  the  residual  prairies.  The  topography  is  generally  level  and  the 
members  known  locally  as  "  flats."  Low  ridges  and  knolls  are  occasionally 
developed  over  these  flat  areas,  and  in  some  places  gullies  have  been  formed  as 
a  result  of  erosion.  Drainage  is  poor  and  little  attempt  is  made  to  cultivate 
any  of  the  different  types. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Grayson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  11 

10,560 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Greenville  scries. — These  soils  are  reddish  brown  to  dark  red,  and  generally 
loamy.  The  subsoils  consist  of  red,  friable  sandy  clay.  The  types  occupy  level 
to  gently  rolling  areas  in  the  Coastal  Plains  uplands.  They  are  closely  asso- 
ciated with  the  members  of  the  Orangeburg  series  in  their  distribution  and,  like 
them,  are  derived,  in  part  at  least,  from  the  Lafayette  formation.  The  Eocene 
formation  also  seems  to  enter  in  places  into  their  composition,  while  subsoils 
are  influenced  to  some  extent  by  the  limestone  that  often  underlies  the  series. 
As  a  rule  the  soils  are  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  corresponding  mem- 


238 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


bers  of  the  Orangeburg  series,  being  admirably  adapted  to  cotton,  corn,  forage 
crops,  and  oats.  Alfalfa  could  be  produced  successfully  on  the  heavier  members 
of  this  series.  They  are  to  be  found  in  the  key  under  Piedmont-Appalachian 
material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Greenville  series. 


Soil  name. 


Greenville  coarse  sand, 
loamy  sand, 
fine  sand... 
sandy  loam. 


gravelly  sandy  loam 
coarse  sandy  loam.. 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 


eravelly  loam 
clay  loam 


gravelly  clay  loam 
clay 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


Alabama  32 

Alabama  9,  12;  Florida  7;  Georgia  15 

Alabama  1 ." 2,  9>,  12,14," is,"  32,  37;'  Florida  7; ' Georgia  15:  North 

Carolina  23. 

Georgia  15;  Louisiana  2,  9,  14 

Alabama  32 

Alabama  1,  3,  5,  37;  Georgia  8;  Louisiana  9 

Alabama  2, 17, 29, 37;  Florida  1;  Louisiana  2, 9, 14;  Mississippi 

5,8. 

Georgia  5 

Alabama  1.5,9,12. 13,25.  34:  Georgia  15;  Mississippi  8,  12,  15, 

16;  South  Carolina  6,  10;  Texas  1,  14.  16,  18,  21,  23. 

( ieorL'ia  15 

Florida  7 


Acres. 


1 .  40S 
161.664 

.  - 
201.664 

3.712 
60.544 

1.600 
369,024 

5.760. 
768 


1,072,768 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Guin  scries. — The  Guin  soils  are  predominantly  gray  and  sandy  in  the  surface 
section,  and  have  yellowish  red  to  red  subsoils.  They  occupy  hilly,  broken 
uplands  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  where  erosion  has  been  and  still  is  very  active. 
The  members  are  usually  marked  by  the  presence  of  locally  formed  sandstone. 
There  is  generally  such  a  lack  of  uniformity  in  these  soils  as  to  make  separa- 
tion of  the  various  types  difficult.  In  origin  they  are  closely  associated  with  the 
geburg  and  Ruston  series,  but  also  include  patches  of  Susquehanna  soils 
usually  too  small  to  be  satisfactorily  differentiated  from  the  Orangeburg.  Rus- 
ton, and  sometimes  the  Norfolk  soils.  All  <  r  these  soils  are  frequently  mapped 
under  the  Guin  series  owing  to  their  intricate  association  and  patchy  occur- 
rence. The  agricultural  value  of  the  series  averages  low.  as,  owing  to  the 
rough  topography,  considerable  areas  are  unsuited  for  other  purposes  than 
pasturage  and  foresty. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Guin  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

1 

ma 3, 14,  22, 37....                                        

84,  1 7  r> 

:  v  loam 

dy  loam 

Alabama  22    27-    Mississippi  «.),  14  ..  .                                 

127.  MLS 

Alabama  'i  22,  2                     pi  lit   .                          

1 

265.280 

1  For  key  to  numbers  In  ihis  column  Bee  p.  733. 

Hammond  series.  The  surface  soils  are  ashy  gray  to  dark  gray  <>r  brown, 
and  tin-  subsoils  are  mottled  yellow,  drab,  <tr  brown  and  red.  [ron  concretions 
are  of  common  occurrence  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  sill  loam  member 
of  the  series  does  not  bold  moisture  well,  baking  In  dry  weather  and  becoming 
powdery  or  chalky  and  almost  white.  Stream  courses  are  numerous,  but  their 
channels  are  so  poorly  developed  that  they  have  little  Influence  upon  drainage. 
Owing  i"  the  Impervious  nature  of  the  subsoils  water  Btands  on  the  Bammond 
for  long  periods  after  heavy  rainfall.  The  soils  are  more  or  lew  crawflshy. 
These  lands  are  locally  Known  ns  "pine  flats,"  on  account  of  their  flat  surface 
-111*1  the  presence  of  longleaf  pine.  They  are  <i<'ii<'inii  In  organic  matter  and 
are  naturally  poor.  WiiM  the  establishment  of  good  drainage,  outs  do  very 
well,  while  crab  grass  and  sugar  cane  give  Eair  yields.  The  Boils  differ  from 
oilier  somewhat  similar  types  found  In  Louisiana  and  derived  From  reworked 
loessial  materia]  In  the  absence  of  sand  mounds. 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS   PKOVINCE.  239 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hammond  series. 


Soil  name. 

1 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Louisiana  13 

70,97  6 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Barley  series. — This  series  includes  grayish  surface  soils,  and  mottled  yellow, 
red,  and  drab,  waxy,  and  tenacious  subsoils.  Quartz  and  feldspar  derived  from 
the  underlying  granitic  rocks  are  common  throughout  the  soil  section.  The 
subsoil  is  largely  of  residual  origin.  The  soil  types  occupy  low,  rolling  hills 
and  slopes  of  small  stream  valleys,  where  drainage  is  good.  Good  yields  of 
corn  and  cotton  are  secured,  but  the  soils  are  probably  best  adapted  to  potatoes, 
truck  crops,  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Barley  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Harley  sandy  loam 

Oklahoma  2 

8,832 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Henderson  series. — The  members  of  this  series  are  marked  by  their  greenish- 
gray,  sticky,  and  refractory  clay  subsoils  and  usually  carry  large  amounts  of 
limestone  fragments  and  marly  material  in  various  stages  of  decomposition. 
The  soils  occur  in  patches  as  residual  material,  derived  from  exposures  of 
Tertiary  limestones.  These  soils  have  a  low  agricultural  value,  because  of  their 
intractable  subsoils,  which  usually  occur  at  shallow  depths. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Benderson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

192 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Boffman  series. — The  series  consists  of  gray  surface  soils  and  pink  or  mottled 
pink,  gray,  and  reddish,  compact,  subsoils.  The  subsoil  material  is  partially 
cemented  in  places  with  iron  salts,  and  carries  white,  floury  material,  consisting 
probably  of  the  decomposed  feldspar.  Fragments  of  cemented  sandstone  and 
iron  concretions  occur  on  the  surface.  These  soils  are  developed  mainly  as 
small,  scattered  areas  in  the  sand-hill  regions  along  the  junction  of  the  Coastal 
Plain  and  the  Piedmont.  The  topography  is  marked  by  low,  rounded  hills  and 
smooth,  winding  ridges.  The  timber  growth  consists  principally  of  longleaf 
pine  and  scrub  oak.  These  soils  are  rather  low  in  agricultural  value.  Some 
of  the  heavier  types  give  good  results  with  cotton,  corn,  peanuts,  and  forage 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Boffman  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres- 


Hoflman  sandy  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam . 
fine  sandy  loam . . . 


North  Carolina  23,  25. 

Georgia  2 

....do 


Total. 


13,248 

2,112 


15,806 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


240 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Houston  scries. — The  soils  are  black  and  high  in  lime,  especially  the  subsoil, 
which  in  some  of  the  types  consists  of  white,  chalky  limestone.  The  members 
of  the  series  occur  principally  in  the  black  calcareous  prairie  regions  of  Ala- 
bama, Mississippi,  and  Texas.  The  soils  have  been  derived  from  the  weathering 
of  calcareous  clays,  chalk  beds,  and  rotten  limestones,  all  of  late  Cretaceous  age. 
In  some  localities  remnants  of  later  sandy  and  gravelly  deposits  have  been 
mixed  with  the  calcareous  material,  giving  rise  to  the  gravelly  and  loam  mem- 
bers of  the  series.  The  soils  of  the  Houston  series  are  very  productive.  They 
are  devoted  chiefly  to  cotton  and  corn,  but  some  of  them  will  produce  excellent 
and  more  profitable  crops  of  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Houston  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Houston  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Texas  12 

64,512 

1,962,432 

1,313,536 

891,624 

78,336 

Mississippi  3;  Oklahoma  2;  Texas  3,  7,  11,  12,  23,  26,  27.  28,  31.. 
Texas  11,  12,  27,  28 

clay  loam 

clav 

Alabama  1,  5,  13,  17,  25,  30,  31.  34;  Louisiana  14;  Mississippi  3, 

8,  10,  12,  14,  15,  16,  17,  20;  Texas  2,  9,  10,  11,  26,  28,  31. 
Texas  9 

stonv  clav 

gravelly  clay 

Texas  2,  3,  26,  31 

94,720 
1,509,080 

396,288 

black  clay 

Alabama  34;  Oklahoma  2;  Texas  1,  2,  3,  7,  9,  11,  14,  17,  18,  23, 

26,  28,  31,  32. 
Texas  28 

Undifferentiated 

Total 

6,310.528 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hyde  series. — The  soils  are  characterized  by  their  high  content  of  powdery, 
thoroughly  decomposed  vegetable  matter  and  by  their  black  color  throughout 
the  3-foot  soil  section.  This  color  distinguishes  them  from  the  Portsmouth 
soils,  which  have  gray  to  mottled  gray  and  yellow  subsoils.  The  members  are 
developed  in  flat  or  slightly  depressed,  poorly  drained  situations.  Where  prop- 
erly drained,  grains,  strawberries,  and  such  vegetables  as  onions,  cabbage,  and 
celery  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hyde  series. 


Soil  name. 


Hyde  sand 

fine  sand 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

loam .' 

silt  loam 

clav 


Total. 


State  or  area.* 


Georgia  10 

Georgia  3,  10 

Georgia3;  North  Carolina  16. 

Georgia  3,  10 

North  Carolina  16 

Georgia  3,  10 


Acres. 


788 

6,720 

25,984 

5, 824 

S.000 
5,376 

53.  871 


1  For  key  to  BUmberi  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Karnet  teriea.  Tins  series  embrace!  a  troop  of  soils  found  along  certain 
riven  in  Texas,  such  as  the  Ban  Antonio  and  Cibolo.  The  soils  arc  usually 
gray  or  brown  in  color,  though  in  tin*  lower  situation*  in  the  valleys  they  are 
somewhat  darker  and  grade  into  the  Victoria  soils,  in  texture  they  range 
from  sand  t<>  day,  the  sandy  soils  predominating.    They  occur  .-is  high  ter- 

Blong  the  Streams  Lying  some  00  feet   above  low-water  mark   in   the  risers. 

The  soils  are  derived   from   Pleistocene  terrace  deposits,  which  were  formed 
daring  n   subsidence  of  the  country,  causing  a   partial   filling  of  the  stream 

valleys.      While    tie-    material    was    doubtless    deposited    by    Streams,    the    soils 
probably  Should  be  considered  as  sedimentary   rather  than  alluvial,  as  they  are 

quite  distinct  from  the  soils  or  the  present  river  flood  plains,    small  areas  are 

;  Oder   Irrigation   ami   give  gOOd  yields  of  onions  and   alfalfa.      Corn   ami   cotton 
also  do  well. 


ATLANTIC   AND  GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Karnes  series. 


241 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  12 

55,296 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lacasine  series. — The  surface  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black.  The  subsoils 
consist  of  a  mottled  blue  and  yellow  silty  clay.  Lime  and  iron  concretions  are 
plentiful  in  the  subsoil.  These  soils  are  developed  as  low.  flat,  poorly  drained 
swampy  areas,  practically  free  from  sand  mounds,  and  as  strips  along  water- 
courses and  around  lakes  in  southwestern  Louisiana.  They  are  formed  of 
reworked  loessial  material.  Cultivation  is  somewhat  difficult,  but  the  soils  can 
be  made  to  produce  profitable  yields  of  rice. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Lacasine  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lacasine  clay  loam 

Louisiana  8 

3,470 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lake  Charles  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  black  in  color,  with 
mottled  yellow  and  red  subsoils,  carrying  lime  and  iron  concretions.  The  sur- 
face is  marked  by  low,  sandy  mounds  or  hummocks.  The  subsoil  is  quite  resist- 
ant to  the  movements  of  moisture,  and  drainage  is  poorly  established,  particularly 
in  the  depressions,  so  that  crops  suffer  in  wet  years.  The  sand-mound  areas 
are  inclined  to  be  droughty.  The  soils  are  best  suited  to  sugar  cane  and  grass. 
Vegetables  would  probably  do  well  on  the  better  drained  areas  of  the  sandy 
mounds.  Some  rice  is  grown  where  the  mounds  are  not  too  high  or  numerous 
to  prevent  irrigation.  The  series  occurs  on  both  prairie  and  tree-covered  areas 
and  consists  mainly  of  reworked  loessial  material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lake  Charles  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area. » 

Acres. 

Lake  Charles  fine  sandy  loam 

Louisiana  1,  5,  8 

143,924 

6.378 

•  Total 

15(1,302 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  soc  p.  733. 

Lamar  series. — The  Lamar  soils  are  brown  to  yellowish  in  color,  with  lighter 
colored  calcareous  subsoils  carrying  fragments  of  limestone  and  lime  concre- 
tions. The  substratum  consists  of  highly  calcareous,  marl-like  material. 
Erosion  gullies  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  On  account  of  the  rough  surface 
and  the  tendency  to  erode,  little  of  this  land  has  been  cultivated,  the  members 
being  used  merely  for  pasturage  and  forestry. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  s()il  of  the  Lamar  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lamar  loam 

Texas  7 

5,696 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


79619—13 16 


242 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Landry  series. — The  surface  soils  are  prevailingly  brown  in  color.  The  sub- 
soils are  grayish  and  friable  and  carry  both  lime  and  iron  concretions.  The 
topography  is  mainly  undulating,  the  surface  inequalities  often  preventing  the 
successful  production  of  rice.  Most  of  the  types  are  well  drained,  and  are 
found  as  prairies.  The  material  is  derived  from  reworked  deposits  or  loess. 
Rice  is  grown  in  favorably  situated  areas,  but  cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Landry  aeries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Landry  silt  loam 

Louisiana  1 

37.696 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lauderdale  series. — This  series  is  marked  by  the  yellowish  to  nearly  white 
color  of  the  soils  and  the  abundance  of  rock  fragments  found  on  the  surface 
and  throughout  the  soil  section.  These  consist  of  soft  siliceous  rock  of  a 
white  to  mottled  yellow,  reddish,  and  gray  color,  of  reddish,  locally  cemented 
sandstone,  and  of  hard  siliceous  rock  resembling  quartzite.  The  soil  is  de- 
rived from  the  Claiborne-Tallahatta  Buhrstone  formation,  which  has  been 
subjected  to  excessive  erosion.  The  topography  comprises  narrow,  high,  winding 
ridges,  sharp  hills,  and  steep  slopes,  and  is  so  rough  and  stony  as  to  give  these 
soils  a  very  low  agricultural  value. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  tin   Lauderdale  scries. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lauderdale  stony  clay 

Mississippi  9 

23,488 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Leon  series. — This  series  comprises  the  loose,  light-gray  to  white  sandy  soils 
of  the  South  Atlantic  and  East  Gulf  coast  flatwoods  region,  which  in  their 
typical  development  have  a  subsurface  "  hardpan  "  stratum,  encountered  usually 
at  a  depth  of  12  to  24  inches.  This  stratum  averages  from  8  to  10  inches  in 
thickness  and  consists  of  a  compact  layer  of  fine  sand  or  .sand  ranging  in  color 
from  black  to  dark  rusty  brown  in  the  upper  2  or  3  inches  to  rusty  brown  or 
slightly  darker  in  the  lower  portion.  It  becomes  less  compact  and  lighter  in 
color  as  the  lower  part  of  the  stratum  is  approached,  a  white  sand  being  fre- 
quently encountered  underlying  the  stratum  and  within  the  3-fool  Bection.  The 
material  of  this  layer  runs  high  in  organic  matter  and  very  low  in  iron,  and 
although  the  rusty  brown  color  would  suggest  cementation  with  iron  the 
analyses  indicate  that  the  compactness  is  due  to  the  presence  of  organic  matter. 
In  places  the  stratum  lies  sufficiently  near  the  surface  to  be  plowed  up.  under 
which  condition  it  is  claimed  that  crops  give  very  poor  results.  The  sub 
stratum  is  lacking  in  some  phases. 


\l  < «/ 

n  lid 

listributiott    of  tin'  soils  of   the   Lron   s<  rics. 

Soil  name. 

state  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Leon  sand 

Florida  6   Gtoorgia8,  10  

66,368 

OOttM  Mod 

la  10              

lillf  -ali'l 

Florida  t  5  6;  Georgia  in               

56,360 

•tl 

121,984 

1  For  k.\  to  oumbera  in  this  column  i  e  i    7W 
Leonar&tOtOH  The    s< » i t s    of    this    series    are    gray    to    pale    yellow    in 

color.    The  subsoili  are  mot i led  gray,  yellow,  and  red.  and  ordinarily  carry 

clay    lenses   and    pockets   of  sand.      These   soils   occupy    gently    rolling   to    rolling 

country  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay  region  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  where  the  Glacial* 

Piedmont-Appalachian  material  baa  been  deposited.    They  are  host  suited  to 
the  general  farm  crops, 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  243 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Leonardtown  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maryland  2,  8,  9;  Virginia  6, 12 

196.514 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lomalto  series. — This  series  lias  grayish  brown  to  dark  brown  soils,  and  gray, 
compact  clay  loam  or  clay  subsoils  with  a  high  content  of  water-soluble  salts. 
The  soils  are  confined  to  the  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  of  southwest  Texas.  The 
parent  material  consists  of  unconsolidated  marine  sediments,  apparently  repre- 
senting an  intermediate  stage  in  weathering  between  the  Victoria  soils  and  the 
deposits  which  are  now  being  laid  down  in  the  flats  along  the  coast.  The  sur- 
face is  typically  flat,  and  a  large  part  of  the  area  is  marshy.  Under  the  present 
salty  and  marshy  condition  these  lands  are  not  generally  best  suited  to 
pasturage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lomalto  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lomalto  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Texas  12,  27 

82,944 

66,816 

525,824 

do 

do 

Total 

675,584 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lufkin  series. — The  surface  soils  are  light-gray,  and  underlain  by  impervious, 
plastic,  and  gray  to  mottled  gray  and  yellow  subsoils.  The  difference  in 
texture  between  the  surface  soil  and  subsoil  in  the  case  of  the  sandy  members 
is  very  marked.  The  topography  is  prevailingly  flat,  and  this,  together  with 
the  impervious  subsoils,  renders  surface  and  underdrainage  poor,  water  often 
standing  for  long  periods  after  heavy  rains.  These  soils  are  locally  known  as 
"  flatwoods  land"  and  "dead  lands."  Their  agricultural  value  is  considerably 
below  that  of  the  Norfolk  soils.  The  timber  growth  consists  largely  of  scrubby 
oak  and  post  oak. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lufkin  series. 


Soil  name. 


Lufkin  sand 

fine  sand . . . 
sandy  loam, 
gravelly  sandy  loam. 


State  or  area. 


Texas  17 

Texas  3, 10,  14,  19,24. 

Texas  3,  17 

Texas  12 


fine  sandy  loam j  Mississippi  3, 14;  Texas  3, 7, 10, 18,  24,  29 . 

loam !  Texas  18 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

clay 


undifferentiated . 
Total 


Texas  3  18 

Mississippi  3,  12,  15,  16;  Texas  i6 .......................... 

Alabama  34;  Louisiana  3,  12;  Mississippi  3,  4,  12,  14,  15,  16; 

Texas  1,  7,  13,  14,  19,  21,  23,  24,  34. 
Texas  12 


Acres. 


63,936 
230,400 
362,944 

89,856 

274,176 

5,376 

58,112 

72,832 
392, 256 

357,120 


1,907,008 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Mattamuskeet  series. — The  soils  consist  of  slightly  reworked  sedimentary 
materials  occupying  shallow  lakes  of  the  low,  flat  portion  of  the  Atlantic' 
Coastal  Plain.  They  are  characterized  by  a  high  content  of  fine  and  very  fine 
sand  and  silt  and  by  unusual  textural  and  structural  uniformity  throughout 
the  soil  profile  of  3  feet.  Some  of  the  types  have  a  surface  layer  of  mucky 
material,  while  in  others  it  is  a  bluish  silty  clay.  The  color  ranges  from 
dark  gray  to  black.  These  soils  must  be  reclaimed  by  drainage  operations 
before  they  can  be  used  for  agriculture. 


244  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  tlie  Mattamuskcct  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Mattamuskeet  fine  sand 

North  Carolina  16 

3,584 

11,584 

35,072 

704 

fine  sandv  loam 

do 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

silt  loam 

do 

Total 

50,944 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Maverick  series. — The  soils  are  light  gray  to  brownish  in  color,  and  the  sub- 
soils yellowish  brown  to  drab  and  of  heavier  texture.  This  soil  may  be  said 
to  represent  the  western  extension  of  the  Houston  soils  into  a  region  whose  arid 
climate  has  been  less  favorable  to  the  accumulation  of  humus,  with  the  result 
that  the  soils  are  considerably  lighter  in  color.  There  is  also  some  resemblance 
to  the  Zapata  soils,  the  main  point  of  difference  being  the  more  level  topography. 
The  series  owes  its  origin  to  the  mixing  of  the  weathered  underlying  limestone 
and  sandstone  with  the  later  Pleistocene  deposit  of  calcareous  clays. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Maverick  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maverick  loam 

Texas  2S 

175, 104 

clay  loam. . . 

do 

398,560 



Total 

1.073.664 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Monroe  scries. — These  soils  are  gray  to  brown,  with  mottled  yellow  and  red, 
friable  subsoils,  frequently  showing  mottlings  of  drab.  Iron  concretions  are 
encountered  in  a  few  localities.  The  subsoil  of  the  more  nearly  level  areas  of 
the  pine  flats  is  usually  more  mottled  than  in  the  case  of  the  typical  soil.  Such 
areas  are  distinguished  from  the  Hammond  soils  by  the  growth  of  blackjack  oak 
and  dogwood  in  addition  to  the  pine.  The  soils  are  derived  from  reworked 
loessial  material.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling  to  hilly  and  drainage  is  well 
established.  The  types  retain  moisture  well  and  are  adapted  to  the  production 
of  corn,  oats,  and  a  number  of  truck  crops. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Monroe  scries. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area1 

Louisiana  12,  13-  Mississippi  16                       

300,992 

'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  coin  inn  Me  p.  733. 

Montrose    leries.     This   series,   so   far  as  encountered,   occurs   in    the   south 
central   part  of  Mississippi   and  extends  Into  Alabama.     The  surface  soils  are 
fray  and  are  underlain  by  heavy,  plastic  yellow  subsoils.    The  soils  are  derived 

from  a  deposit  <>f  heavy  clay  Immediately  overlying  B  BOfl  chalky  limestone. 
Areas  Of  these  soils  are  locally  known  as  "  Hal  woods  "  or  "hog  wallow  prairie." 
The  native  vegetation  consists  Of  I  growth  Of  DOtt  and  scrub  oaks  and  nine. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of 

the  Montrose  st  rU  t. 

Soil  MUM, 

Bftftta  <>r  M 



20,928 

do 

43,  S40 

Total                 

M,7l).S 

1  For  key  to  iiiunlxT  m  thil  column  IM  p.  718. 


ATLANTIC   AXD   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


245 


Morse  series. — The  surface  soils  are  gray.  The  subsoils  are  mottled  red  and 
yellow,  or  red,  yellow,  and  gray,  and  contain  lime  concretions.  These  soils  are 
developed  along  the  slopes  of  stream  valleys  where  the  topography  is  rolling  or 
broken  and  the  drainage  is  good.  They  owe  their  origin  to  the  exposure  of 
clayey  material  underlying  the  Crowley  and  Acadia  soils,  which  are  found 
closely  associated  with  this  series.  These  soils  are  not  important  agriculturally, 
although  they  are  used  for  the  production  of  corn  and  cotton,  and  in  a  few  of 
the  more  nearly  level  areas  for  rice.  Areas  having  a  pronounced  red  subsoil  are 
considered  more  productive  than  those  where  the  subsoil  is  yellow.  The  timber 
growth  consists  of  pin  oak.  hickory,  and  pine. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Morse  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arkansas  4;  Louisiana  1 

7,424 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Norfolk  series. — The  Norfolk  soils  are  characterized  by  the  light  gray  to 
grayish-yellow  color  of  the  surface  soils,  and  by  the  yellow  color  and  friable 
structure  of  the  subsoils.  They  occupy  nearly  level  to  rolling  uplands  throughout 
the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains,  and  have  been  derived  mainly  from 
Piedmont-Appalachian  material.  The  members  of  this  series  are  variously 
adapted  to  early,  medium,  and  late  truck  crops,  and  to  general  farm  crops. 
The  sandy  members  predominate.  These  soils  are  usually  deficient  in  organic 
matter  which  should  be  added  in  liberal  quantities  in  order  to  retain  favorable 
supplies  of  moisture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Norfolk  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Norfolk  sand. 


loamy  sand... 

gravel 

gravelly  sand, 
coarse  sand... 


fine  sand . 


very  fine  sand, 
sandy  loam.... 


gravelly  sandy  loam . 
coarse  sandy  loam. . . 

fine  sandy  loam 


very  fine  sandy  loam. 

loam 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 


clay  loam . 
Total 


Alabama  2,  5,  9,  12,  13,  18,  24,  25,  29,  30,  32,  34;  Delaware  1; 
Florida  1,  2,  3,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia  1,  2,  5,  7,  8, 10,  11,  12, 15,  16,  17, 
19;  Louisiana  2, 13, 14;  Maryland  1,  2,  8, 10;  Mississippi  2,  5,  8, 
9, 18,  20;  New  Jersev  3;  North  Carolina  9, 15, 19,  21,  24;  South 
Carolina  4,  6,  7,  8,  10,  11,  12,  14,  15,  16;  Texas  1,  14,  24,  32; 
Virginia  5. 

Alabama  1,  2,  8,  12,  29;  Mississippi  18 

Maryland  2,  6.  8,  9;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  22 

Alabama  2, 12 

Alabama  24,  25,  29,  32;  Florida  7;  Georgia  3,  5,  7,  15,  17;  Mary- 
land 2,  8.  9;  Mississippi  8;  New  Jersey  1,  3;  North  Carolina  6, 
15,  23,  25;  South  Carolina  6,  9,  10,  16. 

Alabama  2,  5,  9,  12,  13,  30,  31,  32;  Florida  1,  4,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia 
2, 10, 11, 12, 10,  19;  Louisiana  3,  9, 12, 14;  Maryland  10:  Missis- 
sippi 2,  7,  18;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  9,  19,  20, 
21,  22,  24;  South  Carolina  4,  7,  10;  Texas  1,  3,  6.  10, 13. 14, 15, 
18,  20,  24,  28,  29,  33;  Virginia  10. 

Georgia  3 

Alabama  1,  2,  3,  9,  12,14,18,  24,25,29,30,32,36:  Florida  1,2,3,7; 
Georgia  1,  2,  5,  11,  15,  16,  17,  19;  Mississippi  8:  New  Jersey  1, 
3;  North  Carolina  7,9,15, 19, 21 .  22, 23, 24, 25;  South  Carolina  6, 
7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16;  Tennessee  6;  Texas  24,34;  Virginia  5, 6, 12. 

Alabama  18,  36 

Alabama  32;  Georgia  2,  5;  North  Carolina  15;  South  Carolina 
9;  Virginia  12. 

Alabama  1,  2,  5,  9,  13,  17,  18,  22,  25,  29,  30,  32,  34,  37;  Florida  1, 
2.  5,  6,  7:  (;corda  1,  2,  8,  10,  11,  15,  16,  19;  Louisiana  2,  3,  5, 
14:  Mississippi  2,3,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,18,  20;  North  Carolina 
6,  7,  8,  9, 15,  19,  20,  21,  22,  24;  South  Carolina  4,  6,  7,  8,  10,  12, 
14,  16:  Texas  1,  6,  10,  13,  14,  19,  20,  21,  24,  29,  32;  Virginia  5, 
(i,  10,  12. 

Florida  5:  North  Carolina  21,  24 

Alabama  2,  37;  Florida  1 ;  Mississippi  2,  5, 18;  North  Carolina  ('.. . 

Alabama  24,  25,  30;  Mississippi  4.  6,;  Virginia  (i 

Alabama  22:  Mississippi  9,  10,  14;  North  Carolina  15,  20;  South 
Carolina  7:  Virginia  5. 

Virginia  12 


2,826,638 


328,576 
70,092 
42,560 

513, 730 


2,014,334 


37,120 
2,450,706 


14,336 
59,328 

4,682,992 


41,536 
194,048 

1,856 


13,486,428 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


246 


SOILS    OF    THE    VXITED    STATES. 


Nueces  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  this  series  are  gray  and  are  under- 
lain by  a  stratum  of  stiff,  mottled  grayish  clay.  The  Nueces  series  is  devel- 
oped near  the  southwestern  Gulf  coa*st.  The  soils  are  derived  from  wind-blown 
material,  originally  from  the  residual  prairies,  which  has  been  drifted  inland 
from  the  coast  and  deposited  as  a  surface  mantle  over  the  older  Pleistocene 
clays.  The  surface  is  prevailingly  flat,  with  a  few  dunes.  Drainage  is  ordinarily 
good,  and  the  soils  are  devoted  to  cotton,  truck  crops,  and  pasturage. 


Areas  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Nueces  series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Nueces  fine  sand 

Texas  12,  27 

2,200,320 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Oktibbeha  series. — The  Oktibbeha  soils  are  prevailingly  dull  brown  to  yellow- 
ish brown.  The  subsoils  are  composed  of  yellowish  brown  to  somewhat  mottled 
yellow,  gray,  and  red,  rather  plastic  silty  clay.  The  members  are  developed  in 
close  association  with  the  Houston  soils,  having  been  mapped  only  in  the  "  black 
prairie  belt "  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi.  They  are  underlain  by  the  soft, 
rotten  limestone  which  gives  rise  to  the  latter  series.  The  topography  is  flat 
to  gently  sloping.  The  soils  occur  at  slightly  varying  elevations  throughout  the 
prairie  regions.  The  original  timber  growth  consists  mainly  of  post  oak,  and 
the  members  are  locally  known  as  "  post-oak  land  "  or  "  post-oak  prairie  land." 
Properly  handled  they  produce  good  crops  of  cotton,  corn,  Johnson  grass,  les- 
pedeza,  bur  clover,  and  a  number  of  other  crops. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Oktibbeha 

series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oktibbeha  fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  17;  Mississippi  3,  10,  12,  14,  15. 
Mississippi  10,  12 

82,944 
23,168 

Alabama  1;  Mississippi  3,  12,  15 

48,960 

214,404 

Alabama  17;  Mississippi  3,  10,  12,  14,  15, 

17 

Total 

369,536 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column-see  p.  733. 

Orangeburg  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  marked  by  their  gray  to  red- 
dish-brown color  and  open  structure.  The  subsoils  consist  of  a  friable  sandy 
clay.  They  are  confined  to  the  uplands  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains, 
being  most  extensively  developed  in  a  belt  extending  from  southern  North  Caro- 
lina to  central  Texas.  In  origin  they  are  commonly  ascribed  to  the  Lafayette 
formation,  of  Piedmont-Appalachian  material.  This  is  a  valuable  series,  the 
heavier  members  being  admirably  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  cowpeas,  peanuts, 
potatoes,  and  cigar  leaf  tobacco. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Orangeburg  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Orangeburg  sand 

Uabama  2,  '                 ..;»,.i7;  Florida  1, 2, 5;  Louiaiana   14; 

M  ,     ,  |  lippl  B,  20:  SOUU)  Carolina  8.  12. 

267,328 

-'7.77C) 

fine  nnd 

Uabama 5,  13;  Florida,  7;  Georgia,  i">;  Louisiana    \    '.   14; 
<■■'..  14,  18.  24.  28 

Alabama  1,5,8,6,  12,  it.  17, 18,22,24,25,29,30,82,36,37:  1  lor- 
Ida  i,  6;  <;<'<>rKia  i, ...  1 1.  15,  16,  17:  1                   ;,  •">.  Missis- 
ilppIS,  8, 9,  if,  16,20;  North  Carolina,  15, 23;  South  (  irolina 
8,8,  12,  n,  15,  i'..    rexaa  10,  23,24,34. 

Uabama  •'*,  '-'.  14,  17,  is,  :u,,m,  North  Carolina  1 

viii'iy  loam 

gravelly  it  n  d  j 
loam. 

I.  Mill 

fine  and)  loam. . 

1,091,282 
117,682 

.(.llss.lH.l 

Uabama  I.  2.                                   19,30.31.32.34,37;    lrkan- 

sa.s:i;  Florida  2,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia  1,3.8.11,16;  Louisiana  2, 

9,  12, 13,  14;  Mi--,  lippl  2,  3,  L,  6,  B,  9,  10,  12, 13, 14,  15, 

18,  .'ii.  North  Carolina  8,  24;  '  Iklahon                           Una  7, 

10;    i.-\  i    i.  [,  LS,  14,  15,  18,  19,  21, 2 

Total 

4,870,624 

»  For  key  to  Dumben  Id  thli  oolumn  mm  p,  788. 


ATLANTIC   AND  GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


247 


Parkwood  series. — The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  Parkwood  series  is  the 
gray  to  white  lower  subsoil  of  marl.  The  soils  are  grayish  to  grayish  brown 
in  color,  with  subsoils  of  grayish  brown  to  grayish  yellow  sandy  clay  to  heavy 
clay  loam  in  the  upper  portion,  resting  upon  beds  of  marl  at  a  depth  of  29 
inches.  Where  drained  by  open  ditches  these  soils  are  well  suited  to  the  produc- 
tion of  corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  possibly  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Parkwood  series. 


Soil  name. 


Parkwood  fine  sandy  loam Georgia  10 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


320 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Pheba  series. — These  soils  are  gray  to  light  brown  with  yellow  to  light-brown, 
slightly  plastic  subsoils,  usually  mottled  with  brown  and  gray,  especialy  in  the 
lower  portion.  The  various  members  run  relatively  high  in  silt.  The  surface 
configuration  varies  from  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  frequently  the  surface 
drainage  is  poor.  The  members  resemble  the  Oktibbeha  soils  in  color  and 
structural  characteristics  but  differ  in  that  they  do  not  overlie  the  Selma  chalk 
formation  and  are  less  productive  and  probably  less  calcareous.  The  series 
occurs  in  close  association  with  the  "  yellow  loam  "  formation,  especially  in  the 
soil  portion,  which  is  usually  underlain  by  plastic,  heavy  clay  such  as  is  typically 
developed  in  the  Midway  formation  of  Mississippi. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Pheba  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Pheba  fine  sandy  loam . 

silt  loam 

clay 

Total 


Mississippi  14 

Mississippi  3,  14,  15. 
Mississippi  14 


13,696 
47,040 
35,200 


95,936 


'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Plummer  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  and  frequently  mottled 
with  dark-brownish  colors  and  underlain  at  a  depth  varying  from  8  to  20  inches 
by  compact,  light-gray  material  more  or  less  mottled  with  streaks  of  brown  and 
yellow.  The  lower  portion  of  the  subsoil  usually  consists  of  sandy  clay  or 
sticky  sandy  material,  including  pockets  or  layers  of  yellowish  plastic  sandy 
clay.  The  soils  are  derived  from  reworked  Piedmont-Appalachian  material. 
They  are  nearly  always  in  a  sticky  condition,  water  frequently  standing  on  the 
surface  after  heavy  rains.  A  scattered  growth  of  cypress,  pine,  and  occasion- 
ally cabbage  palmetto,  constitute  the  principal  tree  growth.  This  series  is 
typically  developed  in  the  fiatwoods  region  of  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
Coastal  Plain. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Plummer  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Plummer  fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam 
fine  sandy  loam... 


Georgia  10 

Georgia  3 

Florida  4;  Georgia  10. 


Total. 


3,456 
2,368 
10,816 
27,008 


43,648 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


248 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Point  Isabel  series. — These  are  heavy  soils  ranging  from  drab  to  brown  in 
color,  with  slightly  lighter  colored  subsoils.  The  soil  of  the  clay  members  does 
not  bake  badly  like  other  heavy  associated  types  of  inferior  drainage,  but  a 
thin  baked  crust  is  often  formed  on  the  surface  giving  rise  to  a  light  grayish 
color.  These  soils  are  developed  as  long,  narrow  ridges,  standing  at  sufficient 
elevation  above  adjoining  poorly  drained  flats  to  insure  good  and  often  excessive 
drainage.  They  are  derived  from  wind-blown  clay.  The  tree  growth  consists 
mainly  of  Spanish  dagger,  cactus,  and  mesquite. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Point  Isabel  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Point  Isabel  clay 

Texas  5 

4,096 

J  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Portsmouth  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray  to  black,  and  are  high  in  or- 
ganic matter.  The  subsoils  are  light  gray  to  mottled  gray  and  yellow,  and  the 
heavier  members  are  always  plastic,  though  usually  carrying  a  noticeable 
amount  of  sand.  These  soils  are  developed  in  flat  to  slightly  depressed,  poorly 
drained  situations,  and  require  ditching  before  they  can  be  used  for  agricul- 
ture. The  series  is  most  extensively  developed  in  the  flatwoods  or  the  low, 
seaward  portion  of  the  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain  and  that  portion  of  the  Gulf 
Coastal  Plain  lying  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  Scattered  areas  are  fre- 
quently found  in  the  poorly  drained  depressions  of  the  higher  Coastal  Plain 
country.  When  drained  the  soils  are  variously  adapted  to  corn,  strawberries, 
and  truck  crops,  such  as  cabbage,  onions,  and  celery.  Applications  of  lime  are 
usually  decidedly  beneficial. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Portsmouth  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  2;  Delaware  1;  Florida  1,  2;  Georgia  l.  2,  10,  15,  17; 

Maryland  10;  North  Carolina  7,  8;  South  Carolina  7;  Virgin] 
10. 
Georgia  3,  K) 

177.792 

line  sand 

Florida  3.  4,  5:  Georgia  2,3, 10,  11,  16,  L9;  North  Carolina  6,  L9; 

South  Carolina  7,  lo. 
Alabama  is,  29;   Delaware   1;   Florida  3;  Georgia 2, 11, 15, 16; 

Maryland  •),  10;  Mississippi  is;  North  Carolina  7,  9.  15,  21,  22, 
S5j  South  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  10.  12,  14,  16;  Virginia  10,  12. 

.  loam 

8*4,  oee 

8,000 

fine  sandy  ioam... 
loam 

Alabama  29;  Florida  t.  5;  Geoi           10,  1 1,  16,  IS 
iv  North  Carolina  6,  B,9.  L5,  19,20, 21, 22, 24;  South  Carolina 

,,  L0,  12,  if.;  Virginia  L2. 
Alabama  2,  29;  Georgia  10;  Maryland  4;  Mississippi  u,  is; 
North  Carolina  8,  7,  8.9,19.  20,  23,  24;  South  Carolina  lo.  I.Y 

163,048 

181,760 

1 10, 15;  North  Carolina  21;  South  Carolina  S,  10 



! 

2,411,978 

to  number  i  In  thi  ool 


Ruston  teries.  The  soils  are  gray  to  grayish  brown,  and  are  underlain  by 
reddish-yellow  '<.  yellowish-red  or  dull  red,  moderately  triable  subsoils,  pre 
vailingly  of  sandy  clay.  The  series  holds  an  Intermediate  place  between  tii«> 
Orangeburg  and  Norfolk  soils  in  the  color  of  its  subsoils,  and  >  similar  place 
between  the  Orangeburg  and  Norfolk  on  the  one  side  and  the  Susquehanna 
on  the  other  side  in  point  of  subsoil  structure.  Occasionally  the  Lower  subsoils 
are  mottled  with  gray  and  shades  of  yellow.  The  soils  are  closely  associated 
with  the  Orangeburg  and  Susquehanna,  although  probably  derived  from  prac- 
tically Mif  same  formation  us  the  Orangeburg,  in  crop  adaptation  they  are 
practically  the  same  ai  the  Orangeburg,  although  slightly  Inferior  In  point  of 
yield. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


249 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ruston  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Ruston  sand 

loamy  sand 

sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam . 
coarse  sandy  loam. . . 
fine  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Total 


Alabama  14;  Louisiana  9;  Mississippi  5,  9,  20 

Mississippi  5 

Alabama  8,  14,  32,  37;  Mississippi  5,  20 

Alabama  1,  8,  14;  Mississippi  5,  20;  North  Carolina  15 

North  Carolina  15 

Alabama  8,  17,  22,  27,  37;  Louisiana  9;  Mississippi  5,  9,  10,  12, 

17,  20. 
Mississippi  9, 10 


33,088 

7,168 

310,592 

152,512 

3,392 

1,010,624 

17,728 


1,535,104 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

San  Antonio  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  brown  to  chocolate  brown  in 
color  and  have  brownish- red,4  calcareous  subsoils.  These  soils  are  developed  in 
the  semiarid  regions  of  southern  Texas.  They  are  derived  from  calcareous  ma- 
terial of  sedimentary  origin.  Under  irrigation  they  give  excellent  yields  of  a 
number  of  crops  such  as  cotton,  corn,  sorghum,  vegetables,  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  San  Antonio  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam 

Texas  28 

398, 592 

silty  clay 

Texas  26 

18,048 

Total 

416,640 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sassafras  series. — These  soils  are  distinguished  by  their  yellowish-brown  to 
brown  color  and  mellow  structure.  The  subsoils  are  reddish  yellow  and 
friable  in  structure,  resting  upon  coarser  material  or  beds  of  gravel  and  sand 
at  depths  varying  from  2$  to  5  feet.  The  substratum  of  gravel  makes  drain- 
age good.  The  series  is  developed  along  flat  marine  or  estuarine  terraces 
standing  from  10  to  about  250  feet  above  sea  level.  They  are  confined  to  the 
northern  part  of  the  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain,  where  the  glacial  material  has  been 
added  to  Piedmont-Appalachian  material.  This  series  includes  some  of  the 
most  productive  soils  of  the  Atlantic  seaboard.  Excellent  crops  of  wheat, 
corn,  clover,  potatoes,  melons,  berries,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  are  secured 
under  good  management. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sassafras  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sassafras  sand 

Maryland  1,  3,  4,  5,  6,  9;  New  Jersey  1;  New  York  7... 

337,346 

57,024 

78,302 

332,410 

101,676 

loamy  sand 

Maryland  1,4 

fine  sand 

Maryland  1,  8;  New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  17 

sandy  loam 

Delaware  1;  Maryland  1,  4,  8,  9, 10;  Virginia  10.  . 

fine  sandy  loam 

Maryland  1,  2,  4,  8,  9;  New  Jersev  1 

loam 

Maryland  1,  2,  4,  10;  New  York  7... 

128,356 
164.678 

gravelly  loam 

Maryland  1,  4,  6;  New  Jersev  1,  3;  New  York  7 

silt  loam 

Delaware  1;  Maryland  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  8,  9;  New  Jersey  1,  3; 
Pennsylvania  6, 17. 

518,142 

Total 

1,717,934 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p. 733  . 

Scranton  series. — These  soils  are  dark  gray  to  black,  with  yellow  friable  sub- 
soils. The  surface  soils  have  the  characteristics  of  the  Portsmouth  series, 
while  the  subsoils  resemble  those  of  the  Norfolk  series.  In  the  poorer-drained 
situations  grayish  mottling  is  frequently  noticeable  in  the  lower  portion  of  the 
subsoils.  The  surface  configuration  is  flat  and  the  soils  are  generally  in  Deed 
of  better  drainage,  such  as  can  generally  be  secured  by  ditching.  The  Scranton 
soils  are  most  extensively  and  typically  developed  in  the  flatwoods  country 
near  the  coast  of  the  South  Atlantic  States,  in  the  low  flat  lands  near  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  and  to  the  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  When  properly  drained 
they  are  fairly  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  a  number  of  vege- 
tables. 


250 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Scranton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

.    Georgia  2;  South  Carolina  10 

21,952 
13,120 

loamvsand 

. .  l  Georgia  2 

fine  sand 

orgia  3,  10;  South  Carolina  10 

30,912 
640 

sandv  loam 

. .    Mississippi  IS 

fine  sandy  loam  . . . 

. .    Alabama  29;  Georgia  2;  Mississippi  18 

64,704 

18,112 

Total 

149, 440 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sumter  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  predominantly  yellow,  and  the 
subsoils  are  slightly  brighter  in  color  and  carry  large  quantities  of  partially 
weathered  rock  fragments  and  chert  from  the  Vicksburg- Jackson  limestone, 
from  which  the  soils  are  derived.  Many  areas  are  cultivated  with  difficulty 
on  account  of  the  presence  of  stones,  but  when  these  are  removed  and 
the  land  carefully  plowed  excellent  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured. 
Peaches  give  very  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sumter  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sumter  stony  sandy  loam. 

clay 

stony  clay 


Georgia  15 

Mississippi  20. 
do 


Total . 


1,984 
6,016 
2,432 


10,432 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Susquehanna  series. — The  Susquehanna  soils  are  gray  to  reddish  in  color  and 
are  underlain  by  mottled  red  and  gray,  or  red,  gray,  and  yellow,  plastic 
heavy  clay  subsoils.  Red  is  nearly  always  the  predominating  color  in  the  sub- 
soil, the  other  colors  appearing  only  as  mottlings  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil 
section.  These  may  vary,  often  being  red,  white,  drab,  yellow,  and  some- 
times purple.  These  soils  are  developed  most  extensively  in  the  higher  por- 
tion of  the  Coastal  Plain  from  the  vicinity  of  Chesapeake  Bay  to  central  Texas. 
The  heavier  members  are  difficult  to  handle  on  account  of  the  intractable  sub- 
soil. The  agricultural  value  is  much  below  that  of  the  Orangeburg  and  Norfolk 
soils.  Cotton  probably  does  best  in  the  southern  States.  Corn  and  oats  are 
grown  quite  extensively,  but  give  low  average  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Susquehanna  series. 


Soil  name. 


Susquehanna  sand 

gravel 

fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

stony 

loam. 

gravelly     sandy 
loam. 

omim 

loam, 
line  sandy 

loam. 


loam 

itony  loam, 
gravelly  loam 


silt  loam 
clay 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


Maryland  1 

Maryland  3,  5;  New  York  7;  Texas  8,  26. 

M  issLssippi  9 

Alabama  32;  Maryland  1;  Texas  24 

Alabama  32 


Alabama  37. 


North  Carolina  15 

yabamaS,ft,&9,  L2, 22, 82, 87;  Georgia  11.  16;  I 

I;  Mi    i    Ippl  I  9,  12  1 1  20;  Tera  2,  I  6  :.''  I  '.  11, 13, 
14,  90,  24,  20,  90,  SI. 
Texas  24 ' 

Alabama's,  1*7,  80;  Lciui  lane  9;  Maryland  i.  NoVti]  I  irolma 
90,  99. 

Mi    i    Ippl  5,  9,  US 

Louisiana  6,  Maryland  1. 8 

Uabama  9,  3,  5,  14,  18,  28.  30,  32;  Loul  lana  2,  3,  9,  1 1.  Mary- 
land 8  S  8;  Mi    i    Ippl  8,9,  10,  M.  i  10,  11,  IS,  14, 


Acres. 


1,600 
l,  179 

1 1 .  848 
19,  LM 

1,898,496 


1,024 
191,788 

483,889 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


251 


Tifton  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  grayish  brown  in  color,  and  are  under- 
lain by  bright  yellow,  friable  sandy  clay  subsoils.  Small  iron  concretions  occur 
on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  presence  of  these  fer- 
ruginous pebbles  gives  rise  to  the  local  names  of  "  pimply  land "  or  "  pebbly 
land."  The  surface  configuration  varies  from  flat  to  gently  rolling,  and  the 
drainage  is  always  good.  These  soils  are  most  extensively  and  typically  devel- 
oped in  the  central  portion  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region,  extending  through  south- 
ern South  Carolina  across  Georgia  into  Alabama.  Agriculturally  they  are  con- 
sidered very  valuable,  and  are  adapted  to  cotton,  sugar  cane,  corn,  cowpeas, 
velvet  beans,  oats,  rye,  sweet  potatoes,  Irish  potatoes,  pecans,  figs,  plums,  and  a 
number  of  vegetables. 

Areas  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Tifton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

9,728 

Georgia  2,  5,  7,  11,  15,  16,  17 

356,928 
320 

coarse  sandy  loam 

Georgia  5 

Total 

366, 976 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Victoria  series. — This  series  consists  of  brown  to  black  soils,  wfth  gray  to 
whitish,  calcareous  subsoils  derived  from  Pleistocene  deposits  of  the  Gulf 
Coastal  Plains.  The  members  are  closely  related  to  the  Houston  series,  the 
principal  difference  being  the  more  rolling  topography  of  the  latter. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Victoria  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Victoria  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  12,  27 

1,444,608 

Texas  12,  27,  28 

647,424 

clay 

Texas  12,  27,  28 

2, 128,  896 

Total 

4,220,928 

i  For  key  to  numbers  m  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Webb  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  resemble  those  of  the  Duval,  but  are 
more  calcareous  and  not  generally  so  red  in  the  subsoil.  They  are  brown  to 
reddish  brown,  with  reddish  brown  to  red  subsoils.  The  series  is  encountered 
in  semiarid  areas  of  the  Coastal  Plain  of  Texas.  The  soils  are  formed  from 
deposits  probably  belonging  to  the  Lafayette  formation  and  may  be  considered 
as  a  calcareous,  semiarid  equivalent  of  the  Orangeburg.  They  are  cultivated 
to  some  extent,  both  with  and  without  irrigation.  Most  of  the  series,  however, 
is  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of  mesquite  and  cactus  or  with  valuable  native 
grasses. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Webb  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  16 

3,136 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

53,760 

Texas  16,  27,  28 

597. 248 

Texas  28 

34,560 

Texas  27 

23,040 

Total 

711.744 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


252 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Wilson  scries. — The  series  embraces  dark-gray  to  black  soils,  with  mottled 
gray  and  drab  to  black  subsoils,  usually  of  stiff,  heavy  clay.  They  are  typically 
developed  in  the  mixed  prairie  and  timbered  regions  of  Texas  and  apparently 
hold  a  position  intermediate  between  the  Houston  and  Lufkin  series.  They 
differ  from  the  Crockett  series  in  that  red  is  practically  absent.  The  surface  is 
frequently  flat  so  that  water  stands  after  heavy  rains.  The  heavier  members 
dry  out  and  bake  quickly.     Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wilson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres . 

Wilson  fine  sand v  loam 

Texas  24 

loam 

Texas  A.  10,  U,  29 

Texas  3.  9.  10,  11.  24.  29 

■ 

Texas  11.. 

Total 

! 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

SAND  GROUP. 


The  deep,  medium-textured  sandy  lands  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal 
Plains,  of  loose,  open  structure,  thorough  drainage,  and  consequent  warm 
nature,  constitute  the  earliest  truck  soils  of  the  region.  Invariably  they  should 
be  selected  for  growing  vegetables  for  the  earliest  markets.  The  yields  on 
these  deep  Bands  are  rather  light  and  the  keeping  quality  of  the  products  is 
often  not  so  good  as  in  the  case  of  crops  grown  upon  some  of  the  associated. 
finer  textured  soils,  possibly  on  account  of  the  more  rapid  growth  of  the  plants 
and  the  tendency  to  ship  before  the  crops  have  properly  matured.  A  case  in 
point  is  the  very  early  Irish  potatoes  which  are  small  and  unusually  perishable 
when  grown  upon  the  deep  sands. 

These  soils  are  not  adapted  to  general  farming.  Notwithstanding  this  fact 
they  are  being  used.  In  some  cases  profitably,  for  general  farm  crops  In  certain 
sections.  This  is  particularly  true  as  regards  cotton,  for  which  heavy  applica- 
tions of  commercial   fertilizer  are  used.     These  are  preeminently  early  truck 

soils,   and   their  most    economic   use  lie-   In    the   production   Of   nigh-priced   crops 

for  the  earliest  local  and  distant  markets  accessible  by  rapid  transportation. 

Brier   fruits,  blackberries  and   dewberries  particularly,   also   early    peache8  and 
plums,  can  he  profitably  grown   for  such  purposes. 

Eeavy   yields  of  any   crops  on   these  open-structured   soils  require   liberal 

additions   Of   barnyard    manure   or   complete    commercial    fertilizers.      Owing    to 

oose  structure,   added  material   capable  of  going  into  solution  or  being 
finely  comminuted  by  decomposition  is  rapidly  washed  out  or  carried  down  by 

percolating  water,   making  fche  effects  of  fertilizers  and  manures  much   less 

lasting  than   on    the   fine-textured   soils.      Under  ordinary   conditions   these   soils 

are  bo  Irretentive  of  moisture  that  crops  frequently  suffer  severely  during  dry 
as     Where  the  Burface  is  mulched  by  the  shifting  of  the  Band  under  the 
influence  of  winds  they  frequently  hold  moisture  surprisingly  well. 

The  light  gray  and   while  types  of  the  sand   group,   such  as   the   Norfolk   and 

Leon  sand,  c.nsist  largely  of  quarts  grains,  frequently  with  less  than  l  percent 

of  other  minerals  present.     This  is  particularly   true  of  the  sands  near  the 

>rn  Gulf  and  South  Atlantic  coasts,  where  the  material  appears  to  have 

subjected  to  long  periods  of  trituration.    These  characteristics  Indicate  a 

need  of  heavy  applications  of  manure.    Where  the  color  of  the  sand  is  more  of 

iwnisb  shade  and  the  mineral  constitution  more  complex,  as  In  the  case  of 

the  Sassafras  and  Colllngton  sands  of  the  North  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain,  better 

yields  are  almosl  Invariably  secured  with  the  same  method  of  soil  management. 

The  sands  comprise  n  large  total  area  throughout  the  Coastal  Plain,  being  of 

considerable  Importance  everywhere  except   In   the  regions  dominated  by  the 

Houston,  Victoria,  Susquehanna,  Acadia,  and  Crowley  soils,  as  In  Central  Ala 

bama,    northeastern     Mississippi,    southern     Louisiana,    southeastern    Arkansas. 

central  and  west  Texas,  and  the  flat  Gulf  border  of  Texas.    The  Norfolk  Band 
far  the  most  extensively  developed  of  all  the  members  of  the  group,    it 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.       253 

is  confined  mainly  to  the  Coastal  Plain  south  of  the  Potomac  River-Chesapeake 
Bay  section.  In  the  North  Atlantic  division  the  Sassafras  sand  dominates;  in 
the  ftatwoods,  the  Portsmouth  and  Leon;  and  in  the  Georgia-west  Florida- 
Alabama-Mississippi  section  the  Norfolk,  Orangeburg,  and  Ruston  sands  are  the 
predominating  types  outside  of  the  flatwoods  and  Black  Prairie  belts.  The 
Norfolk  and  Lufkin  types  dominate  in  the  sandy  portions  of  the  Texas  Gulf 
Plain. 

Collington  sand. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish  to  reddish-gray,  rather  coarse  sand 
from  10  to  20  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  greenish-yellow  loamy  sand 
and  rests  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  upon  a  rather  stiff,  olive  sandy  loam  or 
sandy  clay  loam  approximating  in  general  characteristics  the  subsoil  of  the 
sandy  loam  member  of  the  series.  Glauconitic  sand  is  found  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil.  The  underlying  clay  found  at  depths  ranging  from  36  to  40  inches  makes 
the  soil  fairly  retentive  of  moisture,  particularly  when  liberally  supplied  with 
organic  matter.  The  type  occurs  as  nearly  flat  areas  at  low  elevations.  Water- 
melons, cantaloupes,  small  fruits,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  very  well. 

Durant  sand. — The  soil  varies  in  depth  from  26  to  30  inches  and  consists  of 
a  medium  to  fine  sand,  containing  only  a  small  proportion  of  the  coarser  grades 
of  sand  and  clay.  The  surface  6  inches  is  darkened  by  slight  accumulations  of 
organic  matter,  but  below  this  the  sand  is  white  or  yellow  in  color  and  lacking 
in  humus.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  more  than  3  feet  consists  of  a  yellow, 
loamy  sand  to  light  sandy  loam.  The  type  occupies  gently  to  sharply  rolling 
areas  and  owes  its  origin  to  the  weathered  product  of  Silo  sandstone.  Cotton 
and  corn  are  the  only  crops  which  have  been  grown  upon  it.  Owing  to  its  light 
texture  yields  are  light.     The  most  profitable  use  of  the  type  is  for  trucking. 

Gadsden  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  sand  10  inches  deep,  under- 
lain by  a  gray  or  brownish  sand  subsoil  of  lighter  texture  and  extending  to  a 
depth  of  more  than  36  inches.  The  soil  is  of  medium  to  fine  texture  and  ordi- 
narily carries  considerable  organic  matter.  The  type  occupies  gentle  slopes  or 
undulations  near  streams  and  supports  a  growth  of  hardwood  forests.  Cleared 
areas  are  very  productive.  It  is  one  of  the  best  soils  for  the  Florida  wrapper 
tobacco,  but  requires  careful  treatment  to  maintain  yields. 

Gainesville  sand. — This  soil  is  a  gray  loamy  sand  about  8  inches  deep,  con- 
taining much  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  loose,  brownish  loamy  sand, 
which  varies  in  depth,  but  is  usually  underlain  at  3  feet  by  a  calcareous  clay 
or  by  partly  weathered  limestone.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  limestone  frag- 
ments. The  type  occupies  high,  rolling  uplands  and  is  well  drained.  It  re- 
tains moisture  only  fairly  well  and  crops  often  suffer  during  droughts.  Tke 
timber  growth  consists  of  mixed  forest  of  pine  and  hardwoods.  One  of  the 
principal  crops  is  sea-island  cotton,  to  which  the  soil  seems  especially  well 
adapted.  Early  vegetables  can  also  be  grown  successfully.  The  type  is  gener- 
ally used  for  cotton,  corn,  velvet  beans,  oats,  and  peanuts,  of  which  light  yields 
are  obtained. 

Hyde  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  black  sand  3  feet  or  more  in  depth.  The 
surface  few  inches  has  a  somewhat  more  loamy  character  than  the  lower  part 
owing  to  the  presence  of  considerable  organic  matter.  With  this  exception 
there  is  little  change  throughout  the  3-foot  section.  The  type  occurs  in  poorly 
drained  situations  and  usually  remains  in  a  permanently  saturated  condition. 
Pine,  water  oak,  titi,  magnolia,  bay,  gum.  and  saw  palmetto  constitute  the  prin- 
cipal timber  growth.  With  the  establishment  of  good  drainage,  cabbage,  onions, 
and  corn  should  do  well. 

Leon  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  or  white  medium  sand  from  6  to  10 
inches  deep,  occasionally  containing  sufficient  organic  matter  to  give  it  a  dark- 
gr.iy  color  in  the  immediate  surface  section.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact  medium 
white  sand,  usually  saturated  with  water.  Frequently  a  layer  of  brownish  sand 
containing  organic  matter  is  encountered  at  varying  depths  below  the  surface. 
The  type  has  an  almost  level  surface  and  is  deficient  in  natural  drainage.  It 
supports  a  timber  growth  of  longleaf  pine  and  an  undergrowth  of  wire  grass 
and  dwarf  palmetto.  Few  areas  are  under  cultivation,  as  extensive  and  costly 
drainage  operations  are  required  to  reclaim  the  land.  Heavy  fertilization  is 
neeessnry  for  success  with  any  kind  of  crops. 

Lufkin  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray,  loose  and  incoherent  medium  sand 
about  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  gray  or  yellow  sand  of  practically  similar 
texture,  frequently  becoming  compact  in  structure.  The  sand  is  underlain  at 
a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet  by  the  same  drab  and  yellow  mottled  sandy  clay  that 
forms  the  subsoil  of  the  Lufkin  sandy  loam,  the  only  distinction  between  the  two 
types  being  the  difference  in  the  depth  of  smid  overlying  the  clay  and  the  con- 


254  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

sequent  variation  in  the  agricultural  value.  The  soil  readily  absorbs  water, 
while  its  location  on  ridges  or  in  proximity  to  streams  insures  adequate  drain- 
age. It  is  rather  poor  and  leachy,  and  crops  usually  suffer  from  lack  of  mois- 
ture. It  is  well  suited  to  sweet  potatoes  and  under  intensive  methods,  with 
liberal  applications  of  manure,  to  other  early  truck  crops.  It  supports  a  forest 
growth  of  post  oak.  blackjack  oak.  and  some  live  oak. 

Norfolk  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  yellowish,  incoherent  coarse  to  medium 
sand,  underlain  by  a  subsoil  of  yellow  sand,  and  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet 
or  more.  This  is  a  common  type  on  the  low,  flat  river  necks  and  forelands  of 
the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Plains,  along  the  valley  slopes  of  the  streams,  and  level 
areas  of  the  uplands.  These  different  positions  have  a  marked  influence  upon 
its  productiveness,  the  upland  areas  giving  the  lowest  yields.  The  drainage  is 
good  and  crops  mature  early.  The  moisture-retaining  capacity  is  so  limited  that 
the  general  farm  crops  can  not  be  grown  with  any  great  success  except  upon  the 
lower-lyim:  areas  where  the  water  table  approaches  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
surface.     Corn  yields  but  5  to  10  bushels  per  acre  and  wheat  rarely  more  than 

5  or  6  bushels.  It  is  a  good  early  truck  soil,  esi>ecially  for  the  lighter  crops.  It 
is  used  for  small  fruits  and  peaches,  although  not  so  well  adapted  to  the  latter 
as  some  of  the  other  soils  of  the  series.  Many  watermelons  are  grown  upon  this 
soil  in  the  Southern  States.  In  the  Connecticut  Valley  and  in  Florida  a  very 
fine  grade  of  cigar-wrapper  tobacco  is  produced  upon  the  type.  In  Maryland  it 
produces  a  good  grade  of  the  Maryland  export  tobacco  and  in  North  Carolina 
and  South  Carolina  a  line  grade  of  cigarette  tobacco,  although  it  is  not  as  well 
adapted  to  this  particular  crop  as  the  Norfolk  sandy  loam.  Heavy  applications 
of  complete  commercial  fertilizers  or  barnyard  manure  are  necessary  for  good 
yields  of  all  crops. 

Ornnfjcbiir;/  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  medium-textured  sand  from 

6  to  8  inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  reddish  sand,  which  in  turn  is  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  three  feet  or  more  by  a  red  sandy  clay.  The  soil  frequently  contains 
some  iron  concretions  and  usually  occupies  gently  rolling  areas  of  good  natural 
drainage.  Unless  heavily  manured  yields  of  corn  and  cotton  are  low.  Early 
truck  crops,  peaches,  and  wrapper  tobacco  do  well  with  proper  fertilization. 

Portsmouth  sand. — The  soil  is  a  black  or  dark-gray  loamy  sand,  averaging 
about  12  inches  deep,  and  usually  containing  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter. 
Tli«'  subsoil  is  a  gray  or  mottled  drab,  white,  and  yellow  sticky  sand,  underlain 
at  depths  ranging  from  24  to  48  inches  by  a  compact  and  rather  impervious 
stratum  of  sand,  frequently  resembling  a  liardpan.  Occasionally  the  subsoil  is 
so  saturated  with  water  as  to  resemble  quicksand.  Tins  type  occurs  in  slightly 
depressed  and  nearly  level  uplands  with  poor  drainage,  frequently  representing 
former  lake  and  sw.mip  areas.  Corn  is  the  principal  crop  grown.  The  type  is 
adapted  to  berries,  particularly  to  strawberries,  although  cabbage,  onions,  and 
other  heavy  or  late  truck  crops  do  well.  It  is  much  later  in  maturing  crops, 
but  when  well  drained  gives  larger  yields  than  the  other  soils  of  this  group  on 
account  of  its  large  content  of  organic  matter  and  correspondingly  greater 
water-holding  capacity. 

RustOtl  sand. — The  soil  of  the  RustOU  sand  is  a  light-gray,  loose-textured 
medium  sand,  ranging  from  6  to  24  Inches  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  a  dingy 
yellowish-red  loamy  sand,  becoming  heavier  with  depth  and  resting  upon  a 
sandy  clay  at  :;<;  Inches  or  more.  The  origin  of  this  type  is  obscure,  but  it  is 
probably  derived  from  the  coarser  sediments  of  the  ESocene  or  remnants  of  the 
Lafayette  mantle    The  type  occupies  high  ridges,  the  rolling  topography  and 

natural  porosity  of  the  material  insuring  good  natural  drainage.  The  soil  is 
souiowh.it  leachy.  and  crop  yields  are  apt  to  decline  under  present  methods  of 
management.      It    is  adapted  to  cotton  and   truck. 

Bcranton  Band.    This  soil  is  s  to  12  inches  deep,  and  is  ashy  to  dark  gray  at 

the  surface,  Changing  to  brown  at  a  depth  of  3  or  -1  inches.  The  subsoil  con- 
sists of  a    Compact,   white   medium   sand,   and    is   usually   saturated    with   water. 

The  surface  soil  is  rich  in  organic  matter.  The  type  occurs  .is  poorly  drained 
/hit  areas  usually  near  streams  or  "bays",  and  requires  ditching  in  order  to  be 
brought  into  cultivation,  it  occupies  an  Intermediate  position  between  Norfolk 
and  Portsmouth  soils.  Saw  palmetto  is  a  conspicuous  growth.  Reclaimed  areas 
give  rather  poor  results  with  cotton  but  better  yields  of  corn  and  oats. 

tafra*   sand.     The   SOil    COnsiStl   Of   B    dull-brOWn    coarse    tO    medium    sand 

varying  in  depth  from  •"»  to  LO  Inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow  and 
sometimes  orange-yellow  sand  which  becomes  slightly  loamy  and  coarser  with 

depth.  The  surface  varies  from  Hat  forelands  at  nearly  sen  level  to  gently 
rolling  and    low    knollfl   and    ridges   on    the   uplands.      The   type   is  a    light,  well- 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


255 


drained  soil  and  naturally  warm  and  well  adapted  to  vegetables,  especially  the 
early  market-garden  varieties  such  as  tomatoes,  asparagus,  and  sweet  and 
Irish  potatoes.  It  is  excellent  land  for  growing  cowpeas  for  seed.  The  timber 
growth  consists  of  shortleaf  pine  and  oak. 

Susquehanna  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  consists  of  a  pale 
reddish-yellow  to  pink  sand  of  loose,  open  structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-red 
or  pink  mealy  sand  which  becomes  sticky  and  changes  in  color  to  grayish,  scarlet, 
and  pink,  at  depths  ranging  from  20  to  36  inches.  Stiff,  mottled  clay  corre- 
sponding to  the  Susquehanna  clay  is  encountered  ordinarily  at  depths  between 
2  and  5  feet.  The  type  occupies  the  tops  of  low  hills.  It  is  a  better  soil  than 
the  clay  loam  of  the  series,  being  well  adapted  to  vegetables  and  peaches. 

Tifton  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  medium  to  coarse  sand  about  10  inches 
in  depth,  gray  at  the  surface  and  yellowish  below.  The  subsoil  is  an  ochreous- 
yellow  to  reddish-yellow  loamy  sand  of  rather  open  structure.  The  type  gener- 
ally occupies  the  higher  elevations,  and  is  surrounded  by  areas  of  Tifton  sandy 
loam.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  Lafayette  formation  and  contains  many 
iron  concretions.  Only  one  area  has  been  mapped  and  but  little  of  it  is  in 
cultivation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 


Norfolk  sand. 


Sassafras  sand 

Orangeburg  sand 

Portsmouth  sand 


Leon  sand 

Lufkinsand 

Gadsden  sand 

Ruston  sand 

Scrantonsand 

Tifton  sand 

Gainesville  sand.... 

Durant  sand 

Susquehanna  sand . 

Collington  sand 

Hyde  sand 

Total 


State  or  area.1 


Alabama  2,  5,  9,  12,  13,  18,  24,  25,  29,  30,  32,  34;  Delaware  1; 
Florida  1,  2,  3, 5,  6,  7,  Georgia  1,  2, 5,  7,  8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 
19;  Louisiana  2,  13,14;  Maryland  1,  2,8,10;  Mississippi  2,  5, 
8,  9,  18,  20;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  9,  15,  19,  21,  24; 
South  Carolina  4,  6,  7,  8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16;  Texas  1,14, 24, 32; 
Virginia  5. 

Maryland  1,3, 4, 5,  6,9;  New  Jersey  1;  New  York  7 

Alabama  2,  18,  29,  30,  32,  34,  37;  Florida  1,  2,  5;  Louisiana  14; 
Mississippi  8,  20;  South  Carolina  6, 12. 

Alabama  2;  Delaware  1;  Florida  1,  2;  Georgia  1,  2,  10,  15,  17; 
Maryland  10;  North  Carolina  7,  8;  South  Carolina  7;  Vir- 
ginia, 10. 

Florida  6;  Georgia  3, 10 

Texas  17 

Florida  2,  5,  6;  Georgia  1 

Alabama  14;  Louisiana  9;  Mississippi  5, 9, 20 

Georgia  2;  South  Carolina  10 

Georgia  2, 15, 17 

Florida  3 

Oklahoma  2 

Maryland  1 

....do 

Georgia  10 


Acres. 


2,  826, 638 


337, 346 
267,328 


177,792 


54,784 

33,088 

21,952 

9,728 

7,744 

4,288 

1,600 

1,216 

768 

3,874,576 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAMY    SAND    PHASE. 


The  soils  of  the  loamy  sand  group  differ  but  slightly  from  the  sands,  but 
because  of  their  loamy  character  they  are  as  a  class  slightly  more  productive 
and  more  easily  maintained  in  a  high  state  of  efficiency.  They  are  more  reten- 
tive of  moisture,  are  less  subject  to  shifting  by  the  winds,  and  show  a  greater 
complexity  in  mineralogical  composition,  which  tends  to  make  them  more 
durable.  They  are,  however,  more  closely  related  to  the  sands  in  agricultural 
value  and  physical  composition  than  to  the  sandy  loams,  although  from  a  field 
standpoint  they  are  considered  as  holding  an  intermediate  position  between 
the  sands  and  sandy  loams.  They  constitute  more  properly  a  subdivision  of 
the  sand  group  than  a  separate  group  of  soils. 

The  loamy  sands  are  of  common  occurrence  in  the  North  Atlantic  division, 
where  the  Sassafras  loamy  sand  is  a  prominent  soil.  South  of  this  region 
these  soils  seem  to  be  developed  most  extensively  in  the  flat  coastal  regions, 
where  the  organic  content  is  prevalently  high,  and  near  the  inland  borders,  where 
apparently  the  constituent  materials  have  not  suffered  so  severely  from  com- 
minution and  elutriation.  The  loamy  sands  are  also  of  common  occurrence 
along  the  borders  of  sandy  loams. 


256 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


The  Norfolk  and  Greenville  loamy  sands  are  the  most  important  types  of 
this  group  so  far  encountered  south  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay  region.  The  loamy 
sand  member  of  the  Greenville  series  is  likely  to  be  more  extensively  encoun- 
tered than  the  sand  for  the  feason  that  one  of  the  important  features  of  this 
series  is  the  presence  of  fine  particles  in  the  soil  which  adhere  to  the  coarse 
grains  in  such  a  way  as  to  give  the  material  a  loamy  character. 

Greenville  loamy  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-red  or  reddish-brown 
medium  to  fine  loamy  sand  or  light  textured  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  a  lighter  red,  slightly  sticky  sand  resembling  the  soil  in  texture. 
The  type  occupies  gently  undulating  areas,  low  ridges,  and  knolls,  and  is  de- 
rived from  the  weathering  of  the  Lafayette  deposits.  Although  well  drained, 
the  water-holding  capacity  of  the  type  makes  it  a  desirable  and  productive  soil, 
both  for  general  farm  and  special  crops.  Yields  of  cotton  range  from  one-third 
to  one-half  bale  and  of  corn  from  10  to  20  bushels  per  acre.  The  soil  is  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  small  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Norfolk  loamy  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  inches  is  a  gray  or  brownish 
medium  sand  containing  enough  silt  and  clay  to  give  it  a  loamy  texture.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  yellowish  or  brownish  sandy  loam  of  nearly  the  same  texture  as  the 
soil.  The  type  is  derived  from  an  unconsolidated  noncalcareous  formation  of 
Cretaceous  age.  from  which  a  layer  of  Lafayette  material  has  been  removed 
by  erosion.  The  topography  is  level  to  undulating,  with  abrupt  escarpments 
along  the  streams.     The  porous  subsoil  makes  the  type  somewhat  droughty. 

Ruston  loamy  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish  loamy  sand  about  12 
inches  deep,  becoming  yellowish  red  to  dull  red  in  the  subsoil.  Drainage  is 
thorough  to  excessive,  and  crops  are  likely  to  suffer  during  dry  seasons. 
Libera]  applications  of  commercial  fertilizers  and  vegetable  manures  are  neces- 
sary to  secure  ordinary  yields. 

sassafras  loamy  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dull-brown  loamy  sand  6  or  8  inches 
deep,  having  a  gritty  feel  due  to  the  presence  of  coarse  sand  and  tine  gravel. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  a  pale-yellow  loamy  sand,  which  at  about  15  inches 
becomes  finer  in  texture  and  is  frequently  compact  when  dry.  Ar  .'50  inches  it 
grades  into  a  moderately  heavy  sandy  loam.  Below  this  a  loose,  coarse  sand  is 
often  found.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling,  with  occasional  low  mounds 
and  irregular  ridges  and  poorly  drained  intervening  depressions.  Drainage  is 
usually  good,  hut  crops  are  liable  to  suffer  for  lack  of  moisture  on  the  ridges. 
The  type  Is  considered  a  fair  soil  for  general  farm  crops,  but  is  best  adapted 
to  such  truck  crops  as  melons,  cantaloupes,  tomatoes,  and  sweet  potatoes,  It 
is  easily  cultivated  and  responds  readily  to  fertilizers. 

Scranton  loamy  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  sand  or 
loamy  sand  about  1<>  inches  deep  which  is  rich  in  organic  matter  and  is  under- 
lain by  a  compact,  li;dit-yellow  material  about  the  same  in  texture  as  the  soil. 
This  in  turn  rests  at  20  to  .*;<>  Inches  upon  a  light-yellow  sticky  sand  to  sandy 
clay,  sometimes  Slightly  mottled  with  drab  and  red.  The  surface  is  quite  flat 
and  the  underdrainage  poor,  the  subsoil  often  being  quite  saturated  throughout 
a    targe  part   of  the  year.      Ditching   is  necessary   to  bring  the   land   into   proper 

condition  for  cultivation.  With  moderate  fertilization  a  bale  of  cotton  per 
acre  has  been  secured.  Sea-Island  cotton  makes  a  rank  growth,  hut  yields  are 
rather  light.     Corn  does  quite  well,  also  sugar  cane  and  a  number  of  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  1,3, 8  r_v".r  Mfafapfppl  is 

L61.8M 

L8,  ISO 

:.  ir.s 

Total 

567,552 

i.)  nnml  en  IB  tUfoohuui  m  p.  318. 

STONY    SAND    PHASE. 


(lain  stony  saml.  This  type  consists  of  a  irray  to  coarse  sand  often  variously 
Colored  in  the  subsoil  portion  with  yellow,  gray,  white,  and  red,  the  colors  being 
confined  to  different  strata.      Ferruginous  sandstone  and  gravel  conglomerate  are 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


257 


usually  abundant  over  the  surface.  The  type  includes  patches  too  small  to  map, 
having  a  sandy  clay  subsoil.  The  surface  is  marked  by  narrow  ridges,  steep 
slopes,  and  frequent  deep  gulches.  This  soil  is  practically  worthless  for  agri- 
cultural purposes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Guin  stony  sand 

Mississippi  20 

7,232 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVEL   PHASE. 


Norfolk  gravel. — The  soil  occurs  as  hills,  narrow  bands,  or  outcrops  of  gravel 
consisting  of  30  to  60  per  cent  of  rounded,  water-worn  gravel,  with  interstitial 
material  varying  from  sand  to  sandy  loam  or  loam.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a 
gravelly  sand  or  sandy  loam,  occasionally  carrying  sufficient  clayey  material  to 
make  it  slightly  plastic.  The  type  is  formed  through  the  denudation  of  gravel 
layers  deposited  as  shallow-water  sediment,  river  wash,  or  delta.  It  is  a  poor, 
unproductive  soil,  generally  occupying  slopes,  and  is  best  left  in  forest. 

Susquehanna  gravel. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  20  inches  consists  of  sand, 
gravel,  and  cobblestones  intimately  mixed  together  and  carrying  a  noticeable 
quantity  of  material  of  the  finer  grades.  The  subsoil  is  generally  a  heavy,  red 
or  mottled  sandy  clay.  In  places  beds  of  gravel  occur  from  2  to  20  feet  below 
the  surface.  The  type  occurs  in  the  vicinity  of  the  junction  of  bottom  lands 
with  uplands  and  is  usually  rough  and  hilly.  It  represents  material  reworked 
by  river  action  in  early  days.  The  natural  timber  growth  consists  of  hardwoods, 
mostly  blackjack  oak  and  post  oak,  with  some  pines.  It  is  valued  mainly  for 
its  timber. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravels. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mar yland  3,  5;  New  York  7;  Texas  3,  26 

119,266 

Maryland  2,  6,  8,  9;  New  Jersey  3;  North  Carolina  22 

70,092 

Total 

189,358 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   SAND   PHASE. 

Norfolk  gravelly  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  dull  gray  medium  sand  carrying 
large  quantities  of  rounded,  light-colored  quartz  pebbles.  At  a  depth  of  1  or  2 
feet,  the  material  is  less  weathered  and  the  color  ranges  from  yellowish  to 
brown.  Otherwise  the  subsoil  is  quite  similar  to  the  soil,  consisting  chiefly  of 
medium  and  coarse  sand,  with  gravel  scattered  through  it.  The  type  occupies 
slopes  and  ridges,  and  is  of  little  or  no  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  2, 12 

42,560 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


79G19— 13 17 


258 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


COABSE   SAND  PHASE. 

This  is  the  lightest  grade  of  soil  used  for  truck  or  early  vegetables.  It  is 
not  well  adapted  to  such  crops,  as  it  is  too  open  and  porous.  To  correct  this 
deficiency  to  a  degree  that  would  enable  the  production  of  even  moderate  yields 
would  involve  too  much  expeuse  under  present  economic  conditions.  Despite  its 
leachy  character  the  coarse  sand  is  used  in  some  sections  for  cotton  with  heavy 
applications  of  commercial  fertilizers,  but  this  practice  seems  hardly  justifiable 
in  view  of  its  adaptability  to  other  crops. 

Greenville  coarse  sand. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  coarse  loamy 
sand  of  a  more  coherent  structure  than  the  lighter  colored  soils  of  similar  tex- 
ture, such  as  the  Norfolk  and  Orangeburg  coarse  sand.  The  subsoil  averages  a 
little  lighter  in  texture  than  the  soil  and  is  usually  a  brighter  red  color.  The 
type  is  often  developed  on  the  lower  slopes  of  those  divides  on  which  the  heavier 
members  of  the  Greenville  series  occur.  For  such  a  coarse-textured  soil  the 
agricultural  value  is  surprisingly  high,  due  largely  to  the  greater  capacity  for 
conserving  moisture  than  in  case  of  less  ferruginous,  lighter  colored,  coarse 
sands.  While  not  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  cotton  and  oats  give  fair 
results.  Watermelons,  sweet  potatoes,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  particu- 
larly well. 

Leon  coarse  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  white,  loose  sand  from  34  to  20 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  two  distinct  sections.  The  upper  hardpan 
layer  is  a  brownish  sand,  usually  about  8  inches  thick,  and  the  lower  part  is  a 
brownish  to  nearly  white  loose  Band.  This  soil  is  very  low  in  moisture-retaining 
properties  and  of  little  agricultural  value. 

Norfolk  course  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray,  loose,  and  incoherent  coarse  sand,  8 
inches  deep,  containing  10  per  cent  or  more  of  gravel,  and  underlain  by  a  subsoil 
of  the  same  material,  frequently  containing  iron  crusts.  The  type  occurs  as 
level  plains  or  broken  slopes.  It  is  not  very  productive,  although  used  to  some 
extent  for  tobacco,  peaches,  and  truck. 

Orangeburg  coarse  sand. — The  soil  is  a  slightly  loamy,  gray  to  reddish-brown 
coarse  to  medium  sand  from  8  to  15  inches  deep  and  frequently  containing  quartz 
pebbles  and  iron  concretions.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter  colored  red  sand  of  simi- 
lar texture  and  sometimes  slightly  sticky  in  the  lower  depths.  The  type  occurs 
as  level  to  rolling  country  and  also  as  terraces.  On  account  of  its  open,  porous 
n.it  ure  crops  frequently  suffer  during  seasons  of  moderate  rainfall.  It  produces 
from  8  to  15  bushels  of  corn  and  one-third  of  a  bale  of  cotton  per  acre  in  favor- 
able seasons.  In  some  sections  of  the  tobacco-producing  belt.  Florida  wrapper 
and  filler  tobacco  are  grown,  but  for  the  most  part  the  type  is  too  droughty  to 
in. ike  this  crop  a  safe  one.  The  type  is  well  suited  to  vegetables  and  small 
fruits.  The  timber  growth  consists  of  oak,  hickory,  dogwood,  sweet  gum.  and 
pine. 

Portsmouth  coarse  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  black,  moderately  coarse 
■and  from  6  to  15  inches  deep  and  rich  in  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  consists 
Of  ;i  grayish,  compact  co.irse  sand  usually  saturated  with  water  in  the  lower 
section.  Some  small  coarse  gravel  occurs  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the 
soil   section.     The  BUrface  is  flat  to  slightly  depressed  and  drainage  poor.     By 

ditching  and  subsequent  applications  of  Lime  the  soil  can  be  brought  into  good 

condition  for  growing  a  number  of  vegetables,  such  as  lettuce,  cabbage,  onions, 

and  such  crops  as  oats  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sands. 


Soil  name. 


Norfolk  coars< 


Port  :■ 
Greenv  [lie  i 

I.COI  |  

Total 


State  or  area.1 


Alabama  24,  25,  29,  .!:•:  Florida 7;  Georgia 8, 6, 7,15. 17:  M.lr\- 
land  i  B;  New  J<  •  inn  Carolina 

...  is,  ith  <  arolina  6,  9,  i",  L6. 

Alabama  32;  Florida  7;  Georgia  15;  Mississippi  0 

0 



1 10 


Acres. 


513,730 


27, 776 

1 ,  40S 


548,738 


'  Forkej  to  nnmberi  in  this  column  m 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  259 

FINE  SAND  GROUP. 

The  fine-textured  sands  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  are  the  best 
general  early  truck  soils,  as  distinguished  from  the  soils  of  coarser  texture 
used  for  the  very  earliest  truck.  On  account  of  the  fineness  of  the  soil  mate- 
rial they  are  more  retentive  of  moisture.  This  feature  makes  them  somewhat 
later  in  maturing  crops,  but  is  more  than  offset  by  the  heavier  yields  and,  in 
some  instances,  the  improvement  in  the  quality  for  shipping.  Vegetables  on  the 
fine  sands  mature  about  10  days  later  than  on  the  associated  sands. 

The  series  of  this  group  are  without  doubt  the  most  valuable  early  truck 
soils  of  the  province.  In  adaptation  they  include  the  whole  range  of  vegetable 
crops.  The  soils  respond  readily  to  intensive  cultivation  and  yields  are  uni- 
formly good.  Differences  in  geographic  position  with  respect  to  large  bodies  of 
water,  which  make  the  climatic  conditions  more  uniform,  in  topographic  fea- 
tures, especially  elevation,  and  in  transportation  facilities  have  much  to  do 
with  the  selection  of  the  crops  which  can  be  grown,  and  even  with  the  question 
whether  the  soil  in  any  particular  locality  can  at  present  be  profitably  used 
for  trucking  purposes.  Under  average  conditions  general  farming  can  scarcely 
be  conducted  with  any  great  degree  of  profit  on  soils  of  this  texture.  Liberal 
application  of  manure  or  complete  commercial  fertilizers  are  necessary  to  make 
good  yields  of  all  crops,  and  as  with  the  coarser  soils,  though  to  a  less  degree, 
the  effect  of  manurial  treatment  is  not  lasting.  The  soils  are  easy  to  till  and 
although  frequently  becoming  a  little  more  compact  than  the  medium  sands, 
more  trouble  is  experienced  with  looseness  of  structure  than  from  the  former 
cause.  One  of  the  greatest  needs  of  the  members  of  this  group,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  dark-colored  types  such  as  the  Portsmouth  fine  sand,  is  the  liberal 
and  frequent  incorporation  of  vegetable  matter.  This  can  most  advantageously 
be  accomplished  by  plowing  under  crops  like  cowpeas,  crimson  clover,  beggar- 
weed,  and  vetch. 

The  fine  sands  occur  in  close  association  with  the  sands  and  are  very  nearly 
as  extensive.  The  Norfolk  fine  sand  is  the  most  important  member  of  the  inner 
division  of  the  Coastal  Plain  east  of  the  narrow  "  sandhill "  belt  bordering  the 
Piedmont  between  the  Potomac  River-Chesapeake  Bay  region  and  central  South 
Carolina. 

The  Sassafras  fine  sand  is  the  most  important  type  of  this  class  in  the  region 
north  of  the  Potomac.  In  the  Flatwoods  region  the  Portsmouth  and  Scranton 
fine  sands  are  prominent  soils,  except  in  southeastern  Georgia  and  Florida, 
where  the  Leon  fine  sand  is  relatively  more  important.  The  Orangeburg 
and  Norfolk  are  the  most  important  fine  sands  of  the  inner  division  of  the 
Georgia,  west  Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  northwestern  Louisiana 
Coastal  Plain,  while  these  types  with  the  Lufkin  fine  sand  dominate  the  corre- 
sponding portion  of  Texas.  Very  little  fine  sand  occurs  in  the  "  black  prairie  " 
belts  of  central  Alabama,  northeastern  Mississippi,  central  and  western  Texas, 
the  low  Coastal  Plain  of  southern  Louisiana  and  southeastern  Arkansas,  and 
the  flat  Coastal  Plain  border  of  Texas. 

Bienville  fine  sand. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  consists  of  a  light  yel- 
lowish gray  medium  to  fine  sand  underlain  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  by  orange- 
colored  sand.  The  type  occurs  as  low  ridges  in  the  alluvial  bottom  lands,  but 
is  not  subject  to  overflow.  The  topography  is  almost  level.  Very  little  of  it 
is  cultivated,  but  it  should  prove  a  valuable  soil  for  early  truck. 

Caddo  fine  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  fine  sand  or  fine  sandy  loam  18 
inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  10  inches  of  loam  bearing  some  silt  and  sand  and 
grading  downward  into  mottled  clay.  The  subsoil  often  carries  iron  concretions. 
The  fine  sand  phase  is  a  loose,  incoherent  gray  or  dark-colored  sand  derived  from 
the  coastal  terrace  deposits.  The  fine  sandy  loam  phase  is  a  yellow  sand  or 
sandy  loam  occupying  situations  near  rivers.  The  type  is  found  in  low  ridges 
and  pine  regions  and  is  adapted  to  truck  and  orchard  crops. 

Durarit  fine  sand. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  3  or  4  inches  is  a  light-gray  fine 
sand,  underlain  at  30  to  36  inches  by  a  reddish-gray  or  yellowish-gray  finesand. 
The  soil  is  found  in  the  Woodbine  formation,  and  has  been  formed  largely  by 
wind  action.  It  is  still  being  drifted  and  is  of  very  little  agricultural  im- 
portance, being  naturally  unproductive.  It  is  easily  cultivated,  and  is  better 
adapted  to  truck  than  to  other  crops.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  roll- 
ing, and  drainage  is  good. 

Duval  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  consists  of  a  fine 
sandy  loam  of  red  to  reddish  brown  color.  In  the  upper  1  <>v  '2  inches  it  is 
usually  a  loose,  incoherent,  fine  sand,  but  the  structure  of  the  soil  as  a  whole  is 


260  soils  or  the  united  states. 

very  compact.  The  subsoil  is  quite  similar  to  the  soil  both  in  color  and  texture, 
h  it  is  usually  more  loamy  in  the  lower  part  of  the  profile,  and  from  about 
20  to  3G  inches  is  a  very  light  sandy  loam  of  red  to  reddish  brown  color.  The 
type  occupies  comparatively  level  or  gently  rolling  upland  areas.  It  is  derived 
mainly  from  the  weathering  of  underlying  fine-grained  sandstones.  The  soil 
rapports  a  heavy  growth  of  native  grasses,  and  is  classed  as  good  pasture  land. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  mainly  of  cactus  and  mesquite. 

■  nvUle  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  loamy  fiue  sand 
from  IS  to  20  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  loamy  fine  sand  to* fine  sandy 
loam,  the  red  color  becoming  pronounced  below  20  to  30  inches.  The  type 
occupies  gentle  slopes  and  undulating  areas.  It  is  derived  from  the  Lafay- 
ette formation.  Cotton  and  corn  give  fair  yields,  the  latter  being  the  most 
successful  crop.  Cowpeas,  velvet  beans,  peanuts,  rye,  and  oats  are  grown  with 
fair  results. 

Guin  fine  sand. — This  type  consists  ordinarily  of  a  grayish,  loose,  incoherent 
fine  sand  about  12  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  loamy  fine  sand  of  dull 
brownish  color  and  frequently  of  great  depth.  The  type  is  derived  from  the 
Tuscaloosa  formation  of  Cretaceous  age  and  occupies  high  divides  at  the  north- 
ern border  of  the  Gulf  Coastal  Plains.  It  is  associated  with  areas  of  Susque- 
hanna gravelly  loam.  On  account  of  the  deep  leachy  subsoil  its  agricultural 
value  is  low. 

Hyde  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  black  very  fine  sand  from  10  to  14  inches  deep 
and  with  a  high  content  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  black  or  brownish- 
black  compact  very  fine  to  fine  sand,  also  containing  a  higher  proportion  of  or- 
ganic matter.  The  type  occurs  in  poorly  drained  depressions,  frequently  as  nar- 
row strips,  between  slight  ridges  of  lighter  colored  soils.  Artificial  drainage  is 
required  for  the  production  of  crops  other  than  rice,  to  winch  the  tyi)e  is  well 
suited.  With  drainage  and  applications  of  lime,  corn,  oats,  lettuce,  strawberries, 
onions,  and  cabbage  do  well. 

Leon  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  white  fine  sand,  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  12  inches  by  a  white  fine  sandy  subsoil  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet. 
A  brownish,  compact  layer  of  sand  is  often  developed  at  a  depth  of  15  to  20 
inches.  The  type  has  a  nearly  level  surface,  and.  owing  to  the  wet  or  swampy 
condition  of  some  areas,  a  pari  is  unfit  for  agriculture.  Longleaf  pine  is  the 
principal  tree  growth.  In  origin,  topography,  and  drainage  the  type  is  similar 
to  the  Leon  sand,  although  it  has  a  much  finer  texture.  The  soil  is  of  little 
use  as  it  now  exists,  and  it  is  at  least  doubtful  whether,  except  in  local  areas. 
it  would  be  worth  while,  under  present  conditions,  to  improve  it.  Heavy 
applications  of  commercial  fertilizer  would  be  necessary  to  insure  good  yields 
of  any  crops. 

Lufkin  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  fine  sand  or  loamy  line  sand,  about  10 
inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  subsoil  of  much  the  same  character  but  occasionally 
more  loamy.  A  gray  or  mottled  stratified  day  is  encountered  at  depths  ranging 
from  3  to  5  feet.  The  type  is  generally  well  drained,  but  occasionally  small 
depressions  occur  where  the  drainage  is  deficient.  Such  areas  are  locally  known 
as  "crawfish  land."  The  natural  forest  growth  is  scrub  pine  and  oak.  The 
soil  produces  fair  yields  of  corn  and  cotton,  but  is  rather  better  adapted  to  early 
truck  crops  and  peaches.  The  incorporation  of  organic  matter  by  means  of 
manuring  crops  is  necessary  if  crop  yields  are  to  be  Increased,  and  liberal 
additions  of  manure  or  complete  fertilizer  mixtures  can  also  be  used  with  profit. 

MatUmu$keei   fine  §and.  -The  type  consists  of  a  brown  or  dark-gray  One 

sand,  which  is  :;(';  inches  or  more  in  depth,  and  quite  uniform  throughout  the 
soil  profile.  A  shallow  covering  of  black  mucky  material  is  found  on  the  sur- 
face in  places.  When  reclaimed  the  type  should  prove  well  suited  to  the  pro- 
duction of  vegetables.  k    . 

Norfolk  fine  sand.  The  soil  is  light  brown  or  gray  fine  Band,  about  8  inches 
deep.    lOOSe    and    Incoherent    when    dry.    but    packing    slightly    when    wot       '1  he 

subsoil  is  of  much  the  same  texture,  slightly  heavier,  lighter  In  color,  and  some- 
what  m<. re  adhesive.     The  type  OCCUT8  as  low.  rolling  hills  and   level  areas,  and 

is  generally  well  drained,     it  is  adapted  to  nearly  the  same  class  oi  crops  as  the 

Norfolk  Band,  but  viclds  are  somewhat  higher.  It  is  the  be*  early  truck  soil 
of    the    Coastal    Plain,    hut    produces    only    i.-.ir    crops    of    cotton    and    com.      In 

Florida  a  tine  grade  of  wrapper  tobacco  is  grown  on  this  soil. 

Wuecet  fine  tand.  The  soil  consists  of  a  gray,  fine,  loose,  incoherent  sand, 
from  ]-2  to  LO  Inches  -loop,  often  somewhat  loamy,  and  underlain  to  a  depth  of 
86  inches  by  a    lighter-colored   material   of  similar  texture.      BelOW   this  depth  a 

stiff  slightly  mottled  grayish  day  is  usually  encountered.    The  type  is  ol  wind- 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PEOVINCE.  261 

blown  origin,  the  sand  having  been  drifted  inland  by  the  wind  and  laid  down 
as  a  surface  mantle  over  the  older  Tertiary  clays.  The  surface  is  for  the  most 
part  comparatively  level,  though  in  some  small  areas  dunes  occur.  Drainage 
as  a  rule  is  excellent.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to  pasturage,  but  small  areas 
are  being  planted  to  truck  crops  and  cotton. 

Orangeburg  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  fine  sand  from 
10  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish-red  to  red  fine  sand  to  loamy 
fine  sand.  The  topography  ranges  from  undulating  to  hilly  and  ridgy,  and  drain- 
age is  good.  The  type  is  easily  worked  under  a  wide  range  of  moisture  condi- 
tions and  is  largely  uuder  cultivation.  It  is  well  adapted  to  peaches,  plums, 
melons,  and  early  vegetables.  It  is  the  most  productive  soil  of  this  group  and 
better  adapted  to  cotton  and  corn  than  the  other  soils.  It  is  not  quite  so  early 
in  maturing  vegetables  as  the  Norfolk  fine  sand,  but  it  is  particularly  valuable 
in  Texas  for  the  supply  of  early  fruit  and  vegetables  for  the  western  markets. 
It  is  one  of  the  best  soils  for  cigar-filler  tobacco  of  the  Cuban  type  of  leaf. 

Plummer  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  brownish-gray  very  fine 
sand  to  loamy  fine  sand  about  6  inches  deep,  underlain  by  sand  having  about 
the  same  texture  as  the  soil,  but  brownish  gray  to  dingy  gray  in  color.  The 
type  occupies  depressions  and  very  flat  areas  having  poor  drainage.  Patches 
have  been  ditched  and  used  for  corn  and  sweet  potatoes  with  fair  success. 

Portsmouth  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  fine  sand, 
from  10  to  20  inches  deep.  The  dark  color  is  the  result  of  accumulations  of 
organic  matter.  With  its  typical  drainage  the  subsoil  is  a  grayish  to  nearly 
white  fine  sand  sometimes  resting  upon  a  stratum  of  varying  thickness  con- 
sisting of  reddish-brown,  compact  fine  sand,  rich  in  organic  matter.  At  depths 
below  3  feet  a  pure  white  sand,  locally  known  as  quicksand,  is  usually  en- 
countered. This  type  is  of  marine  sedimentary  origin  and  occupies  poorly  drained, 
depressed  and  level  uplands.  The  natural  surface  drainage  is  but  imperfectly 
established,  and  the  water  table  stands  at  an  average  depth  of  about  2  feet 
below  the  surface  at  all  times,  while  after  heavy  rains  the  surface  is  flooded 
for  days  at  a  time.  The  natural  vegetation  is  long-leaf  pine,  with  an  undergrowth 
of  palmetto  and  gallberry  bushes.  Little  of  the  type  is  in  cultivation,  but  where 
drainage  is  established  or  secured  through  artificial  means  it  is.  with  fertiliza- 
tion, a  fine  soil  for  late  and  heavy  truck  crops,  such  as  celery,  onions,  potatoes, 
cabbage,  and  strawberries.  On  account  of  the  large  amount  of  organic  matter 
which  makes  it  more  retentive  of  moisture,  it  is  not  as  early  as  the  other  soils 
of  this  group,  but  the  yields  are  generally  larger  and  the  quality  of  the  vege- 
tables good. 

Sassafras  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  consists  of  a  red- 
dish-yellow to  light-orange,  rather  loose  medium  to  fine  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a 
reddish-yellow  loamy  fine  sand.  The  type  is  inclined  to  be  droughty,  but  its 
moisture-holding  capacity  is  more  easily  improved,  through  the  incorporation  of 
organic  matter,  than  in  case  of  the  more  open  and  incoherent  fine  sands  of  some 
other  series.  It  occupies  low  terraces,  ridges,  and  hilltops.  A  number  of 
vegetables  do  well  and  considerable  tobacco  is  grown. 

Scranton  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  black  fine  sand  ranging  from 
8  to  12  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  pale  yellow  to  yellow,  slightly  com- 
pact fine  sand,  sometimes  faintly  mottled  with  grayish  colors  in  the  lower  por- 
tion. The  poor  drainage  favored  by  the  level  surface  configuration  has  resulted 
in  accumulation  of  organic  matter  in  the  surface  portion  of  the  type.  This 
soil  holds  an  intermediate  position  between  the  Norfolk  fine  sand  and  Ports- 
mouth fine  sand.  Artificial  drainage  by  means  of  ditches  is  necessary  in  order 
to  bring  the  type  into  the  best  condition  for  cultivation.  The  soil  is  somewhat 
more  productive  than  the  Norfolk  fine  sand  and  with  a  liberal  use  of  com- 
mercial fertilizers,  corn,  cotton,  oats,  sugar  cane,  Irish  potatoes,  peanuts,  cow- 
peas,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  give  fair  returns.  Much  of  the  type  is 
timbered  with  longleaf  pine. 

Susquehanna  fine  sand. — This  soil  consists  of  gray,  rather  loose  fine  sand 
about  24  inches  deep,  grading  into  pale  yellow  below  the  first  few  inches.  The 
subsoil  is  a  reddish  to  mottled  red  and  yellow,  drab,  or  gray  plastic  clay.  The 
type  generally  occupies  the  crests  of  ridges  and  tops  of  knolls.  Drainage  is  ex- 
cessive unless  liberal  amounts  of  organic  manures,  such  as  barnyard  manure 
or  crops  like  cowpeas  and  rye  plowed  under,  are  supplied  frequently  enougb  to 
maintain  a  more  nearly  loam  structure.  With  heavy  fertilization  fair  crops  of 
cotton,  corn,  and  forage  are  secured.  .Melons  and  sweet  potatoes  and  a  number 
of  vegetal)! es  do  well. 


262 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Webb  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  consists  of  a  red  to 
reddish-brown  fine  loamy  sand,  loose  and  incoherent  in  the  first  few  inches, 
but  becoming  compact  below.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color  and  texture  to 
the  soil,  though  it  usually  becomes  more  loamy  in  the  lower  part  of  the  profile, 
changing  to  a  very  light  red  to  reddish-brown  sandy  loam  at  depths  ranging 
from  20  to  36  inches.  The  soil  is  derived  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  un- 
derlying fine-grained  sandstones.  It  occupies  comparatively  level  to  gently 
rolling  upland  areas.  The  type  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  native  grasses  and 
is  classed  as  very  good  pasture  land.  The  native  vegetation  consists  mainly 
of  cactus  and  mesquite. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acre?. 


Nueces  fine  sand . 
Norfolk  fine  sand. 


Duval  fine  sand 

Portsmouth  fine  sand . 

Orangeburg  fine  sand. 


Lufkin  fine  sand 

Sassafras  fine  sand 

Le  m  fine  sand 

Scranton  fine  sand 

Caddo  fine  sand 

Hyde  fine  sand 

Mattamuskeet  fine  sand. 

Plummer  fine  sand 

Webb  fine  sand 

Greenville  fine  sand 

Gain  fine  sand 

Durant  fine  sand 

Susquehanna  fine  sand. . 
Bienville  fine  sand 


Texas  12,  27 

Alabama  2,  5,  9,  12,  13,  30,  31,  32;  Florida  1,  4,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia 

2,  10,  11,  12,  16,  19;  Louisiana  3,  9,  12.  14;  Maryland  10; 

Mississippi  2,  7,  18;  New  Jersey  3;   North  Carolina  6,  7,  8, 

9, 19,  20,  21,  22,  24;  South  Carolina  4,  7,  10;  Texas  1,  3,  6,  10, 

13,  14,  15,  18,  20,  24,  28,  29,  33;  Virginia  10. 

Texas  27,  28 

Florida  3,  4,  5;  Georgia  2,  3, 10, 11, 16,  19;  North  Carolina  6, 19; 

South  Carolina  7, 10. 
Alabama  5.  13;  Florida  7;  Georgia  15;  Louisiana  2,  9,  14; 

Texas  3,  14,  18,  24,  28. 

Texas  3,  10,  14,  19,  24 

Maryland  1,  8;  New  Jersey  3;  Pennsylvania  17 

Florida  4,  5,  6;  Georgia  10 

Georgia  3,  10;  South  Carolina  10 

Louisiana  8 

Georgia  3,  10 

North  Carolina  16 

Georgia  10 

Texas  16 

Alabama  9 

Alabama  3 

Texas  11 

Mississippi  9 , 

Texas  9 


2,200,320 
2,014,334 


709,632 

456,576 

252,352 

230,400 

78,302 

55,360 

30,912 

13,970 

6,720 

3,584 

3,456 

3, 136 

2. 132 

2,304 

1,600 

1,472 


Total. 


6,067,246 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


VERY  FINE   SAND   PHASE. 


The  very  fine  sands  hold  moisture  better  than  the  fine  sands.  They  frequently 
act  much  like  silt  loams,  yet  they  are  easier  to  handle  in  so  Car  as  cultivation 
is  concerned.  Soils  of  this  phase  are  of  comparatively  little  importance  in  the 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plain.  They  give  good  results  with  sweet  potatoes 
and  strawberries  and  fairly  good  results  with  cotton,  corn,  and  forage  crops. 

OowUle  very  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  very  fine  sand,  grading  into  a 
pale  yellow  very  One  sandy  loam  at  a  depth  of  24  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled 
yellow  and  red  lino  sandy  clay  of  somewhal  plastic  structure.  The  topography 
is  flat  to  gently  undulating  and  drainage  La  good.  With  liberal  applications  of 
high-grade  commercial  fertilizers  and  the  frequent  Incorporation  of  vegetable 
natter,  Buch  crops  as  cabbage,  sweet  potatoes,  Irish  potatoes,  tomatoes,  beans, 
cantaloupes,  cotton,  corn,  sujiar  cane   velvet    beans,  and  cowpeaa  give  good 

results. 

Norfolk  ''iii  Unc  Band.  The  soil  is  a  gray,  lose  very  I'mo  sand,  ranging  from 
about  <;  to  12  Inches  in  depth.  The  Bubaoil  is  a  gray  t>>  pale  yellow  very  line 
sand  slightly  more  compact  than  the  soil.  The  topography  la  bummocky  i" 
■lightly  ridgy  or  gently  rolling.  The  soil  conserves  moisture  better  than  the 
Norfolk  Qne  sand,  with  liberal  LncorporatioD  of  vegetable  mutter  and  applica- 
tion of  commercial  fertilizers  good  results  are  secured  with  early  truck  crops. 
corn,  and  forage. 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  263 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

37,120 

Coxville  very  fine  sand 

do 

3,904 

Total 

41,024 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SANDY  LOAM   GROUP. 

The  sandy  loam  soils  constitute  the  medium  early  truck  and  light  general 
farming  soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains.  They  are  the  lightest 
desirable  soils  for  general  farming,  are  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  fine 
sands,  and  mature  crops  about  10  days  later.  The  keeping  quality  of  some 
vegetables  raised  on  these  soils  is  better  and  the  yields  heavier  than  with  either 
the  fine  sands  or  sands.  General  farming  comes  in  on  the  sandy  loams,  but  the 
yields  are  rather  light  except  under  intensive  methods  of  soil  treatment,  includ- 
ing the  frequent  incorporation  of  vegetable  matter  and  liberal  application  of 
manures. 

Medium  early  melons,  cucumbers,  cabbage,  tomatoes,  garden  peas,  beets, 
lettuce,  Irish  and  sweet  potatoes,  radishes,  string  beans,  dewberries,  and  black- 
berries give  good  results.     Strawberries  do  fairly  well. 

In  the  South  Carolina  trucking  section  the  well-drained  sandy  loams  mature 
vegetable  crops  about  the  same  time  as  the  fine  sands  of  eastern  North  Carolina, 
the  difference  in  climate  being  about  two  weeks. 

Of  the  general  farm  crops  peanuts,  sorghum,  cotton,  dent  corn,  cowpeas, 
velvet  beans,  and  bright  tobacco  give  moderate  to  good  yields,  according  to  the 
way  in  which  the  crops  are  handled.  Oats  and  rye.  and  in  the  North  Atlantic 
division  wheat,  yield  fairly  well  with  liberal  applications  of  manures. 

In  the  fight  against  the  boll  weevil  cotton  growers  using  the  sandy  loams  have 
a  very  decided  advantage  in  the  rapidity  with  which  the  crop  attains  maturity. 
Corn  matures  earlier,  but  does  not  yield  so  well  as  on  the  heavier  soils.  Wheat 
and  hay,  except  in  the  North  Atlantic  section,  do  not  occupy  an  important  posi- 
tion in  the  crop  system,  although  they  may  be  produced  incidentally  in  connec- 
tion with  the  intensive  treatment  of  the  truck  fields. 

For  general  farming  on  this  class  of  soils  the  lightest  equipment  in  labor, 
teams,  and  buildings  is  required,  necessitating  a  smaller  initial  outlay  of  capital, 
although  this  condition  is  counterbalanced  by  smaller  crop  returns.  Drainage 
and  other  conditions  are  responsible  for  wide  variations  between  the  different 
types  in  their  use  and  development  and  will  be  more  specifically  discussed  in 
their  individual  descriptions. 

Heavy  applications  of  complete  commercial  fertilizers  minimize  the  inherent 
differences  between  the  agricultural  values  of  the  sandy  loams  and  finer  textured 
soils.  The  extensive  Norfolk  sandy  loam  type,  for  example,  which  in  its  natural 
state  yields  from  one-third  to  one-half  bale  of  cotton  to  the  acre,  is  being  made 
to  yield  from  1  to  2  bales  over  considerable  areas  in  the  Carolinas  by  using  acre- 
age applications  of  500  to  2,000  pounds  of  commercial  fertilizer.  Since  this  is 
being  done  on  a  paying  basis  under  present  conditions,  it  is  not  necessary  from 
the  standpoint  of  profit  to  advise  against  the  practice  of  making  the  soil  thus 
yield  so  far  ahead  of  its  natural  capacity.  It  is  well  to  note,  however,  that  much 
fertilizing  material  is  lost  on  such  porous  land  through  leaching,  and  that  the 
practice  is  somewhat  wasteful,  regardless  of  the  profits.  With  a  more  liberal 
supply  of  vegetable  matter,  such  as  can  be  added  by  plowing  under  crops  like 
cowpeas,  vetch,  oats,  and  rye,  less  fertilizers  would  be  required  for  the  same 
yields,  and,  owing  to  the  increased  retentiveness  of  the  soil,  the  effects  would  be 
more  lasting. 

In  the  north  Atlantic  division  of  the  Coastal  Plain  the  Sassafras  and  Colling- 
ton  are  the  most  important  representatives  of  the  sandy  Loam  soils.  South  of 
this  the  Norfolk  sandy  loam  is  the  dominant  type  of  the  division  outside  of  the 
Flatwoods  to  about  central  South  Carolina.  In  southern  South  Carolina, 
Georgia,  and  eastern  Alabama  the  Norfolk,  Tifton,  and  Orangeburg  sandy  loams 
are  the  most  Important  members  of  the  sandy  loam  group  outside  of  the  Flat- 
woods  and  lime-sink  sections.     The  Flatwoods  sandy   loams  of  Importance  are 


264  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

the  representatives  of  the  Portsmouth,  Coxville.  Plurumer,  and  Scranton  series. 
In  the  lime-sink  section  of  southwest  Georgia  the  Greenville,  Orangeburg,  and 
Grady  sandy  loams  are  the  most  extensively  developed  representatives  of  this 
textural  class.  The  extensive  sandy  loams  of  western  Florida  are  the  Orange- 
burg, Norfolk,  and  Portsmouth.  In  central  Florida  the  Gainesville  sandy  loam 
is  probably  the  most  commonly  encountered  type  of  this  texture.  Western 
Alabama  and  that  portion  of  Mississippi  north  of  the  Flat  woods  include  extensive 
areas  of  the  Orangeburg,  Huston,  Norfolk,  and  Susquehanna  sandy  loams.  The 
Susquehanna  sandy  loam  seems  to  be  the  most  extensive  of  this  class  of  soils 
in  Texas. 

The  sandy  loams  are  not  important  in  the  "black  belts"  of  Alabama. 
Mississippi,  and  Texas,  the  Coastal  Prairies  of  Texas  and  Louisiana,  and 
southeastern  Arkansas.  Taking  the  Coastal  Plain  as  a  whole,  however,  the 
sandy  loams  are  probably  the  most  extensive  of  any  group  of  soils,  and  one  of 
the  most  important. 

Bladen  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  grayish-yellow  loamy  sand  to 
sandy  loam,  from  G  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled  yellow  and 
gray,  friable  sandy  clay,  grading  quickly  into  a  plastic  heavy  clay  somewhat 
more  intensely  mottled  with  yellow  and  gray.  The  flat  surface  and  the  imper- 
vious subsoil  render  surface  and  underdrainage  somewhat  deficient.  The  type 
is  timbered  with  shortleaf  pine,  slash  pine,  and  some  longleaf  pine.  Where 
properly  drained,  corn,  oats,  sugar  cane,  and  grasses  could  probably  be  grown 
with  fair  to  good  success. 

Bradley  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  6  to  14  inches  deep  and  consists 
of  a  dark-gray  sandy  loam,  which  changes  to  light  gray  or  yellowish  in  the 
lower  portion  as  the  content  of  decayed  vegetable  matter  decreases.  The 
subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3G  inches  consists  of  a  red  to  yellowish-red  stiff  clay, 
often  containing  mica  particles  and  sand,  and  becoming  more  tenacious  with 
depth.  The  depth  and  color  of  the  subsoil  vary  with  topography,  being  shal- 
lower and  brighter  colored  over  the*  more  rolling  and  elevated  areas.  The 
texture  of  the  sand  varies  from  fine  to  medium,  with  some  coarse  sand  and 
angular  and  rounded  quartz  gravel,  varying  from  the  size  of  a  pea  to  several 
inches  in  diameter.  The  gravel  is  found  mainly  near  or  along  stream  courses, 
with  occasional  lenses  on  knolls  or  some  of  the  high  ridges. 

Over  some  parts  of  the  type  the  soil  is  frequently  a  very  heavy  sandy  loam, 
and  in  some  local  areas  almost  a  loam.  This  loam  is  underlain  at  a  depth 
of  6  to  10  inches  by  an  extremely  tenacious  red  clay,  containing  very  little 
sand.  As  the  type  approaches  the  Coastal  Plain  the  soil  gradually  becomes 
a  light,  sandy  loam,  from  12  to  14  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  pale-red  sandy 
clay  with  an  increased  content  of  sand.  Another  phase  of  this  type  is  found 
usually  nt  the  foot  of  slopes  and  sometimes  on  small  level  or  valley-like  areas, 
where  the  soil  is  from  18  to  24  inches  deep  and  of  rather  coarse  texture.  The 
topography  varies  from  rolling  to  undulating  and  the  phase  occurs  in  irregular 
and  broken  areas  in  the  Piedmont  region,  usually  as  narrow  strips  bordering 
stream  courses  or  on  narrow  ridges  or  knolls  between  streama 

This  type  is  residual  in  origin,  being  modified  to  sonic  extent  by  an  admixture 
of  sedimentary  material.  The  soil  is  devoted  to  general  fanning,  the  principal 
crops  being  corn,  oats,  and  some  wheat     Fair  yields  are  obtained. 

Ctirsicr/ichl  sunilii  loam. — The  soil  is  a  Light-gray  sandy  loam  grading  at  4 
to  G  Inches  Into  a  very  light  Bandy  loam,  slightly  yellowish  in  color  and  varying 
in  depth  from  V2  to  24  indies.  The  Slightly  darker  color  of  the  surface  soil  is 
due  to  the  presence  Of  decayed  Organic  matter,  which  also  causes  the  more 
loamy  texture.     The  Band  varies  from  medium  to  tine,  with  occassioiially  a  high 

percentage  of  coarse  sand  and  some  gravel.  The  subsoil,  found  at  depths 
varying  from  12  to  l*i  inches,  varies  from  a  yellow  to  a  bright-yellow  or  light 
orange,  si  iff.  sandy  clay,  a  phase  of  Chesterfield  sandy  loam  is  frequently 
found  along  tic-  slopes,  where  the  Bubsoil  has  a  light-yellow  color  with  Irregular 
white  Btreaks  running  through  it.  The  surface  soil  here  is  usually  oof  so 
deep  and  slightly  beavler  than  thai  of  the  main  type.  The  Chesterfield  sandy 
loam  usually  occurs  In  broad  and  uniform  areas  with  a  topography  varying 
from  moderately  rolling  to  level.  The  exact  origin  of  this  type  is  rather  diffi- 
cult to  determine.  The  Burface  soil  appears  to  be  largely  sedimentary,  while 
rabsoll,  especially  the  deeper  areas,  has  heen  formed  from  the  weathering 
e  underlying  granite,  gneiss,  and  other  Piedmont  rocks,  and  in  places,  arkose 

sandsi.  iic     The  BOil  is  usually  low  in  organic  matter,  and  the  addition  of  much 

material  Is  necessary  t«>  secure  the  most  profitable  returns.    Crop  yields  vary 
depending  opon  the  system  of  management.     Corn,  wheat,  and 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  265 

oats  are  the  principal  crops  grown,  although  small  areas  are  sometimes  devoted 
to  the  cultivation  of  tobacco. 

Collington  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  loose,  loamy  sand,  from  9  to  20 
inches  deep,  usually  containing  considerable  coarse  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a 
yellow  or  greenish-yellow,  sticky  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay.  The  type  is 
derived  from  the  weathering  of  green  glauconite  sand,  pure  greensand  being 
found  at  depths  of  30  to  40  inches.  This  soil  is  very  productive  and  is  used  for 
general  farming,  small  fruits  and  nursery  stock,  and  tobacco. 

Goxville  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-colored  to  black,  light  sandy 
loam,  from  8  to  15  inches  deep,  rich  in  organic  matter,  and  resting  upon  a 
gray  to  yellowish,  light-textured  loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.  The 
subsoil  consists  of  a  mottled  gray,  yellow,  and  red,  rather  tough,  plastic  sandy 
clay,  which  is  frequently  mottled  gray,  bluish  gray,  and  bright  red  in  the 
lower  section.  The  surface  is  usually  flat,  and  the  drainage  rather  poor.  The 
timber  growth  consists  very  largely  of  longleaf  pine,  with  an  undergrowth  of 
gallberry  bushes.  With  proper  drainage,  corn,  cotton,  peanuts,  cowpeas,  sugar 
cane,  velvet  beans,  and  soy  beans  wouid  do  well,  especially  with  moderate  appli- 
cations of  commercial  fertilizers. 

Duval  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  or  chocolate- 
colored,  medium  to  fine  sandy  loam,  from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by 
red  or  yellowish-red  sandy  clay.  It  is  derived  from  a  deposit  of  red  sandy 
material,  possibly  of  the  Lafayette  formation.  The  type  is  known  locally  as 
"  red  sandy  mesquite  land."  It  is  a  good  soil  and  under  proper  moisture  condi- 
tions produces  excellent  crops  of  cotton  and  corn,  and  a  variety  of  truck  crops. 

Elkton  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  rather  silty  sandy  loam  from 
6  to  10  inches  deep,  becoming  lighter  with  depth.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a 
medium  heavy  sandy  loam  to  a  loam  and  carries  considerable  silt.  It  is  fre- 
quently mottled  with  red  and  yellow  streaks  and  the  mottling  becomes  more 
pronounced  in  the  lower  depths  with  gray,  red,  yellow,  and  brown  colors. 
Alternating  thin  strata  of  clay  and  sand  are  common  at  30  inches,  below  which 
the  sand  is  always  saturated  with  water.  The  type  occupies  flat,  depressed, 
poorly  drained  areas  at  heads  of  small  streams.  The  material  is  derived  from 
marine  deposits  which  have  weathered  under  poor  drainage.  The  ordinary 
forest  growth  consists  of  sweet  and  black  gums,  white  oak,  and  maple.  Exten- 
sive drainage  and  liming  are  necessary  to  make  this  type  productive.  This 
could  be  done  without  any  great  expense. 

Gadsden  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  sandy  loam  from  8  to  14  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  grayish-yellow  or  yellow  sand  or  light  sandy  loam  subsoil 
3  feet  or  more  in  depth.  The  sand  content  varies  from  medium  to  coarse. 
The  type  occurs  on  slopes  and  in  depressions,  where  it  represents  wash  or 
creep  from  higher-lying  areas.  The  soil  produces  good  crops  of  cotton  and 
corn,  and  in  the  low-lying  areas  sugar  cane  does  well.  In  favorable  locations 
it  is  adapted  to  growing  Sumatra  wrappers  under  shade. 

Glenn  sandy  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  loamy  sand 
to  a  light  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow,  slightly 
mottled  sandy  loam  or  loam.  The  sand  content  increases  below  30  inches  and 
occasionally  carries  water-worn  white  gravel.  The  type  occupies  slopes  or  ridges 
and  surface  drainage  is  good.  The  material  is  derived  mainly  from  a  thin 
layer  of  Coastal  Plain  deposit  laid  down  over  sandstone  which  has  contrib- 
uted to  some  extent  to  the  soil.  Sandstone  fragments  are  found  on  the  steep 
hillsides.  The  forest  growth  consists  of  white,  post,  and  blackjack  oaks.  Cul- 
tivated areas  are  used  for  corn  and  cotton,  but  yields  are  uncertain.  Potatoes, 
peanuts,  and  truck  crops  should  do  well.    Peaches  give  good  results. 

Greenville  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown,  medium  sandy 
loam  about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brick-red,  sticky  sand  to  sandy 
loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.  The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling 
country.  On  account  of  its  open  character  it  is  well  drained  in  the  surface 
section,  while  the  subsoil  is  fairly  retentive  of  moisture.  A  moderately  rolling, 
shallow  phase  is  sometimes  encountered  which  consists  of  a  dark-red  or  reddish- 
brown,  rather  heavy  sandy  loam,  about  6  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  still*,  light- 
red  sandy  clay.  When  wet  this  phase  is  very  sticky  and  is  inclined  to  harden 
on  drying,  making  cultivation  more  difficult  than  with  the  deeper,  lighter  phase; 
The  type  is  of  sedimentary  origin  and  derived  from  the  materials  of  the  Lafay- 
ette formation.  The  color  of  the  subsoil  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Orange- 
burg soils.  This  is  an  exceptionally  good  soil  and  one  of  the  most  productive 
upland  types  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region.  Cotton  and  corn  are  grown  with  good 
results. 


266  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Gain  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  white  loamy  sand 
to  light  sandy  loam  or  fine  sand  from  15  to  30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a 
reddish  or  yellowish  sandy  clay.  Ferruginous  gravel  and  slabby  sandstone  are 
common  throughout  the  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  steep  slopes  and  narrow 
valleys,  and  is  excessively  drained.  It  is  derived  from  the  weathering  and 
leaching  of  the  Lafayette  and  Tuscaloosa  formations.  The  best  use  of  this  soil 
is  for  forestry,  as  it  is  not  adapted  to  general  farming  or  trucking. 

Harley  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  loamy  sand  to  a 
sandy  loam  with  an  average  depth  of  10  inches.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of 
3  feet  or  more  is  a  waxy,  tenacious  clay  varying  in  color  from  red  to  yellow 
and  occasionally  drab.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  small  quantities  of  gravel, 
consisting  of  quartz  and  feldspar  crystals  derived  from  weathered  granite. 
The  type  occupies  low,  rolling  hills  and  slopes  of  small  stream  valleys.  It  is 
both  residual  and  sedimentary  in  origin,  being  derived  from  the  weathering  of 
Tishomingo  granites  and  also  from  sediments  laid  down  during  Creraceous 
time.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  forested  with  oak.  Small  areas  have 
been  cultivated  and  planted  to  cotton  and  corn,  both  of  which  give  good  yields. 
The  soil,  however,  is  best  adapted  to  potatoes,  truck  crops,  and  small  fruits. 

Hoffman  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish,  loose  sand  2  or  3  inches 
deep,  underlain  at  6  or  8  inches  by  a  pale  yellow  or  slightly  pinkish,  incoherent 
sand  to  coarse  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  slightly  friable  sand  to  coarse  sandy  clay 
of  deep  pink  to  red,  with  mottlings  of  white,  drab,  or  yellowish.  Iron  concre- 
tions and  fragments  of  ferruginous  sandstone  are  frequently  encountered,  espe- 
cially on  the  surface  of  small  knolls  where  the  sandy  surface  portion  has  been 
partly  removed  by  erosion.  The  type  occurs  as  slight  ridges  and  knolls  and 
along  drainageway  slopes  in  close  association  with  the  sand  hill  phase  of  the 
Norfolk  sand.  It  is  well  drained  and  forested  mainly  with  scrub  oak  and  a 
scattering  of  longleaf  pine.  Some  of  the  more  nearly  level  areas  are  used  for 
cotton  and  corn.    Low  average  yields  are  secured. 

Lufkin  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  medium  loamy  sand  or  light 
sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  8  to  20  inches.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a 
mottled  drab  and  yellow,  tenacious  and  impervious  sandy  clay,  often  streaked 
with  iron  stains.  Iron  and  sometimes  lime  concretions  occur  in  small  quan- 
tities in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  and  thin  beds  of  gravel  are  sometimes  encoun- 
tered. The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  Gulf  Coastal  Plain  deposits 
consisting  of  unconsolidated  sands  and  clays.  The  topography  is  flat  to  rolling. 
Over  the  greater  part  of  the  type  drainage  is  good.  Cotton  and  corn  are  the 
principal  crops,  while  sorghum,  Irish  potatoes,  and  truck  crops  give  good  results. 
The  timber  growth  consists  largely  of  post  oak,  with  some  blackjack  oak  and 
live  oak  along  the  streams. 

Montrose  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  sand  or  sandy  loam  vary- 
ing in  depth  from  4  to  16  inches.  The  sand  is  frequently  rather  coarse  and 
gravel  is  commonly  present.  In  places  an  accumulation  of  organic  matter 
in  the  first  few  inches  gives  the  soil  a  darker  color.  The  subsoil  is  a  plastic 
gray  and  yellow  or  gray  and  red  mottled  sandy  clay.  The  red  coloring  Increases 
with  depth.  The  topography  is  generally  level,  and  drainage  is  frequently 
Inadequate,  especially  along  streams.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  Jackson 
formation  of  i  ocene  age.  Practically  all  of  the  type  is  timbered  with  Ion 
pine  or  oak.  On  the  few  acres  cultivated  cotton  is  the  principal  product,  yields 
of  corn  being  low.  The  soil  is  not  adapted  to  fruits,  though  vegetables  should 
do  fairly  well. 

Norfolk  Bandy  loam.     The  typo  consists  Of  a  course  to  medium  yellow  or  gray 

Band  or  light  sandy  loam,  L2  to  20  inches  deep,  resting  on  a  yellow  lighl  sandy 
day  Bubsoil.  it  occupies  level  or  gently  roiling  land  and  is  adapted  to  sweet 
and    [rish   pol  i   other  vegetables  which   reach   maturity  after  those 

produced  on  the  lighter  textured  soils,  it  is  one  of  the  best  soils  for  peanuts, 
and  in  south  Georgia  and  ITCorida  ranks  high  for  pecans,  Pair  yields  of  the 
Sumatra  type  of  cigar-wrapper  tobacco  are  obtained,  in  the  Oarolinas  it  is 
e  led  only  by  the  Norfolk  tine  sandy  loam  for  growing  the  bright  (cigarette) 
tobacco,     it  Is  an  Ideal  soil  for  early  cotton,  but  is  rather  light  In  texture  for 

Corn,  and  Under  ordinary  conditions  produces  small,  early  Crops.     It   is  used  very 

ttsively  throughout  the  South,  however,  for  the  production  of  corn.  With 
moderately  homy  fertilization  with  complete  mixtures,  especially  those  high 
in  I,,  d  potash,  good  crops  of  com.  cotton,  and  even  oats  are  secured. 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam.  The  type  consists  of  a  medium  grayish  brown  to 
reddish  brown  sand  or  light  Bandy  loam,  from  I  to  15  Inches  In  depth,  resting 
on  a  red  -  mdy  clay  subsoil  usually  containing  small  gravel  and  Iron  concretions. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  267 

It  occupies  rolling  to  level  upland  ridges  and  slopes  and  is  adapted  to  general 
farming,  giving  good  yields  of  cotton  and  moderate  yields  of  corn.  Truck  crops 
for  a  medium  early  market  can  be  successfully  grown.  In  Florida,  Alabama, 
and  Texas  it  is  desirable  for  the  Cuban  type  of  cigar-filler  tobacco.  Peaches 
give  splendid  results.  Moderate  applications  of  complete  commercial  fertilizers 
are  necessary  to  secure  best  yields. 

Plummer  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  loamy  sand,  faintly  mottled  with 
shades  of  brown,  to  a  depth  of  about  6  inches,  where  the  texture  becomes 
heavier,  the  soil  finally  grading  into  sandy  loam  of  lighter  gray  color  and 
mottled  with  streaks  of  yellow  and  brown.  The  subsoil,  beginning  at  a  depth 
of  20  inches,  is  a  mottled  gray,  friable  sandy  clay.  The  topography  is  flat 
and  the  drainage  poor.  The  type  seems  to  hold  an  intermediate  place  between 
the  Bladen  and  Portsmouth  sandy  loams.  It  is  probably  of  estuarine  or  brack- 
ish water  (salt  marsh)  origin.  None  of  this  type  is  under  cultivation.  With 
the  establishment  of  proper  drainage,  corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  sugar  cane 
would  probably  give  fair  to  good  yields,  according  to  treatment  and  fertilization. 

Portsmouth  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  black,  brown,  or  dark-gray 
sandy  loam  soil,  about  12  inches  deep,  frequently  containing  a  very  large  quan- 
tity of  organic  matter  and  underlain  by  a  gray  or  mottled  sandy  clay,  which  in 
turn  rests  upon  a  compact  sand  sometimes  approaching  a  hardpan  in  structure. 
The  type  occupies  level  or  slightly  depressed  areas  in  the  uplands  which  are 
ordinarily  poorly  drained.  Where  properly  drained^this  type  is  adapted  to  corn, 
potatoes,  and  truck  crops,  particularly  strawberries. 

Ruston  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  loamy  sand  from  6  to  15 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  fairly  friable,  yellowish-red  sandy  clay,  the  color 
being  intermediate  between  the  red  of  the  Orangeburg  and  the  yellow  of  the 
Norfolk.  Iron  concretions  and  locally  formed  ironstone  fragments  are  encoun- 
tered on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  subsoil.  The  topography  is  predomi- 
nantly rolling,  averaging  probably  rougher  than  either  the  Orangeburg  or  Nor- 
folk. Grayish  mottling  is  sometimes  encountered  in  the  lower  part  of  the  sub- 
soil. The  subsoil  is  less  friable  than  that  of  the  Orangeburg  or  Norfolk  and 
more  so  than  that  of  the  Susquehanna.  The  type  has  practically  the  same  crop 
adaptation  as  the  Norfolk,  but  gives  usually  somewhat  lighter  yields.  Cotton, 
corn,  peanuts,  and  forage  crops  give  good  results  under  careful  management. 

Sassafras  sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown,  moderately  heavy 
sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  9  to  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  slightly  heavier 
than  the  soil  and  varies  in  color  from  reddish  yellow  to  reddish  brown,  becoming 
slightly  coarser  in  the  lower  portion.  This  type  occupies  broken  stream  slopes 
to  moderately  rolling  and  nearly  level  uplands.  The  material  is  formed  from 
the  weathering  of  marine  deposits  brought  down  from  the  region  of  crystalline 
rocks  to  the  northward.  It  is  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  tomatoes,  and  grass. 
Truck  of  all  kinds  can  be  grown,  and  also  berry  and  fruit  crops  suited  to  the 
climate.     Chestnuts  do  well. 

Scranton  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  medium  to  coarse  loamy  sand, 
18  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  grayish-yellow  sticky  sand  or  sandy  clay. 
The  type  usually  occurs  near  streams  where  drainage  is  good  and  the  topography 
slightly  rolling.  The  principal  tree  growth  is  longleaf  and  shortleaf  pine.  It 
is  adapted  to  the  earlier  truck  crops. 

Susquehanna  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  an  open-textured  gray 
sandy  loam,  low  in  organic  matter  and  varying  from  12  to  20  inches  in  depth. 
The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  red  clay,  which  is  somewhat  brittle,  owing  to  the  presence 
of  coarse  and  medium  sand.  In  the  lower  depths  mottlings  of  yellow  and  gray 
appear.  The  type  is  usually  encountered  on  gentle  slopes  reaching  down  to  the 
streams,  but  may  occur  at  higher  elevations  on  nearly  flat  or  gently  rolling 
uplands.  Drainage  is  good.  Post  oak  and  blackjack  oak  constitute  the  princi- 
pal growth.  Moderate  yields  of  cotton  and  corn  are  produced  and  early  truck 
should  give  good  results. 

Tif ton' sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  or  yellowish-gray  medium 
sandy  loam  about  10  inches  in  depth,  overlying  an  ocherous-yellow  heavier, 
more  compact,  medium  sandy  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  iron  gravel, 
the  type  being  locally  known  as  "pimply  land."  The  topography  is  gently  un- 
dulating to  somewhat  hilly.  Drainage  is  nearly  always  good,  and  the  crop 
yields  are  considerably  higher  than  those  of  the  associated  Norfolk  soils.  The 
type  is  derived  from  the  Lafayette  formation  and  is  developed  in  southwestern 
Georgia.  It  will  probably  be  encountered  also  in  the  panhandle  of  Florida  and 
in  southern  Alabama. 


268 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 


Portsmouth  sandy  loam 


Norfolk  sandy  loam Alabama  1,  2,  3,9,12, 14,  IS,  24,25,29.30,32,36;  Florida 

Georgia  1,  2,  5,  11,  15,  16,  17,  19;  Mississippi  S;  New  Jersey  1. 
3;  North  ( 'arolina  7, 9, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24,  25;  South  Carolina  6, 
7,  8,  10,  12,  14,  15,  16;  Tennessee  6;  Texas  24,  34;  Virginia  5, 

Alabama  1,  5,  8,  9,  12,  14,  17,  18,  22,  24,  25,  29,  30,  32,  36,  37; 
Florida  1,  6;  Georgia  1,  5,  11,  15,  16,  17;  Louisiana  2,  3,  5; 
Mississippi  5,  S,  9,  11,  16,  20;  North  Carolina  15.  23;  South 
Carolina  6,  8,  12,  14,  15,  16;  Texas  10,  23,  24,  34. 

Alabama  18,  29;  Delaware  1;  Florida  3;  Georgia  2,  11,  15, 16; 
Maryland  4,  10;  Mississippi  18;  North  Carolina  7.  9,  15,  21, 
22,  24,  25;  South  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  10, 12,  14, 16;  Virginia  10, 12. 

Texas  3,17 

Georgia  2, 5, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17 

Delaware  1;  Maryland  1,  4,  8,  9,  10;  Virginia  10 

Alabama  8, 14, 32, 37;  Mississippi  5 ,  20 

Alabama  1,  2,  9,  12, 14,  18,  32,  37;  Florida  7;  Georgia  15;  North 
Carolina  23. 

Maryland  l,  8;  New  Jersey  1,3 

Virginia  5 

Alabama  8;  North  Carolina  15, 23;  Virginia  5 

Alabama  27 

Alabama  3, 14, 22, 37 

Alabama  32;  Maryland  1;  Texas  24 

Mississippi  8 

South  Carolina  10 

North  Carolina  23, 25 

Maryland  4 

Oklahoma  2 

Florida  5,6 

Georgia  10 

Mississippi  18 


Lufkin  sandy  loam 

Tifton  sandy  loam 

Sassafras  sandy  loam. . 
Ruston  sandy  "loam. . . 
Greenville  san 


Collington  sandy  loam . . . 
Chesterfield  sandy  loam. . , 

Bradley  sandy  loam , 

Glenn  sandy  loam 

Guin  sandy  loam , 

Susquehanna  sandy  loam . 

Montrose  sandy  loam 

Coxville  sandv  loam 

Hoffman  sandv  loam 

Elkton  sandy  loam 

Harlev  sandy  loam 

Gadsden  sandv  loam 

Plummer  sandy  loam 

Bladen  sandy  loam 

Scran  ton  sandy  loam 


2. 450, 706 


1,091,232 


884, 068 


362. 944 
356, 928 
332. 410 
310,592 
201,064 

152,486 
95.680 
76,992 

34,176 

28. 992 

14,336 
13,248 
9,280 

6.592 

2,368 

2,048 

640 


Total. 


6,530,742 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  se<>  p.  733. 


STONY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  sandy  loams  are  developed  in  relatively  small  areas  in  sections 
of  the  Coastal  Plain  underlain  by  limestone,  and  in  large  bodies  in  some  of 
the  more  rolling  portions  of  the  province,  particularly  in  the  region  where  the 
Susquehanna  soils  are  prominent.  The  abundance  of  rock  fragments  or  the 
rough  topography,  usually  both,  makes  cultivation  either  difficult  or  Impossible, 
and  i lie  best  utilization  of  these  soils  is  tor  pasturage  and  forestry. 

Guin  stony  sandy  loam.  -This  type  differs  from  the  Guin  line  sandy  loam 
only  in  having  a  rough  broken  topography  and  large  quantities  <>(  iron  crust 
and  gravel  conglomerate  on  the  surface.  It  occurs  around  the  heads  of 
streams  and  on   Bteep,  narrow  ridges  subject   to  erosion.     Only  a   small   portion 

of  it  has  been  cleared  or  the  native  growth  of  oak,  hickory,  and  pine. 

Sumter  stony  sandy  loam.  insists  of  a  yellowish-gray  to  yellow 

sandy  loam  from  5  t<>  L2  inches  deep,  underlain  by  weathered  fragments  of 
limestone  and  chert,  the  Interstitial  material  being  composed  of  yellowish  sandy 
clay.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  Vicksburg-Jackson  lime- 
stone, fragments  of  which,  with  some  chert,  are  found  scattered  over  (be  sur- 

fa.ee    ;:iid    throughout    the    soil    mass.     The    type    OCCUrs    mainly    on    ridges    and 

slopes  where  erosion  bas  exposed  the  underlying  limestone  of  the  region.  The 
cultivated  arei  od  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops,  although  the  stone 

com.. nt  makes  farming  somewhat  difficult     Peaches  do  especially  well. 

quehanna   stony  sandy  loom.    The  soil    is  a   grayish   or  grayish-brown 

medium   t  I   to  sandy  loam.     The  subsoil   is  usually  a   stiff,  plastic, 

red  or  reddish-yellow  day.  with  but  little  sund  and  often  mottled  With  gray. 
in  places  the  lower  portion  oi   the  subsoil   is  a  reddish  in:  Band  with 

rerj    little  clay.    The  type  is  characterized  by   its  rough   topography,  which 

includes   narrow    ridges    and    low    hills   rising  often    above    th      general    level   of 

tiio  surrounding  country,  ironstone  ami  ferruginous  gravel  are  scattered  over 
the  surfaci  e,  except  for  Bermuda  grass. 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  269 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  22,  27;  Mississippi  9,  14 

Alabama  32 

127, 808 

Susquehanna  stony  sandy  loam 

8,384 
1,984 

Sumter  stony  sandy  loam 

Georgia  15 

Total 

138, 176 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loams  are  developed  most  extensively  in  sections  of 
rolling  or  dissected  topography  on  slopes  and  on  ridges,  where  the  uneven  sur- 
face configuration  militates  against  tillage  operations.  Over  the  smoother 
areas  the  abundance  of  gravel  distinguishes  this  soil  from  the  ordinary  sandy 
loam.  Usually  the  gravel  content  is  sufficient  to  influence  cultivation,  although 
in  many  instances  the  agricultural  value  of  the  smoother  areas  is  not  very 
different  from  that  of  the  corresponding  sandy  loam  types.  This  is  especially 
true  in  the  case  of  the  more  nearly  level  areas  of  the  Greenville  and  Orange- 
burg gravelly  sandy  loams.  In  some  cases  the  presence  of  gravel  is  even 
considered  an  advantage,  in  that  the  gravel  serves  to  check  erosion. 

Bradley  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  light-brown  or  slightly 
reddish  sandy  loam,  carrying  from  25  to  50  per  cent  of  rounded  gravel  and 
stones.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  red  brittle  clay  similar  to  that  of  the  Cecil 
sandy  loam,  although  in  some  areas  the  color  is  yellowish.  The  soil  represents 
a  mantle  of  sedimentary  material  (Norfolk)  over  Piedmont  material.  The 
type  is  developed  on  slopes,  knolls,  and  ridges.  It  is  well  suited  to  cotton,  corn, 
oats,  and  cowpeas. 

Chesterfield  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  type  to  a  depth  of  6  inches  consists 
of  a  dark-gray  or  brownish-gray  gravelly  sandy  loam,  grading  into  a  gravelly 
loam  in  situations  where  the  sand  content  is  low.  Below  this  surface  soil,  and 
extending  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches,  is  a  lighter  colored  material  of  prac- 
tically the  same  texture,  although  lower  in  organic  matter  and  not  quite  so 
loamy.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  consists  of  a  yellowish  gravelly 
clay.  Over  most  of  the  type  the  high  gravel  content  makes  boring  difficult. 
The  type  is  generally  found  near  stream  courses,  although  it  sometimes  occurs 
as  narrow  strips  or  ridges  in  the  interstream  areas.  The  topography  is  rolling 
and  broken,  and  the  majority  of  the  slopes  are  sufficiently  steep  to  prohibit 
cultivation.  For  this  reason  any  estimate  of  crop  yields  is  impracticable.  The 
timber  growth  consists  principally  of  hardwood,  such  as  white  oak,  post  oak, 
hickory,  and  a  scattering  of  pine. 

Collington  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  medium  sand  to  light  sandy  loam  from  10  to  15  inches  deep.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  greenish-yellow  to  reddish-yellow  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay.  Quartz 
gravel,  ironstone  fragments,  and  glauconitic  sand  are  conspicuous  throughout 
the  soil  mass.  The  type  occupies  steep  and  badly  eroded  areas.  The  rough 
topography  makes  cultivation  rather  difficult,  a  fact  which,  coupled  with  the 
open  structure  of  the  type,  makes  it  rather  undesirable  for  agriculture. 

Goliad  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  this  type  is  a  dark  medium 
to  fine  sandy  loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep,  with  a  variable  content  of  smooth 
water-worn  gravel.  There  is  considerable  range  in  texture  throughout  the 
type.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish  gravelly  clay  which  at  various  depths,  some- 
times less  than  3  feet,  is  underlain  by  the  characteristic  calcareous  ma- 
terial. The  topography  is  rolling  to  moderately  hilly.  Most  of  the  type  is 
utilized  for  pasture,  but  where  cultivated  fair  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  other 
crops  are  secured. 

Greenville  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  gray  to  reddish  fine 
sandy  loam  with  an  average  depth  of  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a 
bright-red,  sandy,  gravelly  clay  continuing  to  a  depth  of  3  feel  or  more,  occa- 
sionally in  the  lower  part  of  the  section.  The  surface  is  usually  strewn  with 
small  concretions  of  argillaceous  and  arenaceous  material,  which  gives  rise  to 
the  term  "gravelly  land."  This  gravel  is  also  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil, 
and  upon  the  hills  large  pieces  of  sandstone  and  iron  crusts  sometimes  occur. 
The  type  is  found  on  rolling  and  hilly  areas  and  has  excellent  drainage.     It 


270  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  Lower  Claiborne  formation  of  Eocene  age. 
It  is  a  good  general-farming  soil  and  also  well  adapted  to  peaches,  small  fruits, 
and  truck  crops.  It  Las  been  used  to  produce  a  fine  grade  of  tobacco  for  home 
use. 

Guin  gravelly  sandy  loam, — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  gray  sandy 
loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  about  the  same  in  texture  and 
is  usually  yellow  or  gray.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  a  large  quantity  of 
water-worn  gravel.  The  surface  is  rather  broken  and  erosion  and  drought 
are  likely  to  result  from  excessive  drainage.  The  type  is  derived  from  the 
gravel  beds  of  the  Lafayette  formation.  The  forest  growth  consists  of  oak. 
Under  cultivation  the  humus  is  rapidly  depleted  and  yields  of  cotton  are 
generally  low. 

Lvfkin  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  medium  to 
fine  sand  or  sandy  loam  from  S  to  10  inches  deep,  containing  small  water- 
worn  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled  yellow,  gray,  or  drab,  and  sometimes 
brown  plastic  clay.  The  type  has  been  formed  by  the  weathering  of  sand  and 
gravel  deposits  of  Tertiary  age.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling  to  hilly.  Most 
of  the  type  is  in  forest,  but  some  areas  are  farmed,  and  where  the  gravel  is 
not  too  abundant  the  soil  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  cotton,  corn,  sorghum,  and 
vegetables. 

Norfolk  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  gravelly  sandy  loam 
from  10  to  15  inches  deep.  The  sand  particles  range  mainly  from  coarse  to 
fine.  The  gravel  content  in  the  soil  ranges  as  high  as  50  per  cent,  and  varying 
amounts  are  strewn  over  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  sandy  clay 
containing  quartz  and  quartzite  gravel.  The  type  occurs  on  rounded  ridges, 
slopes,  and  over  gently  rolling  areas  usually  of  small  extent.  The  soil  is  so 
open  and  well  drained  that  crops  are  liable  to  suffer  severely  during  droughts. 
Yields  average  rather  low.  Cotton  and  corn  are  grown  to  some  extent.  Early 
vegetables  could  be  grown  to  advantage  on  areas  where  the  topography  permits 
cultivation. 

Orangeburg  gravelly  sandy  loam, — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  sandy 
loam  carrying  from  15  to  40  per  cent  of  iron  concretions  and  quartz  gravel. 
The  depth  often  varies  from  a  few  inches  on  the  upper  slopes,  where  rock 
fragments  are  sometimes  present,  to  20  inches  in  lower  locations.  The  sub- 
soil is  red  or  dark  red  in  color  and  is  considerably  heavier  than  the  soil.  The 
type  is  found  on  low  hills  and  ridges  and  is  well  drained.  It  is  not  desirable 
for  general  farming,  but  offers  good  opportunities  for  early  vegetables. 

Ruston  gravelly  sandy  loam, — This  is  a  gray  loamy  sand  to  light  sandy 
loam  underlain  at  a  depth  of  10  to  15  inches  by  yellowish-red  or  dull  red 
friable  Bandy  clay.  Rounded  gravel  consisting  of  quartz,  chert,  and  iron  con- 
cretions occur  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  surface  soil.  The  topography 
is  more  or  less  rolling  and  the  drainage  rather  excessive.  The  type  is  of  low 
agricultural  value,  though  a  number  of  crops,  such  :is  cotton,  com.  and  oats, 
'.in  he  grown  with  moderate  success  by  liber:.  1  additions  of  organic  matter 
and  commercial  fertilizers. 

quehanna  gravelly  sandy  loam, — This  type  consists  of  ;i  grayish  to  reddish 
brown  flne  Bandy  loam  to  sandy  loam  from  5  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by 
;i    plastic  red   clay  mottled   with  gray   and   yellow   at    lower  depths.      Fragments 

<.f  ferruginous  sandstone  with  some  quartz  and  chert  pebbles  are  present  in 
Quantities  Sufficient   to  Impart  a  decidedly  gravelly  character  to  the  soil  mass. 

The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.    The  soil  is  of  i<»w  agricultural  value,  being 
suited  to  pasturage  and  forestry. 
Webb  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  flne  sandy  loam,  about    i<»  inches  da'v.  carrying  a   large  quantity  of 

rounded,  waterworn  gravel  On  the  steep  hillsides  the  line  sandy  loam  is 
easily  eroded  Mid  is  seldom  more  than  a  few  Inches  deep.  When  this  tine 
material  is  washed  down  to  the  lower  levels,  the  rounded  gravel  left  on  the  stoop 

slopes  frequently  covers  from  40  to  <;o  per  cent  of  the  surface    The  subsoil 

consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish  brown  very  sandy  clay.  It  Contains  a  large  per 
Centage  Of  Band,  but  is  sticky  and  tenaciOUS  when  wet  and  in  Bmall  areas  on 
some  of  the   steeper  -lopes   where  it    bus  become  exposed  by   the  erosion   of  the 

upper  soils,  its  surface  is  baked  ami  suncracked  and  has  the  general  appearance 

of  ;i  more  decided  Clay  content.  The  topography  is  rolling,  The  material  is 
derived  from  recent  deposits  of  sunds.  clays,  and  gravels,  modified  to  some  oxteii' 

by  disintegration  of  the  underlying  sandstone.  The  type  is  not  well  adapted 
to  agricultural   purpose!     The   gravelly   texture  of  the  soil   and   its   rolling 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE, 


271 


topography  makes  it  better  adapted  to  the  growing  of  fruit  than  to  the  pro- 
duction of  any  crops  which  would  require  cultivation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Greenville  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Georgia  15;  Louisiana  2,  9,  14 

225,536 
152,512 

Ruston  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Alabama  1,  8, 14;  Mississippi  5.  20;  North  Carolina 

15. 
Alabama  3,  12,  14,  17,  18,  36,  37;  North  Carolina 

23;  Texas  24. 
Alabama  3,  22,  27;  Mississippi  10 

Orangeburg  gravelly  sandy  loam 

117,632 
93,760 

Guin  gravelly  sandv  loam 

Luf kin  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Texas  12 

89,856 
53,760 

Webb  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Texas  16 

52,480 
23,232 
16, 128 
14, 336 
11,648 
320 

Alabama  8,  14;  North  Carolina  IS 

GMiad  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  gra vellv  sandv  loam 

Texas  12 

Alabama  18,  36 

Collington  era  vellv  sandv  loam 

Marviand  1 

Total 

851,200 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE  SANDY  LOAM  PHASE. 


The  coarse  sandy  loams  are  quite  widely  developed  throughout  that  part  of 
the  Coastal  Plain  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  where  they  are  ordinarily  found 
in  close  association  with  the  sandy  loams.  They  are  much  less  extensive  than  the 
latter  types,  except  in  the  narrow  "  Sandhill "  strip  bordering  the  Piedmont 
and  extending  from  central  North  Carolina  to  the  vicinity  of  Auburn,  Ala.  In 
this  border  strip  the  Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam  is  developed  in  large  areas,  and, 
with  the  Hoffman  coarse  sandy  loam  and  Norfolk  coarse  sand,  occupies  by  far 
the  greater  part  of  the  Sandhill  region.  In  southwest  Georgia  and  southeast 
Alabama  the  Greenville  coarse  sandy  loam  is  an  important  soil. 

The  coarse  sandy  loams  have  practically  the  same  crop  adaptation  as  the 
sandy  loams,  but  give  lighter  yields  and  are  more  difficult  to  maintain  in  even 
a  fair  state  of  efficiency,  especially  where  the  clay  subsoil  lies  deeper  than  10  or 
12  inches.  For  best  results  these  soils  require  liberal  additions  of  vegetable 
matter  and  relatively  heavy  fertilization. 

Berzelia  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  coarse  sandy  loam,  from  8  to 
12  inches  deep,  and  contains  large  quantities  of  water-rounded  gravel.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  yellow  to  nearly  white  plastic  material,  having  a  soapy  feel,  owing  to 
the  presence  of  mica  flakes.  The  type  is  developed  in  bench-like  situations  and 
as  slopes  along  streams,  usually  near  their  sources.  It  is  considered  a  very 
poor  agricultural  soil. 

Bradley  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light,  coarse  sandy  loam, 
grayish  in  the  immediate  surface  portion  and  yellowish  below,  ranging  in  depth 
from  8  to  20  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  clay,  which  becomes  heavier  and  more 
plastic  with  depth.  Mica  flakes  often  occur  in  the  subsoil,  sometimes  in  suffi- 
cient quantities  to  impart  a  greasy  feel.  The  color  of  the  subsoil  is  similar  to 
that  of  the  Appling  subsoils,  being  mottled  or  streaked  with  various  shades  of  red 
and  yellow,  and  occasionally  showing  drab  or  gray.  Water-rounded  pebbles  are 
occasionally  seen  in  the  surface  section.  The  soil  is  of  sedimentary  origin, 
representing  Coastal  Plain  material  laid  down  over  the  residual  subsoil.  The 
topography  varies  from  hilly  to  gently  rolling  or  sloping.  With  fertilization 
good  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops  are  secured. 

Coxville  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish,  loose  coarse  sandy  loam 
from  8  to  24  inches  in  depth.  Between  the  soil  and  subsoil  there  is  usually  a 
thin  stratum  of  compact  material  somewhat  heavier  than  the  soil  portion.  The 
subsoil  proper  is  a  mottled  yellow,  drab,  and  red,  plastic  coarse  sandy  clay. 
The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating.  The  type  is  well  suited  to  Irish 
and  sweet  potatoes  and  to  cotton,  corn,  oats,  sugar  cane,  peanuts,  strawberries, 
and  forage  crops.     Fertilizers  are  needed  to  secure  good  average  yields. 

Greenville  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  dull  to  pronounced 
reddish-brown  coarse  loamy  sand  to  a  heavy  sandy  loam,  the  material  becoming 
finer  with  depth.    The  subsoil  is  a  dark  reddish  brown  to  dark-red  sandy  clay 


272  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

of  rather  stiff  structure  and  of  high  capacity  for  conserving  moisture.  The 
_-:-aphy  varies  from  undulating  on  interstream  divides  to  sloping  along  the 
stream,  where  the  material  approaches  somewhat  the  characteristics  of  the 
Orangeburg  soils.  The  good  drainage,  coarse  texture  of  the  surface  soil,  and 
moisture-conserving  capacity  make  the  type  a  valuable  agricultural  soil.  Much 
of  this  land  has  been  in  cultivation  for  50  years  or  more  and  is  still  producing 
good  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  cowpeas,  and  sorghum.  The  occasional  incor- 
poration of  vegetable  matter  and  the  use  of  commercial  fertilizers  in  moderately 
heavy  applications  are  necessary  for  best  results. 

Hoffman  coarse  loamy  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  coarse  sand  carrying  a  large 
content  of  small  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  rather  stiff  sandy  clay  mottled  with 
bright  red,  white,  and  drab.  The  type  occurs  mainly  as  small  knolls.  On 
account  of  the  open,  droughty  character  of  the  soil  it  does  not  hold  moisture 
well  and  only  moderate  yields  can  be  expected  without  heavy  applications  of 
fertilizers  and  the  frequent  incorporation  of  organic  matter. 

Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  consists  of  a 
brown  to  yellowish  coarse  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  sandy  loam 
extending  to  a  depth  of  24  inches,  where  it  rests  upou  coarse  sand  and  gravel. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  about  25  per  cent  of  small  water-worn  gravel, 
chiefly  quartz.  The  topography  is  level  or  gently  sloping.  The  areas  of  this 
type  represent  outwash  plains  of  sand  and  gravel  mixed  with  finer  material. 
Fair  crops  of  corn,  grain,  grasses,  and  especially  of  small  fruits  are  produced 
in  ordinary  seasons,  but  failures  occur  in  years  of  drought. 

Orangeburg  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  reddish-brown. 
slightly  tenacious  coarse  sand  of  open  structure,  about  10  inches  deep.  The 
subsoil  is  lighter  colored  than  the  soil  and  slightly  more  tenacious  owing  to 
its  greater  clay  content.  The  type  is  nearly  uniform  throughout,  with 
almost  level  topography  and  excellent  underdrainage.  The  soil  material  is 
derived  from  the  Lafayette  formation.  The  type  is  easily  worked  and  is  practi- 
cally all  in  cultivation  to  corn,  cotton,  and  oats.  Yields  are  usually  low,  and 
heavy  applications  of  fertilizers  are  necessary  for  profitable  cultivation. 

Plummer  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  or  brownish-gray  moder- 
ately coarse  sandy  loam,  more  or  less  mottled  with  dingy  brown  below  the 
surface  few  inches.  The  subsoil,  beginning  at  a  depth  of  18  to  24  inches,  is 
a  sticky,  somewhat  plastic  coarse  sandy  clay  mottled  with  dingy  brown  and 
yellowish  white  or  drab.  The  type  occurs  in  poorly  drained,  flat  situations. 
Crawfish  mounds  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  When  drained  and  limed  fair 
results  can  be  had  with  Irish  potatoes,  cabbage,  corn,  and  oats. 

Portsmouth  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  black  coarse  sandy 
loam,  from  S  to  20  inches  deep  and  high  in  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is 
a  tenacious  coarse  sandy  loam  mottled  reddish  yellow  and  drab.  The  type  owes 
its  high  organic-matter  content  and  mottled  subsoil  to  imperfect  drainage  condi- 
tions, which  have  favored  the  accumulation  of  organic  matter  and  inhibited  soil 
aeration.  For  its  profitable  utilization  drainage  by  means  of  open  ditches  Is 
necessary.  Where  thoroughly  drained  it  is  an  excellent  soil  for  corn,  strawberry. 
cabbage,  onion,  lettuce,  beet,  and  celery  crops.     Oats  do  fairly  well. 

Ruston  coarse  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  brownish  medium 
to  coarse  sandy  Loam,  underlain  at  depths  varying  from  8  to  is  inches  by 

a  reddish-yellow,  reddish-brown,  or  dull  red  friable  sandy  clay,  with  a  moderate 
(•out. -lit  of  quarts  gravel.  The  topography  varies  from  level  to  gently  rolling, 
the  rolling  areas  being  confined  generally  to  the  vicinity  of  stream  heads,  it  is 
ther  than  the  average  of  the  Ruston  soils  so  far  mapped  and  is  admirably 
situated  for  farming  purposes.    The  type  is  retentive  of  moisture,  ami  drainage 

is  well  established.  This  is  a  very  productive  soil,  producing  Under  good  man- 
agement from  oim  half  bale  to  L'  bales  of  cotton,  20  to  7,r>  bushels  of  corn,  and  as 
much  as  1,000  pounds  of  tobaOCO  to  tiie  acre. 

8uSQUehanna  coarse  sandy  loam.-  -The  soil  of  this  type  is  ,i  gray  carsc  loamy 

sand  to  coarse  sandy  loam,  changing  to  pale  yellow  at  a  depth  of  8  Inches.  The 
subsoil,  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  8  to  •_>  i  Inches,  is  .-i  Bilghtly  friable 

brownish  or  reddish,  sandy  clay,  which  quickly  passes  into  dull  red  or  drab- 
brown,  sticky,  plastic  day  soinewh;it  molt  led  with  gray  or  yellow  A  layer  of 
ferruginous  sandstone  is  commonly  found  between  soil  and  subsoil.  The  sub- 
tum  in  places  Lfl  :i  \  cry  tOUgh,  plastic,  laminated  hl'iish  clay.  The  type  IS 
developed  on  slopes  between  the  upland  levels  and  the  lower  Stream  soils.      The 

agricultural  value  is  rather  low. 

Tif/<>)>    coarse   snnilji   lonm.      The   Soil    to   an    average   depth    of   S    inches 
grayish  brown  COarse  sandy   loam  containing  a   Large  amount   of  small  iron  con- 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


273 


cretions.  The  subsoil  is  a  dull  yellow,  friable  sandy  clay,  more  or  less  mottled 
in  the  lower  portion  with  reddish  iron  oxide  stains.  The  type  occupies  flat  to 
gently  sloping  areas.  It  is  well  suited  to  cotton,  corn,  oats,  peanuts,  pecans,  and 
forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam 

Alabama  32;  Georgia  2,  5;  North  Caro- 
lina 15;  South  Carolina  9;  Virginia  12. 

Florida  7;  Georgia  5;  South  Carolina 
12,  16. 

59,328 
26,240 

19, 136 

15.552 

Coxville  coarse  sandy  loam 

Georgia  3 

Plummer  coarse  sandy  loam 

do 

10,816 

Bradley  coarse  sandy  loam 

10,560 
8,000 

Portsmouth  coarse  sandy  loam 

3,712 
3,712 

Ruston  coarse  sandy  loam 

North  Carolina  15 

3,392 

Hoffman  coarse  sandy  loam 

448 

Tifton  coarse  sandy  loam 

320 

Total 

161,216 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


FINE   SANDY  LOAM   GROUP. 


The  fine  sandy  loams  are  adapted  to  truck  crops,  to  be  marketed  between  the 
early  and  late  products.  The  soils  give  moderately  good  yields  of  vegetables 
having  shipping  qualities  somewhat  better  than  the  earlier  crops,  but  not  so 
good  as  the  latter  crops.  Owing  to  their  ability  to  retain  moisture,  fair 
yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured,  and  the  members  of  this  group 
are  classed  as  medium-grade  general  farming  soils.  In  general,  crops  mature 
about  two  weeks  later  and  the  yields  average  higher  than  on  the  sandy  loams. 

Of  the  vegetables,  melons,  cucumbers,  cabbage,  beets,  tomatoes,  garden  peas, 
lettuce,  Irish  and  sweet  potatoes,  radishes,  string  and  lima  beans,  cauliflower, 
spinach,  eggplant,  squash,  and  carrots  do  particularly  well.  Strawberries,  dew- 
berries, and  blackberries  give  excellent  results. 

Cotton  matures  somewhat  later  than  on  the  sandy  loams,  but  quite  early 
enough  to  make  these  soils  well  suited  to  growing  the  crop  under  boll-weevil 
conditions.  Fair  yields  of  dent  corn,  sugar  cane,  rye,  and  oats,  and  good  yields 
of  peanuts,  bright  tobacco,  cigar-wrapper  tobacco,  cowpeas,  velvet  beans,  crim- 
son clover,  and  sorghum  are  made.  The  quality  of  sirup  from  sugar  cant 
grown  on  the  light-colored  fine  sandy  loams  is  exceptionally  good. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  are  of  nearly  the  same  extent  and  occur  in  the  same 
general  regions  as  the  sandy  loams.  The  Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam  seems  to 
be  the  main  representative  of  this  group  of  soils  in  the  North  Atlantic  division. 
The  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam  is  the  most  widely  distributed  and  extensive.  It 
is  a  very  important  agricultural  soil  throughout  the  inner  Coastal  Plain  from 
central  Virginia  to  central  Texas,  being  in  various  sections  largely  used  in  the 
production  of  bright  tobacco,  cotton,  corn,  peanuts,  cowpeas,  melons,  cucumbers, 
cabbage,  and  other  vegetables,  sugar  cane  for  sirup,  and  strawberries.  From 
the  neighborhood  of  the  Santee  River  in  South  Carolina  the  Orangeburg  fine 
sandy  loam  assumes  about  equal  importance  with  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam, 
both  in  extent  and  area  under  cultivation.  It  is  naturally  a  somewhat  stronger 
soil  than  the  corresponding  Norfolk  type.  It  is  used  chiefly  for  cotton,  corn, 
oats,  and  cowpeas.  Vegetables  do  not  succeed  so  well,  nor  is  the  quality  of 
sugar-cane  sirup  so  good  as  in  the  case  of  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 

The  most  Important  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Flatwoods  division  belong  to  the 
Portsmouth,  Coxville,  Scranton,  and  Plummer  scries. 

Exclusive  of  the  prairie  belt  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi,  the  inner  division 
of  the  Coastal  Plain  embraces  largo  areas  of  Ruston.  Susquehanna,  Orangeburg, 
and  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loa.ins.  The  Coastal  Prairie  division  of  Ton. -is  and 
Louisiana  includes  important  developments  of  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  Victoria 
and  Lake  Charles  series.     In  eastern  Texas,  northwestern  Louisiana,  and  south- 


79619—13- 


-18 


274  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

ern  Arkansas  the  Caddo,  Susquehanna,  and  Lufkin  fine  sandy  loams  comprise 
the  most  extensive  areas  of  this  class  of  soil.  The  Webb  and  Wilson  fine  sandy 
loams  are  the  most  important  so  far  mapped  in  central  and  west  Texas. 

BccviUe  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  from 
10  to  20  inches  deep,  overlying  gray  stratified  clay,  sometimes  mottled  with 
yellow.  It  occupies  higher  terraces  along  the  streams  and  probably  represents 
an  extension  of  deposits  of  Pleistocene  age  from  the  level  coast  country  up  the 
smaller  stream  valleys.  Where  transportation  facilities  are  convenient  truck 
crops  are  profitably  grown.  The  soil  also  produces  fair  yields  of  corn  and 
cotton. 

Bienville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  light-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  about  8  inches  deep  and  grades  into  a  light-brown  or  reddish-brown, 
sticky  fine  sandy  loam  at  depths  ranging  from  15  to  24  inches.  It  represents 
sandy  depositions  along  the  edge  of  extensive  swamps  or  at  the  junction  of 
large  streams  when  great  volumes  of  water  were  flowing  from  the  northward. 
These  areas  are  locally  known  as  "  hammock  "  land.  They  lie  above  high  water, 
and  the  gently  rolling  surface  insures  good  drainage.  The  type  is  easy  to 
cultivate  and  is  well  adapted  to  general  farming  and  trucking. 

Bladen  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  pale  yellow  loamy  fine 
sand  to  light  fine  sandy  loam,  from  8  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  fine 
sandy  clay  which  quickly  grades  into  heavy  clay,  or  the  heavy  clay  may  directly 
underlie  the  surface  soil.  The  subsoil  is  plastic  and  sticky,  and  is  mottled 
yellow  and  gray  in  color.  Lime  concretions  are  sometimes  encountered  in  the 
lower  section.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  and  surface 
drainage  is  poor.  Gum  and  cypress  ponds  of  small  area  occur  throughout 
the  type.  In  origin  the  type  seems  to  hold  an  intermediate  place  between  the 
Salt  marsh  and  Coxville  fine  sandy  loam.  With  the  advancement  of  weather- 
ing it  is  believed  the  soil  will  assume  the  characteristics  of  the  Coxville  fine 
sandy  loam.  Very  little  of  the  type  has  been  cultivated.  Some  good  yields  of 
corn,  sweet  potatoes,  and  sugar  cane  have  been  secured  in  years  of  normal 
seasonal  conditions.  Drainage  will  be  necessary  to  bring  the  type  into  proper 
condition  for  cultivation. 

Boeuf  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown,  loamy  fine  sand  8  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  plastic  heavy  sandy  clay.  The  line  of  demarcation 
between  soil  and  subsoil  is  well  established.  At  30  inches  the  subsoil  becomes 
lighter  in  texture,  frequently  approaching  a  sandy  loam.  The  type  is  found 
on  small  ridges  15  to  30  feet  above  the  surrounding  flat,  alluvial  lands  and 
probably  represents  remnants  of  the  Lafayette  formation  where  the  overlying 
loess  has  been  largely  removed.  It  is  a  very  productive  type.  Cultivated 
areas  produce  from  30  to  40  bushels  of  corn  and  nearly  a  bale  of  cotton  to  the 
acre. 

Brennan  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  light-brown, 
heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown,  fine 
sandy  loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth,  and  containing  enough  silt  and  clay 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  .",  Cool  section  to  make  it  plastic  and  sticky  when  wet 
and  to  give  i:  the  characteristics  of  a  One  sandy  clay.  The  lower  portion  of 
the  subsoil  is  hard  and  compact  and  is  usually  so  dry  that  it  can  be  crashed  into 
;i  fine  powder,  but  when  wot  it  becomes  stiff  and  plastic,  and  the  content  of 
silt   and    clay    is   very   noticeable.      The    type   is   level    to   gently    undulating   in 

topography  and  is  formed  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  an  old  deposit  of 
fine  sands  and  sandy  clays  of  sedimentary  origin,  modified  to  some  extent  by 
wash  from  the  rolling  uplands,  only  a  very  limited  acreage  Is  under  cultiva- 
tion. During  favorable  so.-isons  fair  yields  of  cowpeas,  corn,  and  sorghum  have 
been  obtained.  The  greater  pan  of  the  typo  is  valued  as  pasture  land  and  sup- 
ports :i  heavy  growth  of  native  grasses. 
Caddo  fine  x<m<iji  loam.    -The  soil  consists  mainly  of  sand  of  the  finer  grades, 

with   :i    mixture  Of  gray,   brown,  or  yellow   silt,   and    varies   in   depth   from   8  to 

80  inches,  depending  upon  the  number  <>f  eand  mounds  on  the  surface.  The 
Intermound  areas  are  usually  dark  brown  and  the  hillocks  lighter  colored. 
The  subsoil  over  the  more  level  .-irons  is  heavier  in  texture  and  composed  of 
gray  or  mottled  red  and  yellow  silt  and  clay,  quite  Impervious  to  water  and  in 
places  approaching  the  structure  of  hardpan.  Over  areas  where  the  sand 
mounds  are  more  prevalent  it  Is  usually  lighter  and  more  nearly  like  the  surface 
soil,    iron  concretions  are  sometimes  found  in  the  surface  B  to  to  Inches  of  soil. 

The  sandy  material  of  the  upper  part  of  the  sand  mounds  is  usually  Leachy,  the 

siiiv  material  collecting  around  the  base  and  forming  an  almost   Impervious 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.      275 

subsoil.  This  material  resembles  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam,  the  main  points 
of  difference  being  in  the  topography  and  in  the  color  of  the  subsoil. 

The  type  occupies  rather  depressed  situations,  with  level  to  gently  rolling 
topography.  It  not  infrequently  marks  the  flat,  swampy  areas  out  of  which 
streams  flow  and  is  also  found  in  the  low,  flat  areas  skirting  lakes.  The  type 
is  derived  from  beds  of  sandy  clays  belonging  to  the  Port  Huron  group,  which 
represent  old  lake  beds  or  swampy  lands  that  are  just  beginning  to  develop 
drainage  channels.  The  soil  is  suited  to  crops  requiring  a  moist  soil,  and  it  is 
probable  that  sugar  cane,  rice,  and  certain  varieties  of  truck,  such  as  straw- 
berries and  cabbage,  would  do  well.  Except  where  the  sand  mounds  are  so 
numerous  as  to  interfere  with  flooding  rice  can  be  grown  on  this  soil,  the 
greater  part  of  it  being  better  adapted  to  this  crop  than  any  other.  Corn  and 
cotton  are  the  principal  crops  for  which  the  type  is  now  used. 

Coxville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-gray  moderately 
heavy  fine  sanely  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  6  to  20  inches,  with  an  average 
depth  of  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  rather  plastic  clay,  which  ranges  in 
color  from  yellow  in  the  upper  part  to  mottled  yellow,  drab,  and  bright  red 
in  the  lower  section.  Small  iron  concretions  and  quartz  gravel  are  sometimes 
encountered  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  topography  is  generally  undulating 
to  flat.  Where  thoroughly  drained  by  open  ditches  the  type  is  well  suited  to 
cotton,  sweet  potatoes,  and  the  Klondike  strawberry.  It  is  not  as  good  for 
early  truck  as  the  corresponding  member  of  the  Norfolk  series,  although  better 
for  cotton  and  strawberries.    Lime  is  needed  to  improve  the  structure. 

Crockett  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  fine  sandy 
loam  or  heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  6  to  12  inches.  The 
subsoil  is  a  loam  which  grades  into  a  stiff  clay  loam,  generally  mottled  with 
red  or  yellow  and  often  carrying  concretions  of  iron  gravel.  It  is  found  as 
gently  rolling  prairie  land  with  occasional  gravelly  hillocks.  Drainage  is  good. 
This  soil  is  particularly  adapted  to  oats  and  corn. 

Durant  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  from  14  to  18 
inches  deep.  It  has  a  characteristic  chocolate-brown  color  that  is  uniform 
throughout  the  type.  The  subsoil  is  usually  mottled  yellow  and  brown  and  in 
the  heavier  phase  grades  downward  into  a  clay  loam.  The  type  occupies  rolling 
prairies.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  weathered  product  of  the  Bokchito 
formation  of  Cretaceous  age.  Cotton,  corn,  and  oats  are  the  principal  crops 
grown  and  give  fair  yields. 

Duval  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  usually  a  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam, 
from  6  to  12  inches  deep.  The  surface  few  inches  of  material  is  very  sandy 
and  might  be  classed  as  a  loamy  fine  sand,  the  lighter  texture  being  due  to 
the  removal  of  the  fine  particles  by  wind.  The  subsoil  is  a  light  sandy  clay  of 
practically  the  same  color  as  the  soil  except  where  the  former  has  been 
darkened  by  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  Limestone  and  occasionally 
sandstone  are  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  4  or  5  feet 
and  outcrops  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  origin  of  this  soil  is  very  similar 
to  that  of  the  Duval  fine  sand  and  it  simply  represents  areas  where  a  larger 
amount  of  fine  material  is  present.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  undu- 
lating to  rolling  and  hilly.  The  type  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  scrubby 
chaparral,  guajillo.  and  numerous  varieties  of  thorny  bushes  and  cactus.  The 
amount  of  mesquite  is  small,  especially  where  the  rock  is  near  the  surface. 
Very  little  of  the  type  has  been  cultivated.  Its  agricultural  value  depends 
largely  upon  the  depth  to  the  underlying  limestone,  the  soil  over  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  area  being  scarcely  deep  enough  to  justify  its  use  for  general 
agriculture.  Areas  of  deeper  soil,  where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable,  are 
very  productive  and  well  suited  to  cotton,  truck,  fruits,  and  grapes.  Peaches 
should  prove  successful  on  this  type  under  irrigation. 

Edna  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  fine  sandy  loam  or 
loamy  fine  sand,  from  8  to  20  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches 
or  more  consists  of  mottled  gray  and  yellow  impervious  clay.  There  is  a  very 
distinct  line  of  demarcation  between  the  soil  and  subsoil.  Small  sand  mounds 
are  characteristic  surface  features.  The  type  is  sedimentary  in  origin,  having 
been  formed  from  noncalcareous  deposits  laid  down  in  shallow  Gulf  waters 
during  Pleistocene  times.  The  topography  is  almost  level,  with  gently  undulat- 
ing and  slightly  rolling  areas  near  the  streams.  The  type  is  devoid  of  timber 
except  for  small  strips  near  the  dralnageways.  It  is  not  a  very  strong  soil, 
but  under  proper  treatment  gives  fair  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  other  general 
farm  crops.  It  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  truck,  and  some  areas  are 
being  utilized  for  this  purpose. 


276  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Elkton  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy,  dark-gray,  medium  to 
fine  sandy  loam,  about  10  inches  deep,  frequently  containing  a  rather  high 
percentage  of  silt  and  having  a  slightly  sticky  feel.  Below  this,  to  a  depth  of 
IB  to  20  inches,  is  a  very  light-yellow  fine  sandy  loam,  sometimes  almost  white, 
and  not  quite  so  heavy  as  the  surface  soil.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled  gray  or 
bluish  sandy  clay,  varying  occasionally  in  texture  and  frequently  showing  a 
yellowish  or  drab  color  spotted  or  streaked  with  iron  stains.  It  is  a  wet  and 
poorly  drained  soil  and  little  of  it  is  under  cultivation.  A  system  of  drainage 
must  be  established  before  agriculture  can  be  made  successful.  Under  good 
conditions  only  fair  yields  are  obtained. 

Goliad  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  fine  sandy 
loam,  from  8  to  20  inches  deep,  underlain  by  red  to  reddish-brown  sandy  day 
or  clay  loam.  At  depths  ranging  from  2  to  6  feet,  a  soft,  white  calcareous  ma- 
terial is  encountered,  which  is  sometimes  exposed  on  the  steep  slopes.  The 
topography  is  gently  rolling  and  drainage  is  good.  Owing  to  the  ease  of 
cultivation,  its  water-holding  capacity,  and  its  natural  productiveness,  the  type 
is  well  adapted  to  truck  and  other  hand-cultivated  crops. 

Grady  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-colored  fine  sandy  loam 
from  8  to  15  inches  deep,  resting  upon  a  mottled  drab,  yellow,  and  red,  tena- 
cious, impervious  clay,  which  contains  varying  amounts  of  the  finer  grades  of 
It  occupies  sink-hole  depressions  and  nearly  level  to  flat,  poorly  drained 
country,  slightly  elevated  above  the  stream  channels  or  swampy  flood  plain 
which  it  borders.  Small  flat  areas  in  the  uplands  occur  as  saucer-like  de- 
pressions and  require  artificial  drainage.  The  surface  soil  is  composed  of  re- 
worked  upland  material  in  which  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter  has  been 
incorporated.  The  subsoil  is  derived  from  or  influenced  by  the  underlying 
limestone  which  may  be  encountered  within  the  3-foot  section.  Sinks,  de- 
pressions, and  underground  stream  channels  are  formed  by  the  weathering  of 
the  limestone  and  are  characteristic  features  in  some  localities.  The  type  in 
some  localities  is  known  as  "hammock  land"  and  is  recognized  as  a  productive 
soil.  It  produces  good  yields  of  sugar  cane  and  corn  in  favorable  seasons.  The 
timber  growth  consists  of  oaks,  beech,  gum,  magnolia,  and  scattering  pine. 

Greenville  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  red,  medium  to  fine  textured  sandy 
loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  4  to  15  inches.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  several 
feet  is  a  bright  red  sandy  clay.  The  type  occupies  level,  plateau-like  stretches 
in  close  proximity  to  streams,  and  is  well  drained.  It  is  derived  from  the 
weathering  of  Lafayette  clays.  The  native  forest  growth  consists  of  pine,  red 
and  white  oaks,  post  oak,  and  hickory.  Cotton  and  corn  are  the  chief  crops 
grown,  and  the  yields  are  good.  The  soil  is  also  well  adapted  to  fruits  and 
early  truck  crops.  Irish  potatoes,  radishes,  and  onions  arc  grown  and  give 
large  returns.  The  type  should  also  produce  a  high  grade  of  Cuban  Leaf 
tobacco. 

Hoffman  fine  sandy  loam.— The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  yellowish  fine 
sand  to  loamy  tine  Band,  from  12  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  rather 
stiff,  plastic  sandy  clay  conspicuously  mottled  with  purplish  and  pinkish  red. 
gray,  and  yellow.  Pebbles  and  fragments  of  iron-cemented  sandstone  occur 
throughout  the  soil  section.  The  topography  is  somewhat  broken,  being  usually 
rougher  than  that  of  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam.  The  type  la  generally  con- 
sidered poor,  although  with  careful  handling  much  of  it  gives  fairly  good  re 
suits  with  cotton,  corn,  peanuts.  Bweet  potatoes,  cowpeas,  and  velvet  beans. 

Houston  fine  sandy  loam.— This  type  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  dark  gray, 
brown,  or  black  fine  sandy  loam  underlain  to  B  depth  of  36  inches  by  dark  gray 
to  brown  heavy  sandy  loam  to  clay  loam.    Often  at  18  to  24  inches  a  stratum 
of  white,  calcareous  material  is  encountered  and  this  sometimes  outcrops  In 
small  spots  on  the  Blopea  and  tops  of  the  hills.    Thia  type  is  derived  from 
sandy  calcareous  formations.    The  surface  is  moderately  rolling  to  very  rolling 
and  hilly,     it   was  originally   prairie,  although  an   occasional    mesquite  and 
huisache   tree   la   found.     The  soil    is  quite   fertile   and   produces    from   one 
fourth  to  i  hale  of  cotton  per  acre,  20  to  40  bushels  of  corn,  and  good  yields  of 
bum   and    other   general    farm   crops.     It    is  well   adapted   to   truck   crops. 
:ially  cabbage,  onions,  tomatoes,  and  potatoes. 
lake  Charles  flm   sandy  loam,    The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or  black  or  some 
limes  Light  gray,  heavy  very  flne  sandy  Loam,  i-i  inches  in  depth.    The  subsoil 
is  a   loam  which  grades  at    10  Inches  Into  b  clay  Loam  containing  some  silt. 
which  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a  mottled  clay,  often  carryii  lime  con. 

cretiona.    The  type  La  found  on  the  higher  elevationB  and  is  marked  by  sand 
hummocks      it  owes  Lta  texture  to  local  erosion  and  admixture  of  Band  from 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  277 

hummock  areas,  and  was  originally  a  coastal  deposit.     It  is  adapted  to  crops 
requiring  light  soils  and  medium  drainage. 

Lomalto  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  grayish-brown  to  dark-brown 
loamy  fine  sand  to  fine  sandy  loam  from  10  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a 
heavy  fine  sandy  loam  or  loam  which  grades  into  a  gray  clay  at  a  depth  of 
2  or  3  feet.  The  soil  has  been  formed  by  the  incorporation  of  organic  matter 
with  the  sandy  material  deposited  over  the  gray  clays.  The  topography  is 
level  to  slightly  undulating.  The  characteristic  vegetation  is  the  sacahuistle 
grass,  although  a  scattering  growth  of  mesquite  is  found  upon  areas  adjoining 
the  Victoria  fine  sandy  loam.  None  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  and  unless 
freed  from  alkali  salts  it  is  doubtful  whether  crops  would  prove  successful.  It 
is  now  used  for  pasture  and  under  present  conditions  is  best  devoted  to  this 
purpose. 

Lufkin  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  type  consists  of  a  gray  or  brown  fine 
loamy  sand  or  light  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  in  depth,  resting  on  a  mottled 
gray  and  yellow,  plastic,  impervious  sandy  clay  subsoil.  The  surface  is  level 
to  rolling  and  drainage  is  well  established.  The  type  is  derived  from  Coastal 
Plain  deposits.  The  timber  growth  is  chiefly  scrub  oak.  Cotton  and  corn  are 
the  principal  crops. 

Mattamuskeet  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  or  black  fine 
sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  10  to  20  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  or 
brown  very  fine  sand.  When  wet  the  soil  is  decidedly  mucky,  but  upon  drying 
out  it  has  the  appearance  of  fine  sandy  loam,  with  a  high  organic-matter  content. 
When  reclaimed  this  soil  should  be  well  suited  to  crops  like  cabbage,  celery, 
potatoes,  onions,  and  corn. 

Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  pale-yellow  or  gray 
fine  sandy  loam  6  to  8  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  fine  sandy  loam, 
which  grades  into  a  light  sandy  clay  at  an  average  depth  of  18  inches.  The 
type  occupies  level  plains  and  rolling  uplands  and  is  generally  well  drained. 
It  gives  moderate  yields  of  corn,  and  is  well  adapted  to  late  truck  crops,  and  in 
parts  of  the  South  to  cotton  and  to  bright  yellow  tobacco.  This  soil  is  not  as 
valuable  for  early  truck  as  the  Norfolk  fine  sand,  but  makes  a  good  medium  to 
late  truck  soil.  In  North  Carolina  it  is  considered  a  better  tobacco  soil  than  the 
Norfolk  sandy  loam,  and  fully  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  the  Norfolk  fine  sand. 

Oktibbeha  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  5  to  10  inches  of  brownish- 
gray  to  light-brown  fine  sandy  loam,  grading  directly  into  a  rather  heavy,  yellow- 
ish-brown sandy  clay,  which  becomes  mottled  at  depths  varying  from  2  to  3 
feet.  Numerous  phases  occur  as  a  result  of  erosion  and  difference  in  drainage 
conditions.  The  topography  is  rolling,  and  except  for  local  seepage  drainage  is 
good.  It  is  derived  from  the  sandy  clay  known  as  the  Yellow  Loam  formation 
The  original  forest  growth  consists  largely  of  oats,  hickory,  and  maple.  The 
type  is  largely  under  cultivation  to  cotton  and  corn,  but  its  agricultural  value 
is  lessened  by  severe  erosion.     Peaches,  pears,  and  plums  do  well. 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  brown  fine  sand 
or  light  fine  sandy  loam  from  4  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  red  sandy 
clay.  The  type  occupies  level  and  rolling  to  hilly  areas  in  uplands  and  has 
good  drainage.  It  is  well  adapted  to  cotton,  gives  fair  yields  of  corn,  and  is 
particularly  well  adapted  to  truck  crops,  peaches,  and,  in  Texas,  to  Cuban  filler 
tobacco.     It  is  the  principal  peach  soil  of  the  Fort  Valley  area,  Georgia. 

Parkicood  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  loamy  fine 
sand,  6  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  light  sandy  clay  to  heavy 
clay  loam  of  a  grayish-brown  to  grayish-yellow  color,  grading  at  a  depth  of  20 
inches  into  a  grayish  or  white  marl.  Drainage  is  often  poor  owing  to  the  flat 
surface.  Where  open  ditches  have  been  established,  good  crops  of  corn  and 
oats  have  been  grown.     The  type  is  considered  good  for  general  farming. 

Pheba  fine  sandy  loam.— The  surface  soil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  fine  sandy 
loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  heavy  fine 
sandy  loam,  which  gradually  grades  into  a  fine  sandy  clay  or  silty  clay.  The 
lower  subsoil  is  usually  mottled  with  reddish-yellow  and  gray  colors.  A  heavy 
clay  substratum  is  encountered  at  3  to  6  feet.  The  surface  configuration  is 
flat  to  gently  rolling  or  undulating.  Ditching  is  necessary  on  some  of  the  more 
level  areas.  The  type  is  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  for  best  results  requires 
the  occasional  plowing  under  of  such  crops  as  cowpeas  and  rye.  Cotton,  corn, 
peanuts,  oats,  rye.  cowpeas,  soy  beans,  and  sorghum  give  good  results  under 
proper  soil  management. 

Plum  in er  fine  sandy  Jonm.—The  soil  is  a  gray,  loamy  lino  sand  sometimes 
faintly  mottled  with  brown.     At  S  to  IS  inches  a  compact  loamy  fine  sand  of 


278  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATLS. 

gray  color  or  gray  mottled  with  streaks  of  brown  or  yellow  is  encountered. 
Below  this  is  a  mottled  gray  or  yellow  fine  sandy  clay  or  sticky  fine  sand,  includ- 
ing pockets  or  layers  of  yellowish  plastic  fine  sandy  clay.  As  a  rule  the  type  is 
poorly  drained  on  account  of  its  flat  surface  and  low  position.  Cypress,  pine, 
and  cabbage  palmetto  constitute  the  main  timber  growth.  The  soil  is  typically 
developed  in  the  flatwoods  country  of  the  Coastal  Plains.  Very  little  of  it  has 
been  utilized  for  agriculture,  but  with  the  establishment  of  good  drainage  oats, 
eorn,  and  sugar  cane  would  probably  give  good  results  if  fertilized.  A  number 
of  vegetables,  such  as  onions,  lettuce,  and  cabbage,  could  also  be  grown 
profitably. 

Portsmouth  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  12  inches  is  a 
black  or  rusty  brown,  mucky  fine  sandy  loam,  compact  and  heavy  when  wet. 
Large  quantities  of  organic  matter  in  all  stages  of  decomposition  are  usually 
present.  Under  continued  cultivation  the  soil  becomes  lighter  in  both  color 
and  texture  and  the  sand  content  more  pronounced.  The  subsoil  is  usually 
a  mottled  drab  and  yellow,  massive  and  sticky,  sandy  clay,  with  a  depth  of 
more  than  36  inches,  and  is  underlain  occasionally  by  a  layer  of  very  fine  white 
or  gray  sand.  Where  the  type  occurs  within  sand  areas  the  subsoil  often  con- 
sists entirely  of  sand.  The  surface  is  level  or  slightly  depressed.  The  type 
ewes  its  existence  and  its  peculiar  characteristics  to  poor  drainage.  In  some 
eases  artificial  drainage  is  impracticable  owing  to  the  level  surface.  The  type 
supports  a  heavy  growth  of  cypress,  gum,  magnolia,  and  other  water-loving  trees 
and  undergrowth.  When  cleared  and  properly  drained  Irish  potatoes  and 
cabbages  are  successfully  grown,  especially  the  latter.  Cotton  and  corn  give 
fair  yields  in  favorable  situations.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to  onions  and  some 
of  the  berry  fruits. 

Ruston  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  light-gray  or  yellowish- 
gray  fine  sandy  loam  of  variable  depth,  but  averaging  about  20  inches.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  buff  or  reddish  yellow,  somewhat  mottled  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  or 
sandy  clay.  The  subsoil  is  not  so  red  as  that  of  the  Orangeburg  fine  sandy 
loam,  but  more  so  than  the  Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam.  The  type  occupies  broad, 
high  divides  and  long,  gentle  slopes  reaching  to  stream  bottoms.  The  topogra- 
phy varies  from  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  the  drainage,  while  usually 
good,  is  sometimes  deficient.  The  soil  is  inclined  to  be  droughty  and  crop 
yields  diminish  under  the  usual  methods  of  manngement.  The  type  is  derived 
from  unconsolidated  sediments  of  the  Eocene  period,  modified  by  an  admixture 
of  Lafayette  material.  The  natural  forest  growth  consists  of  oak  and  shortleaf 
pine. 

Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  2  or  3  inches  is  light  brown  in  eolor. 
but  grades  gradually  into  a  pale-yellow  material  which  extends  to  a  depth 
Varying  from  12  to  20  inches.  The  soil  has  the  texture  of  a  silly  lino  sandy 
loam  and  is  underlain  by  a  reddish  light  silty  loam.  The  type  is  round  largely 
on  lower  flat  lauds  along  the  water  front  where  drainage  is  poor.  It  also  occurs 
upon  higher,  moderately  rolling  areas  with  hotter  drainage.  It  is  derived  from 
the  weathering  of  marine  deposits.  Native  trees  consist  mainly  of  pine,  white 
oak,  chestnut,  and  sweet  and  black  gum.  A  portion  of  the  type  is  devoted  to 
general  farming.  Including  such  crops  as  wheat,  corn,  grass,  and  tomatoes. 
Poorly  drained  areas  could  be  made  productive  by  drainage  and  without  pro- 
hibitive outlay  of  money. 

Scranton  fine  smith/  loam.  The  soil  cmsisis  of  a  dark  gray,  fine  Bandy  loam 
from  s  p,  in  inches  deep,  passing  abruptly  into  a  yellow  or  yellowish-gray  tine 
sandy  loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.    There  is  usually  little  or  no  mottling 

in  the  suhsoil.  The  type  occurs  as  relatively  hroad  areas  of  flat  to  gently  undu- 
lating topography,  often  occupying  gentle  slopes  between  the  Norfolk  and  Ports- 
mouth Serl  Lnage  is  hotter  than  that  .d  the  Portsmouth  tine  sandy  loam 
and  noi  bo  good  as  tie-  Norfolk  lino  sandy  loam.  The  forest  growth  consists  of 
leaf  and  short-leaf  pine.    The  type  is  adapted  to  practically  the  same  crops 

as  the  Norfolk-  tine  sandy  Loam,  hut  on  account   of  the  higher  content   of  organic 
matter   is  :i    stronger  soil. 

Busquehanna  fine  sandy  i<><n».  The  soil  is  a  gray  t<>  brown  tine  sand  or  light 
fine  sandy  loam  about  L2  Inches  deep,  resting  upon  ;i  red  or  yellowish  red  clay, 
which  Is  usually  stiff  ami  plastic  and  mottled  in  the  lower  depths,  iron  con 
cretions  are  found  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  type  has  been  derived 
principally  from  the  underlying  clays.  The  surface  ;-  gen  rally  roiling  or  hilly, 
and  erosion  is  sometimes  quite  pronounced.  The  soil  Is  adapted  to  fruits  and 
tables.     Potatoes  an  i  pet  ches  do  exceptionally  well.    Cotton  and  corn  give 

Hum  yields. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


279 


Victoria  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  gray  fine 
sandy  loam  from  12  to  15  inches  deep  and  is  underlain  by  a  lighter  colored  sandy 
clay  which  is  often  mottled  with  iron  stains.  This  extends  to  a  depth  of  36 
inches,  and  in  the  lower  depths  carries  thin  local  deposits  of  lime.  The  type 
occurs  principally  as  hills  and  bluffs  adjacent  to  the  ancient  coast  line  of  Nueces 
Bay.  The  surface  varies  from  nearly  level  to  quite  rolling  and  the  drain- 
age is  excellent.  The  surface  material  is  of  aeolian  origin,  having  been  blown 
from  the  old  coast  line  and  deposited  as  a  surface  mantle  over  the  older 
calcareous  clays  of  Tertiary  age.  With  heavy  fertilization  it  is  an  excellent 
soil  for  such  early  truck  crops  as  onions  and  cabbage.  Melons,  tomatoes,  let- 
tuce, and  sweet  potatoes  also  do  well.  Such  general  farm  crops  as  cotton  and 
corn  produce  fair  yields. 

Webb  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  or  12  inches  is  a 
light-brown  to  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam.  Rounded  gravel  is  sometimes 
found  scattered  over  the  surface  or  mixed  with  the  soil,  although  the  type  as 
a  whole  is  generally  free  from  gravel  or  rock  fragments  and  is  very  uniform 
in  texture  and  color.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  very 
sandy  clay.  The  upper  part  contains  a  considerable  amount  of  fine  sand  and 
closely  resembles  a  very  heavy,  sticky,  sandy  loam.  This  becomes  heavier  with 
depth,  and  at  18  to  20  inches  grades  into  a  compact  sandy  clay,  sticky  and 
tenacious  when  wet,  but  still  containing  a  large  percentage  of  medium  and  fine 
sand.  The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  areas  and  is  of  sedimentary 
origin,  formed  from  the  reworking  of  older  Coastal  Plain  deposits.  Small  areas 
have  been  put  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  productive  and  where  irrigated 
produces  good  yields.  The  irrigated  land  is  used  mainly  for  growing  onions 
and  seems  well  adapted  to  this  crop.  Sweet  potatoes,  cabbage,  turnips,  and 
beets  have  been  grown  to  a  very  limited  extent  on  such  lands.  Cowpeas  do  well 
on  both  the  unirrigated  and  irrigated  areas.  Corn  and  sorghum  give  fair  yields 
on  unirrigated  areas  during  favorable  seasons.  A  good  quality  of  tobacco  leaf 
has  been  produced  on  this  soil. 

Wilson  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  nearly  black  fine  sandy 
loam  varying  in  depth  from  7  to  15  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark-colored  clay 
loam  which  is  very  stiff  and  compact  at  lower  depths.  The  type  occurs  as 
high  prairie  land  and  also  as  second-bottom  flats  adjacent  to  streams  such  as 
the  Brazos  River.  Drainage  is  good  and  the  type  more  or  less  subject  to 
drought  during  June  and  July.  If  water  is  allowed  to  stand  after  rains,  the 
soil  becomes  crusted  and  hard  to  manage.  The  native  growth  is  largely 
mesquite.  Practically  all  of  the  type  is  in  cultivation  to  cotton  and  corn. 
Fair  yields  of  both  are  obtained,  although  corn  is  liable  to  suffer  from  drought. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 


Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam.. 


Duval  fine  sandy  loam 

Susquehanna  fine  sandy  loam 


Victoria  fine  sandy  loam. 
Edna  fine  sandy  loam — 
Brennan  fine  sandy  loam. 
Huston  fine  sandy  loam. . 


Webb  fine  sandy  loam 

Portsmouth  fine  sandy  loam. 


Lufkin  fine  sandy  loam . . 
Goliad  fine  sandy  loam. . . 
Caddo  fine  sandy  loam . . . 
Coxville  fine  sandy  loam. 


Alabama  1,  2,  5,  9, 13, 17, 18,  22,  25,  29,  30,  32,  34,  37;  Florida  1,  2, 
5,  6,  7;  Georgia  1,  2,  8,  10,  11,  15,  16,  19;  Louisiana  2,  3,  5,  14; 
Mississippi  2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20;  North  Carolina  6, 7, 
8, 9, 15, 19,  20,  21,  22,  24;  South  Carolina  4,  6,  7,  8, 10, 12, 14, 16; 
Texas  1,  6,  10,  13,  14,  19,  20,  21,  24,  29,  32;  Virginia  5,  6,  10,  12. 

Alabama  1,  2,  3, 5,  8,  9, 12, 13, 14, 17,  29,  30,  31,  32,  34,  37;  Arkan- 
sas 3;  Florida  2,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia  1,  3,  8,  11,  16;  Louisiana  2,  3, 
5, 9, 12,  13, 14;  Mississippi  2,  3,  4,  6,  8,  9, 10,  12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20; 
North  Carolina  8,  24;  Oklahoma  2;  South  Carolina  7,  10; 
Texas  1,  3,  13,. 14,  15,  18,  19,  21,  23,  24,  28. 

Texas  27,  28 

Alabama  3,  5,  8,  9,  12,  22,  32,  37;  Georgia  11,  16;  Louisiana  2,  3, 
5,  9, 14;  Mississippi  8,  9, 12, 14,  20;  Texas  2,  3,  6,  7,  9, 10, 11, 13, 
14,  20,  24,  26,  29,  31. 

Texas  12,  27 , 

Texas  12 

Texas  27 

Alabama  8,  17,  22,  27,  37;  Louisiana  9;  Mississippi  5,  9,  10,  12, 
17,  20. 

Texas  16,  27,  28 

Alabama  29;  Florida  4,  5;  Georgia  2,  10,  11,  16,  19;  Mississippi 
18;  North  Carolina  6,  8,  9,  15,  19,  20,  21,  22,  24;  South  Caro- 
lina 4,  6,  7,  10,  12,  16;  Virginia  12. 

Mississippi  3,  14;  Texas  3,  7,  10,  IS,  24,  29 

Texas  28 

Louisiana  3,  8,9,  14;  Texas  6,  10,  13,  29 

South  Carolina  7,  10 


4,682,992 


3,088,064 


2,240.960 
1,898,496 


1,444,608 
1,248,768 
1,108,224 
1,010,624 

597,248 
459,684 


274.176 
172,800 
172,028 
150,784 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


280  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams — Continued. 


Soil  name. 


Lake  Charles  fine  sandy  loam. . 

Beeville  fine  sandy  loam 

Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam 

Durant  fine  sandy  loam 

Lomato  fine  sandy  loam 

Oktibbeha  fine  sandy  loam 

Scranton  fine  sandy  loam 

Houston  fine  sandy  loam 

Greenville  fine  sandy  loam 

Plummer  fine  sandy  loam 

Elkton  fine  sandy  loam 

Bladen  fine  sandy  loam 

Pheba  fine  sandy  loam 

Mattamuskeet  fine  sandy  loam 

Bienville  fine  sandy  loam 

Crockett  fine  sandy  loam 

Wilson  fine  sandy  loam 

Hoffman  fine  sandy  loam 

Grady  fine  sandy  loam 

Boeuf  fine  sandy  loam 

Parkwood  fine  sandy  loam 

Total 


State  or  area. 


Louisiana  1,  5,  8 

Texas  12,  28 

Maryland  1,  2,  4,  8,  9;  New  Jersey  1 

Oklahoma  2;  Texas'9,  11 

Texas  12,  27 

Alabama  17;  Mississippi  3,  10,  12,  14,  15 

Alabama  29;  Georgia  2;  Mississippi  18 

Texas  12 

Alabama  1,  3,  5,  37;  Georgia  8;  Louisiana  9. 

Florida  4;  Georgia  10 

V  irginia  5 

( ;  eorgia  10 

Mississippi  14 

North  Carolina  16 

Louisiana  2,  9 

Texas  24 

....do 

Georgia  2 

Florida  7 

Louisiana  6 

Georgia  10 


Aires. 


143,924 

117,504 

101,676 

89,856 

82,944 

82,944 

64,704 

64,512 

60,544 

27,008 

14,656 

14,592 

13,696 

11,684 

6,336 

4,416 

4,288 

2,112 

1,536 

320 

320 

19,458,928 


VERY   FINE   SANDY   LOAM   PHASE. 

The  very  fine  sandy  loams  more  properly  constitute  a  phase  of  the  fine  sandy 
loams  than  a  distinct  soil  group.  These  soils  grade  from  fine  sandy  loams  toward 
silt  loams  in  such  a  way  that  it  is  frequently  difficult  to  establish  the  boundaries. 
In  fact,  this  can  only  be  done  by  the  most  careful  examinations  under  field 
conditions. 

The  typical  very  fine  sandy  loams  are,  under  similar  conditions  of  drainage, 
a  little  more  productive  than  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  same  series  and  are 
somewhat  more  easily  worked  and  maintained  in  mellow  tilth  than  the  silt 
loams. 

The  very  fine  sandy  loams  comprise  a  relatively  small  area  as  compared  with 
the  fine  sandy  loams. 

Bladen  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  very  fine  sandy  loam 
averaging  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish  very  fine  sandy  clay  which 
at  i  bout  18  to  24  inches  grades  into  a  plastic,  mottled  yellow  and  red  heavy 
clay.  The  surface  is  flat  and  the  drainage  poor.  The  type  is  timbered  with 
pine,  cabbage  palmetto,  gums,  bays,  and  saw  palmetto.  When  drained  it  is 
likely  thai  sugar  cane,  corn,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  cotton  will  do  well. 

ville  very  fine  sanrti/  loam.— The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  mellow,  very  tine 
Bandy  loam  of  high  organic-matter  content  and  from  10  to  24  inches  deep.  The 
BUbsoi]  is  a  drab  to  yellowish  fine  sandy  clay  which  quickly  grades  into  compact, 

rather  plastic  clay,  mottled  with  yellow,  drab  and  bright  red.  The  type  occurs 
as  flat  and  slightly  depressed  areas,  usually  as  savanna  or  sparsely  timbered 
Land.  When  drained  it  produces  good  crops  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  forage,  and 
strawberries.    Applications  of  lime  arc  quite  beneficial 

Durant    very  fine  BOndy  loam.      This  type  consists  of  a    yellowish  brown   very 

line  sandy  loam  underlain  by  a  pale  yellowish  -ray  very  fine  sandy  loam  slightly 
heavier  than  the  surface  soil.    The  soil  varies  In  texture  from  a  heavy  very  tine 

sandy  loam  to  light    loam.     Thin   layers  of  limestone  OCCUr  throughout    the  type 

and  fragments  are  occasionally  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  topography  is 
broken  and  billy  and  the  surface  is  cut  by  numerous  V-shaped  valleys.  Little 
of  the  typo  is  under  cultivation,  the  greater  part  being  used  for  grazing,     it 

is  host  adapted  to  this  purpose,  as  it  is  too  hilly  and  badly  eroded  <o  permit  of 
easy  cultivation. 

Hyde  i'  mdy  loam.    The  soil  is  a  gray  to  dark-gray  very  fine  sandy 

loam.  \'v>'U<  <;  to  8  Inches  deep.  The  Bubsoil  is  a  light  gray,  compact  very  tine 
sand  "i-  fine  sandy  loam.    The  type  occupies  ridges  ami  low.  flat,  poorly  drained 

situations.       With    the    establishment     of    good    drainage    conditions    it     is    well 

suited  to  cotton,  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  and  vegetables. 
Mattamuskeet  very  fine  sandy  loam.    The  soil  consists  of  a  sllty  very  tine 

Kimdy    loam   ::•'>   Inches  deep.      When    wet    the   type   is  brown,  but    on   drying  out 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


281 


it  becomes  dark-gray  or  drab.  In  places  a  bluish  silty  clay  or  fine  sandy  clay 
is  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  12  to  30  inches.  When  reclaimed,  this 
soil  should  produce  fine  crops  of  corn,  oats,  peas,  soy  beans,  and  cabbage. 

Norfolk  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  dark-gray  very  fine 
sandy  loam  of  silty  feel.  Below  the  first  few  inches  a  yellowish  very  fine  sandy 
loam  is  encountered,  which  exiends  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellow  or  light-brown  silty  loam  to  silty  fine  sandy  clay  sometimes  mottled 
with  reddish  and  grayish  colors.  The  type  is  friable  and  easily  tilled.  It  tends 
to  bake  and  harden  after  heavy  rains  unless  cultivated  under  proper  moisture 
conditions.  The  surface  configuration  varies  from  level  to  undulating  or  gently 
rolling,  and  is  well  suited  to  agriculture.  The  level  and  depressed  areas  need 
ditching.  The  type  is  highly  adapted  to  cotton.  Corn,  oats,  sweet  potatoes, 
and  peanuts  do  well.     Bright  tobacco  gives  very  fair  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres, 

Norfolk  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Florida  5;  North  Carolina  21,  24 

Georgia  3,  10;  South  Carolina  7 

41,536 
38,016 
35,072 
25,984 
2,752 
960 

Coxville  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Mattamuskeet  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Hyde  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Georgia  3;  North  Carolina  16 

Durant  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  9 

Bladen  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Georgia  10 

Total 

144,320 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM   GROUP. 


The  loams  constitute  the  best  medium-late  truck  and  all-around  general 
farming  soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains.  They  are  easily  kept 
in  good  tilth  and  are  retentive  of  moisture.  Vegetables  mature  rather  late, 
but  the  yields  are  sufficiently  heavy  and  the  quality  good  enough  to  overcome 
certain  disadvantages  in  climate  and  transportation.  By  the  time  vegetables 
produced  on  the  loams  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  region  are  ready  for  ship- 
ment an  abundance  of  early  truck  is  maturing  on  the  earlier  sandy  soils  in  the 
northern  districts.  This  limits  competition  on  the  loams  tp  those  districts  hav- 
ing sufficiently  adequate  transportation  facilities  to  compete  with  the  trucking 
districts  to  the  north,  yet  the  loams  are  valuable  soils  for  supplying  the  local 
markets.  In  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  competition  prohibits  the  use  of 
the  loam  soils  by  truckers,  except  for  the  production  of  noncompetitive  crops 
like  Bermuda  onions,  and  the  growing  of  products  for  immediate  local  con- 
sumption and  for  canning.  Such  crops  as  cauliflower,  spinach,  kale,  eggplant, 
squash,  asparagus,  carrots,  parsnips,  Irish  potatoes,  tomatoes,  onions,  cabbage, 
celery,  beets,  and  cucumbers  give  the  best  results.  Strawberries  and  rasp- 
berries also  do  very  well.  The  earlier  truck  crops,  even  including  tomatoes, 
when  grown  on  soils  of  this  texture  may  not  find  a  ready  market  at  good 
prices,  and  provision  should  always  be  made  to  can  or  otherwise  preserve  them 
for  winter  use. 

Good  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  forage  crops,  such  as  cowpeas,  velvet  be;;iis. 
crimson  clover,  vetch,  and  sorghum  are  secured.  Heavy  yields  of  sugar  cane 
are  made,  but  the  sirup  is  inferior  in  quality  to  that  from  the  lighter-textured 
soils.  The  Cuban  type  of  cigar-filler  tobacco  does  well  on  certain  of  the  loams, 
but  in  the  case  of  wrapper  tobacco  the  texture  of  the  leaf  averages  rather  too 
coarse  for  the  trade. 

It  is  upon  the  loam  soils  that  small  grains  and  grass  are  advantageous. 
Good  yields  of  wheat,  oats,  and  rye  are  secured  and  grass  does  fairly  well. 
For  general  farming  a  heavier  farm  equipment  is  absolutely  necessary  to 
bring  the  soils  to  a  point  of  highest  efficiency.  Owing  to  a  failure  to  appreci- 
ate this  condition  and  provide  more  expensive  equipment  the  possibility  of 
the  soils  of  this  grade  have  not  been  fully  realized  in  many  sections.  The 
group  comprises  the  best  general-purpose  soils  of  the  Coastal  Plains  province, 
particularly  of  the  North  Atlantic  division. 

South  of  the  Potomac  River-Chesapeake  Bay  region,  in  the  Coastal  Plains 
province,   the  loams   are  comparatively   inextensive,   yet   they   are   important 


282  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

for  the  reason  that  they  are  good,  productive  soils.  In  the  North  Atlantic 
division  the  Sassafras  loam  is  widely  developed  and  is  considered  the  best 
general-purpose  soil  of  that  region.  The  Leonardtown  loam  includes  a  large 
area  of  poor  to  fair  farming  land  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay  section. 

Other  important  loams  are  the  Greenville  of  southwest  Georgia,  Alabama. 
and  northern  Mississippi,  the  Norfolk  of  scattered  occurrence  throughout  the 
inner  division  of  the  Coastal  Plains  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  the  Ports- 
mouth of  the  Flatwoods,  the  Victoria  of  the  Texas  Coastal  Prairie,  and  the 
Houston  and  Webb  loams  of  north-central  and  western  Texas. 

Brennan  loom. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches  consists  of  a  gray  to 
light  grayish-brown  loam,  whose  texture  varies  between  a  heavy  lino  Bandy 
loam  and  a  silt  loam.  It  contains  very  little  organic  matter,  a  fact  which, 
together  with  a  high  lime  content,  often  gives  the  surface  a  white  floury  ap- 
pearance. The  subsoil  is  of  very  much  the  same  texture  as  the  surface  soil, 
consisting  of  a  gray  to  almost  white  loam,  which  contains  a  high  percentage  of 
lime.  The  type  has  been  formed  from  calcareous  deposits  of  sand,  silt,  and 
clay  of  Pleistocene  age.  Except  for  a  few  minor  depressions  the  surface  is 
almost  level,  with  sufficient  slope  to  give  good  drainage.  In  its  native  state 
the  type  supports  a  dense  growth  of  mesquite,  chaparral,  and  cactus,  the 
latter  being  especially  heavy.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of 
cabbage,  onions,  radishes,  cucumbers,  and  various  other  truck  crops,  as  well  as 
alfalfa,  sugar  cane,  pecans,  and  figs.  This  type  should  prove  one  of  the  very 
best  in  the  Rio  Grande  Valley  for  fruits  and  grapes.  On  account  of  its  loca- 
tion, ease  of  cultivation,  and  of  irrigation  it  is  one  of  the  most  popular  soils  of 
this  section. 

Caddo  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  brownish-gray,  or  graj 
silty  loam  from  6  to  16  inches  in  depth,  grading  into  a  clay  loam  subsoil  8  Inches 
deep,  resting  upon  mottled  clays.  The  type  owes  its  origin  to  coastal  deposits 
and  is  found  in  poorly  drained  areas  or  depressions  containing  scattered  sand 
mounds.     It  is  an  excellent  rice  soil. 

Crockett  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches  is  quite  heavy 
and  consists  of  a  dark-gray  loam  to  clay  loam.  It  contains  organic  matter 
with  some  fine  sand  and  occasionally  small  amounts  of  rounded,  water-worn 
gravel.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  a  red  sandy  clay  mottled  witli 
yellow  and  gray.  The  sand  varies  from  medium  to  fine  and  the  red  color  may 
appear  in  streaks.  The  type  occupies  comparatively  level  slopes  adjoining 
stream  courses  and  has  good  drainage.  It  is  probably  derived  from  the  inter- 
mingling  of  some  of  the  Houston  black  clay  material  with  surrounding  types 
and  represents  the  occurrence  of  the  old  San  Antonio  prairie.  It  is  largely 
under  cultivation  and  devoted  principally  to  cotton  and  corn. 

Durant  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  grayish-brown 
loam  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  a  relatively  high  proportion  of  One 
and  very  fine  sand  and  silt.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark-brown  or  yellowish-brown. 
stiff  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  in  the  lower-lying  areas  is  sometimes  mottled 
and  also  shows  a  few  reddish-brown  iron  stains,  the  result  of  decomposed  Iron 
concretions.  The  topography  varies  from  almost  level  to  slightly  rolling. 
Under  average  seasonal  conditions  drainage  is  good.  The  type  is  derived  prin- 
cipally from  the  Woodbine  formation  of  the  Upper  Cretaceous  age.  Corn  and 
COtton  are  the  principal  crops,  and  peanuts  and  fruit  also  do  well. 

Duval  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  red  loam  about  TO  Inches 
deep,  containing  varying  amounts  of  One  and  medium  sand.    The  subsoil  varies 

from  a   bright    red  to   reddish  brown  or  reddish-yellow  sandy  clay,  the  rod  COlOT 

being  most   pronounced.    The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  early 
Tertiary  deposits.     Cotton,  corn,  and  sorghum  are  the  principal   crops  grown, 
the  yield  varying  with  the  rainfall.    The  type  is  Inclined  to  l-o  droughty. 
Ednc  loam.    This  type  consists  of  lo  or  ii!  Inches  of  a  gray  or  dark-gray  loam 

to  silt    loam,   resting   upon   a    dark-gray   impervious  clay   loam   or  day   which   at 

20  to  21   iia-hcs  grades  into  a  gray  clay  often  mottled  with  yellow.      It    has  been 

formed  from  the  weathering  of  the  Qoncalcareous  Pleistocene  deposits  of  the 
level  Gulf  Coastal  Plains.    The  Burface  is  ordinarily  almost  level  and  drainage 

is  Often  poor.  MOSl  Of  the  type  is  still  used  as  pasture,  hut  if  properly  drained 
good  yields  of  COtton  and  i«.ru  may  he  secured.  The  level  surface  and  im- 
pervious ch:i  ractor  of  the  subsoil   makes  it   well  suited  to  the  production  of  rice. 

Elkton  loam.    The  soil  varies  from  6  to  n»  inches  in  depth  and  consists  of  a 

dark  gray,  Silty  medium  loam  becoming  lighter  in  lower  portions.     The  subsoil  is 

a  heavy,  clammy  silt  loam  about  80  Inches  in  depth,     it  grades  from  gray  or 

drab  to  an   intense  mottling  Of  gray,   red  or  yellow,  and  brown  colors  in  lower 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.       283 

depths.  Alternating  thin  strata  of  sand  and  clay  are  common  at  30  inches  and 
below,  the  sand  being  always  saturated  with  water.  The  type  occurs  as  poorly 
drained  depressions  and  flat  land  around  heads  of  small  streams.  It  is  derived 
from  marine  deposits  which  have  weathered  under  poor  conditions  of  drainage. 
Sweet  and  black  gum,  white  oak,  and  maple  are  common.  Under  present  con- 
ditions of  drainage  it  is  not  suited  to  general  farming,  but  is  a  fair  grass  land. 
Some  wheat  is  grown. 

Gadsden  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark  yellowish  gray  loam  of  light  tex- 
ture, from  8  to  18  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  somewhat  heavier  yellowish- 
gray  loam  or  clay  loam.  The  type  occurs  as .  moderately  high  bottoms  and 
bluffs.  It  is  locally  known  as  hammock  land  and  supports  a  growth  of  hard- 
wood timber.  The  soil  is  well  drained.  It  is  fairly  productive  and  is  adapted 
to  cotton,  corn,  and  fruit. 

Glenn  loam. — The  soil  varies  from  a  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  to  a  loam  or 
silty  loam  and  is  about  10  inches  deep.  The  first  inch  is  gray  or  grayish  yellow, 
and  below  this  the  color  varies  from  a  light  yellow  to  a  brownish  yellow.  The 
subsoil  is  a  compact  yellow  loam,  sometimes  mottled  with  gray  below  24  inches. 
The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  elevated  areas  with  good  drainage.  It 
is  derived  from  weathered  Lafayette  or  possibly  a  more  recent  formation. 
Carboniferous  sandstone  is  frequently  encountered  at  from  4  to  6  feet,  and  may 
have  contributed  to  the  soil  formation.  The  type  supports  an  open  growth  of 
oak  and  hickory,  and  native  grasses  grow  well.  Corn,  cotton,  and  oats  are  the 
principal  cultivated  crops.  Apples  do  well,  while  peaches  are  not  usually 
successful. 

Grady  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dull-brown,  light  loam  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  15  to  20  inches  by  an  extremely  stiff  and  rather  plastic  drab  clay 
mottled  slightly  with  red  and  yellow.  It  occurs  in  sink  holes  and  as  peculiar 
flat-bottomed  depressions  which  resemble  stream  bottoms  in  topography,  and  lie 
at  depths  20  to  30  feet  below  the  general  upland  level.  The  water  of  streams 
running  into  this  land  spreads  out  and  sinks  into  the  ground,  there  being  no 
drainage  outlet.  Sink  holes  in  the  underlying  limestone  are  common.  Some  of 
the  elongated  areas  are  locally  styled  "  slough  land  "  on  account  of  the  peculiar 
drainage  features.  Mayhaw  and  water  oak  constitute  the  main  part  of  the 
sparse  or  clumpy  timber  growth.  The  origin  of  the  type  is  doubtful,  but  in 
the  main  it  is  probably  derived  from  the  earlier  portions  of  the  formation  giving 
rise  to  the  Orangeburg  and  Wabash  soils.  The  underlying  limestone  gives  rise 
to  or  has  influenced  the  subsoil  material.     None  of  this  land  is  under  cutlivation. 

Greenville  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brownish  to  reddish  loam  or  silt  loam  from 
3  to  5  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  red,  friable,  heavy  clay  loam  extending 
to  a  depth  of  36  inches,  where  it  usually  becomes  mottled  with  red  and  yellow. 
Aeration  and  drainage  are  facilitated  by  the  quantities  of  fine  iron  concretions 
present  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  as  nearly  level  or  slightly  rolling  areas 
on  divides.  Drainage  is  only  fair  and  could  be  improved  by  the  use  of  tile. 
The  material  is  derived  from  weathering  of  the  Lower  Claiborne  formation  of 
Eocene  age.  The  type  is  an  excellent  soil  for  cotton  and  oats  and  gives  good 
results  with  corn  and  grass.  Ordinarily  it  is  not  well  adapted  to  truck  crops. 
It  readily  responds  to  any  system  of  improvement  and  is  easily  maintained  in 
a  high  state  of  productiveness. 

Houston  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  loam,  with  an  average  depth 
of  10  inches,  containing  a  considerable  amount  of  silt.  It  is  friable  and  when 
well  cultivated  has  a  desirable  tilth.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  to  slate-colored  silty 
clay,  containing  noticeable  amounts  of  fine  sand.  It  becomes  heavier  with 
depth,  and  at  36  inches  grades  into  a  stiff,  plastic,  silty  clay,  often  slightly 
mottled  and  containing  a  small  percentage  of  fine  sand.  Small  rounded  pebbles 
are  sometimes  encountered  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  slightly 
rolling  upland  prairies,  and  except  in  occasional  depressed  areas  the  drainage  i3 
good.  The  Houston  loam  occupies  a  position  between  the  heavy  black  clay 
lands  of  the  prairie  and  the  sandy  timber  lands,  and  has  been  formed  by  the 
intermingling  of  material  from  these  two  soil  classes.  It  is  best  adapted  to  early 
maturing  crops,  as  the  late  summer  droughts  often  seriously  affect  the  yields. 
Good  crops  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  sorghum  are  produced. 

Hyde  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  black  loam  to  heavy  loam  from  10  to  14 
inches  deep,  rich  in  organic  matter,  underlain  by  a  black,  plastic  clay,  frequently 
having  a  bluish  cast.  It  occupies  poorly  drained  depressions  and  level  areas 
With  proper  drainage  and  applications  of  lime  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  lettuce, 
strawberries,  cabbage,  celery,  cauliflower,  and  onions  can  be  secured.  Rice  does 
well  without  drainage. 


284  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Lake  Charles  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  black,  or  bluish-black  loam, 
with  a  high  percentage  of  organic  matter.  At  14  inches  the  subsoil  of  clay  loam 
is  encountered,  and  this  is  underlain  by  a  mottled  clay.  The  type  owes  its 
origin  to  local  swamp  areas  into  which  fine  loam  has  drifted.  It  is  a  heavy 
soil,  difficult  to  till,  but  when  properly  cultivated  it  makes  excellent  rice  land. 

Lamar  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  or  yellowish-brown  loam  to  an 
average  depth  of  12  inches,  underlain  by  a  lighter  colored  calcareous  clay. 
The  subsoil  contains  fragments  of  limestone  and  lime  concretions.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  rough  and  the  surface  is  badly  eroded.  The  type  is 
derived  from  material  of  the  same  age  as  the  Austin  chalk,  though  in  ap- 
pearance it  resembles  a  very  calcareous  marl.  It  owes  its  characteristics  to 
this  chalk  material  and  to  the  rapid  erosion  which  has  removed  the  surface 
before  thorough  decomposition  into  the  black  clay  could  take  place.  The  type 
is  used  for  pasture  and  supports  a  scattered  timber  growth  of  oak  and  other 
hardwoods. 

Leonard  town  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  silty  loam  resembling  loess,  9  inches 
deep,  and  underlain  by  a  red  and  mottled  clay  loam  subsoil,  with  peculiar  inter- 
locking clay  lenses  and  pockets  of  sand.  The  type  occupies  slightly  rolling 
upland.  It  is  a  good  soil  for  general  farming,  wheat,  and  grass.  Extensive 
areas  of  this  type  are  in  waste  land  or  grown  up  in  white  oak  and  pine  forests. 
Some  of  the  more  level  areas  could  be  improved  by  underdrainage.  The  soil 
is  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  lime. 

Lomalto  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  loam  containing  a 
rather  small  amount  of  fine  sand.  The  first  2  inches  are  often  a  fine  sandy  loam 
more  or  less  subject  to  wind  drifting,  which  gives  the  surface  the  appearance 
of  a  fine  sandy  loam.  This  sand  accumulates  around  clusters  of  vegetation, 
leaving  the  intervening  areas  bare  and  disclosing  plainly  white  incrustations  of 
salt.  Such  areas  have  a  very  hard,  baked  appearance.  The  loamy  surface  soil 
extends  to  a  depth  of  6  to  10  inches  and  is  underlain  by  a  very  compact,  hard 
clay  loam  of  a  drab  or  gray  color.  The  soil  has  been  formed  from  unconsoli- 
dated marine  deposits  and  represents  a  transition  stage  between  the  Victoria 
loam  and  the  material  which  is  now  being  deposited  in  the  fiats  along  the 
coast.  The  surface  is  generally  level.  The  native  vegetation  is  principally 
sacahuistle  grass,  with  a  scattering  of  mesquite  and  huisache  near  the  boundary 
of  the  Victoria  loam.  Under  present  conditions  the  type  is  unfit  for  cultivation 
owing  to  its  salt  marshy  character.     It  is  devoted  to  pasture. 

Lufkin  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  loam  from  3  to  10  Inches 
deep,  containing  considerable  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  still*,  compact, 
dark-colored  sandy  clay.  The  surface  is  flat,  with  a  few  gently  rolling  areas, 
and  drainage  is  generally  poor.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of 
Lafayette  deposits.  Corn  and  cotton  are  the  principal  crops  yielding  from 
25  to  36  bushels  and  from  one-fourth  to  three- fourths  of  a  hale,  respectively, 
per  acre.     The  type  is  also  adapted  to  truck  and  strawberries. 

Maverick  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brownish  to  light-gray  Loam  from   10 

to  12  inch.  The  surface  :>>  to  o  inches  contain  considerable  amounts  of 

flne  1"  medium  sand,  giving  the  soil  the  appearance  of  a  sandy  loam.  Under 
this  shallow  covering,  however,  the  soil  rapidly  becomes  heavier,  and  at  a 
depth   of  6  \<<  8  inches  contains  enough   line  material   to  give  it   the  texture  of 

a  heavy  Loam.  The  s>:bsuii  is  Lighter  in  color  and  heavier  in  texture  than  the 
ioil.  it  consists  <>f  a  Light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  loam,  which  becomes 
heavier  with  depth,  until  at  3  feet  it  consists  of  a  compact,  light-brown  to 
yellowish  brown  clay  loam  or  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  highly  cal- 
CareouS,    bet     low     In    Organic    mutter.      The    type    is    derived    from    the    coarse. 

sandy  deposits  of  the  Webb  series  and  the  heavy  underlying  calcareous  clays. 
The  topography  varies  from  almost  level  to  gently  rolling,  the  type  occupying 
valleys,  with  occasional  Bmall  areas  on  low  knolls  and  ridges.    The  urre.i!.T 
of  the  type  Ifl  ased   for  pasture,  although  Limited  areas  arc  used  for  truck. 

cotton,    and    forage   crops    with    good    results.      Pari    Of    it    lies   within    what    is 

known  :i-  the  "artesian  belt"  of  Texas,  and  such  areas  could  doubtless  he 
Irrigated  by  water  obtained  from  deep  wells.    The  native  vegetation  consists 
owth  of  mesquite,  chaparral,  and  prickly  pear. 

\nrfolk  loom.      Tin-  soil   is  a  brown   loam  or  line  Bandy   loam,  usually  contain 
Ing  ;i    very  small   amount    of  tine  gravel.     The  subsoil    is   :i    yellow   loam   with  a 

high  content  of  sand  ami  frequently  underlain  by  .-.  medium  grade  of  yellow 
sand  <>r  gravel.  The  type  occupies  level  areas,  usually  terraces  along  rivers 
.  ,(|  tidal  estuaries.  The  soil  is  easily  tilled,  well  drained,  and  produces  fair 
yields  "f  genera]  farm  crops,     it  is  especially  adapted  to  sugar  corn,  pens,  and 

tomatoes    for    canning    purposes,    and    also    to    peaches      It    is    too    heavy    for 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


285 


early  truck  and  not  sufficiently  heavy  to  be  classed  as  a  general  farming 
soil. 

Portsmouth  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black,  fine-textured 
loam  about  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  gray  or  somewhat  mottled  heavy 
loam  subsoil  which  often  grades  into  a  mottled  gray  or  yellow  silty  clay.  It 
occupies  flat  upland  areas  with  naturally  poor  drainage.  When  properly 
drained  and  cultivated,  it  is  well  suited,  according  to  locality,  to  corn,  cotton, 
sugar  cane,  and  forage  crops. 

Sassafras  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  yellowish-brown  moderately  heavy 
loam,  varying  in  depth  from  8  to  16  inches  and  occasionally  carrying  some  fine 
quartz  gravel.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  24  inches  is  a  reddish-yellow  or  a 
reddish-brown  heavy  loam,  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil.  In  the  lower  depths 
it  passes  into  a  reddish-brown  coarse  sandy  loam.  The  surface  varies  from 
broken  stream  slopes  to  nearly  level  uplands.  Drainage  is  good.  The  type 
is  derived  from  marine  deposits  weathered  under  good  conditions  of  drainage. 
It  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  corn,  grass,  and  all  kinds  of  forage  crops,  and 
also  to  such  crops  as  tomatoes,  beans,  and  cabbage. 

Susquehanna  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  loam  or  clay  loam  about  6 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  plastic,  mottled  clay,  nearly  identical  with 
the  subsoil  of  the  Susquehanna  fine  sandy  loam,  with  which  this  type  is  always 
associated.  The  type  occurs  on  the  uplands  and  is  well  drained.  It  is  an  ex- 
cellent cotton  soil  and  produces  good  yields  of  oats.  It  is  somewhat  droughty 
for  corn.     Some  truck  crops,  such  as  onions  and  cabbage,  would  do  well. 

Victoria  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  or  12  inches  varies  from  a  light- 
brown  to  dark-gray  loam  and  passes  gradually  into  a  grayish  loam,  becoming 
heavier  and  more  compact  with  depth.  Small  deposits  of  lime  are  found  in 
the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  throughout  the  uplands  as  level  or  gently  undu- 
lating areas  of  good  surface  drainage.  It  is  formed  largely  from  light  wind- 
blown material  mixed  with  the  heavier  underlying  clays  of  Tertiary  age.  It 
is  a  very  productive  soil  and  well  adapted  to  truck,  cotton,  corn,  and  other 
general  farm  crops. 

Wilson  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  dark  brownish  gray  loam 
9  or  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled  red.  yellow,  gray,  or  drab  silty 
clay  or  heavy  loam,  which  becomes  heavier  with  depth.  The  topography  is 
level  to  gently  rolling  and  natural  drainage  is  good.  Only  in  exceptional  cases 
is  there  a  tendency  to  wash,  while  on  very  level  tracts  artificial  drainage  may 
be  necessary.  The  type  represents  a  gradation  between  Houston  black  clay 
and  Lufkin  fine  sandy  loam.  Much  of  the  type  is  in  pasture,  but  under  cul- 
tivation good  crops  of  cotton  and  corn  are  secured. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Houston  loam 

Mississippi  3;  Oklahoma  2;  Texas  3,  7,  11,  12,  23,  26,  27,  28,  31. . 
Texas  12,  27,  28 

1, 962, 432 
647,424 
214, 272 
209,664 
196,514 
194,048 
175  104 

Texas  28,  33 

Edna  loam 

Texas  12 

Leonardtown  loam 

Marvland  2,  8,  9;  Virginia  6.  12 

Norfolk  loam 

Alabama  2,  37;  Florida  1;  Mississippi  2.  5, 18;  North  Carolina  6. 
Texas  28 

Maverick  loam 

Portsmouth  loam 

Alabama  2,  29;  Georgia  10;  Marvland  4;  Mississippi  11,  IS: 
North  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  9,  19,  20,  23,  24;  South  Carolina  10, 15. 
Texas  27 

163,648 

142,848 
128,356 
73  216 

Brennan  loam 

Sassafras  loam 

Marvland  1,  2,  4,  10;    Now  York  7 

Durant  loam 

Texas  9,11 

Lomalto  loam 

Texas  12,  27 

66,816 

51,280 
42,  ess 
38, 656 

29,056 
28,288 
14,592 
6,378 
5,824 
5,696 
5, 376 

Caddo  loam 

Louisiana  8 

Glenn  loam 

Alabama  10,  27 

Greenville  loam 

Alabama  2, 17,  29,  37;  Florida  1;  Louisiana  2,  9,  14;  Mississippi 
Texas  3,  10,  11 ,  29 

Wilson  loam 

Crockett  loam 

Texas  3,  28 

Gadsden  loam 

Lake  Charles  loam 

Louisiana  1,  8 

Hyde  loam 

Georgia  3, 10 

Lamar  loam 

Texas  7 

Lufkin  loam 

Texas  18 

Susquehanna  loam 

Texas  21 

Elkton  loam 

Maryland  4 

S96 

Grady  loam 

Georgia  11 

Total 

4,409,088 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  a 


286  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

STONY   LOAM   PHASE. 

The  stony  loani  phase  is  relatively  inexpensive  and  confined  principally  to:  (1) 
The  Susquehanna  regions,  where  it  is  locally  developed,  and  where  iron-cemented 
sandstone  is  encountered  sometimes  in  sufficient  amount  to  give  the  soil  a  de- 
cidedly stony  character;  and  (2)  to  the  rough  belt  extending  from  southwest 
Alabama  nearly  to  central  Mississippi,  the  region  of  the  Claiborne  formation, 
where  fragments  of  iron-cemented  sandstone,  quartzite,  and  a  light-colored,  soft, 
siliceous  rock  are  common. 

The  stony  loams  usually  have  rough  topography,  and  cultivation  is  otherwise 
made  difficult  by  the  abundance  of  rock  fragments. 

Susquehanna  stony  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  or  reddish-gray  sandy 
loam  from  6  to  12  inches  deep,  with  a  stone  content  of  varying  sizes  in  which 
ferruginous  sandstones  predominate.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  higher  in  clay 
content,  often  assumes  a  red  color,  and  generally  carries  a  greater  proportion 
of  stony  fragments  than  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  rough,  hilly  districts  or 
occurs  as  eroded  spots  on  bodies  of  Susquehanna  gravelly  loam.  It  is  gener- 
ally uncultivated  and  is  utilized  only  for  grazing  or  forestry.  The  native  timber 
growth  consists  of  shortleaf  pine,  white,  post,  and  blackjack  oaks,  and  hickory. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Susquehanna  stony  loam 

Texas  6 

1,024 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 

Like  the  gravelly  sandy  loams,  the  gravelly  loams  are  frequently  confined  to 
rolling  and  dissected  areas.  Those  of  smoother  topography  often  have  a  fair 
agricultural  value,  occasionally  only  slightly  less  than  that  of  the  corresponding 
types  of  loam  soils.  Even  under  such  conditions  the  gravel  content  is  sufficient 
to  render  cultivation  somewhat  difficult,  a  feature  which  constitutes  a  distinct 
variation  from  the  corresponding  loam. 

Crochet t  gravelly  loam.— The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy 
loam  or  loam  about  8  Inches  deep,  with  a  content  of  quartz  and  ferruginous 
sandstone  gravel  ranging  from  15  to  80  per  cent.  The  subsoil  is  comparatively 
free  from  gravel,  and  to  n  depth  of  36  inches  consists  of  a  yellowish,  very 
stiff,  plastic,  slightly  sandy  clay.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  and  the  type 
is  well  drained.  The  soil  is  residual  in  origin,  derived  from  the  underlying 
clays  and  fossil ifei-nus  sandstone,  probably  of  late  CretaceODS  or  early  Tertiary 
age.  it  is  sparsely  timbered  and  only  a  small  part  of  it  is  in  cultivation.  It 
should  bo  used  for  early  truck  crops,  such  as  garden  peas,  lettuce,  radishes, 
blackberries,  and  dewberries. 

(!l<  mi  gravelly  loan*.-    The  SU]  face  sop  consists  of  a  gray  silt  loam  from  (5  to  8 

Inches  de<>|>  underlain  by  a  gray  to  reddish-brown  silty  clay.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  contain  .-i  large  amount  <<\'  rounded  and  subangular  quartz  and  chert 
gravel,  with  fragments  of  Ironstone  or  conglomerate.  The  surface  is  hilly 
and  b  ad  dralnagi  essive.    The  soil  Is  derived  from  unconsolidated 

sediments  of  the  Tuscaloosa  formation,  it  is  developed  over  relatively  broad 
areas  in  northwestern  Alabama.  Most  of  the  type  is  too  sterile  and  droughty 
for  profitable  cultivation,  and  Is  better  adapted  to  forestry. 

enville  gravelly  loam.    The  soil   to  an  average  depth  of  <'•   inches  is  a 

brown    to    reddish-brown    loam,    carrying    fragments    and    concretions    of 

ferruginous  rocks,  commonly  of  hematite  or  ferruginous  argilllte.  The  subsoil 
red,  friable  clay  in  which  the  ferruginous  rock  material  Is  so  abundant  that 
it  is  usually  Impossible  to  bore  with  an  auger  to  any  great  depth.  The  fer- 
ruginous gravel  fragments  materially  lower  the  agricultural  vain.-  of  the  type, 
except  possibly  for  peaches,  plums,  and  pasturi 

'/.///  gravelly  loam.    The  soil  Is  n  pray  fine  sand.  som<  asiderably 

heavier  in  dep  reas  than  in   I  tuatlons,  and   Is  underlain  by  a 

which  varies  in  color.     Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  large 

quant  erally  rough  and  hilly,  and  the  drain- 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


287 


age  thorough.  The  type  is  largely  devoted  to  pasture.  Yields  of  about  one- 
third  of  a  bale  of  cotton  and  15  bushels  of  corn  per  acre  are  secured  on  some 
of  the  less  gravelly  areas. 

Norfolk  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  sandy  loam  from  6  to  30  inches 
deep,  containing  relatively  large  proportions  of  coarse  to  medium  sand  and  from 
15  to  50  per  cent  of  gravel  and  iron  concretions.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a 
sticky  sandy  loam  to  a  light  sandy  clay.  The  gravel  is  generally  mixed  evenly 
throughout  soil  and  subsoil  and  is  occasionally  found  on  the  surface.  This  type 
occupies  terraces  and  gently  to  steeply  rolling  plains  marked  with  occasional 
ridges  and  hills.  The  surface  configuration,  combined  with  its  open  texture, 
gives  the  type  excellent  drainage.  It  supports  a  scattered  growth  of  oak  and 
pine.  Corn,  cotton,  rye,  buckwheat,  truck  crops,  peaches,  and  wrapper  tobacco 
are  grown,  according  to  locality,  but  the  yields  are  low. 

Sassafras  gravelly  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  or  yellowish-brown 
loam  carrying  from  10  to  25  per  cent  of  medium-sized,  rounded  quartz  gravel. 
The  subsoil  is  a  reddish  colored  material  considerably  heavier  than  the  soil. 
The  type  occurs  as  narrow  strips  along  stream  slopes  or  as  small  patches  on 
upland  slopes.  Its  origin  is  due  to  removal  of  soil  material  by  wash,  which 
has  left  exposed  the  underlying  gravelly  material.  It  has  excellent  drainage. 
Where  not  too  steep  it  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  corn,  grass,  clover,  and  forage 
crops.    Tomatoes,  beans,  and  cabbage  can  be  grown.    Alfalfa  does  well. 

Susquehanna  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  medium  to  fine 
sandy  loam,  from  6  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  from  40  to  60  per  cent  of 
rock  fragments  and  gravel,  mainly  iron  sandstone.  It  is  underlain  by  a  red, 
occasionally  mottled,  tenacious  clay  subsoil,  which  also  contains  sand,  gravel, 
and  stones.  It  occurs  as  broken  areas  along  streams  and  on  hills.  Tillage  is 
difficult,  but  fair  crops  of  cotton  and  corn  can  be  grown  with  careful 
fertilization. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Susquehanna  gravelly  loam. . . 


Sassafras  gravelly  loam... 

Norfolk  gravelly  loam 

Glenn  gravelly  loam 

Lufkin  gravelly  loam 

Crockett  gravelly  loam . . . 
Greenville  gravelly  loam . 


Alabama  3, 17,30;  Louisiana  9;  Maryland  1;  North  Carolina  22; 
Texas  6,  20,  29. 

Maryland  1,  4,  6;  New  Jersey  1,  3;  New  York  7 

Alabama  24,  25,  30;  Mississippi  4,  6;  Virginia  6 

Alabama  10 

Texas  3, 18 

Texas  24 

Georgia  5 


191, 738 

164,078 

140, 736 

69,312 

58,112 

3,008 

1,600 


Total. 


629,184 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILT  LOAM   GROUP. 


The  silt  loams  are  adapted  to  late  truck  and  vegetables  for  canning  purposes 
and  to  heavy  farm  crops.  They  furnish  also  a  small  supply  of  fresh  vegetables 
for  local  southern  markets.  Vegetables  mature  so  late  on  these  soils  that  only 
special  crops  give  profitable  returns.  The  different  members  are  easily  worked, 
but  are  more  inclined  to  become  compact  after  rains  than  the  loams,  on  which 
recount  more  intensive  cultivation  and  heavier  farm  equipment  are  required 
to  maintain  productivity. 

The  well-drained  silt  loams  give  heavy  yields  of  cabbage,  tomatoes,  beans, 
spinach,  lettuce,  and  Irish  potatoes  of  good  keeping  qualities.  Tomatoes, 
asparagus,. and  cauliflower  are  profitably  grown  for  canning. 

The  range  of  farm  crops  adapted  to  this  group  of  soils  is  narrower  than  on 
the  lighter  soils,  but  the  yields  of  such  as  can  be  produced  are  heavier.  Corn, 
wheat,  oats,  clover,  vetch,  rice,  and  grass  do  particularly  well.  Good  crops 
of  cotton  are  secured  with  normal  rainfall.  In  districts  infested  with  the  boll 
weevil  early  maturing  varieties  must  be  grown  in  order  to  save  the  crop  from 
the  increased  activities  of  this  pest  in  the  latter  part  of  the  growing  son  son. 

Hay  is  an  important  crop  on  this  group  of  soils.  They  also  make  good 
pasture  land.  With  the  good  grazing  possible,  dairying  and  stock  raising  are 
profitable  industries.  As  a  rule  the  silt  loams  are  the  most  difficult  to  control 
and  maintain  in  a  high  state  of  productivity  of  any  of  the  importnnt  groups  in 


288  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

the  province.  This  is  due  to  their  peculiar  structure  and  their  liability  to 
become  compact,  except  under  the  most  careful  control.  They  require  a  heavier 
farm  equipment  than  the  loams. 

The  proportion  of  level  land  is  relatively  greater  than  with  any  of  the  other 
groups,  the  soils  occupying  the  more  nearly  level  areas  of  the  Coastal  Plains. 
Drainage  is  therefore  somewhat  less  well  established  except  in  case  of  those 
soils  having  a  coarser  textured,  open  substratum,  such  as  the  Sassafras  silt 
loam.  Usually,  however,  the  drainage  can  be  easily  improved  either  by  ditching 
or  tiling. 

In  the  North  Atlantic  division  the  Sassafras  and  Elkton  silt  loams  are  the 
most  extensive  representatives  of  this  group.  The  silt  loams  are  fairly  im- 
portant in  the  Flatwoods,  where  the  Scranton,  Coxville.  and  Portsmouth  types 
occupy  occasional  fair-sized  areas.  It  is  in  the  level  sections  of  lower  Louisi- 
ana and  southeastern  Arkansas  that  the  silt  loams  appear  as  the  most  im- 
portant regional  group.  Here  the  Crowley,  Monroe,  Acadia,  Hammond,  and 
Landry  silt  loams  are  the  dominant  soils  in  point  of  area  and  from  an  agricul- 
tural standpoint. 

The  silt  loams  are  of  comparatively  little  importance  in  the  inner  division 
of  the  Coastal  Plains  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  although  some  fair-sized 
areas  of  Norfolk  silt  loam  occur  near  the  boundary  of  the  Flatwoods  and  in 
Mississippi.  The  Oktibbeha  silt  loam  occupies  scattered  areas  through  the 
"  black  prairie  belt "  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi,  while  the  Lufkin  and  Pheba 
are  of  considerable  importance  in  Mississippi.  The  silt  loams  of  Mississippi 
possibly  bear,  in  part  at  least,  a  close  relationship  to  the  Yellow  Loam  (loessial) 
formation.    The  Lufkin  silt  loam  occurs  in  scattered  areas  through  east  Texas. 

Acadia  Hit  loam. — The  soil  is  a  white  or  light  ashy-gray,  loose  silt  loam  from 
16  to  30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  mottled  brown  and  yellow  silty  clay. 
The  type  occurs  in  rolling  areas,  and  only  little  of  it  is  cultivated. 

Berzelia  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  6  inches  is  a  grayish, 
sticky  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  nearly  white,  compact  silt  loam,  becoming 
yellowish  or  mottled  yellow  and  gray  in  the  lower  section.  The  type  is  devel- 
oped in  benchlike  situations  and  as  slopes  near  the  source  of  streams.  The 
soil  is  cold  and  acid,  and  is  best  suited  to  grass. 

Coxville  silt  loam, — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  dark-gray  silty  loam  to  silt 

loam  from  5  to  8  inches  deep.     The  more  uniform  areas  always  (airy  a   high 

percentage  of  silt,  while  in  the  surface  few  inches  over  some  of  the  more  rolling 

and  less  typical  areas  the  soil  is  a  fine  sandy  loam  to  light  loam,     The  subsoil 

is  a  plastic,  tough,  and  impervious  clay  mottled  with  yellow,  reddish  brown,  and 

red.     The  surface  configuration  varies  from  gently  rolling  to  undulating.     A  few 

areas  occur  in  slight  depressions  in  which  the  organic-matter  content  is  higher 

and  the  color  darker.     The  soil  material  is  derived  from  the  fine  deposits  of  the 

mbia  formation,  laid  down  in  quiet  waters.    The  drainage  is  rather  poor, 

and  the  type  requires  ditching  before  it  can  be  cultivated  advantageously.     The 

differs  from  the  Portsmouth  in  thai  it  has  not  been  subjected  to  Bwampy 

conditions,  and  in  its  generally  lighter  color  and  the  more  intensive  mottling  and 

predominance  of   red   colors   in   the  subsoil.     (Mods  are  easily   formed    unless   a 

liltb   Lb  maintained   through  deep  and  timely  cultivation.     Heavy  ap] 

Bona  of  lime  i  ad  coarse  barnyard  manure  or  green  manure  are  required  to 
improve  i;^  structure.  <irass.  cotton,  corn,  and  forage  crops  do  quite  well. 
s..ine  varieties  of  strawberries  find  the  type  well  suited  to  their  requirements. 

OrotoU  a  sin  loam.— The  soil  is  a  <iit  loam  to  an  average  depth  of  10  Lnchea 
When  we\  the  s.iii  is  brown,  but  upon  drying  it  becomes  ashy  gray,  it  is 
usually  underlain  by  B  gray  or  mottled  -ray  and  yellow  silt  loam  to  :;  depth  of 
16  to  ::"  Inches.  Below  this  a  mottled-gray,  yellow,  and  red.  heavy,  imper 
silty  clay  la  encountered.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  iron  and  lime  concretions, 
The  type  occurs  as  level  or  slightly  rolling  prairies  and  is  one  o\'  the  flnesl  rice 
soils  of  southern  Louisiana.  During  wet  seasons  water  often  stands  over  the 
surf,  i  en  well  drained  the  type  is  adapted  to  cotton  and  o 

Elkton  silt  loam.--  The  soil  to  ;i  depth  of  about    1<»  inches  consists  Of  8  grayish 

silt  10:1m  and  le  Loose  and  floury  in  well-cultivated  n-'ids.  but  baa  a  tendency  to 

ber  when  wet  and  b;ik<>  upon  Subsequent   exposure.      The  subsoil   has  a 

olor,  somewhat  darker  than  the  soil,  and  generally  mottled  with  yellow 

brown  iron  stains.    The  clay  content   Increases  slightly  with  depth.     At 

t  alternating  beds  of  clay  and  Band  are  encountered,  the  latter  being 

always  saturated  with  water.    The  type  la  derived  from  marine  deposits  which 

have  weathered  under  poor  conditions  of  drainage.     1  eve!  .Mens  with  sie-L'ish 

onally 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE.  289 

in  the  uplands,  where  drainage  is  poor.  Most  of  the  type  is  in  cultivation.  It 
is  an  excellent  soil  for  timothy  and  gives  good  results  with  corn.  Wheat  does 
not  do  especially  well.  The  soil  is  difficult  to  manage  in  wet  seasons  and  can  be 
greatly  improved  by  manuring  and  drainage. 

Hammond  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  silty  loam  or  very  fine  sandy  loam,  with 
an  average  depth  of  15  inches.  The  surface  has  an  ashy-gray  color  which 
changes  to  dark  gray  or  brown  when  wet.  The  gray  color  may  continue  through 
the  entire  depth  of  the  soil,  but  frequently  changes  to  yellowish  at  about  4  or 
5  inches  from  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish,  heavy  silty  clay,  with 
drab,  brown,  or  red  mottling.  A  few  iron  concretions  are  found.  The  type 
usually  occupies  level  areas,  and  the  drainage  is  generally  poor.  It  is  derived 
from  the  Port  Hudson  clays,  is  deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  is  not  a  naturally 
productive  soil.  It  is  fairly  well  suited  to  oats,  crab-grass  hay,  sugar  cane,  and 
small  truck.  With  heavy  fertilization  large  yields  of  strawberries  are  secured. 
The  principal  forest  growth  is  longleaf  pine. 

Hyde  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  mellow  loam  which 
is  high  in  organic  matter  and  has  a  depth  of  36  inches.  The  material  becomes 
lighter  in  color  upon  drying  out.  The  surface  configuration  varies  from  flat  to 
slightly  ridgy.  It  is  well  adapted  to  corn,  oats,  cotton,  and  soy  beans.  In 
years  of  good  seasonal  conditions  corn  varies  from  30  to  50  bushels,  oats  from 
30  to  75  bushels,  cotton  from  two-thirds  bale  to  1*  bales,  and  soy  beans  about 
25  bushels  per  acre.  Potatoes,  black  peas,  the  Mattamuskeet  apple,  figs,  celery, 
and  vegetables  also  do  well. 

Landry  silt  loam.— The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  silt  loam  10  inches  deep,  underlain 
by  a  heavy  brown  clay  subsoil  grading  into  greenish-yellow  or  drab  clays.  The 
subsoil  contains  lime  and  iron  concretions  and  differs  from  that  of  the  Crowley 
silt  loam  in  being  more  friable,  less  plastic,  and  having  a  more  pronounced  silty 
texture.  The  soil  is  productive,  but  the  surface  is  so  rolling  that  irrigation  is 
impracticable,  and  rice  culture  is  therefore  impossible.  It  is  fairly  well  adapted 
to  cotton. 

Lufkin  silt  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  varies  from  a  heavy  fine  sandy  loam 
to  a  silty  loam  about  10  inches  deep.  The  sand  is  very  fine,  and  in  most  cases 
the  soil  appears  more  like  a  silt  loam.  The  first  2  or  3  inches  are  dark  gray 
owing  to  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  At  from  3  to  10  inches  a  lighter  gray 
or  yellowish-gray  color  appears  as  the  loam  content  decreases.  Both  the  texture 
and  the  color  of  the  subsoil  show  wide  variations,  though  it  is  usually  a  mottled- 
gray,  heavy  silt  loam,  frequently  containing  iron  concretions  and  some  fine  sand 
and  increasing  in  tenacity  to  a  depth  of  3  or  4  feet,  where  a  stiff  clay  is  encoun- 
tered. The  soil  becomes  more  sandy  and  the  subsoil  brighter  in  color  with 
elevation,  the  subsoil  of  the  highest  areas  being  usually  a  dark  or  dirty  yellow 
silty  clay.  The  surface  soil  varies  very  little,  and  then  only  in  the  silt  content. 
The  type  is  sedimentary  in  origin,  and  its  topography  is  level  to  moderately 
rolling.  Cotton  is  the  principal  crop,  and  oats  do  well  under  favorable  condi- 
tions. The  type  is  not  considered  good  for  corn,  and  peaches  and  pears  do  not 
thrive,  but  grapes  and  plums  give  excellent  results. 

Mattamuskeet  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  black,  mellow  silt  loam  or  mucky  silt 
loam  from  10  to  24  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  gray  to  dark-gray 
loamy  fine  sand.  In  places  it  is  as  heavy  as  a  fine  sandy  loam  or  even  a  silt 
loam.  The  content  of  organic  matter  is  high  and  the  soil  becomes  very  light 
when  dry.  The  type  occurs  just  above  normal  water  level  and  is  subject  to 
inundation.  It  is  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  cotton,  celery,  onions,  cabbage,  and 
soy  beans. 

Monroe  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine  sandy  or  silty  loam  10  inches  in  depth 
and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  red  silty  clay  subsoil,  usually  mottled  with 
white  or  brown  below  2  feet.  The  type  occurs  as  low  terraces  or  on  low  hills. 
The  forest  growth  consists  mainly  of  oak  and  pine.  Very  little  of  the  type  is 
under  cultivation  and  yields  are  low.  Cotton  can  hardly  be  made  to  yield 
one-half  bale  per  acre,  and  corn  yields  are  proportionately  low. 

Norfolk  silt  loam. — The  tyi>e  consists  of  a  brown,  mellow  silt  loam  10  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  heavy  yellow  silt  loam.  It  occupies  flat  to  undulating 
areas  and  is  well  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops,  wheat,  corn,  cotton,  and 
grass  giving  the  best  results.  A  number  of  late  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage, 
tomatoes,  Irish  potatoes,  and  spinach,  do  well. 

Oktiboeha  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown,  rather  compact  silt 
loam  from  7  to  10  inches  deep,  having  a  grayish  cast  in  the  immediate  surface 
section.     The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  silty  clay  loam,  which  quickly  grades 

79619—13 19 


290  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

into  yellowish-red  or  reddish-yellow  stiff  silty  clay  mottled  with  yellow,  brown 
and  red,  or  gray,  yellow,  and  red.  The  type  is  developed  as  nearly  flat  areas, 
and  in  its  virgin  state  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  post  oak  and  hickory.  Culti- 
vation is  somewhat  easier  than  on  the  Oktibbeha  clay.  The  type  needs  or- 
ganic matter  to  overcome  the  tendency  to  bake.  Fair  to  good  yields  of  cotton 
and  corn  are  secured,  especially  with  moderate  fertilization.  The  type  is  well 
suited  to  oats,  wheat,  cowpeas,  soy  beans,  Johnson  and  Bermuda  grass,  lespe- 
deza,  bur  clover,  vetch,  Irish  potatoes,  and  cabbage. 

Phcbn  silt  loam. — This  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  light-brown  silt  loam  from 
6  to  10  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  silt  loam  frequently  mottled 
with  light  gray  below  24  inches.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  loess  of  the 
Yellow  Loam  formation  deposited  over  the  Eocene  lignitic  clay.  The  topog- 
raphy is  gently  undulating,  but  on  account  of  the  nearness  of  the  underlying 
heavy  clays  drainage  is  generally  deficient,  limiting  the  agricultural  value  of 
the  type. 

Portsmouth  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-brown  friable 
silt  loam  about  9  inches  deep.  It  is  frequently  compact  and  inclined  to  puddle, 
and  if  plowed  when  too  wet  it  forms  clods,  though  these  break  down  quite 
readily  in  subsequent  cultivation.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  or  mottled  gray  and 
yellow  heavy  silt  loam,  becoming  heavier  and  somewhat  more  waxy  with 
depth.  It  occurs  as  flat,  slightly  depressed,  or  low-lying  areas,  which  generally 
require  artificial  drainage.  The  type  has  been  formed  by  the  deposition  of 
fine  materials  in  comparatively  quiet  water  during  the  more  or  less  complete 
submergence  of  the  Atlantic  Coastal  Plain.  When  well  drained  it  is  adapted 
to  corn,  hay,  and  small  grains,  and  in  the  South  to  such  vegetables  as  cabbage, 
kale,  collards,  etc.     Moderate  yields  of  cotton  are  also  secured. 

Rttston  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  7  inches  consists  of  a  gray 
to  grayish-brown  silt  loam  in  places  running  high  in  very  fine  sand.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  yellowish-red  to  dull-red  silt  loam  which  quickly  grades  into  a  silty 
clay  loam  having  in  its  lower  section  occasional  grayish  mottlings  and  a  slightly 
plastic  structure.  The  type  occupies  undulating  to  gently  sloping  or  gently 
rolling  country.  Cotton,  corn,  and  forage  crops  give  good  yields  with  moderate 
applications  of  fertilizers,  deep  fall  plowing,  and  the  addition  of  organic  matter. 

Sassafras  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  8  or  10  inches  is  a  light- 
yellow,  friable  silt  loam  containing  considerable  fine  sand,  with  little  or  none 
of  the  medium  grade.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  compact,  reddish-yellow  or 
brownish  silt  loam,  which  increases  slightly  in  clay  content  with  depth  and 
shows  a  tendency  to  granulate  at  depths  ranging  from  15  to  30  inches.  It  is  de- 
rived from  marine  deposits  which  have  weathered  under  fair  conditions  of 
drainage.  The  type  occupies  flat  to  undulating  interstream  divides  with  fair 
natural  drainage,  although  ditches  are  sometimes  required  to  remove  surface 
water.  Grass,  forage  crops,  wheat,  clover,  and  timothy  all  do  well.  It  is  an 
excellent  soil  for  corn  in  favorable  seasons.  It  should  be  restricted  in  use  to 
crops  which  require  long  growing  seasons  and  for  which  a  continuous  moisture 
supply  is  of  first  importance. 

Bcranton  silt  lomn.—The  very  dark  silt  loam  soil  of  this  type  is  from  6  to  10 
Inches  deep  and  is  underlain  by  yellow  or  grayish-yellow  silty  loam  or  silty 
clay,  the  line  Of  demarcation  between  the  s»oil  and  subsoil  being  less  sharp  than 
in  the  oilier  members  of  this  series.  The  surface  is  level  or  slightly  sloping 
toward  drainage  channels  or  areas  of  the  Portsmouth  soils.  Drainage  is  de- 
ficient The  natural  growth  is  mainly  short  leaf  pine  and  wire  grass.  When 
Cleared  and  drained   it   is  an  excellent   soil  for  -rains  and  grasses. 

Susquehanna  silt  loam.  -This  type  consisis  of  :,  to  8  inches  of  brown,  friable 
silt  loam,  underlain  by  a  mottled  red  heavy  clay  to  a  depth  of  about  2*  feet. 
where  it  rests  upon  a  gray,  sandy  clay,  mottled  with  red.  which  continues  to 

greater  depths.     The  BOil  contains  a  fair  amount  of  humus,  works  op  easily,  and 

dues  not  clod  badly.  The  type  is  confined  to  rolling  uplands  with  perfect  drain- 
age.      It    is  derived   from  the  heavy  clay  at   the  base  of  the  Lafayette  formation. 

ironstone  fragments  are  found  to  a  Limited  extent  In  both  soil  ami  subsoil. 
The  type  is  largely  under  cultivation.    Corn,  cotton,  and  oats  are  the  principal 

crops,  though   Bermuda  Ki'ass  should  do  well. 


ATLANTIC  AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


291 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sassafras  silt  loam. 


Crowley  silt  loam 

Monroe  silt  loam 

Acadia  silt  loam 

Portsmouth  silt  loam. 
Elkton  silt  loam 


Lufkin  silt  loam 

Hammond  silt  loam. 
Norfolk  silt  loam 


Phe ba  silt  loam 

Landry  silt  loam 

Susquehanna  silt  loam. . 

Oktibbeha  silt  loam 

Scranton  silt  loam 

Ruston  silt  loam 

Coxville  silt  loam 

Hyde  silt  loam 

Berzelia  silt  loam 

Mattamuskeet  silt  loam. 


Total. 


Delaware  1;  Maryland  1, 2,  3,  4,  5,  6, 8, 9;  New  Jersey  1, 3;  Penn- 
sylvania 6,  17. 

Arkansas  4,  5;  Louisiana  1 

Louisiana  12,  13;  Mississippi  16 

Arkansas  4;  Louisiana  1 

North  Carolina  6,  20;  Virginia  10 

Delaware  1;  Maryland  1,  3,  4,  5,  6,  8,  10;  New  Jersey  1;  Penn- 
sylvania 6. 

Mississippi  3,  12,  15,  16;  Texas  10 

Louisiana  13 

Alabama  22;  Mississippi  9, 10, 14;  North  Carolina  15,  20;  South 
Carolina  7;  Virginia  5. 

Mississippi  3,  14,  15 

Louisiana  1 

Mississippi  5,  9,  15 

Mississippi  10, 12 

Mississippi  18 

Mississippi  9,  10 

North  Carolina  21;  South  Carolina  7 

North  Carolina  16 

Georgia  5 • 

North  Carolina  16 


518, 142 

477, 120 
300,992 
225,  792 
181,760 
168, 468 

72,832* 
70,976 
67,840 

47,040 

37,696 

29, 952 

23,168 

18,112 

17,728 

17,408 

8,000 

832 

704 


2,284,562 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY   LOAM   GROUP. 


The  clay  loams  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  are  adapted  only  to 
certain  of  the  general  farm  crops.  They  are  too  stiff  in  structure  and  too  late 
in  maturing  crops  for  profitable  utilization  in  the  production  of  even  special- 
purpose  vegetables.  The  range  of  adaptation  to  general  farm  crops  is  more 
restricted  than  in  case  of  the  silt  loams.  Wheat,  oats,  and  rice  do  well,  and 
heavy  yields  of  forage  crops,  such  as  sorghum  and  cowpeas,  or  mixtures  of  these 
with  corn,  are  secured.  Grass  does  well,  but  owing  to  the  restriction  of  graz- 
ing to  dry-weather  conditions  on  account  of  the  tendency  of  such  heavy  soils 
to  become  compact  when  trampled  under  wet  conditions,  profitable  stock  rais- 
ing and  dairying  must  depend  less  upon  pasturage  than  in  case  of  the  lighter 
soils  and  must  be  supplemented  with  heavy  crops  of  forage  for  ensilage  and 
soiling. 

Good  yields  of  corn  are  secured  under  normal  conditions  of  weather  and 
where  frequent  thorough  cultivation  is  given  the  crops.  The  profitableness 
of  cotton  farming  on  these  soils  depends  to  a  large  extent  upon  the  selection  of 
early  varieties.  Where  the  boll  weevil  is  troublesome  the  very  earliest  ma- 
turing varieties  must  be  grown,  and  even  with  these  full  crops  may  not  always 
be  had.  The  soils  of  this  group  require  a  heavy  farm  equipment.  Fall  plowing 
usually  improves  the  structure. 

The  clay  loams  of  the  Coastal  Plains  have  their  most  important  develop- 
ment in  the  Fatwoods  and  Coastal  Prairie  regions  and  in  those  sections  under- 
lain by  calcareous  formations.  The  Coxville  and  Portsmouth  clay  loams  have 
a  moderate  development  in  the  Flatwoods.  The  Greenville  clay  loam  occurs  as 
an  important  soil  in  southwest  Georgia,  western  Florida,  and  portions  of 
Alabama,  and  has  a  rather  patchy  development  through  the  inner  division  of  the 
province,  especially  in  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Georgia.  In  the  black  prairie 
belt  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi  there  are  considerable  bodies  of  the  Oktibbeha 
clay  loam.  In  Texas  the  Wilson,  Crockett,  Houston,  and  Grayson  clay  loams 
are  important  soils  in  the  central,  north-central,  and  western  portions  of  the 
province.  Scattered  patches  of  Susquehanna  clay  loam  are  encountered  in 
eastern  Texas,  Mississippi,  Alabama,  and  Maryland. 

Bladen  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish,  heavy,  compact  fine  sandy  loam  to 
loam  underlain  at  depths  of  2  to  4  inches  by  slightly  heavier  material.  The  sub- 
soil, beginning  at  a  depth  of  5  or  6  inches,  is  a  mottled  grayish  and  yellow 
fine  sandy  clay  which  quickly  grades  into  plastic  clay  similarly  mottled  and 
occasionally  showing  shades  of  brown.  The  surface  is  mainly  flat  and  the  drain- 
age poor.  With  the  establishment  of  proper  drainage  the  shallow-rooted  crops, 
such  as  oats  and  grass,  would  give  best  results. 


292  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Coxville  clay  loam.— The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black,  plastic  clay  loam 
from  4  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish,  stiff,  plastic  clay  mottled 
with  brick-red,  drab,  and  other  colors.  It  occupies  flat  to  slightly  depressed 
areas  having  poor  drainage.  Where  well  drained  this  soil  would  produce  good 
yields  of  oats  and  corn. 

Crockett  clay  loam, — This  is  a  dark-brown  or  black  clay  loam  from  12  to  18 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  mottled  drab  and  red,  and  sometimes  yellow,  clay 
loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  a  small  proportion  of  fine,  smooth  gravel  or 
iron  concretions.  At  a  depth  of  several  feet  a  brittle  gray  material,  which 
has  much  the  same  texture  as  soft  soapstone  rock  and  which  is  sometimes 
stratified,  is  encountered.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling  to  level,  and  the  type  is 
fairly  well  drained.  This  soil  owes  its  origin  to  the  weathering  of  some  cal- 
careous material,  perhaps  an  impure  limestone.  It  is  best  suited  to  cotton, 
corn,  grain,  and  grasses.     Alfalfa  also  should  do  well. 

Edna  clay  loam. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark- 
gray,  heavy  clay  loam,  overlying  a  mottled  gray  and  yellow  clay  subsoil.  It 
is  formed  by  weathering  of  noncalcareous  clay  deposits  of  Pleistocene  age. 
The  surface  is  level  to  gently  undulating  and  drainage  is  poor.  The  type  is 
used  principally  for  rice,  to  which  it  is  well  adapted.  Corn  and  cotton  are 
grown  to  some  extent  with  fair  yields. 

Qrayson  clay  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  brown  clay  loam 
from  8  to  10  inches  deep  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  by  a  stiff,  yellow  and 
sometimes  mottled  clay  or  silt  clay.  The  soil  contains  some  alkali,  but  only 
in  small  spots.  Gypsum  crystals  are  also  scattered  through  the  type.  The  type 
covers  an  area  resembling  an  old  lake  bed,  with  occasional  spots  containing  con- 
siderable sand.  The  surface  is  flat  or  broken  by  small  knolls  or  ridges.  Prac- 
tically all  of  the  type  is  unfit  for  agriculture,  mainly  on  account  of  the  lack 
of  drainage.  Occasional  small  elevated  areas  are  cultivated,  hut  crops  fre- 
quently fail  during  wet  years. 

Greenville  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  lo  reddish-brown 
heavy  sandy  loam  to  clay  loam  from  3  to  5  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  deep 
red  sandy  clay.  The  material  is  derived  mainly  from  the  Lafayette  formation. 
Under  cultivation  it  resembles  a  clay  loam,  requiring  careful  handling  for  the 
maintenance  of  a  good  structural  condition.  The  clay  subsoil  has  been  exposed 
through  the  action  of  erosion,  leaving  gall  spots,  which  are  generally  covered 
on  the  surface  with  small  iron  concretions.  The  topography  is  generally  undu- 
lating, with  some  flat  and  gently  rolling  areas.  Erosion  is  most  noticeable 
over  the  rolling  areas.  The  surface  drainage  over  most  of  the  type  is  excellent 
It  is  highly  adapted  to  cotton,  which  tmder  ordinary  methods  of  cultivation 
yields  from  one-half  to  1  bale  per  acre,  but  which  should  produce  1  to  2  hales 
with  proper  management.     Corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops  do  well. 

Houston  rluy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  grayish-brown  loam  or  clay  loam. 
from  8  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  has  the  same  texture,  hut  the  color 
Changes  gradually  from  brownish-gray  to  yellowish  at  a  depth  of  4  or  .".  fee  . 
Small  rock  fragments  often  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  hut  where  the  de- 
velopment if  typical  the  underlying  POCk  is  found  at  a  groat  depth,  and  no  frag- 
ment* are  encountered.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  from  white  lime- 
stone or  chalk.  It  occupies  gently  rolling  prairies  and  is  well  drained.  It  is  a 
good  soil  for  cotton,  corn,  and  sorghum,  and  under  Irrigation  is  well  adapted  to 
truck   farming  and  such  fruits  as  can  he  grown  in  the  region. 

LaCQSkte  flay  lonm.  The  soil  is  a  brown  or  black  heavy  clay  loam.  2<>  Inches 
deep,  grading  into  a  mottled  day  subsoil,  which  contains  some  sill,  iron  nodules, 
and  occasional   lime  concretions.      The  type  occupies  depressions  in   large  sw;m\p 

areas  free  from  hummocks,     it   i<  heavy,  difficult  to  till,  and  poorly  drained, 
but  bas  lasting  properties,    n  is  considered  of  no  agricultural  Importance. 

Urn  rri<l;  clay  loam. -—The  soil     consists  of  8  to  10  inches  of  ashy  gray  t<.  light 

brown  clay  Loam,  with  a  high  content  of  lime.    The  surface  inch  or  two  usually 
contain  ;i  considerable  amount  <»f  sand,  forming  a  very  shallow  covering  over 

the  thin,  baked  CrUSt      The  subsoil   is  similar  in  texture  to  the  soil,  but   becomes 
heavier,  more  compact,  and  slightly  lighter  in  color  with  depth,  grading  at   25  to 

80  inches  into  ;i  light  yellowish  bmwn  <»r  drab  Hay.    The  topography  is  Level 

to   gently    rolling.      The   soil    bas  a    tendency    to  become   li.ird    :ind    baked    in    dry 

weather,  and  during  droughts  the  crops  grown  without  Irrigation  either  prove 
,-i  failure  or  produce  tmall  yields.     Under  Irrigation  the  soil  is  rery  productive, 

Norfolk    City    I'xim.      The    soil    consists    of    a     dark  brown    clay     !<»am.    SDOUt 

8  Inches  deep,  underlain  i>>  ;i  dense,  waxy  clay  of  e  dark  reddish  brown  color. 

At   abOUt    21   Inches  thin   Lenses  of  very   fine  sand  are  encountered  ami  the  color 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


293 


changes  to  a  mottled  grayish  blue.  The  surface  is  fiat  and  the  elevation  only 
about  10  feet  above  sea  level.  Much  of  the  type  is  imperfectly  drained.  It  is 
best  adapted  to  grass  and  small  grains,  and  formerly  produced  large  yields  of 
wheat.     At  present  the  yield  of  this  crop  rarely  exceeds  10  bushels  per  acre. 

Oktibbeha  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  from  4  to  6  inches  deep  and  consists  of  a 
dark-brownish,  friable  fine  loam  or  heavy  silt  loam,  usually  containing  a  fair 
amount  of  humus.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  silty  clay,  sometimes 
mottled  with  gray  and  red  to  a  depth  of  30  to  36  inches.  The  topography  is 
sufficiently  rolling  to  permit  of  good  drainage.  Some  of  the  slopes  should  be 
protected  from  erosion.  The  type  is  derived  from  a  thin  layer  of  silty  clay 
immediately  overlying  the  heavy  lignitic  clay.  The  typical  timber  growth  con- 
sists of  oak,  hickory,  and  pine.  About  half  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  Cot- 
ton, wheat,  and  oats  are  the  principal  crops.    It  is  an  excellent  cotton  soil. 

Portsmouth  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  an  ashy-gray  to  dark-brown  clay  loam 
about  6  inches  deep.  It  grades  abruptly  into  a  dense  waxy  clay  which  extends 
to  a  depth  of  24  inches.  The  subsoil  below  this  depth  contains  pockets  of  thin 
sand.  The  soil  occupies  flat  or  trough-like  depressions  along  tidewater,  and 
the  drainage  is  imperfectly  established.  It  is  derived  from  marine  deposits. 
The  type  is  used  for  the  production  of  corn,  wheat,  and  grass,  of  which  mod- 
erate yields  are  secured. 

Susquehanna  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  or  brown  loam  about  10  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  mottled  red  heavy  clay  identical  with  the  Susquehanna 
clay.  The  type  occupies  hills,  slopes,  and  valleys,  and  is  adapted  to  grain  and 
grass  crops.    Considerable  areas  are  yet  in  oak  and  pine  forest. 

Wilson  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  6  to  10  inches  of  a  dark-brown  to 
black  clay  loam  underlain  by  a  compact  and  tenacious  clay  which  becomes 
heavier  in  texture  and  lighter  in  color  with  depth,  and  at  36  inches  is  fre- 
quently streaked  with  yellow.  It  is  an  upland  type,  and  occupies  gently  rolling, 
gradual  slopes.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
the  weathering  of  sedimentary  deposits  of  Eocene  or  Tertiary  age.  It  is  locally 
known  as  "  mesquite  flats  "  and  but  little  is  under  cultivation,  although  cotton, 
corn,  oats,  and  sorghum  do  well  in  favorable  seasons.  The  soil  is  rather  diffi- 
cult to  handle. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Houston  clay  loam 

Maverick  clay  loam 

Texas  11,  12,  27,  23 

1,313,536 
898,560 

Texas  28 

Alabama  1,  5,  9,  12,  13,  25,  34;  Georgia  15;  Mississippi  8,  12,  15, 

16;  South  Carolina  6,  16;  Texas  1, 14,  15, 18,  21,  23. 
Texas  3,  9,  10,  11,  24,  29 

369,024 
96,768 

Texas  12 

73,728 

48,960 

Susquehanna  clay  loam 

Portsmouth  clay  loam 

Coxville  clay  loam 

Louisiana  5;  Maryland  1 ,  8 

31,826 

Georgia  10;  Mississippi  18;  North  Carolina  25;  Virginia  12 

Georgia  2;  North  Carolina  25;  South  Carolina  10 

22, 144 
22, 144 

Crockett  clay  loam 

Texas  3,  14,  24 

21,410 

Bladen  clay  loam 

Georgia  10 

19,776 

Grayson  clav  loam . . . 

Texas  11 

10,560 

Lacasine  clay  loam. . . 

3, 470 

Norfolk  clay  loam  . . 

1,856 

Total 

2, 933, 792 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  clay  loam  phase  is  of  relatively  little  importance  in  the  Coastal 
Plains  in  point  of  extent,  only  one  type  having  been  recognized — the  Greenville 
gravelly  clay  loam.  It  has  a  slightly  lower  value  than  the  clay  loam  of  the 
series  and  is  considerably  more  difficult  to  plow.  Gravelly  clay  loams  when  dry 
are  often  difficult  to  cultivate  and  keep  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth,  and  for  this 
reason  yields  are  generally  inferior  to  those  obtained  from  the  more  easily 
worked  clay  loams. 

Greenville  gravelly  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  4  or  5  inches  consists 
of  a  reddish-brown,  heavy,  sandy  loam  with  sufficient  clay  to  impart  the  work- 
ing qualities  of  a  friable  clay  loam.     In  places  the  texture  is  decidedly  a  clay 


294  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish  or  dark-red  sandy  clay  which  frequently  becomes 
heavier  with  depth.  Iron  concretions  are  abundant  over  the  surface,  through 
the  soil,  and  to  a  lesser  extent  in  the  subsoil.  The  surface  ranges  from  undu- 
lating to  gently  rolling,  being  well  soiled  to  good  surface  drainage  without 
danger  of  destructive  erosion.  The  soil  Is  sometimes  difficult  to  keep  in  good 
structural  condition  unless  the  organic  matter  content  is  carefully  maintained 
by  the  occasional  incorporation  of  vegetable  matter.  Cotton,  corn,  oats,  rye.  and 
forage  crops  give  very  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

•     State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Greenville  gravelly  clay  loam 

Georgia  15 

5,760 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY   CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 

San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam. — The  San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam  consists  of 
G  to  10  inches  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  silty  clay  loam  with  a  decidedly  reddish 
tinge.  The  color  ranges  from  reddish  brown  to  brownish  red,  and  the  texture 
from  a  heavy  loam  to  clay  loam  with  a  high  percentage  of  silt.  If  plowed  when 
dry,  the  soil  works  up  into  a  mellow,  loamy  condition,  but  the  proportion  of 
clay  present  is  always  sufficient  to  make  it  plastic  and  sticky  when  wet.  The 
topography  is  level.  The  soil  contains  lime  and  organic  matter  and  is  highly 
productive. 

\Y<  hb  silh/  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silty 
clay  loam  or  clay  to  an  average  depth  of  8  to  10  inches.  Upon  drying  it  becomes 
baked  and  sun-cracked,  and  a  thin,  light-brown  crust  forms  on  the  surface.  The 
subsoil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown,  heavy  clay,  slightly  lighter  in 
color  than  the  surface  soil.  Small  particles  of  gypsum  are  of  common  occur- 
rence in  both  soil  and  subsoil  and  are  especially  numerous  at  depths  below 
24  inches. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam. 
Webb  silty  clay  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Texas  28. 
....do... 


388,693 

34,560 


433, 152 


'  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   GROUP. 

The  clay  soils  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains  are  adapted  to  the 
production  of  heavy  special  farm  crops,  Buch  as  mixtures  of  corn,  sorghum. 

millet,   or   other  of   the  courser   forage   crops   for   ensilage   or   dry    winter    feed. 

Wheat,  rice,  and  grass  do  well.     Cultivation  is  so  difficult  and  is  Limited  to 

such  u  narrow  range  of  moisture  conditions  t  lint  the  production  of  COEQ  :is 
u  grain  (STOP  IS  not  profitable,  The  early  maturing  varieties  of  cotton,  under 
Intensive   Cultivation   and    outside  of  boll-weevil    infested   districts,    give    fairly 

profitable  returns,  although  somewhat  lower  than  those  obtained  from  the  clay 
loams.     Complete   failures   may  be  expected   occasionally   when    the  crop   i* 

grown  in  sections  infested  by  the  weevil. 

Qraslng  is  restricted  t<>  even  narrower  limits  than  on  the  clay  loams,  owing 
to  rapid  deterioration  <>f  the  sod  when  trampled  or  closely  graced  for  any 
considerable  time.  Successful  stock  raising  ami  dairying  on  the  days,  therefore, 
depends  mainly  opon  the  production  of  heavy  crops  ,,f  ensilage,  coarse  forage, 

and  hay. 

The  heaviest  farm  equipment  is  required  to  bring  out  the  highest  efficiency 
f.f  these  s"iis,  and  it  is  because  of  the  lack  of  adequate  equipment  throughout 
the  proi Lnce  and  the  relatively  small  ares  covered  by  the  soils  of  this  group  that 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE.       295 

they  have,  except  in  case  of  such  calcareous  clays  as  the  Houston,  generally 
been  held  in  low  esteem  and  often  entirely  neglected. 

Liberal  applications  of  lime  and  fall  plowing  are  generally  beneficial  in 
improving  the  structural  condition  of  the  noncalcareous  types. 

The  clays  comprise  a  very  important  group  of  soils  in  the  Flatwoods  and 
Coastal  Prairies,  in  the  limestone  regions  of  the  Coastal  Plains,  and  the  sections 
where  the  Susquehanna  soils  are  prominently  developed. 

The  Coxville  and  Portsmouth  clays  are  scattered  in  small  areas  throughout 
the  Flatwoods,  especially  in  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas,  while  the  Victoria  and 
Lomalto  clays  have  been  extensively  mapped  in  the  Coastal  Prairie  section  of 
Texas.  The  Houston  clay  is  the  most  extensive  and  important  soil  in  the 
"  black  belt  "  of  central  Alabama,  northeastern  Mississippi,  and  central  and 
western  Texas.  In  the  "black  belt "  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi  the  Oktibbeha 
clay  is  an  important  soil,  while  the  Wilson  clay  is  a  fairly  prominent  type  in 
central  and  western  Texas.  The  Susquehanna  and  Lufkin  are  the  most  impor- 
tant types  of  eastern  Texas  and  Mississippi  outside  of  the  Houston  areas. 
The  Susquehanna  clay  has  a  fairly  extensive  development  throughout  the  inner 
division  of  the  Coastal  Plain  in  Alabama  and  western  Georgia  and  in  the 
North  Atlantic  division,  especially  near  the  Piedmont  border. 

Alloway  clay. — The  type  is  a  red  or  gray  clay  loam  6  inches  deep,  containing 
some  gravel  and  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  by  a  mottled  yellow 
and  gray  sticky  clay.  The  type  occupies  rolling  upland  depressions  or  bottoms, 
and  is  derived  from  recent  sediments  of  Miocene  or  Glacial  material.  It  is 
a  good  grass  and  wheat  soil  and  produces  a  good  grade  of  apples.  The  soil 
is  difficult  to  till,  and  generally  requires  underdrainage. 

Bladen  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  2  to  5  inches  consists  of  a  grayish  or 
black  heavy  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  plastic,  heavy  clay  with  mottlings  of  yel- 
low and  brown  in  the  upper  section,  and  of  blue,  brown,  and  yellow  in  the  lower 
part.  Drab  and  gray  colors  are  also  frequently  noticeable  throughout  the 
subsoil.  The  type  occupies  flat  depressions  of  apparently  recent  tidal  marsh. 
Drainage  is  usually  poor,  and  the  soil  is  difficult  to  work,  the  type  being  of  little 
agricultural  value  except  for  rice.  With  artificial  drainage  and  liming  it 
would  probably  produce  fair  crops  of  corn,  oats,  hay,  and  sugar  cane. 

Coxville  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  fine  sandy  loam  to 
loam,  averaging  about  4  inches  in  depth.  The  loam  phase  is  usually  darker  in 
color  and  is  confined  largely  to  the  slight  depressions.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab 
plastic  clay  with  yellow  and  red  mottlings.  The  plasticity  increases  and  the 
red  mottling  becomes  more  pronounced  with  depth.  The  type  occurs  as  flat 
"  savanna "  lands.  It  has  poor  surface  drainage  and  remains  saturated  the 
greater  part  of  the  year.  During  periods  of  drought  the  surface  bakes  and 
cracks.  Very  little  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  If  provided  with  good 
surface  drainage  by  ditching,  plowed  deep,  limed,  and  well  supplied  with  organic 
matter,  good  crops  of  cotton,  oats,  corn,  and  strawberries  could  be  grown; 
Plowing  must  be  done  when  ihe  soil  is  in  proper  moisture  condition,  for  if 
plowed  when  too  wet  it  is  likely  to  clod  badly. 

Durant  clay. — This  soil  is  a  dark  brown  to  almost  black  clay,  9  inches  deep, 
sometimes  having  a  dark-bluish  color.  Lime  concretions  or  gravel  are  scattered 
over  the  surface  and  throughout  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  derived 
from  marly  clays  of  the  Eagle  Ford  formation.  The  topography  varies  from 
level  to  gently  rolling.  Cotton  yields  one-third  to  three-quarters  of  a  bale,  corn 
30  to  40  bushels,  and  oats  40  to  50  bushels  per  acre. 

Ellis  clay. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  inches  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  clay 
having  a  peculiar  dark  green  cast.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  plastic  clay  to  a 
depth  of  .3  feet  or  more.  In  many  places  fragments  of  hard  brown  limestone 
are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  occur  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The 
soil  is  very  sticky  and  plastic  when  wet  and  bakes  hard  on  drying.  The  surface 
varies  from  rolling  to  hilly  and  even  broken.  The  broken  areas  are  badly 
eroded.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  marly  clays  of  the  Eagle  Ford  formation 
and  from  the  Taylor  marl.  Because  of  the  difficulty  of  cultivation  and  hilly 
surface  the  greater  part  of  the  type  is  unused.  It  is  better  suited  to  cotton 
than  any  other  crop  and  yields  from  one-quarter  to  one-half  bale  per  acre. 

The  proper  place  for  this  soil  in  the  key  to  the  Coastal  Plains  province  is 
under  the  heading  "Calcareous  material,"  attached  to  the  "Drainage  well 
established"  leg,  as  follows:  Yellowish-brown  soil — yellow  subsoil — derived 
from  marly  clays — surface  hyiy. 

Greenville  clay. — This  type  consists  of  less  than  G  inches  of  red  or  chocolate- 
red  clay  or  heavy  clay  loam,  resting  upon  a  red  or  yellowish-brown  to  reddish- 


296  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

yellow,  very  heavy,  stiff,  tenacious  clay.  The  type  occupies  ridges  and  knolls 
and  is  residual  in  origin.  Rock  outcrops  are  common  where  the  type  is  under- 
lain by  limestone.  Weathered  fragments  of  varying  size  frequently  occur  on 
the  surface.  This  is  recognized  as  a  strong  soil  for  general  agriculture,  but  it 
is  very  difficult  to  cultivate. 

Houston  clay. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  loamy  clay,  4  to  10  inches  deep, 
resting  upon  a  stiff,  lighter  colored  clay  subsoil,  which  grades  at  a  depth  of 
about  20  inches  into  a  light-gray  or  white  rotten  limestone  or  chalk.  The  color 
of  the  soil  varies  somewhat,  according  to  topographic  position,  the  darker 
colored  areas  occupying  the  depressions  and  more  level  situations,  while  the 
white  subsoil  is  often  exposed  along  slopes,  giving  rise  to  irregular  spots  re- 
sembling "  galls."  The  soil  is  friable  and  easily  cultivated  under  proper  moisture 
conditions,  but  is  extremely  plastic  and  sticky  when  wet.  Areas  not  under 
cultivation  bake  and  check  on  drying.  The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling 
country,  usually  prairie,  and  is  derived  from  rotten  limestone  or  chalks  of 
Cretaceous  age.  Cotton  is  the  principal  product,  although  good  yields  of  corn, 
oats,  grass,  and  legumes  are  secured. 

Hyde  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  2  to  5  inches  consists  of  a  black,  heavy  clay 
loam,  plastic  when  wet  and  tending  to  crack  upon  drying.  The  subsoil  is  a 
black,  plastic,  tenacious  clay,  the  lower  portion  having  a  bluish  cast.  The  type 
is  characteristically  developed  between  slight  ridges  of  lighter  colored  soils. 
It  occupies  depressions  and  has  a  flat  surface  and  impervious  subsoil.  The 
drainage  is  naturally  poor.  Plowing  is  difficult,  owing  to  the  proximity  of  the 
unwieldy  subsoil.  With  drainage  and  liming  fair  to  good  crops  of  corn,  oats, 
onions,  cabbage,  strawberries,  cauliflower,  and  celery  can  be  secured. 

Lometlto  clay. — The  type  consists  of  12  to  15  inches  of  dark-drab  to  black  clay 
or  Bilty  clay,  which  passes  rapidly  into  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  silty 
clay  subsoil.  The  soil  puddles  and  bakes  badly.  Beds  of  crystalline  gypsum  and 
lime  concretions  occur  in  the  subsoil.  The  surface  is  nearly  level  and  low 
lying,  so  that  overflows  are  frecpient.  It  is  an  alluvial  soil  formed  under  marshy 
conditions.  A  large  quantity  of  alkali  is  present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  and 
drainage  facilities  are  so  poor  as  to  make  the  reclamation  of  the  land  for 
agriculture  difficult. 

Luflcin  clay. — The  soil  is  a  loam  or  silty  loam,  from  3  to  S  inches  deep,  occa- 
sionally containing  a  few  iron  concretions.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  or  mottled 
gray  and  yellow,  stiff,  impervious  clay.  At  a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet  the  clay  is 
often  distinctly  stratified.  The  surface  is  generally  level  and  drainage  is  poor. 
The  natural  timber  growth  consists  of  scrub  pine  and  small  oaks.  The  soil  is 
not  well  adapted  to  ordinary  farm  crops,  and  only  small  yields  of  corn  and 
cotton  arc  obtained. 

\fontr08e  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  trrayish-drab  clay,  with  a  depth  of 
2  to  t;  inches,  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  yellow  and  gray,  very  plastic  clay,  which 
shows  mottlings  of  red  and  yellow  below  2n  inches.  The  subsoil  Is  very  heavy 
;m<]  has  m  somewhat  greasy  feel  when  wet.  In  places  the  surface  Is  covered 
by  an  inch  or  two  of  sandy  loam.    The  type  occupies  flat,  poorly  drained  i 

and    is  locally   known  :is  '.'hog  wallow   prairie."     On   account   of  its   low   humus 

and  high  clay  content  it  is  difficult  to  cultivate,  it  is  derived  from  the  Jackson 
formation  of  Eocene  age.  The  type  is  almost  all  timbered  with  scrawny  post 
and  blackjack  oak.    Some  shortleaf  pine  also  occurs. 

Morse  clay.  This  type  consists  of  a  heavy  silt  or  clay  loam  c>  to  S  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  :i  heavy  mottled  clay  subsoil,  both  soil  and  subsoil  being  quite 
calcareous,  it  occurs  along  stream  curses,  and  generally  has  good  drainage. 
The  type  is  unimportant,  difflcull  to  till,  and  but  little  of  it  is  under  cultivation, 
adapted  to  rice  where  Irrigation  is  possible,  and  in  the  well-draroed  areas 
is  fairly  well  adapted  to  corn  and  cotton. 

Oktibbeha  clay.  This  type  consists  of  a  heavy,  yellowish  brown  sandy  clay, 
8  feci  ..I-  more  in  depth,  beyond  which  the  materia]  becomes  mottled.  There 
are  several  phases  of  the  type.  The  topography  is  sloping  or  rolling  and  the 
heavy  soil  does  not  permit  rapid  absorption. of  rainfall,  consequently  the  run- 
off is  excessive  and  erosion  very  active    The  type  is  largely  the  result  of  wash 

in  areas  which  were  once  Oktibbeha   line  sandy  loam,  the  fine  sand   having  been 

removed  Most  of  it  has  been  cleared,  but  very  little  is  now  under  cultivation. 
it  is  largely  devoted  i<-  pasture  or  allowed  to  grow  up  In  scrub  pine,  oak,  <>r 
wild  plum     <'oit<»n  is  the  principal  crop,  but  yields  are  comparatively  light 

Pheba  chni.  The  soil  ciisisis  of  :i  light  bro#n  clay  or  silly  clay  averaging 
about  8  inches  in  depth,  wiiii  ;m  occasional  shallow  mantle  of  One  sandy  mate- 
rial.    The  subsoil  is  ;i  brownish  or  yellowish,  rather  plastic  clay,  mottled  in  the 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL   PLAINS    PROVINCE.  297 

lower  section  with  gray.  The  surface  drainage  of  the  flat  areas  is  frequently 
poor.  The  type  is  usually  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  is  inclined  to  bake 
unless  liberally  supplied  with  vegetable  matter.  Applications  of  lime  are  also 
necessary  to  bring  about  a  good  tilth.  The  type  is  best  adapted  to  wheat,  grass, 
and  forage  crops,  while  cotton,  corn,  and  oats  give  fairly  good  results. 

Point  Isabel  clay. — The  soil  is  a  drab  to  brown  heavy  clay  from  10  to  15 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  colored,  but  of  the  same  texture  as  the  soil. 
The  material  does  not  bake  badly.  The  type  occupies  long,  narrow  ridges  or 
beaches,  the  tops  of  which  are  narrow  and  level  and  the  slopes  steep  and  abrupt, 
allowing  excessive  drainage.  These  beaches  were  formed  by  wave  action  where 
salt  water  occupies  the  basins  below.     The  type  is  of  little  agricultural  value. 

Portsmouth  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark  gray  to  black  silty  loam  to  clay  loam 
ranging  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  nearly  8  inches.  The  soil  material  is 
usually  heavier  and  more  compact  in  the  higher,  better  drained  situations.  In 
the  wet  or  swampy  areas  the  soil  is  generally  a  dark  gray  to  black,  smooth  silty 
loam,  from  10  to  14  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  impervious  clay  mottled 
with  gray  and  yellow,  or  drab,  yellow,  and  reddish  yellow.  The  type  occurs 
on  poorly  drained  flat  uplands  and  in  drainage  ways  or  other  depressions.  It 
is  derived  from  the  Columbia  sediments.  The  typical  vegetation  consists  of  bay, 
scrubby  sweet  gum,  gallberry  bushes,  and  pine.  Heavy  applications  of  lime  are 
necessary  to  secure  best  results  with  crops.  On  well-drained  areas  corn,  forage 
crops,  and  oats  are  produced  with  success. 

Sumter  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  4  or  5  inches  is  a  yellowish-brown  clay 
loam  to  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  sticky,  plastic  clay  of  yellow  color,  sometimes 
showing  a  greenish  cast.  Small  particles  and  fragments  of  gray  to  white  lime- 
stone occur  in  the  subsoil.  As  a  rule  both  soil  and  subsoil  are  decidedly  cal- 
careous. In  spots  the  soil  color  is  almost  black,  such  areas  resembling  the 
Houston  clay.  The  subsoil  seems  to  be  more  plastic  and  impervious  than  that 
of  the  Houston  clay  and  the  drainage  not  quite  so  good.  With  more  complete 
weathering  this  soil  might  give  rise  to  the  Houston  clay.  The  topography  is 
flat  to  gently  rolling.  It  is  derived  from  limestone  and  calcareous  clays  or 
clay  shales  belonging  to  the  Vicksburg  or  possibly  the  Vicksburg  and  Jackson 
formations.  It  is  a  strong  soil,  well  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops.  Corn, 
cotton,  and  oats  do  well.  Alfalfa  has  been  successfully  grown,  and  with  care- 
ful soil  preparation  and  seeding  it  is  believed  the  crop  can  be  made  a  profitable 
one  on  the  smoother  areas.  Melilotus  gives  good  results.  When  plowed  under 
proper  moisture  conditions  a  good  friable  seed  bed  is  easily  secured.  The  type 
does  not  have  the  gray  soil  color  and  red  mottling  in  the  subsoil  which  seem 
to  constitute  the  important  characteristics  of  the  Montrose. 

Susquehanna  clay. — The  soil  is  a  clay  loam  6  inches  deep,  sometimes  con- 
taining gravel,  and  overlying  a  stiff,  tenacious,  red  and  mottled  pipe-clay  sub- 
soil. The  type  occupies  hills  and  rolling  areas  on  the  inner  border  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  region.  The  soil  is  very  refractory  and  hard  to  cultivate  and  at 
present  has  very  little  agricultural  value. 

Victoria  clay. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  inches  consists  of  a 
dark  brown  to  black  clay  loam,  and  is  underlain  by  a  compact,  calcareous 
clay  loam  or  clay,  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil  and  often  containing  small 
lime  concretions.  At  depths  ranging  from  2  to  5  feet  the  subsoil  "usually 
becomes  slate  colored.  When  dry  the  soil  of  uncultivated  fields  hikes  and 
checks,  and  when  wet  it  becomes  sticky  and  tenacious.  The  type  is  of. residual 
origin,  and  is  derived  from  calcareous  clays  of  Tertiary  age.  The  surface  is 
level  to  gently  undulating,  and  drainage  is  fair.  With  careful  cultivation  the 
general  farm  crops  give  good  results. 

Wt  bl)  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  consists  of  a  dark  reddish 
brown  to  purplish-red  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  surface  2  or  3  inches  often  con- 
tain an  appreciable  amount  of  sand,  causing  it  to  be  slightly  loamy,  but  in 
general  it  is  very  sticky  and  tenacious  when  wel  and  bakes  and  cracks  upon 
drying.  The  subsoil  is  a  calcareous  clay  which  becomes  lighter  in  color  with 
depth  and  at  3  feet  or  more  consists  of  a  compact,  stiff  clay  having  a  very 
light  reddish  brown  or  slightly  pinkish  color.  It  has  been  formed  from  a  red 
calcareous  clay,  modified  slightly  in  some  cases  by  alluvial  depositions  from 
smaller  stronnis.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling  with  low  ridges  and 
valleys.  At  present  none  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  Where  moisture 
conditions  are  favorable  it  should  prove  a  strong  soil,  hut  in  its  present  condition 
it  is  best  left  in  pasture,  to  which  it  is  well  suited. 

Wilson  clay. — The  surface  soil  of  this  type  consists  of  10  t<»  L5  inches  of 
very  heavy  clay,  varying  in  color  from  a  dull-yellow  to  dark-brown  or  almost 


298 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


black.  The  subsoil  is  very  similar  to  the  soil  in  texture,  but  somewhat  more 
tenacious  and  lighter  in  color,  owing  to  a  diminished  content  of  organic  matter. 
Partially  decomposed  lime  concretions  are  found  scattered  through  the  soil 
and  subsoil,  being  more  numerous  in  the  latter.  The  intermingling  of  dull 
yellow  and  darker  colored  soil  in  fields  of  Wilson  clay  is  very  noticeable  along 
the  slopes  where  the  fields  appear  to  be  striped  alternately  from  yellow  to  dark, 
the  stripes  extending  up  and  down  the  slopes.  It  is  very  plastic  when  wet.  but 
cracks  badly  in  dry  seasons.  The  topography  varies  from  rolling  to  level. 
The  drainage,  in  seasons  of  normal  rainfall,  is  good.  The  type  is  adapted  to 
cotton,  corn,  and  grain  and  seems  especially  adapted  to  oats. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Victoria  clay . 
Houston  clay. 


Lomaltoclay 

Susquehanna  clay. 


Lufkin  clay 

Oktibbeha  clay.. 

Wilson  clay 

Portsmouth  clay. 

Montrose  clay 

Durant  clay 

Pheba  clay. 

Webb  clay 

Alio  way  clay 

Ellis  clay 

Coxville  clay 

Morse  clay 

Sumter  clay 

Hyde  clay 

Point  Isabel  clay. 

Bladen  clay 

Greenville  clay... 


Total. 


Texas  12,  27,  28 

Alabama  1,  5,  13,  17,  25,  30,  31,  34;  Louisiana  14;  Mississippi  3, 

8,  10,  12,  14,  15,  16,  17,  20;  Texas  2,  9,  10,  11,  26,  28,  31. 

Texas  12,  27 

Alabama  2, 3, 5, 14, 18, 25, 30, 32;  Louisiana  2, 3, 9, 14;  Maryland 

3, 5, 8;  Mississippi  8, 9, 10, 14, 15  20;  Texas  10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 29. 
Alabama  34;  Louisiana  3,  12;  Mississippi  3,  4,  12,  14,  15,  16; 

Texas  1,  7,  13,  14,  19,  21,  23,  24,  34. 

Alabama  17;  Mississippi  3,  10,  12,  14,  15,  17 

Texas  11 

(ieorgia  10,  15;  North  Carolina  21;  South  Carolina  6,  10 

Mississippi  8 

Texas  9 

Mississippi  14 

Texas  27 

New  Jersey  1,3 

Texas  9 

Georgia  3;  South  Carolina  7,  10 

Arkansas  4;  Louisiana  1 

Mississippi  20 

Georgia  3,  10 

Texas  5 

Georgia  3 

Florida  7 


891,624 

525, 824 

483,882 

392, 256 

214,464 

100,864 

52, 736 

43,840 

39, 936 

35,200 

23,040 

22,484 

18,880 

17, 280 

7.  r.'t 

6,016 

5,376 

4,096 

3,648 

768 


5,018,534 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  seo  p.  733. 


BLACK    CLAY   PIIASK. 


While  treated  as  a  \ariation  from  the  typical  days,  the  black  clay  phase  is, 
nevertheless,  a  very  important  adjunct  to  the  day  group.  It  is  represented  by 
a  single  soil  type,  which  occurs  extensively  in  Texas,  as  well  as  in  Alabama  and 
Oklahoma. 

Houston  black  clay. — The  soil  is  n  black  or  sometimes  drab  clay  about  10 
Inches  deep,  friable  when  well  cultivated,  but  waxy  ami  sticky  when  wet.  if 
not  continuously  cultivated,  it  becomes  bard  and  compact  and  cracks  into  Irregu- 
lar blocks  on  drying.     The  subsoil   is  a  waxy,  very  stiff  and  tenacious  clay  of 

lighter  color  than  the  soil.  Both  soil  and  Bubsoi]  contain  varying  quantities  of 
lime  concretions.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  soft  limestone 
or  calcareous  clays,  principally  of  Cretaceous  age.  The  soil  is  very  productive, 
and  is  ased  commonly  for  corn,  cotton,  and  rice,  according  to  locality,  elevation, 
and  drainage    it  is  also  adapted  to  grass, 

irea  <i»<i  distribution  of  the  block  <-i<i]i. 


State  <>r  ar 

\tivs. 

•in  black  'lay 

MabamaM;  Oklal                                   U,  14, 17,  i\23,26, 

l,.r.09,080 

Tor  key  to  numbers  Id  thii  ootamo  Me  p.  733. 


ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  COASTAL  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


299 


STONY   CLAY   PHASE. 

The  stony  clay  soils  occupy  steep  slopes,  the  backbones  of  narrow,  eroded 
ridges,  and  washed  areas  underlain  by  rock.  Usually  the  topography  is  suffi- 
ciently rough  to  preclude  agricultural  use,  aside  from  the  number  of  stone 
fragments  present.  The  smoother  areas  are  largely  worthless  on  account  of 
the  abundance  of  stone.  These  soils  are  confined  mainly  to  those  areas  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  underlain  by  limestone  and  to  the  Claiborne  formation  in  south- 
western Alabama  and  east-central  Mississippi. 

Henderson  stony  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  greenish-gray,  sticky  clay 
carrying  large  quantities  of  limestone  fragments  in  various  stages  of  decom- 
position. There  is  usually  a  thin  mantle  of  fine  sand  over  the  surface  of  the 
less  stony  areas.  The  soil  is  derived  from  exposures  of  Tertiary  limestone. 
None  of  this  type  has  been  seen  under  cultivation,  and  the  soil  would  probably 
prove  of  very  low  agricultural  value  on  account  of  the  intractable  character  of 
the  material. 

Houston  stony  clay. — This  soil  consists  of  4  to  15  inches  of  dark-brown  or  black 
clay,  which  is  underlain  by  white  chalky  limestone,  with  limestone  fragments  of 
various  sizes  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weather- 
ing of  Austin  chalk.  It  is  easily  eroded,  and  small  areas,  where  the  underlying 
limestone  outcrops,  frequently  occur  on  the  hillsides  and  on  the  summits  of 
rounded  knolls.  Owing  to  the  shallow  soil,  the  type  does  not  stand  drought 
well.  The  yields  on  this  type  depend  largely  upon  season.  When  moisture  con- 
ditions are  favorable,  good  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  wheat,  and  oats  are  secured. 

Lauderdale  stony  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  yellow  to  nearly  white  stiff 
clay,  carrying  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  section  from  25  to  60  per 
cent  of  stone  fragments,  consisting  of  rather  soft  siliceous  rock  of  white  to 
yellowish  or  mottled  reddish  and  gray  color,  and  to  a  less  extent  of  reddish, 
locally  cemented  sandstone  and  a  hard  siliceous  rock  resembling  quartzite. 
There  is  no  distinct  line  of  demarcation  between  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is 
locally  styled  "  white  hills  "  and  "  white  rock  land  "  and  occupies  the  crests  of 
narrow,  high,  winding  ridges  and  the  tops  of  hills  with  occasional  developments 
on  the  lower  slopes.  The  soil  is  derived  from  the  Claiborne-Tallahatta  buhr- 
stone  formation.  The  topography  is  so  rough  as  to  render  the  type  unfit  for 
profitable  agriculture  and  it  is  valued  chiefly  for  its  timber. 

Sumter  stony  clay. — This  is  a  yellowish-brown  clay  loam  to  clay,  underlain  at 
S  inches  by  a  pale-yellow  to  gray,  plastic,  heavy  clay.  Gray  limestone  fragments 
are  scattered  over  the  surface  and  disseminated  through  the  soil  mass  in  quan- 
tities sufficiently  large  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  type  occupies  slopes 
and  knolls,  and  the  underlying  limestone  outcrops  in  places.  It  is  derived 
mainly  from  limestone.  The  soil  is  productive  and  adapted  to  cotton,  corn, 
cowpeas,  oats,  and  melilotus. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  9 

78,336 

23,488 

2,432 

Sumter  stony  clay 

Mississippi  20 

Henderson  stony  clay 

Alabama  32 

192 

Total 

104,448 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    CLAY    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  clay  phase  is  represented  in  this  province  by  one  soil  type,  the 
Houston  gravelly  clay,  which  has  been  mapped  so  far  only  in  Texas,  where  it 
has  been  found  in  several  different  areas. 

Houston  gravelly  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  clay  loam  or 
clay  12  inches  deep,  carrying  a  large  amount  of  gravel  and  rounded,  waterwom 
pebbles  varying  in  size  from  one-eighth  of  an  inch  to  3  inches  in  diameter. 
The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown,  stiff  clay,  becoming  less  flexible  with  depth  and 
carrying  small  quantities  of  rounded  gravel  and  pebbles.  Small  areas  occur 
where  the  soil  mass  is  a  bed  of  porous  gravel.     The  type  occupies  the  higher 


300 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


ridges  of  rolling  prairie  and  is  easily  eroded.  The  gravel  is  derived  from  the 
remains  of  an  old  formation,  which  has  been  almost  entirely  worn  away,  leav- 
ing only  a  thin  layer  capping  the  higher  ridges.  Owing  to  its  topography  and 
gravelly  character,  the  type  has  good  drainage.  The  crops  grown  are  cotton, 
corn,  sorghum,  oats,  and  some  kafir.     Good  yields  are  usually  obtained. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  elay. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Houston  gravelly  clay Texas  2,  3,  26,  31 


94,720 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY   CLAY   PHASE. 

San  Antonio  silty  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  clay 
loam  from  10  to  12  inches  deep.  This  grades  into  a  heavy  silty  clay  subsoil,  the 
red  color  becoming  more  pronounced  and  the  material  heavier  with  depth.  A 
few  small,  chalky  particles  of  thoroughly  disintegrated  limestone  are  encountered 
in  the  lower  subsoil,  and  beds  of  rounded  gravel  cemented  with  a  reddish,  marly 
material  sometimes  occur  at  a  depth  of  5  feet  or  more.  The  type  occupies  gently 
undulating  to  almost  level  areas.  It  is  largely  composed  of  material  trans- 
ported by  floods  in  early  times  and  laid  down  along  stream  courses.  In  part, 
however,  it  is  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  underlying  limestone.  The 
soil  is  considered  excellent  for  general  farming  and  makes  a  valuable  truck 
soil.  Considerable  areas  are  under  irrigation  and  devoted  largely  to  the  pro- 
duction of  onions.  Other  vegetables,  as  well  as  cotton,  corn,  potatoes,  alfalfa, 
peanuts,  and  oats,  are  grown  both  on  irrigated  and  unirrigated  areas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  day. 


Soil  name. 


San  A  ntonio  silty  clay Texas  26 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


18,048 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 
MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 


The  materials  included  under  this  heading  are  not,  in  their  original  state, 
arable  soils,  and  a  pari  Of  them  can  not  lie  made  tit  for  cultivation.  Some, 
however,  by  extensive  and  cosily  reclamation  work  can  be  made  to  produce 

more  or   less  bountiful   crops.     This  will   be  indicated   specifically   in  the  follow- 
ing paragraphs. 

Chalk  (Houston). — This  type  Includes  exposures  of  the  Selma  chalk  formation 
in  badly  eroded  .-irons,  where  little  or  no  soil  has  accumulated.  The  surface 
few  inches  varies  from  the  bare,  partially  weathered  white  chalk  t<»  a  light-gray 

or   gray   chalky    loam,   depending    upon    the   stage   of  orosion.    »BelOW    this    is    a 
while  or  yellowish-white,   partially   weathered   chalk,   which   usually   extends   to 

a  depth  of  ::  foot  or  more.    Occasional  outcrops  <•(*  blue  rock  occur.    The  land 

is  mainly   valnahle   for  pasture. 

Coastal  beach.  This  is  a  light-gray  or  white,  tine  to  coarse  textured,  loose. 
Incoherent  sand  •"'.  feel  or  more  in  depth,  containing  varying  quantities  of  shell 
fragments,  it  occurs  as  beaches,  narrow  ridges,  ami  Islands  along  the  sea- 
const,  and  Its  surface  varies  from  smooth  to  Irregular.  At  the  higher  elevations 
it  is  modified  by  wind  action,    it  is  not  adapted  to  agriculture. 

Muck,    This   type  consists  of  black,   more  or   less   thoroughly   decomposed 

vegetable  mold,  from   1   to  '■'<  or  more  feel   in  depth.     It  OCCUpies  lOW,  moist   places, 

with  little  or  do  natural  drainage.    Muck  may  be  considered  an  advanced  Btage 
of  Peat,  formed  by  the  more  complete  decomposition  of  the  vegetable  fiber  and 

the  addition  <»f  mineral  matter  through  deposition  by  water  or  wind,  resulting 

In  a  liner  texture  and  closer  structure.     When  drained,  Mnek  is  very  productive 


ATLANTIC   AND   GULF   COASTAL  PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


301 


and  well  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  cabbage,  onions,  celery,  peppermint,  and 
similar  crops. 

Peat. — The  type  is  composed  of  vegetable  matter,  consisting  of  roots,  stems, 
fibers,  moss,  etc.,  in  various  stages  of  decomposition.  It  occurs  as  turf  or  bog, 
usually  in  low  situations,  and  is  always  more  or  less  saturated  with  water.  It 
represents  an  advanced  stage  of  swamp,  with  .drainage  partially  established. 
When  properly  drained  Peat  becomes  a  valuable  soil  for  special  crops. 

Rock  outcrop. — This  term  is  used  to  designate  areas  consisting  of  rock  ridges, 
exposed  rock  outcrops,  or  accumulations  of  stone  entirely  unfit  for  cultivation 
and  incapable  of  becoming  agricultural  land. 

Rough  stony  land. — Under  this  heading  have  been  classed  areas  so  stony  and 
broken  as  to  be  nonarable,  although  supporting  forest  growth  and  affording 
some  pasturage.  These  areas  frequently  consist  of  steep  mountain  ridges,  bluffs, 
or  narrow  strips  extending  through  definite  soil  types.  These  areas  differ  from 
Rock  outcrop  in  that  they  support  vegetation  of  economic  value,  and  from  the 
stony  loams  in  being  nonarable. 

Sandhill. — This  term  is  used  to  describe  ridged  and  uneven  areas  of  sand 
not  in  motion,  either  on  account  of  partial  consolidation  or  because  of  the  sand 
being  fixed  by  a  natural  growth  of  trees  or  grasses.  Such  areas  sometimes 
represent  old  shore  lines  of  the  oceans  or  large  lakes  and  are  sometimes  formed 
by  river  action  and  by  wind.  The  material  is  incoherent  and  is  generally  so 
thoroughly  drained  as  to  be  of  little  agricultural  value.  Included  valleys  and 
low  areas,  where  organic  matter  and  sufficient  moisture  are  present,  are  capable 
of  producing  fair  crops  of  vegetables. 

Swamp. — This  term  is  used  to  designate  areas  too  wet  for  cultivation  and  cov- 
ered with  standing  water  for  much  or  all  of  the  time.  Variations  in  texture  and 
in  organic  matter  content  may  occur.  Swamp  frequently  occupies  areas  which 
are  inaccessible,  so  that  detailed  mapping  is  impossible.  The  native  vegetable 
growth  consists  of  water-loving  grasses,  shrubs,  and  trees.  Many  areas  are 
capable  of  drainage,  and  when  reclaimed  they  not  infrequently  constitute  lands 
of  high  agricultural  value.  Wherever  small  areas  of  Swamp  occur  within  a 
definite  soil  type  and  the  texture  of  the  soil  is  known  to  be  similar  to  that  of 
the  surrounding  type,  they  are  mapped  with  the  type  and  the  swampy  condition 
indicated  by  symbol. 

Tidal  marsh. — The  material  varies  from  dark,  oozy  sediments,  interspersed 
with  coarse  marsh-grass  roots,  to  a  yellowish  or  dark-colored  clay,  and  rests 
upon  a  still  heavier  clay  at  depths  varying  from  2  to  4  feet.  Calcareous  nodules 
are  sometimes  present.  This  material  is  extensively  developed  along  the  sea- 
coast  and  along  streams  subject  to  tidal  overflow.  The  vegetation  consists  of 
salt  grass,  which  affords  poor  pasturage.  The  areas  must  be  diked  and  drained 
before  reclamation  is  possible,  but  when  so  reclaimed  and  the  excess  of  salt 
removed  the  soil  becomes  exceedingly  productive,  especially  for  corn,  cabbage, 
onions,  rice,  potatoes,  and  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gravelly  soils  undifferentiated 

Texas  27 

641,536 

Alabama  2,    29;  Delaware    1;  Florida    4;  Georgia    3,    10; 
Louisiana  10,  11;  Maryland  1,  4,  10;  Massachusetts  2; 
Mississippi  18;  New  York  7;  North  Carolina  19;  South 
Carolina  4, 10;  Virginia  12. 

Alabama  2, 29;  Delaware  1;  Florida  1;  Georgia  3. 10;  Mary- 
land 10;  Massachusetts  2;  New  York  7;  North  Carolina 
19;  South  Carolina  4,  10;  Texas  12,  27;  Virginia  10,  12. 

Alabama  2;   Florida  1,  5,  6;  Georgia  17,  19;  North  Carolina 
19, 22,  24;  South  Carolina  6,  7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16;  Texas  26. 

Louisiana  13;  North  Carolina  16 

562, 752 

322, 496 
157, 448 

Sandhill 

Peat 

78, 800 

Muck : 

Alabama  29;  Florida  3;  Georgia  2;  Mississippi  18;  North 

Carolina  16,  21,  22. 
Alabama  1;  Mississippi  3, 10, 12, 14, 15 

38, 294 

Chalk  (Houston) 

25, 024 

Swamp 

Louisiana  10 

lit,  77C 

Texas  20 

832 

384 

Total 

1,845,342 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


i  96.    Bureau   oi'   Soils. 


of    September,    1<»12. 


Atlantic  and  Gulf 


-Appalachian  Materii 


■»».„ 


Sub-      yel- 
Glau-    red 

Col-      Clay 


I        gray 

yel-     yel-      "| 
low       low       Frl- 


I-r.ilr.igo  well   set 


Drainage   poorly  establish 


Drainage  poorly  establl 


Subsoil   friable 


Yellow  oubeotl  Pad  Fed  *cbi 

i — rS — i  S"  i — 

rrblk  Iron     Car-     Soil     gray     Brl-     lull 


i  ..  m 


Tlfton 


once-   burg     loir       Su' 


Cheiiter-  rlul 
"f  Pcr^l- 


Fed  Whi 


Hn. 


gray 
(Clai- 


e'd)        buI 


Dark   gray        Bro*n   boU      Gray   soil      White      Blaolt   30 11 
Boll  eon  | 

I  I ' 1  UHlllA        „     I  subsoil  r 


sub-  able  pact 


1    |    to    tlod   drab  eub-   low   low   ble   sub-    ■ 1 ,   yel-    cret 

Brown  pale  red      Boll     drab  brow-  sub-   Boll     I      |    low 
-   com-  yel-  and  and   nieh  eoil     I   Below  ?rom  sub-    , 1 — . 

V-  .  I     71. 


on-  cray  yel-  yel. 


m-  yel-  and 

ot   low   fray     . 1 . 

'P   BoL-  vTSus"  sub"  SU-   -  '-   -' 


i     r 

el-  Rod- 


Pock-   Plaa-    lion 


lb-     soil     Pock-   Plai 
irovm   nton     sar.d     eoll  etB        tlo 

com-         •         hard-        |        Plie. 


lay-  Lufkln       I        Plas-    or«- 
ere  ,        plae-   tlo        tlon» 


X: 


Pluiwner 


Lime 

brown   claye   con-  mucks   Below         I 

|  under  ore-  |  30  in.  Sand  Ham- 
Lime  Aoa-  tions  Lake  red  hum-  rcond 
and       dla  Charles  gray     mucks 


SS.*1 


iirsi 
i  r£ 


red  dark  yel-      ^n 

low  drab  oare-  so 

eub-  aub-  oub 

soil 


1 1         l»h           | 1— ,        Light  brown  8°|               pid                 pJ ,  , 1—. 

1        brown       i  eubsoll  Gray       subsoil 

Bray      iel-      soli      Vol-     uree-  or  Light  Itot-  irown  Gray 

oub-      low-          |         low       ninh     Kl.hly  cal-  mot-      Seir.i-arid  brown  tied  sub-      pl^s- 

gray         oor-oue  tied  equivalent  stiff  fircwn  soil     tic 


soil  brown  low       ooll      sticky 

|        man-    to  sub-         |         sul-  — I , 

Hiari-   ly         drab     soil      Frag-   lull 


hi-     que-     ton       Prob-       j  | 

are-    hanna  and       ably     Cal-      Son       hough 


Orangeburg     bo  I 

Prai-  '.'.iirehy  low         | i .        Win 

Lom-'lto  soli  High-  Mode- 


jtirr  pa^t    "j^ 


cra-     arid     nil 

'  I        al»nt  Ell 
Lan»r  of 


rately      |  |        tup 

care    Ienbel   cal-    Ire!.: 


webb      DUTal 


y 


SOILS  OF  THE  RIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 

By  Hugh  H.  Bennett. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PROVINCE. 

BOUNDARIES. 

The  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  occupy  the  first  bottoms  and 
adjoining  terraces  of  streams  throughout  that  section  of  the  United  States  lying 
east  of  the  Great  Plains  Region,  which  is  limited,  roughly,  by  a  line  crossing 
the  country  from  the  Canadian  boundary  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  through 
northern  Montana,  southwestern  North  Dakota,  central  South  Dakota,  eastern 
Nebraska,  northeastern  Kansas,  central-western  Missouri,  eastern  Oklahoma, 
and  central  and  southwestern  Texas.  Some  areas  of  flood-plain  soil  cover  the 
bottoms  and  terraces  of  valleys  which  have  been  abandoned  by  their  main 
streams. 

These  soils  occur  in  continuous  and  interrupted  strips  along  the  banks  of 
streams,  their  outer  boundary  being  sharply  marked  ordinarily  either  by  bluffs 
or  steep  slopes  rising  to  the  uplands.  They  vary  from  narrow  strips  a  few  feet 
wide  along  the  minor  drainage  courses  and  those  streams  which  pass  through 
gorgelike  valleys  to  broad  bottoms  several  miles  in  width.  The  broadest  strip 
of  strictly  alluvial  land  is  that  along  the  Mississippi  River  near  its  confluence 
with  the  Arkansas,  where  the  bottoms  range  from  75  to  100  miles  wide.  The 
widest  and  most  continuous  bottoms  are  developed  along  the  larger  streams 
within  the  limits  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains,  where  the  dominant 
soft,  unconsolidated  materials  have  been  least  resistant  to  the  cutting  back  of 
the  flanking  bluffs  by  overflows,  and  where,  owing  to  the  relative  low  relief,  the 
streams  move  slowly  and  tend  to  meander  and  spread  over  a  wider  area.  In 
the  regions  of  hard  rocks  and  higher  altitudes,  such  as  the  Piedmont  Plateau 
and  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  Plateaus,  the  tendency  of  the  streams  has 
been  to  cut  downward  rather  than  outward,  on  account  of  the  rapid  current 
resulting  from  the  steeper  gradient  and  the  hindrance  offered  to  lateral  plana- 
tion  by  the  resistant  flanking  rocks.  Where  the  soils  of  the  province  occur  in 
such  regions  they  are  developed  as  narrow,  interrupted  strips.  In  those  sec- 
tions occupied  by  the  tougher,  less  soluble  rocks,  the  streams  flow  through  deep 
canyons,  which  are  wholly  without  bottoms  or  terraces,  but  on  entering  regions 
of  softer  and  more  soluble  rocks  they  have  been  much  more  effective  in  cutting 
away  the  retaining  valley  walls,  and  thus  have  developed  the  broader  bottoms. 

The  stream  bottoms  of  the  glacial  region,  especially  of  the  larger  streams,  are 
generally  wider  and  more  continuous  than  those  of  the  Piedmont  and  Appa- 
lachian provinces.  This  is  due  to  the  lower  relief  and  the  softer  character  of 
the  prevailing  unconsolidated  materials  of  the  confining  banks.  The  bottoms 
do  not  average  so  wide,  however,  as  those  of  the  Coastal  Plains.  This  is 
attributable  to  a  measurable  degree,  if  not  largely,  to  the  fact  that  the  glacial 
deposits  are  of  more  recent  age  than  the  main  portion  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
coastal  deposits,  the  regional  streams  consequently  having  had  less  time  to 
carry  on  their  work  of  building  flood  plains. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The  soils  of  this  province  include  two  topographic  divisions:  (1)  The  first 
bottoms  or  present  flood  plains,  and  (2)  the  terraces  or  old  flood  plains. 

The  first  bottoms  embrace  the  lowest  lands  of  the  province,  those  which  are 
subject  to  submergence  by  overflow  waters.  Throughout  this  division  the  sur- 
face is  dominantly  flat  and  level.  Occasional  depressions,  including  abandoned 
channels  and  minor  swales  scooped  out  during  oversows,  together  with  slight 
swells  and  hummocks,  consisting  usually  of  sandy  material,  constitute  the  impor- 

303 


304  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

tant  surface  inequalities.  Horizontally  the  bottoms  are  usually  level  or  essen- 
tially so.  but  they  frequently  sink  gradually  away  from  the  stream  banks,  being 
lowest  along  the  outer  margin,  or  they  may  rise  with  an  imperceptible  gradient 
toward  the  outer  edges.  Colluvial  material  from  higher  positions  has  been 
spread  over  the  marginal  border  of  some  bottoms,  frequently  giving  them  a 
quite  perceptible  outward  ascending  slope. 

The  terraces,  often  styled  "second  bottoms"  and  "bench  lands."  include  old 
flood  plains  which  now  stand  largely  above  the  influence  of  overflow  water,  the 
streams  having  cut  their  channels  to  lower  levels,  and  flood  plains  have  been  built 
below  these  earlier  plains  now  represented  by  terraces.  Some  streams  have  no 
overflowed  bottoms  at  all,  or  only  high  bottoms  subject  to  inundation  only 
during^  periods  of  exceptionally  high  water.  Here  the  channels  have  been  cut 
sufficiently  deep  to  carry  all  or  nearly  all  flood  waters  within  their  immediate 
banks.  In  such  cases  the  old  flood  plains,  up  to  the  immediate  stream  banks, 
have  the  essential  characteristics  of  terraces — that  is,  they  are  not  overflowed  or 
are  overflowed  only  by  high  freshets. 

In  their  height  above  the  first  bottoms  the  terraces  vary  from  a  few  feet  to 
several  hundred  feet.  There  is  often  a  series  of  distinct  terraces  arranged  one 
above  another  in  steplike  succession.  Some  of  those  occupying  the  lower  posi- 
tions are  subject  to  overflow  during  abnormal  floods,  but  the  soils  of  this 
division  largely  stand  well  above  the  highest  overflows. 

The  surface  features  of  the  terraces  vary  from  flat  to  rolling.  Those  occupy- 
ing the  lower  levels  are  usually  well  preserved  and  ordinarily  have  smooth, 
flat  surfaces,  with  distinct  bluffs  or  sharp  slopes  marking  both  the  inner  and 
outer  boundaries.  The  original  configuration  of  many  of  the  higher,  older 
terraces  is  also  well  preserved,  but  this  is  true  to  a  considerably  less  degree 
than  in  case  of  their  lower  and  younger  counterparts,  long-continued  erosion 
having  effaced  the  original  flat  surface  features  of  many  of  them.  Large  areas 
have  been  so  deeply  and  minutely  dissected  that  the  terrace  characteristics  are 
distinguished  only  in  perspective,  the  topography  often  being  rolling  or  oven 
hilly.  But  the  most  severely  eroded  areas  generally  have  an  even  crest  level 
and  are  bordered  outwardly  by  escarpments  or  slopes  reaching  to  the  upland 
level  of  the  highlands.  In  places  erosion  has  obliterated  the  escarpment  features 
of  original  bluffs  which  separated  the  terraces  from  the  first  bottoms  on  one 
side,  and  similar  higher  terraces  (where  these  existed)  on  the  other,  and  has 
worn  down  the  outer  or  upland  slope  or  bluff  in  such  a  way  as  to  give  the 
whole  the  general  appearance  of  a  continuous  slope  from  the  outer  margins  of 
the  present  flood  plains  to  or  nearly  to  the  level  of  the  uplands. 

GEOLOGY. 

The  stream  bottoms  and  terraces  are  made  up  of  alluvial  material,  consisting 
of  denosits  washed  from  slopes  and  uplands  and  deposited  downstream  by  over- 
flow waters.  This  material  varies  in  character  from  simple  deposits  derived 
from  drainage  basins  comprising  soils  of  uniform  texture  and  character,  laid 
down  before  the  transporting  water  had  been  contaminated  by  water  of  other 
streams  carrying  in  suspension  material  from  different  sources  and  of  unlike 
character,  to  extremely  heterogeneous  deposits  derived  from  drainage  basins  or 
several  drainage  basins  Including  soils  widely  varlenl  in  texture  and  character. 

The  Shape  and  si/.o  of  the  particles  constituting  the  alluvium  necessarily   \ary 

tne  d<  -Toe  according  to  the  distance  transported.     From  the  time  the  In 

dividual    soil   grains   starl    on    their   water-borne  journey    they   are   subjected    to 

alteration  by  attrition  until  deposited,  obviously  those  particles  which  have 
come  bo  red  upon  flood  plains  near  their  original  position  have  not  been  as 
severely  abraded  and  consequently  nol  so  worn  down  or  rounded  as  those  winch 
bave  been  carried  farther  downstream.  With  the  Lighter,  finer  particles  which 
bave  remained  in  suspension  longest  and  bave  been  transported  farthest,  this 
effect  of  attrition  baa  been  of  mile  importance;  it  is  upon  the  coarser  materia] 
swept  along  the  bottoms  of  Btreams  that  abrasion  has  bad  the  greatest  effect 

Since  Increased  velocity  Increases  the  carrying  power  of  water,  the  texture  of 
the  alluvial  deposits  varies  markedly  according  to  the  swiftness  of  the  current 
by  which  the  material  la  laid  down.  Accordingly  coarse  material  is  much  more 
in  evidence  along  the  smaller,  swifter  headwater  Btreams  and  near  the  banks 

of    larger    <lP'.-ims    than    in    the    broader    bull s    along    the    lower    courses,    and 

away  from  the  banks,  where  the  velocity  is  checked  by  trees  and  Increased  fric- 
tion resulting  from  shallower  depth.  The  alluvium  of  the  smaller  dralnageways 
of  the  Appalachian  province  ami  the  higher  portions  of  the  Piedmont  frequently 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS  PROVINCE.  305 

contains  large  quantities  of  sand,  gravel,  and  bowlders,  whereas  that  of  the 
broad-bottomed  major  streams,  particularly  in  regions  of  lower  relief,  such  as 
the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coastal  Plains,  seldom  carries  material  coarser  than 
medium  sand,  the  greater  part,  especially  of  the  first  bottoms,  consisting  of 
silt  and  clay.  The  older  alluvium  of  the  terraces  along  many  of  these  large 
streams,  however,  even  near  the  coast,  carries  much  gravel,  particularly  in  the 
substratum.  This  coarse  material  was  deposited  when  the  streams  were  flowing 
at  higher  levels  at  a  time  when  the  currents  were  undoubtedly  much  swifter 
than  under  present  conditions  of  streams  flowing  more  nearly  at  base  level. 

While  there  has  been  considerable  assorting  of  stream-carried  material  by 
variations  of  current  and  some  wearing  down  of  the  coarser  particles  swept 
along  the  bottoms  of  channels,  the  streams  have  done  much  less  of  this  work 
than  have  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  especially  with  the  bulk  of  transported 
material,  the  silts,  clays,  and  fine  sands.  The  gravel  and  coarser  sands  are 
largely  left  along  the  upper  courses,  the  fine  and  medium  sands  in  the  natural 
levees  along  the  banks,  while  the  very  fine  sand,  clay,  and  silt  particles,  con- 
stituting the  bulk  of  water-borne  material,  enter  the  sea  to  be  thoroughly 
assorted.  The  coarser  particles  partly  come  to  rest  in  the  broad  alluvial  bottoms 
and  partly  drop  out  in  shallow  water  near  shore,  and  the  finer  ones  go  farther 
out  into  deep  water.  On  reaching  the  floor  of  the  sea  the  sand  carried  along 
the  channel  bottoms  and  the  coarser  silt  particles  are  subjected  to  abrasion  and 
assortment  by  the  unceasing  agitation  of  waves  and  tides,  until  thrown  upon 
the  beaches  and  carried  out  of  reach  of  the  waters  by  wind. 

In  the  narrow  bottoms  the  alluvium  averages  far  more  variable  in  texture 
than  in  the  broad  bottoms,  for  the  reason  that  the  narrow  strips  are  more 
generally  developed  along  smaller  streams  having  a  steeper  gradient  and 
greater  current  velocity,  and  for  the  additional  reason  that  their  smaller  area 
is  necessarily  affected  more  completely  by  the  variable  material  washed  down 
from  adjacent  slopes  and  brought  in  by  the  smaller  tributaries. 

Over  the  bottoms  of  the  smaller  streams  heavy  overflows  deposit  sand  and 
gravel  in  those  places  where  the  current  is  suddenly  checked  by  such  obstruc- 
tions as  vegetation  and  hummocks,  while  finer  material  is  laid  down  close  by 
from  the  water  thus  relieved  of  its  coarser  burden.  As  the  flood  subsides  still 
finer  grains  settle  out  in  the  lower  positions  from  the  slackened  currents  and 
clay  and  silt  are  deposited  from  the  pools  of  water  left  in  depressions.  Again, 
the  entire  flood  plain  may  be  inundated  by  the  water  of  a  tributary  carrying 
material  from  a  different  source  and  of  entirely  different  character.  Thus  the 
smaller  bottoms  usually  comprise  many  textural  grades  and  variable  material 
within  restricted  areas.  The  deposits  are  also  extremely  variable  in  texture 
and  character  from  the  surface  downward. 

There  has  been  relatively  little  opportunity  for  changes  in  the  first-bottom 
deposits  by  weathering  on  account  of  the  exclusion  of  air  by  the  presence  of 
an  excessive  quantity  of  water  and  for  the  reason  that  fresh  deposits  are  con- 
tinually being  added.  On  the  other  hand,  a  great  part  of  the  terrace  material 
is  well  drained  and  has  stood  above  overflow  long  enough  to  have  been  ma- 
terially altered  by  weathering,  erosion,  and  percolating  water.  Some  of  these 
better-drained  portions  of  the  terraces  comprise  material  which  closely  re- 
sembles the  still  older  upland  material,  the  similarity  often  being  closer  than 
that  existing  between  the  material  of  the  first  bottoms  and  terraces.  This  is 
particularly  true  in  the  Coastal  Plains  regions,  where  the  uplands  material 
as  well  as  that  of  the  terraces  is  of  water-laid  origin.  Such  resemblance  is 
but  the  natural  outcome  of  identical  agencies  of  weathering  and  erosion  operat- 
ing toward  the  same  end.  frequently  upon  material  originally  from  about  the 
same  source.  Close  examination,  however,  usually  shows  a  difference  between 
the  character  of  the  material  of  the  terraces  and  uplands,  while  a  microscopic 
examination  probably  would  reveal  dissimilarity  in  the  mineral ogical  compo- 
sition and  in  the  shape  of  the  particles  between  the  materials  of  the  most 
closely  related  portions  of  the  terraces  and  uplands.  The  terrace  material  has 
not  been  so  completely  weathered  and  has  not  been  subjected  to  such  severe 
processes  of  mineralogical  simplification,  such  as  the  wearing  down  of  the 
mineral  aggregates  by  attrition  resulting  from  the  movement  of  waves  and 
tides,  as  the  Coastal  Plain  sediments.  Practically  all  the  alluvial  material  of 
both  old  and  recent  deposits  probably  contains  a  larger  percentage  of  minerals 
other  than  quartz  than  does  Coastal  Plain  material  of  similar  texture. 

79619—13 20 


306  SOILS    OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

There  is  generally  a  muck  closer  resemblance  between  similar  textured 
materials  of  the  poorer-drained  portions  of  the  terraces  and  first  bottoms  than 
exists  between  the  corresponding  materials  of  the  well-drained  portions. 

SOILS. 

The  principal  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  consist  of  clays,  silt 
loams,  loams,  and  variable  undifferentiated  materials  classified  as  Meadow  and 
Swamp.  Of  the  area  surveyed  the  clays  occupy  22.5  per  cent,  the  silt  loams  24.3 
per  cent,  the  loams  8.9  per  cent,  and  Meadow  and  Swamp  23.4  per  cent,  while  the 
entire  area  comprised  by  soils  of  a  coarser  texture  than  loam  is  only  12.1  per 
cent  of  the  total.  The  areas  mapped  as  Meadow  include  considerable  sandy  soil, 
but  dominantly  the  material  is  not  lighter  in  texture  than  loam.  In  the  broader 
bottoms  the  fine-textured  soils  comprise  the  larger  area,  the  coarse  types  being 
relatively  more  extensive  on  the  terraces  and  in  the  narrow  bottoms. 

The  source,  color,  and  age  of  material  constitute  the  important  criteria  in 
the  classification  of  the  alluvial  soils.  The  source  of  the  materia'  has  a  direct 
bearing  upon  the  inherent  characteristics  of  the  soils,  while  the  color  is  indic- 
ative of  conditions  of  considerable  import,  especially  as  related  to  productive- 
ness. The  age  of  the  deposits  as  measured  by  their  position,  whether  in  the 
overflowed  bottoms  of  recent  deposition  or  on  the  older  terraces  standing  above 
overflow,  has  much  to  do  with  the  physical  features  and  productiveness  of  the 
derivative  soils. 

It  has  been  found  impossible  to  determine  the  exact  source  of  all  the  mate- 
rial, or  even  the  greater  part  in  many  cases,  because  the  deposits  from  varied 
sources  have  been  so  intimately  mixed  as  frequently  to  lose  any  individual 
characteristics  the  particles  from  a  definite  region  may  have  possessed.  In 
the  case  of  those  streams  which  rise  and  have  their  courses  entirely  within 
areas  completely  occupied  by  definite  or  related  soils,  as  is  true,  for  example, 
of  many  of  the  Coastal  Plain  streams,  the  exact  source  of  the  material  is  at 
once  obvious.  But  with  streams  traversing  regions  of  unrelated  soils  and 
receiving  the  waters  of  tributaries  flowing  from  still  other  soil  provinces,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  Mississippi  River  as  an  extreme  example,  it  can  be  safely 
assumed  only  that  the  greater  or  at  least  a  large  part  of  the  material  is  derived 
from  that  region  affording  the  greater  part  or  a  considerable  part  of  the 
draimi ge  waters. 

In  the  case  of  many  streams  embracing  several  soil  regions  within  their 
drainage  basins  the  source  of  a  considerable  part  of  the  alluvium  can  be  readily 
fixed  by  certain  unmistakable  inhorenl  properties  of  the  material,  the  identity 
of  which  has  been  preserved  with  sufficient  distinctness  to  dominate  the  physical 
qualities  of  the  deposits  even  where  representing  an  intimate  mixture  of  a 
variety  of  dissimilar  materials.  This  is  particularly  true  of  materials  washed 
from  red  soils  and  calcareous  soils. 

The  Indian-red  material  derived  from  the  Upshur  soils  often  dominates  the 
of  the  bottom  lands,  including  the  Moshannon  soils,  for  considerable  dis- 
tances beyond  (he  limits  of  the  parent  soil,  even  where  large  quantities  of 
Sediments    from   entirely   different    sources  and    of  entirely   different    color   have 

been  added.    The  pinkish-colored  sediments  carried  from  the  Bed  Beds  region 

of  northwest  Texas  and  Oklahoma  have  given  a  decidedly  pinkish-red  color  to 
the  bottom   lands  of  streams  rising  in   this  section   for  hundreds  nl'  miles  below 

th<-  boundaries  of  the  Red  Beds.    Along  the  Brazos  River,  for  example, 

in    this   region,    the    Miller   soils,    which   owe   their   most    striking  character! 

i<-  the  reddish  wash  from  the  Red  Beds,  extend  nearly  to  (he  Gulf  of  M 
800  miles  or  more  below   the  region  affording   the  characterising  sediments. 
Material  derived  from  calcareous  soils  frequently  Imparts  distinctive  qualities, 
Cially  of  texture  and  of  product i vonoss.  to  alluvial   lands  for  long  distances 

outside  the  boundaries  of  Buch  calcareous  sods. 

It   thus  appears  that   while  the  source  of  all  the  material,  or  even  the  gr< 

entering  Into  the  composition  of  alluvial  Boils,  can  do!  he  precisely  deter- 
mined in  all  cases,  a  number  of  factors  serve  as  safe  criteria  in  fixing  the  origin 

of  .-it  least  :i  part  of  the  component  material,  usually  the  dominant  part.  In 
the   Case   of   s<>nie   series   established    upon-  the   basis   of   the   origin    Of   material 

rather  arbitrary  Hues  of  limitation*are  uecessarily  drawn.  The  Genesee  soils, 
for  example,  which  in  their  typical  development  are  derived  altogether  or 
largely  from  light  colored  glacial  soils,  grade  into  the  Huntington  soils,  which 

very    Similar    appearance,    but     which    typically     Consist     Of    sediments 


EIVEE   FLOOD   PLAINS   PKOVINCE.  307 

washed  from  the  residual  soils  of  the  Appalachian  and  Limestone  Valleys 
regions.  Along  streams  flowing  from  the  glaciated  region  and  entering  the 
Appalachian  and  Limestone  provinces  to  the  south  there  is  a  gradual  change 
from  alluvium  consisting  mainly  of  glacial  material  to  that  consisting  princi- 
pally of  residual  Appalachian  and  Limestone  material,  or  from  the  Genesee 
soils  to  the  Huntington,  so  that  it  becomes  necessary  to  fix  boundaries  which 
in  some  cases  are  somewhat  arbitrary. 

Frequently,  however,  the  Genesee  can  safely  be  extended  down  into  the 
Appalachian  and  Limestone  provinces  until  large  streams  having  their  main 
drainage  basins  within  these  provinces  enter  with  a  burden  of  unquestionably 
residual  material.  Below  such  points  it  is  obvious  that  a  considerable  part  of 
the  alluvium  is  of  residual  origin,  while  above  it  is  equally  clear  that  the  con- 
tent of  residual  material  is  negligible  or  small  in  amount  as  compared  with 
glacial  sediments. 

On  the  basis  of  color  the  alluvial  soils  are  easily  separated  into  distinct 
series  of  black,  brown,  gray,  yellow,  and  red  soils.  The  color  of  the  material 
points  either  to  some  important  soil  condition,  such  as  drainage,  amount  of 
organic  matter  present,  or  state  of  oxidation,  or  to  the  source  of  the  material. 
The  black  alluvial  soils  are  usually  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  accumu- 
lation of  dark-colored  organic  matter;  the  brown  soils  ordinarily  have  rela- 
tively good  drainage,  at  least  between  periods  of  overflow,  while  the  gray  soils 
exist  generally  under  intermediate  drainage  conditions;  that  is,  they  are  better 
drained  than  the  black  soils  and  not  so  well  drained  as  the  brown.  On  the 
other  hand,  the  red  alluvial  soils  prevailingly  represent  sediments  washed  from 
red  uplands,  although  they  occasionally  consist  of  material  which  has  assumed 
a  red  color  through  advanced  processes  of  weathering,  especially  the  oxidation 
of  iron  salts. 

The  first-bottom  division  of  the  Flood  Plains  comprises  the  youngest  soils 
not  only  of  this  but  of  all  the  provinces,  excepting  certain  eolian  soils  which  are 
being  contemporaneously  formed  in  other  provinces  through  the  action  of  wind. 
These  first-bottom  soils  are  immature  in  that  they  are  being  added  to  by  each 
overflow,  and  for  the  additional  reason  that  the  time  between  overflows  is 
insufficient  for  and  the  conditions  unfavorable  to  the  advancement  of  those  proc- 
esses of  weathering  which  have  brought  about  the  different  characteristics 
obtaining  in  older,  better-drained  normal  soils.  Oxidation  has  been  inhibited 
by  poor  drainage,  the  outwashing  and  downward  translocation  of  the  finer 
particles  has  been  prevented  or  hindered  by  the  frequent  deposition  of  material 
over  the  surface,  and  a  minimum  of  work  has  been  accomplished  by  erosional 
processes,  owing  to  the  flat  surface  and  the  frequent  water-soaked  condition 
of  the  land. 

Mai nly  glacial  material. — In  those  regions  where  the  alluvium  is  largely 
derived  from  glacial  material  the  alluvial  terraces  (second  bottoms)  have  not 
been  included  in  this  province.  Such  terraces  as  exist  along  stream  courses 
in  the  glacial  region  were  formed  by  rushing  glacial  waters  contemporaneous 
with  the  recession  of  the  ice.  These  terraces  are  characterized  by  a  predomi- 
nance of  coarse  sediments,  such  as  coarse  sand  and  gravel,  in  many  cases  with 
a  later  superficial  deposition  of  fine  material  where  the  waters  were  less 
voluminous.  These  areas  have  been  included  in  the  Glacial  Lake  and  River 
Terrace  province. 

The  most  extensive  series  of  first-bottom  alluvium  consists  of  the  brownish 
Genesee  soils,  which  are  confined  principally  to  the  timbered  portion  of  the 
glacial  till  region,  occurring  mainly  in  New  York,  Ohio,  Indiana.  Michigan,  and 
Wisconsin.  The  Podunk  series  comprises  the  brownish  first-bottom  soils 
washed  largely  from  material  of  the  glacial  crystalline  rocks  in  New  England. 
The  other  series  of  alluvial  soils  derived  from  glacial  material  are  mainly 
local  in  their  distribution. 

Mainly  loessial  material. — The  area  of  the  alluvial  soils  genetically  ascribed 
to  loessial  material  is  more  extensive  than  that  of  any  of  the  other  groups  of 
the  River  Flood  Plains  province.  Under  this  head  have  been  classed  the  soils 
of  the  Mississippi  River  bottoms,  as  well  as  those  of  the  large  and  small  streams 
throughout  the  last  loessial  region  of  the  North  Central  States  and  the  strips 
of  loess  extending  down  the  Mississippi  River. 

None  of  these  soils  consist  wholly  of  loessial  material.  Those  of  the  Missis- 
sippi bottoms  are  extremely  heterogeneous  in  origin  of  the  material.  They 
include  wash  from  loessial.  glacial,  and  a  variety  of  residual  soils  -in  brief, 
from  all  the  soils  lying  within  the  influence  of  the  surface  run-oft"  of  the  vast 
Mississippi  drainage  basin.     Nevertheless,  much  of  the  water  carried  by  the 


308  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Mississippi  comes  from  loessial  regions,  and  it  is  therefore  safe  to  assume  that 
a  large  part  of  the  alluvium  has  been  transported  from  such  areas.  A  large 
area  of  bottom  land  consisting  entirely  or  almost  entirely  of  wash  from  loessial 
soils  is  developed  in  the  North  Central  States. 

The  most  extensive  series  of  the  province  is  the  Wabash,  including  soils  which 
typically  are  mainly  or  purely  of  loessial  origin.  Tbese  are  largely  confined  to 
the  North  Central  States.     They  are  black  first-bottom  soils  of  high  productivity. 

The  Sbarkey  series,  represented  mainly  by  the  clay  type,  is  the  most  extensive 
series  of  the  Mississippi  bottoms.  The  clay  content  of  this  series  averages 
high  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  the  sediments  representing  the  finer  particles 
borne  in  suspension  and  laid  down  in  comparatively  quiet  overflow  water  away 
from  the  swifter  currents  near  the  channel.  The  Yazoo  soils,  on  the  other  hand. 
consist  of  the  coarser  sediments  deposited  as  natural  levees  in  the  more  rapid 
currents  along  and  near  the  banks  of  streams. 

The  Sarpy  is  another  extensive  first-bottom  series  belonging  to  the  loessial 
group.  Its  most  distinctive  feature  is  the  light  texture  of  the  subsoil  materia] 
as  compared  with  that  of  the  soil.  This  feature  accounts  for  the  good  drainage 
and  consequent  high  productivity  of  these  soils. 

A  considerable  area  of  loessial  alluvium  is  occupied  by  the  light-gray  Waverly 
soils,  which  are  rather  poorly  drained  and  not  so  productive  as  the  Sarpy. 
These  occur  in  flat  to  slightly  depressed  situations  in  the  first  bottoms  where  the 
material  is  intermittently  wet  and  dry  between  overflows 

Terrace  soils  have  a  moderate  development  in  the  loessial  group,  the  brown, 
productive  Lintonia  being  the  most  extensive.  The  Olivier  and  Iberia  are 
important  along  the  lower  Mississippi  bottoms.  These  are  somewhat  related 
in  their  physical  features  to  the  soils  of  the  Coastal  Prairie  division  of  the 
Coastal  Plains.  The  type  locality  is  between  the  Coastal  Prairie  region  and  the 
first  bottoms  of  the  Mississippi,  and  it  is  possible  that  these  represent  an  order 
of  soils  intermediate  between  these  divisions. 

Mainly  Coastal  Plain  material. — Of  the  group  comprising  soils  derived  entirely 
or  largely  from  Coastal  Plain  material  the  Ocklocknee  and  Bibb  are  the 
most  extensive  of  the  first-bottom  series.  The  former  series  includes  the  brown- 
ish and  the  latter  the  grayish  soils.  There  are  a  number  of  other  first-bottom 
series  of  more  local  distribution.  The  Trinity  is  probably  the  most  important 
of  these.  It  includes  extensive  strips  of  highly  productive  alluvium  along 
streams  traversing  and  issuing  from  the  prairie  regions  of  Houston  soils  in 
Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Texas. 

The  terraces  include  extensive  areas  of  Cahaba,  Kalmia,  and  Myatt  soils, 
especially  in  Mississippi,  Alabama,  and  Georgia.  The  Cahaba  series  includes  the 
best  drained  soils  of  the  terraces,  the  Myatt  the  poorest  drained,  and  the  Kalmia 
those  of  intermediate  drainage. 

Some  areas  of  these,  as  well  as  some  of  the  first-bottom  series,  include  vary- 
ing amounts  of  material  derived  from  Piedmont  and  Appalachian  soils.  The 
Cahaba  particularly  carries  large  quantities  of  Piedmont  and  Appalachian  ma- 
terial, and  also  some  limestone  material,  in  such  developments  as  that  along 
the  Alabama  River  near  the  Piedmont  border. 

Mainlji  Piedmont  material. — The  first  bottoms  of  the  Piedmont  are  largely 
occupied  by  the  Congaree  soils.  The  reddish  material  comprising  the  typical 
Congaree  alluvium  dominates  the  color  and  probably  constitutes  the  greater 
pari  <>f  the  materia]  of  the  Brst  bottoms  along  a  number  of  streams  across  the 
Coastal  Plain  from  the  Piedmont  boundary  to  the  tidal  marshes  fringing  the 
Atlantic  Ocean.    Of  course,  within  the  Coastal  Plain  a  part  of  the  alluvium 

along  the  Streams   rising   in   the  Piedmont    is  derived   from   Coastal   Plain   soils. 

but  so  much  more  of  the  dominant  Piedmont  clay  material  than  of  the  dominant 

Bandy  Coastal  Plains  deposits  is  carried  in  suspension  that  it  is  likely  the  former 
usually  prevails,  especially  in  those  bottoms  which  show  a   reddish  color. 

Terrace  soils  are  decidedly  Inextensive  within  the  heart   of  the  Piedmont 

Plateau,  hut  (wo  series.  iii,»  Wiokham  and  Allavista.  Consisting  wholly  or 
largely  Of  Piedmont  material,  have  a  moderate  development  within  the  lower 
border  zone  and  just  outside  the  province,  in  the  upper  portion  of  the  Coastal 
Plain.     The  \\  i<k  li;i  111  Ifl  most  extensive  along  the  streams  north  of  the  Roanoke 

River. 

Mainly  Appalachian  material.  I  >f  the  first  bottom  soils  derived  principally 
trom  Appalachian  material  the  Toxaway  and  Moehannon  arc  the  most  im- 
portant. The  former  are  brownish  soils  derived  from  the  residual  soils  of 
crystalline  rocks  belonging  to  the  Appalachian  Mountains  or  the  eastern  divi- 
sion of  the  Appalachian  system,  while  the  latter  are  Indian  red  soils  washed 


EIVEK  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  309 

from  the  Upshur  soils  of  the  red  sandstone  and  shale  regions  of  the  Appalachian 
system,  chiefly  the  Allegheny  Plateau  and  the  mountains  of  the  Great  Appa- 
lachian Valley. 

The  Tyler  series  comprises  the  gray,  poorly  drained  terrace  soils  consisting 
largely  of  Appalachian  material,  while  the  Holston  includes  the  corresponding 
brownish,  well-drained  types. 

Mainly  Appalachian  and  Limestone  material. — An  important  group  consists 
of  soils  made  up  of  wash  from  Appalachian  and  limestone  soils.  The  most 
extensive  series  of  these  are  the  Huntington  and  Holly.  These  are  first-bottom 
soils,  the  former  representing  the  better  drained,  brownish  types,  and  the  latter 
those  of  grayish  color  and  poor  drainage. 

Several  important  terrace  series  belong  to  this  group.  Large  areas  have  been 
mapped  of  both  the  Elk  and  Cumberland  series.  The  Elk  series  comprises 
brown  terrace  soils  with  yellow  or  yellowish-brown  subsoils,  while  the  Cum- 
berland includes  brown  terrace  soils  with  reddish-brown  subsoils.  The  gray 
Robertsville  soils  represent  the  poorly  drained  terrace  series  of  this  group. 

Mainly  Appalachian,  Limestone,  and  Piedmont  material. — Only  one  series  lias 
been  recognized  as  being  composed  of  material  washed  from  the  Appalachian. 
Limestone,  and  Piedmont  provinces.  This  is  the  Birdsboro,  of  Pennsylvania,  a 
terrace  soil,  mapped  along  streams  heading  in  the  Limestone  and  Appalachian 
regions  and  flowing  through  the  Piedmont. 

Mainly  Glacial  and  Appalachian  material. — The  Wheeling  series  includes  a 
large  total  area  of  terrace  soils  consisting  of  wash  from  the  Glacial  and  Appa- 
lachian province.  These  frequently  have  a  substratum  of  glacial  gravel.  They 
are  well-drained,  productive  soils. 

Mainly  residual  prairie  material. — West  of  the  Mississippi  River  a  great 
many  streams  are  bordered  with  first  and  second  bottom  soils  consisting  largely 
of  wash  from  the  residual  soils  of  the  prairie  regions.  The  Miller  is  an  exten- 
sive first-bottom  series  developed  along  streams  rising  in  the  Red  Beds  region. 
These  soils  are  of  pinkish-red  color  and  are  extremely  productive.  The  Osage 
occurs  in  considerable  areas  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  receiving  drainage 
from  the  residual  prairie  sandstone  and  shale  soils.  The  Auglaize  includes  black 
first-bottom  types  derived  from  residual  prairie  limestone  material. 

Large  areas  of  alluvial  lands  are  comprised  in  the  stream  bottoms  and  ter- 
races of  west  and  southwest  Texas,  where  the  material  consists  of  wash  from 
residual  prairie  soils  of  the  semiarid  regions.  The  Rio  Grande  and  Laredo 
series  are  representative  alluvial  soils  derived  from  soils  of  the  semiarid  residual 
prairies. 

Miscellaneous  materials. — Under  the  head  of  "  Miscellaneous  materials " 
there  have  been  mapped  extensive  total  areas  of  Meadow  and  Swamp. 

Meadow  consists  of  undifferentiated  first-bottom  materials  extremely  vari- 
able in  origin,  sediments  from  nearly  all  the  important  series  entering  into  this 
classification  as  locally  mapped.  Frequently  the  material  is  derived  from 
drainage  basins  of  uniform  soil,  but  everywhere  the  typical  areas  of  Meadow 
are  of  varied  texture,  both  in  the  surface  of  restricted  areas  and  throughout 
the  vertical  section. 

The  alluvium  classed  as  Swamp  is  generally  confined  to  wider  bottoms  than 
those  occupied  by  Meadow,  where  overflows  are  deeper  and  of  longer  duration. 
The  Swamp  lands  are  so  poorly  drained  that  extensive  engineering  operations 
would  be  necessary  to  effect  their  reclamation,  whereas  with  Meadow  individual 
farmers  can  handle  the  work  necessary  for  the  reclamation  of  a  large  part  of 
the  area  occupied. 

Muck,  Riverwash,  Marsh,  and  Overwash  are  the  other  classifications  recog- 
nized under  the  Miscellaneous  Material  group.  These  have  not  been  mapped  in 
extensive  areas.  Their  characteristics  are  brought  out  in  subsequent  type 
descriptions. 

CLIMATE. 

Inasmuch  as  the  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  are  developed  over 
a  very  large  area,  it  is  evident  that  the  climatic  variation  is  wide,  ranging  from 
the  subtropical  conditions  of  southern  Texas  and  Florida  to  the  long  winters 
in  the  latitude  of  the  Canadian  border,  and  from  seiniaridity  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  one  hundredth  meridian  to  humidity  along  the  Atlantic  shores.  These  varia- 
tions naturally  effect  a  wide  range  in  the  crop  adaptations  of  the  soils  and  in 
the  character  of  agriculture  from  north  to  south  and  from  west  to  east.  In 
Florida  and  the  south  Gulf  region  of  Texas  the  alluvial  soils,  where  properly 


310  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

drained,  can  be  successfully  used  for  the  out-of-doors  production  of  winter 
vegetables  and  citrus  fruits,  whereas  in  the  northern  portions  of  North  Dakota, 
Minnesota,  Wisconsin,  and  New  England  the  summers  are  so  short  that  only 
the  very  earliest  varieties  of  corn  reach  maturity  in  favorable  localities,  and 
this  corn  is  generally  too  soft  for  the  best  milling  purposes,  while  the  winters 
are  too  severe  for  best  results  with  winter  wheat 

Along  the  western  border  of  the  region,  near  the  one  hundredth  meridian,  the 
rainfall  is  so  scant  that  crops  are  generally  not  sure  except  under  irrigation. 
Dry-farming  methods  are  practiced  here  to  a  considerable  extent,  summer 
fallowing  being  practiced  one  year  to  conserve  moisture  for  the  next  year's 
crop.  The  greater  part  of  the  alluvial  soils,  however,  are  subject  to  frequent 
overflow  and  to  abnormal  wet  conditions  between  periods  of  overflow,  necessi- 
tating greater  effort  to  rid  the  land  of  excess  moisture  rather  than  to  provide 
sufficient  moisture. 

Locally  narrow  bottoms  and  terraces  inclosed  by  high  bluffs  are  not  suited  to 
fruit,  owing  to  inclemency  of  the  climate,  particularly  poor  air  drainage  or  the 
tendency  of  heavy,  cool  air  to  settle  in  such  situations.  For  the  same  reason 
early  vegetables  can  not  be  grown  successfully  in  the  deep,  narrow  valleys,  even 
where  the  soil  is  properly  drained. 

AGRICULTURAL  VALUE  OF  ALLUVIAL  SOILS. 

The  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  comprise  a  vast  area  of  ex- 
tremely fertile  land.  Consisting  of  sediments  washed  from  a  great  many 
sources,  including  cultivated  and  timbered  lands  intimately  mixed  among  them- 
selves and  with  varied  organic  matter  and  deposited  in  positions  where  leach- 
ing and  weathering  have  not  had  opportunity  to  alter  its  condition  to  any  con- 
siderable degree,  a  very  large  part  of  the  overflowed  alluvium  represents  the 
most  fertile  lands  known.  The  soils  possess  great  potentialities  and  only 
require  drainage  and  protection  from  overflow  to  become  producers  of  a  variety 
of  crops.  Already  a  large  acreage  has  been  brought  under  profitable  cultivation, 
and  it  is  likely  that  the  cultivated  area  will  continue  to  be  enlarged  steadily 
until  the  whole  is  utilized. 

A  total  of  17,794,171  acres  have  been  surveyed  in  this  province  on  the  detail 
scale  of  1  inch  to  the  mile  and  4,451,968  acres  on  the  reconnoissance  scale  of 
1  inch  to  4  to  6  miles,  with  an  overlap  of  572,480  acres,  leaving  a  net  amount 
of  21,673,659  acres  actually  covered.  Of  this  amount  16,212.420  acres  have  been 
classified  by  series,  14,987,396  acres  of  which  have  been  classified  into  types. 
There  are  5,461,239  acres  of  miscellaneous  material  either  nonagricultural  or 
requiring  extensive  reclamation  to  prepare  them  for  agricultural  use. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Abernathy  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Abernathy  series  are  red,  while 
the  subsoils  are  mottled  reddish,  brown,  and  gray  or  grayish.  The  soils  are 
developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams,  where  they  are  subject  to  overflow 
and  poor  drainage.  They  are  derived  principally  from  Decatur  material.  When 
properly  drained  they  are  well  suited  to  corn,  oats,  grass,  and  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Abernathy  .scries. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Abernathy  silt  loam 

Kilty  day  loam. 


Alabama  L0. 

Mil    | 


Total. 


832 

id, mi; 

U.iilS 


i  For  key  to  in i rt  1 1 ..  r     in  thil  OOlumn  B66  |».  733. 

Altamaha  series.  The  soils  are  prevailingly  of  dark-drab  <<>  dark  bluish  color 
ami  heavy  texture,  ami  the  subsoils  are  slate-blue  to  blutah-drab  or  bluish  gray 
in  color,  often  with  reddish-yellow  and  yellowish  mottlings,  and  ot  siiiy  clay 

re  and  plastic  structure.    Lime  c :retlons  arc  occasionally  encountered  in 

the  lower  subsoil.  Cultivation  is  difficult  on  accounl  of  the  Intractable  struc- 
ture  of  Hi'-  soils  when  dry  and  their  sticky  character  when  wet  in  origin  these 
soils  are  closely  associated  with  tin-  Georgetown  series,  probably  baying  heen 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


311 


deposited  by  the  rivers  under  estuarine  conditions.  They  are  subject  to  tidal 
overflow  with  fresh  to  brackish  river  water  where  not  protected  by  dikes.  The 
most  characteristic  feature  of  the  series  is  the  bluish  color  of  the  material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Altamaha  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Georgia  10 

640 

do 

384 

Total        

1,024 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Altavista  series. — The  surface  soils  are  gray ;  the  subsoils  are  yellow  or 
mottled  yellow  and  gray,  or  yellow,  gray,  and  red.  The  series  is  developed  as 
well-defined  to  rather  indistinct  terraces  along  streams,  and  lie  above  normal 
overflow.  The  soils  are  encountered  in  the  Piedmont  region  and  in  the  near-by 
Coastal  Plain  along  streams  issuing  from  the  Piedmont.  Typically  the  material 
is  alluvial  in  origin,  but  in  places  near  foot  slopes  some  colluvial  material  has 
modified  the  alluvial  deposits.  In  places  also  the  subsoil  appears  to  be  at  least 
partly  residual  in  origin.  The  flatter  areas  need  surface  drainage.  Tobacco, 
corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  grass  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Altavista  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Altavista  sandy  loam 

Virginia  4 

1,088 

North  Carolina  15 

3,968 

loam ." 

North  Carolina  23 

6,080 

silt  loam 

North  Carolina  11,  23 

2,624 

Total 

13,760 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Amite  series. — The  Amite  series  is  marked  by  the  brown  to  chocolate-brown 
or  reddish-brown  color  of  the  soils,  and  by  the  reddish-brown  to  red  color 
of  the  subsoils.  There  is  frequently  a  substratum  of  water-rounded  gravel 
at  a  considerable  depth  below  the  surface.  The  soils  occur  on  stream  terraces 
above  normal  overflow.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  having  been  derived 
principally  from  the  silty  soils  of  Louisiana  and  Mississippi  near  the  Mississippi 
River.  The  soils  are  well  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  the  region,  the 
sandy  members  being  particularly  adapted  to  strawberries  and  a  variety  of 
vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Amite  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Amite  sandy  loam 

Louisiana  13 

do 

7,232 

loam -  -      

16,320 

* 

Total 

23,552 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Aroostook  series. — The  soils  are  dark-brown  and  are  generally  quite  mellow 
in  structure.  They  are  alluvial,  being  derived  mainly  from  glacial  till  of 
limestone  origin.  They  occur  in  the  first  bottoms  and  occasionally  upon  indis- 
tinctly developed  second  terraces.  Spring  overflows  are  common,  but  little 
trouble  is  had  from  this  source  during  the  growing  season.  The  soils  are 
very  productive,  making  heavy  yields  of  Irish  potatoes  of  excellent  quality, 
grass,  and  grain. 


312 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Aroostook  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

ArnnstnoV  sandy  l<wn 

960 

loam 

do 

64 

silt  loam 

do 

2  432 

Total 

3,456 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Auglaize  series. — Both  the  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  Auglaize  series  are  black. 
The  surface  portion  is  usually  of  friable  structure.  These  soils  are  of  allu- 
vial origin  and  are  subject  to  stream  overflow.  The  material  is  derived  from 
the  black  residual  limestone  soils  of  the  Ozark  region. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Auglaize  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Auglaize  silt  loam 

Missouri  11 

2,816 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Austin  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  to  light  brown.  The  subsoils  are  gray- 
ish and  of  calcareous  nature.  These  soils  occupy  level  stream  terraces  stand- 
ing above  overflow.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  having  been  derived  from 
the  residual  prairie  soils  of  south-central  Texas.  They  are  well  suited  to  cot- 
ton, corn,  fruit,  sorghum,  and  a  number  of  vegetables,  especially  under  irriga- 
tion.    Alfalfa  has  been  successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Austin  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  25,  33 

32,576 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Barbour  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Barbour  series  are  reddish-brown  or  brown- 
ish-red to  Indian-red  in  color,  with  Indian-red  subsoils.  The  topography  is 
level  to  somewhat  undulating,  the  soil  being  developed  in  first  bottoms  in 
glacial  regions.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  wash  from  red  till  upland 
soils,  such  as  the  Lackawanna  series.  Where  stone  or  gravel  is  present  it  will 
generally  be  found  to  consist  principally  of  red  shale  and  sandstone  from  the 
Catsklll  or  Medina  formations.  The  soils  are  subject  to  overflow  and  usually 
have  naturally  poor  surface  drainage.  There  is  some  range  in  elevation  above 
the  streams,  and  where  the  tendency  to  overflow  is  least,  and  where,  as  some- 
times OCCOrS  Stratified  gravel  underlies  the  soils  at  about  ."»  feet  and  assists 
the  downward  movement  Of  water,  the  series  is  valuable  for  general  farm  and 
truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Barbour  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  urea.1 

Acres. 

IVntlM  l\  :illl:i   1 

|,(M8 

lb 

■Mlii 

lVnn-\  1\  mil  1  1 

10,368 

Total                      

18,432 

i  For  key  to  D&mbcn  in  thJl  column  Ml  |>.  73U. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


313 


Bastrop  series. — The  soils  are  brown,  with  reddish-brown  to  red  subsoils.  The 
series  represents  old  alluvial  material  brought  down  by  streams  from  the  Per- 
mian Red  Beds  and  deposited  as  terraces  now  almost  entirely  above  overflow. 
The  soils  constitute  excellent  farming  lands. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bastrop  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Bastrop  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam . 

silt  loam 

clay 


Texas  3 

Texas  2,  3,  33. 

Texas  3 

do 


7,680 
61,440 

6,080 
12,352 


Total. 


87,552 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bibb  series. — The  Bibb  series  is  marked  by  light-colored  to  white,  compact 
surface  soils  and  by  compact,  plastic,  and  white  or  mottled  white  and  yellowish 
subsoils.  These  soils  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  and  are 
subject  to  overflow  and  to  intermittent  wet  and  dry  stages.  The  material  is 
derived  principally  from  the  Coastal  Plain  soils.  Under  present  drainage 
conditions  the  yields  are  low.  With  the  establishment  of  good  drainage  by 
ditching,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  do  well  and  cotton  moderately  well.  In  their 
present  condition  the  Bibb  soils  are  best  suited  to  grass  and  pasturage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bibb  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alabama  8,  32 

4,352 
26,752 
50,304 
35,264 

7,360 

fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  37;  Mississippi  9, 14. 
Alabama  22;  Mississippi  15  . . 
Alabama  3,  37;  Mississippi  5, 
9,10. 

loam 

Total 

124,032 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Birdsboro  series. — The  soils  are  yellowish  brown  to  brown,  and  the  subsoils 
yellow  to  yellowish  brown.  Occasionally  water-rounded  stones  and  gravel  are 
scattered  over  the  surface  and  mixed  with  the  soil.  The  soils  consist  of  alluvial 
or  water-worked  material,  a  great  part  of  which  is  derived  from  Appalachian 
limestone  and  Piedmont  material.  They  have  been  mapped  only  in  the  Piedmont 
of  Pennsylvania.  This  is  essentially  a  river-terrace  series.  The  topography  is 
nearly  flat  to  gently  rolling,  and  the  drainage  is  good.  The  soils  are  fairly  well 
suited  to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Birdsboro  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Birdsboro  silt  loam 

Pennsylvania  3 

3,840 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Biscoe  series. — The  soils  of  the  Biscoe  series  are  chocolate  brown,  with  yellow 
subsoils  whose  lower  portions  are  sometimes  mottled  with  gray.  The  sur- 
face is  gently  rolling,  and  the  drainage  is  fairly  well  established.  These  soils 
represent  old  stream  alluvium,  no  longer  subject  to  overflow.  The  materia] 
is  derived  largely  from  the  silty  soils  occurring  in  the  prairie  regions  of 
Arkansas  and  Louisiana.  The  principal  timber  growth  consists  of  several  varie- 
ties of  oak.  A  large  part  of  the  series  is  under  cultivation,  chiefly  to  cotton, 
which  gives  good  results.  Corn,  forage  crops,  and  lespedeza  are  grown  with  fair 
success.    Alfalfa  could  be  profitably  grown. 


314 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Biscoe  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Biscoe  silt  loam 

12,992 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Blanco  series. — The  Blanco  series  has  gray  to  light-brown  soils  and  brownish 
subsoils,  which  in  the  lower  portions  change  into  plastic,  heavy  material  of  a 
decidedly  brown  color.  The  soil  and  subsoil  are  calcareous.  These  soils 
occupy  stream  terraces  standing  mainly  above  overflow.  The  material  is  of 
alluvial  origin,  having  been  derived  chiefly  from  residual  prairie  soils  of  south- 
ern central  Texas.  The  soils  are  well  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  the 
region,  particularly  to  cotton,  corn.  Irish  potatoes,  sweet  potatoes,  and  alfalfa. 
Better  yields  are  secured  with  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Blanco  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  26 

6,376 

Texas  28 

96,448 

Total 

101,824 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Buckner  series. — The  color  of  the  surface  soils  is  dark  brown  to  nearly  black. 
The  subsoils  are  lighter  in  color  and  frequently  lighter  in  texture  than  the 
surface  soils.  The  series  is  developed  as  terraces  or  flat-topped  ridges,  holding 
essentially  the  position  of  a  terrace  or  second  bottom  in  the  alluvial  bottoms 
of  the  Mississippi  River  and  such  tributaries  as  the  Missouri.  The  material  i* 
alluvial  in  origin.  Where  protected  from  overflow  by  its  higher  position  good 
crops  of  cotton,  corn,  grass,  forage,  and  grain  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Buckner  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  10 

320 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Buxin  series. — The  soils  of  the  Buxin  series  are  reddish,  with  subsoils  of 
mottled  rusty-brown,  bluish-drab,  and  yellowish  color  and  plastic  structure. 
The  surface  soil  consists  of  Miller  material  and  the  subsoil  of  Sharkey  material. 
The  series  simply  represents  a  deposition  of  the  Miller  over  Sharkey.  It 
occupies  the  flood  plains  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  soils  are  extremely 
fertile,  and  with  protection  from  overflow  and  drainage  produce  excellent  yields 
of  sugar  cane,  rice.  corn,  grass,  and  forage.  Cotton  would  <lo  well  provided 
the  ravages  of  the  boll  weevil  could  be  checked. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  liu.rin  aeries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  arc  | ,1 

Acres. 

Buxin  silt  lo.iin 

Louisiana  4 

2,600 

1  i  ot  kej  i"  number  m  this  oolumo  m 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


315 


Cahaba  series. — The  surface  soils  are  brown  to  reddish  brown  and  the  subsoils 
are  yellowish  red  to  reddish  brown.  The  series  occupies  old  stream  terraces, 
lying  largely  above  overflow,  and  represents  the  best  drained  lands  of  such 
terraces.  They  are  most  extensively  and  typically  developed  in  the  Gulf  Coastal 
Plain  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi.  The  component  material  consists  of  wash 
from  Coastal  Plain  soils,  with  more  or  less  mixture  along  the  larger  streams 
issuing  from  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  Piedmont  Plateau  of  material 
derived  from  the  soils  of  those  regions.  These  soils  are  admirably  suited  to  the 
production  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops.  Some  of  the  heavier,  better 
drained  areas  could  be  successfully  used  for  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gahaba  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Cahaba  sand 

loamy  sand 

fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam . 


loam 

silt  loam, 
clay 


Alabama  32;  Mississippi  5,  10 

Mississippi  5,  20 

Alabama  2,  18;  Mississippi  3,  5,  14 

Alabama  8,  18,  31,  32,  37;  Mississippi  5 

Alabama  1, 2,  3, 12, 14, 17,  34, 37;  Mississippi  3,  5,  9, 10, 12, 14,  20; 

South  Carolina  8. 

Alabama  2,  14,  17,  37;  Mississippi  12 

Alabama  1,  3,  14,  37;  Mississippi  5,  9,  10,  12 

Alabama  13,  18,  30;  Georgia  8;  Mississippi  10,   14,  20;    North 

Carolina  7. 


17, 792 

18,240 

6,912 

32,960 

314,688 

70,976 
94,656 
109, 056 


Total. 


665.280 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Calhoun  series. — The  soils  of  the  Calhoun  series  are  of  gray  color  and  heavy 
texture.  The  heavy  clay  subsoils  are  of  gray  or  drab  color  and  tenacious, 
waxy  structure.  Iron  concretions  are  common  and  in  places  there  is  a  sab- 
stratum  of  sandy  material.  These  soils  occupy  poorly  drained,  flat  stream  ter- 
races, on  which  water  stands  for  long  periods  after  rains.  They  are  not  subject 
to  overflow.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  principally  from  the 
silty  soils  of  the  prairie  regions  of  Arkansas  and  Louisiana.  With  proper 
drainage,  the  soils  are  well  suited  to  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Calhoun  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Calhoun  clay 

Arkansas  4 

12,672 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Cameron  series. — The  Cameron  series  includes  soils  of  dark-brown  to  black 
color  and  tenacious  character,  and  highly  calcareous  subsoils,  which  are  lighter 
in  color  than  the  surface  soils.  Lime  concretions  are  of  frequent  occurrence  in 
the  deeper  subsoil.  The  series  occupies  broad,  shallow  basins,  occurring  typi- 
cally between  abandoned  river  channels,  and  in  general  is  poorly  drained.  The 
lower  portions  of  the  basins  receive  the  drainage  water  from  surrounding  soils 
and  remain  in  a  flooded  condition  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  Alkali  is 
frequently  present  in  the  lower  depressions,  but  when  the  soil  is  well  drained 
the  alkali  salts  do  not  injure  crops.  The  material  of  this  series  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  deposited  chiefly  by  overflow  waters  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Both  the  soil 
and  subsoil  are  calcareous.  The  better  drained  areas  along  the  upper  slopes 
of  the  basins  support  a  heavy  growth  of  mesquite,  cactus,  and  other  native  vege- 
tation. The  growth  becomes  lighter  toward  the  depressions,  the  lowest  portions 
of  which  support  only  a  growth  of  coarse  marsh  grasses.  Good  crops  of  corn, 
sugar  cane,  cotton,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  are  successfully  grown  on  the 
better  drained  areas. 


316  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cameron  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1               1    Acres. 

Cameron  clay 

Texas  5,  27,  28 

152,064 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Catalpa  series. — The  Catalpa  soils  are  light  gray  to  grayish  brown,  with 
mottled  gray  and  brown  to  black,  silty  clay  subsoils,  consisting  chiefly  of  Trinity 
material.  They  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  flowing  through 
and  issuing  from  the  Houston  soils.  The  series  is  characteristically  developed 
along  the  outer  edge  of  the  bottoms,  where  the  soils  usually  lie  a  little  higher 
than  the  Trinity  clay  and  have  better  drainage.  The  grayish  color  and  highly 
calcareous  nature  of  the  surface  soil  is  due  to  comparatively  fresh  deposition 
of  material  washed  from  near-by  exposures  of  the  Houston  chalk,  or  "rotten 
limestone,"  of  the  prairie  belt.  The  subsoil  material  generally  consists  of  the 
wash  from  the  Houston  clay.  The  soils  are  usually  lacking  in  organic  matter, 
but  are  very  productive,  being  especially  adapted  to  cotton,  corn,  Bermuda  and 
Johnson  grass,  oats,  sorghum,  and  sugar  cane.  Alfalfa  would  do  well  where 
good  drainage  is  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Catalpa  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Catalpa  silt  loam 

5,056 
3,968 

silty  clay  loam 

Mississippi  10 

Total 

9,024 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Chariton  series. — The  Chariton  soils  are  dark  in  color,  ranging  from  dark 
gray  to  black.  They  belong  to  the  Terrace  group  of  soils  in  the  River  Flood 
Plains  province.  The  type  locality  is  Macon  County,  Mo.,  where  the  soils  occur 
on  terraces  adjoining  the  bottom  lands  of  Chariton  River  and  its  tributaries. 
The  material  is  an  ancient  flood-plain  deposit  of  the  Chariton  River  and  its 
tributaries  which  carry  and  deposit  material  derived  almost  exclusively  from 
the  Kansan  till  and  the  silty  day  layer  that  overlies  it  in  the  Middle  Western 
States.  There  are  usually  three  layers  of  material  in  the  3-foot  soil  and  subsoil 
section.  The  upper  layer  is  light,  the  lower  intermediate,  and  the  middle  layer, 
which  usually  extends  from  about  1G  to  24  inches  in  depth,  heavy. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Chariton  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Chariton  silt  loam 

Mi-  diiri  13 

15, 936 

i  lor  key  to  iiuiiiUt  in  this  column  see  p.  733 
c/i'istuin  90rie$,     This  series  includes  grayish  to  dark-gray  surface  soils  and 

gray  to  mottled  gray  and  yellow  subsoils.  There  is  usually  a  substratum  of 
mottled  red  and  gray,  Impervious,  plastic  clay  which  hinders  drainage.  These 
soils  occupy  fust  bottoms  of  streams  In  the  southern  Coastal  Plain  region.    The 

material  consists  01  sediments  derived   from  Coastal   Plain  soils.     Owing  to  the 

drainage  and  the  predominant  sandy  character  of  these  soils,  they  are 
considered  poor  agriculturally  and  have  Qol  been  utilized  to  any  considerable 
extent. 


EIVEE   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chastain  series. 


317 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Chastain  fine  sand 

Alabama  2 

4,672 

28,928 

Georgia  11, 16 

Total 

33.600 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Collins  series. — The  soils  of  the  Collins  series  are  brown  and  silty,  with  gray 
subsoils.  The  series  is  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams,  where  it  is 
subject  to  overflow  and  not  thoroughly  drained.  The  material  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  having  been  derived  from  the  loessial  soils  of  Arkansas  and  Louisiana. 
The  principal  crops  are  cotton,  corn,  and  Irish  potatoes,  all  of  which  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Collins  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Collins  silt  loam 

Arkansas  4 

8.576 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Congaree  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  Congaree  series  are  brown 
to  reddish-brown,  there  being  comparatively  little  change  in  texture,  structure, 
and  color  from  the  surface  downward.  Occasionally  grayish  and  yellowish 
mottling  is  encountered  in  the  subsoil  of  the  poorly  drained  area.  These  soils 
are  developed  in  the  overflowed  first  bottoms  of  the  streams  of  the  Piedmont 
region  and  in  similar  positions  in  the  Coastal  Plain  along  streams  issuing  from 
the  Piedmont.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  soils  of  the  Piedmont  region, 
with  some  mixture  of  Appalachian  material,  and  in  the  Coastal  Plain  a  slight 
mingling  of  Coastal  Plain  material.  The  soils  are  very  productive,  but  are  usu- 
ally poorly  drained  and  crops  are  sometimes  damaged  by  overflows.  Extensive 
areas  are  under  cultivation  to  cotton,  corn,  cane,  oats,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Congaree  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Congaree  fine  sand 

North  Carolina  23 

2,112 
43,648 
51,072 

155,520 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Alabama  7 

Alabama  33;    Georgia  13;    North     Carolina  10,    17;  South 

Carolina  13;  Virginia  4. 
Alabama  7,  33;  Mississippi  16;  North  Carolina  5,   23;  South 

Carolina  16;  Virginia  5. 
Alabama  8;  Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  11;  South  Carolina  9.. 
North  Carolina  3 

silt  loam 

19,072 

silty  clay  loam 

clav 

7,360 

Mississippi  11;  North  Carolina  7,  22;  South  Carolina  10, 14 

52,832 

Total 

331,616 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Cumberland  series. — The  surface  soils  are  brown  to  yellowish  brown  in  color, 
while  the  subsoils  are  yellow  to  reddish  yellow.  The  series  comprises  high- 
terrace  soils  in  the  limestone  region  of  the  South.  Many  of  the  larger  streams 
traversing  the  limestone  region  formerly  flowed  at  considerably  higher  levels, 
and  this  resulted  in  the  formation  of  more  or  less  distinct  terraces.  Upon  these 
terraces  was  deposited  a  stratum  of  sedimentary  material.  Typically  the  mate- 
rial consists  of  alluvium  derived  largely  from  limestone  soils.  In  places  the 
subsoil  is  residual  from  limestone. 


318  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Cumberland  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cumberland  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam.. 

Kentucky  3 

896 

Alabama  35;  Kentucky  3 

5,696 
61,184 

loam 

Kentucky  2;  Tennessee  2,  4,  5;  Virginia  9 

gravellv  loam 

Alabama  26;  Virginia  9 

4,800 

7,872 

silt  loam 

Missouri  1 1 ;  Tennessee  12 •. 

clay  loam 

Virginia  9 

192 

Total 

80,640 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dunning  series. — This  series  includes  dark-gray  to  black  soils  of  high  organic- 
matter  content.  The  subsoils  are  mottled  yellow,  drab,  and  bluish.  These 
soils  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  and  are  subject  to  overflow. 
They  are  of  alluvial  origin,  consisting  principally  of  material  washed  from 
limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale  soils.  They  are  associated. with  the  Huntington 
soils  in  regional  occurrence  and  origin  of  material,  differing  chiefly  in  color 
and  organic-matter  content.  When  properly  drained,  corn  and  grass  do  particu- 
larly well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dunning  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wisconsin  7 

5,952 
768 

Pennsylvania  2 

Missouri  8 

384 

Total 

7,104 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Elk  scrips. — The  Elk  series  includes  light-brown  to  brown  soils  and  pale-yel- 
low to  yellow  subsoils.  It  is  developed  on  second  terraces  lying  largely  above 
overflow.  The  material  is  entirely  alluvial,  and  is  derived  from  the  soils  of 
limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale  formations.  These  soils  contain  a  larger 
amount  of  limestone  material  than  do  the  Holston  soils.  Gravelly  material  is 
frequently  encountered  in  the  substratum.  Iii  places  the  surface  is  so  flat  that 
water  stands  after  wel  Beasons.  With  good  drainage  and  careful  management 
the  soils  are  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  oats,  grass,  and  forage  crops.  They  are 
generally  more  productive  than  the  corresponding  members  of  the  Holston 
series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soiU  of  the  Elk  serii 


. 

iteor  area.1 

Uaban                                

- 

22,016 

Ill 

Inlal,  6. 

6,080 

72. 192 

'  F«.r  k«-y  to  numbers  In  tin  i  oolumn  lee  p.  788. 

Franklin  The  soils  are  brown,  with  light-brown  subsoils.    They  occupy 

first  bottoms  of  streams,  bul  are  seldom  overflowed,  lying  a  little  above  the  fre- 
quently overflowed  bottoms  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  largely 
from  the  Lamar  soils.  The  series  is  not  considered  productive,  although  it  is 
utilized  In  part  for  the  production  of  cotton. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Franklin  series. 


319 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Franklin  loam 

Texas  7 

1,280 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Frio  series. — The  Frio  series  consists  of  dark-colored  soils  which  have  been 
brought  down  from  the  Edwards  Plateau  and  deposited  as  terraces  along  the 
larger  streams.  Along  the  immediate  banks  narrow  lower  strips  are  sometimes 
found  which  are  still  being  added  to  by  each  successive  overflow,  but  the  pro- 
portion of  recent  alluvium  is  small.  In  formation  and  position  the  series  re- 
sembles the  Blanco  and  Laredo  series,  but  differs  from  them  in  having  less 
lime,  a  higher  percentage  of  organic  matter,  and  a  darker  color.  The  types 
have  a  level  topography,  are  fairly  well  drained,  and  are  excellent  agricultural 
soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Frio  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Frio  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  28 

165, 888 

loam 

do 

73, 728 

silty  clay  loam 

do 

184.320 

..  do 

37,952 

Total 

461,888 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Genesee  series. — The  Genesee  series  consists  of  dark-brown  to  grayish-brown 
alluvial  sediments  deposited  along  the  major  streams  and  their  tributaries 
throughout  the  northeastern  glaciated  region,  particularly  where  the  Dunkirk, 
Volusia,  Miami,  and  Ontario  series  constitute  the  principal  upland  soils.  The 
soils  of  this  series  also  occur  for  a  short  distance  south  of  the  glaciated 
area,  where  main  streams  have  their  headwaters  in  areas  covered  by  these 
soil  series.  The  sandy  members  of  the  series  are  prevailingly  light  brown  to 
gray  and  the  loam  and  silt  loam  members  darker  brown.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  subject  either  to  annual  or  frequent  overflow.  Where  they  can  be  protected 
from  destructive  overflow  they  are  recognized  as  strong  soils  for  grass  and 
pasture,  corn,  oats,  and,  in  some  instances,  sugar  beets,  cabbages,  potatoes,  and 
similar  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Genesee  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wisconsin  3 • 

512 

fine  sand 

do 

5,504 

4,576 

24,832 

2,944 

128  7t;* 

sandy  loam 

P«nns                  

fine  sandy  loam 

ork  2,  (i,  10,  11:  Wisconsin  8 

verv  fine  sandy  loam. 

i  ■  lvania  1 

loam 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  1,  3,  6,  8,  9, 10, 12,  13,  14, 15;  Ohio  2; 

Pennsylvania  7;  Wisconsin  1,  8. 
New  York  6, 13 

shale  loam 

2,944 
50  432 

New  York  6,  !(>,  '3;  Pennsylvania  4,  7. 

silty  clay  loam 

New  York  10,  13;  Pennsylvania  7 

clav  loam 

ork  6 

960 

undifferentiated 

Pcnnsvh  ania  13,  14,  16 

177,153 

Total 

404,128 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Georgetown  series. — The  Georgetown  soils  are  of  mottled  drab  and  rusty- 
brown  or  reddish-brown  color  and  prevailingly  silty  clay  or  silty  clay  loam 
texture.     The  subsoils  are  of  mottled  drab,  reddish-brown,  or  rusty-brown  and 


320  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

bluish  or  grayish  color,  plastic,  sticky  structure,  and  prevailingly  silty  or  clay 
texture.  In  places  the  drab  predominates  in  the  surface  soil  in  such  a  way  as 
to  give  the  surface  when  dry  a  distinct  grayish  color,  while  in  other  places  the 
brownish  color  predominates,  giving  the  surface  when  dry  a  distinct  brownish 
color.  In  the  lower  subsoil,  which  is  always  saturated  and  consequently  soft 
or  mushy,  bluish  or  bluish-drab  colors  are  predominant  Mucky  material 
often  occurs  in  the  subsoil,  in  places  very  near  or  at  the  surface.  Logs  also 
are  frequently  encountered  in  the  subsoil  and  substratum.  The  soils  comprise 
the  lower  alluvial  lands  of  streams  rising  in  the  Piedmont  Plateau.  They  are 
subject  to  daily  inundation  with  fresh  to  slightly  brackish  water.  Lying  be- 
tween Tidal  marsh,  which  is  subject  to  daily  inundation  with  salt  water,  and 
the  Congaree  soils  along  the  streams  above  the  influence  of  tidal  overflow,  these 
soils  occupy  a  gradational  position  between  the  Congaree  and  Tidal  marsh. 
The  material  is  essentially  the  same  in  origin  as  that  of  the  Congaree,  but  its 
color  has  been  changed  by  poorer  drainage  conditions.  Formerly  the  soils  were 
diked  and  used  for  the  production  of  rice.  They  produced  most  of  the  rice 
grown  in  this  country  prior  to  the  development  of  the  industry  in  Arkansas, 
Louisiana,  and  Texas.  Recently  rice  growing  on  these  soils  has  declined,  the 
dikes  are  breaking,  and  the  soils  gradually  reverting  to  their  former  tidal 
swamp  condition.  By  strengthening  the  dikes  and  lowering  the  level  of  the 
water  table  by  pumping  and  underdrainage,  good  crops  of  sweet  and  Irish 
potatoes,  spinach,  cabbage,  cauliflower,  tomatoes,  corn,  oats,  rye,  peas,  beans, 
sugar  cane,  and  the  bottom-land  varieties  of  cotton  probably  could  be  success- 
fully grown,  especially  with  the  addition  of  lime  and  acid  phosphate. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Georgctoicn  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Georgetown  clay 

Georgia  3, 10;  South  Carolina  10 

69,952 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

C  riff  in  series. — This  series  includes  brownish,  compact  soils  and  dark-brown, 
st iff.  waxy  subsoils.  In  some  places  the  subsoils  show  mottling.  There  is  a 
substratum  of  gravel,  which  improves  the  drainage.  The  soils  occur  in  the 
first  bottoms  of  streams  where  they  are  subject  to  overflow.  They  consist  of 
alluvial  material  washed  principally  from  glaciated  soils.  Heavy  yields  of 
corn  arid  wheat  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Griffin  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Griffin  clay Indiana  8 


1.600 


i  key  to  Dumber  in  tins  column  soe  p.  733. 

Hamlin  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Hamlin  series  are  brown  to  reddish  brown 
and  overlie  [ndian-red  or  sometimes  slightly  mottled  subsoils.    They  are  usuallj 

thin  and  often  underlain  at  less  than  .'J  feet  by  the  red  Medina  sandstone, 
which    givefl    the   subsoil    its   characteristic   color.      Fragments   of   the   sandstone 

are   frequently   scattered   thronghoul    the  soil   material  and  are  seen   at    the 

surface.  '1  he  soils  occupy  lirst  hoi  loin  positions  along  small  streams,  generally 
having  their  BOUrce  in  and  flowing  through  areas  of  the  Lockport  soils,  which 
are  derived    partially   from   the   Medina    sandstone.     The  s.»il   material   has  been 

deposited  In  relatively  recent  times,  since  the  recession  «»f  Glacial  Lake  [roquois, 

pari  Of  it  being  of  glacial-lake  origin  and  a  part  resulting  from  the  breaking 
up   ami    weathering    <>r    the    Medina    sandstone.      The   soils   are    adapted    to   such 

general  farm  <-n.ps  n  can  he  produced  on  alluvial  soils  subjeel  to  more  ^>v  less 

Overflow   and    where   drainage    is   naturally    rather    j \       They    arc   bos!    suited 

to   pasture. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hamlin  series. 


321 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hamlin  silt  loam 

New  York  10 

6,144 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Holly  series. — The  Holly  series  is  characterized  by  the  gray  color  of  the 
surface  soils  and  the  mottled  gray  and  yellow  or  brown  color  of  the  subsoil. 
These  soils  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  and  are  subject  to  frequent  over- 
flow. The  drainage  is  poor,  and  in  their  present  condition  they  are  best  suited 
to  grasses.  The  component  material  is  wholly  alluvial  and  is  derived  from  the 
soils  of  the  sandstone  and  shale  formations  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and 
from  the  limestone  soils  of  the  Limestone  Valleys  and  Uplands.  Not  being  so 
well  drained  as  the  Huntington,  the  Holly  soils  are  less  productive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Holly  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Holly  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Alabama  20 

1,472 

Tennessee  1 

5,952 

silt  loam 

Alabama  8,  20,  26,  28;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  4 

Kentucky  3 

53,120 

896 

Total 

61.440 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Holston  series. — The  Holston  series  consists  of  yellowish-brown  to  brown 
surface  soils  and  yellow  subsoils.  It  is  developed  on  old  alluvial  terraces,  some- 
times standing  200  feet  or  more  above  the  first  bottoms  of  streams.  The  soils 
consist  principally  of  material  washed  from  sandstone  and  shale  soils,  and  on 
this  account  are  somewhat  less  productive  than  the  Elk  soils,  which  they  closely 
resemble  but  which  contain  more  limestone  material.  The  Holston  soils  are 
generally  underlain  by  sandstone  or  shale,  and  in  places  the  lower  subsoil 
seems  to  be  partly  residual  from  these  rocks.  The  soils  give  fair  to  good 
yields  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  grass,  clover,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Holston  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Holston  gravelly  sandy  loam. . 
fine  sandy  loam 

Alabama  6,  15 

10, 624 

Alabama  6,  11,  15;  West  Virginia  2 

46, 400 

7,168 

silt  loam 

Alabama  15;  Virginia  9;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  5,  7 

56, 128 

silty  clay  loam 

undifferentiated 

West  Virginia^ 

13,248 

Pennsylvania  13,  lo 

59,904 

Total * 

193  472 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Huntington  series. — The  Hunting! on  soils  are  light  brown  to  brown,  and  the 
subsoils  yellow  to  light  brown.  Frequently  there  is  little  change  in  the  color 
or  the  character  of  the  material  from  the  surface  downward.  The  soils  are 
developed  in  the  Limestone  and  Appalachian  Mountain  regions  in  the  first 
bottoms  of  streams,  where  they  arc  subject  to  overflow.  They  consist  of 
material  derived  from  limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale  soils.  They  represent 
the  best  drained  soils  of  the  first  bottoms  of  the  region,  and  are  admirably 
adapted  to  corn,  oats,  grass,  forage  crops,  and,  under  proper  climatic  condi- 
tions, to  cotton. 


79619—13- 


-21 


324  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  La 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


La  Crossesandy  loam Wisconsin  9 

fine  sandy  loam j do 


silt  loam do 

silty  clay  loam Wisconsin  7. 

Total 


1.856 

• 

1.472 

30.208 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Laredo  series. — The  Laredo  series  consists  of  gray  to  light-brown,  calcareous 
soils,  with  gray,  calcareous  subsoils.  The  soils  occur  as  terraces  along  streams 
in  south  Texas  and  also  constitute  the  principal  soils  of  the  Rio  Grande  delta 
above  overflow.  They  are  made  up  largely  of  material  which  has  been  brought 
down  from  the  calcareous  and  more  arid  parts  of  Texas.  They  are  seldom  or 
never  overflowed  and  constitute  valuable  farming  lands  when  irrigated. 

i  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Laredo  scri<  9. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Laredo  silt  loam Texas  5,  16,  27,  28 . 

silty  clay  loam Texas  5,27 

clay  loam \  Texas  16 

clay !  Texas  5,  16,  27 

silty  clay j  Texas  5 


Total 


Acres. 


294.912 

704 

93.312 
448 


573.696 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Leaf  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  light-gray  to  gray  color.  The 
subsoils  characteristically  consist  of  compact  gray  or  mottled  gray  and  yellow 
silty  clay,  which  grades  downward  into  mottled  red  and  gray  or  red  and  yellow, 
plastic  clay,  through  which  moisture  and  air  move  slowly.  Iron  concretions  are 
of  common  occurrence  on  the  surface.  These  soils  tire  developed  on  stream 
terraces  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region.    Their  agricultural  value  is  rather  low. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  leaf  86 


Soil  oaae. 

Slate  or  area.1 

MifMiflftipp]  B 

1,478 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  oolamn   sep  783. 

Lintonia  teries.-  -The  surface  boIIb  of  the  Lintonia  series  are  lighl  brown  or 
yellowish  brown  and  of  siiiy  texture.    The  subsoils  are  of  slightly  Lighter  color 

somewhat  more  compact  structure.  The  series  occupies  stream  beri 
and  11.1t  alluvial  Lands  akrag  streams,  through  which  the  channels  are  so  deeply 
.•in  thai  overflows  are  of  rare  occurrence,  in  places  narrow  strips  of  colluvial 
aiaterlal  occur,  usually  adjoining  terraces  or  bottom  Land*  The  material  is 
mainly  alluvial  and  is  derived  from  the  Memphis,  Richland,  and  Knox  soils. 
Drain  tablished,    The  soils  are  admirably  suited  to  the  production 

of  grass  and  Forage  crops,  corn,  oats,  Irish  potatoes,  peanuts,  cabbage,  and  n 
number  of  vegetab 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lintonia  series. 


325 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Illinois  3,  7;  Missouri  14 

Indiana  2,  3;  Kentucky  6 

Illinois  9;  Indiana  8;  Ken- 
tucky 6;  Louisiana  10;  Mis- 
sissippi 1,6,13,  19,  21;  Mis- 
souri 4;  Wisconsin  5,  7. 

4,352 

28,416 
157, 236 

«• 

Total 

190,004 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Miller  series. — The  Miller  series  includes  soils  of  chocolate-brown  to  pinkish- 
red  color,  with  chocolate-red  or  pinkish-red  subsoils.  The  soil  and  subsoil 
are  calcareous.  Some  of  the  sandier  members  are  grayish  brown  in  the  surface 
portion.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  developed  in  the  first  overflow  bottoms  of 
streams,  usually  from  the  Permian  Red  Bed  region.  They  are  typically  de- 
veloped along  the  Brazos  and  Red  Rivers  in  Texas  and  Louisiana.  Consider- 
able areas  are  but  rarely  overflowed.  The  soils  are  well  adapted  to  cotton, 
corn,  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  and  oats.  Some  of  the  lighter  members  give  good 
results  with  fruit  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Miller  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Miller  fine  sand 

Arkansas    3;     Louisiana    3; 

Texas  23,  24,  31. 
Arkansas  3;  Louisiana  3,  12, 

66,944 
203,904 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam . 

loam 

silt  loam 


clay . 


silty  clay 

undifferentiated 


Total. 


14;  Oklahoma  1;  Texas  11, 

24,  31. 

Louisiana  4 

Oklahoma  1,2 

Kansas  10:  Louisiana  3,  5, 10; 

Texas  12,  23,  24,  30,  31. 
Arkansas  3;  Louisiana  3, 5,14; 

Oklahoma  1 :  Texas  4 ,  24 ,  31 . 

Texas  12 

10 


1,472 
37,184 
154,816 

269,504 

124,480 
9,216 


867,520 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Moshannon  series. — The  soils  of  the  Moshannon  series  comprise  the  reddish- 
brown  to  Indian-red  first-bottom  alluvial  lands,  the  materials  of  which  have 
been  derived  principally  from  the  Upshur  or  Penn  soils.  Material  from  other 
soils,  as  the  Dekalb,  is  included,  but  always  enough  soil  from  the  Upshur  or 
Penn  is  present  to  give  the  series  its  characteristic  color.  The  soils  of  this 
series  are  a  little  more  productive  than  those  of  the  Huntington. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Moshannon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Moshannon  fine  sandy  loam 

Pennsylvania  5 

3,584 
13,504 
50,304 

4,608 
13,248 

loam 

Pennsylvania  2,5.. 

\\  «■  1  Virginia  1,  5,  7,  8 

silt  loam 

clay 

undifferentiated 

Pennsylvania  13,  15 

Total 

85,248 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Myatt  scries. — The  Myatt  soils  are  gray  to  dark  gray.  The  subsoils  are  of 
gray  to  mottled  gray  and  yellow  color  and  impervious  character.  The  soils 
of  this  series  represent  the  poorest  drained  portions  of  the  Coastal  Plain  stream 


26 


SOILS    OF    TIIK    EXITED   STATES. 


ces.  They  lie  principally  above  overflow,  but  are  so  flat  that  water  stands 
for  long  periods  after  heavy  rains.  Occurring  in  close  association  with  the 
Cahaba  and  Kalmia  soils,  they  are  composed  of  about  the  same  character  of 
material,  differing  principally  in  their  poorer  drainage.  By  ditching,  the  Myatt 
soils  can  be  brought  into  profitable  utilization  for  sugar  cane.  corn,  and  a  num- 
ber of  forage  crops.  Lespedeza  and  a  number  of  nati  -  thrive  on  the 
poorly  drained  lands.  It  is  probable  that  moderate  to  liberal  applications  of 
phosphoric  acid  would  be  required  to  induce  the  proper  maturing  of  crops. 
particularly  of  cotton.  Liming  also  would  Improve  the  condition  of  these  lands 
after  they  have  been  drained.  „ 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hyatt  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Myatt  sand 

Alabama  2,  9 

5,184 

Alabama  2,5... 

67,520 

sandy  loam 

Alabama  1;  Georgia  17 

Alabama  2,  5,  9:  Florida  1,  7; 

Louisiana  12;  Mississippi  10, 

12,15. 
Mississippi  5,  10 

36, 032 

fine  sandy  loam 

86. 656 

silt  loam 

5,888 

clav  loam 

y 

4,096 

Total 

205,376 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Neosho  series. — The  Neosho  series  embraces  soils  of  ashy-gray  to  almost 
white  color  and  silty  texture,  and  usually  white  to  drab  subsoils,  which  fre- 
quently change  quickly  into  a  compact  impervious  silty  clay,  sometimes  locally 
styled  "hardpan."  In  some  areas  the  immediate  subsoil  is  a  compact,  im- 
pervious silty  clay  continuing  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more,  while  in  other 
places  the  lower  subsoil  is  a  mottled  yellow,  gray,  or  white,  loose  sandy  ma- 
terial. In  still  other  places  there  is  a  deep  substratum  of  waterworn  gravelly 
material.  These  soils  occur  on  flat,  gently  rolling  areas  adjoining  streams,  and 
appear  to  represent  old  alluvial  material  occupying  stream  terraces  standing 
above  overflow.  They  are  typically  developed  In  the  central  western  states. 
and  are  derived  largely  from  silty  soils.  The  organic-matter  content  Is  pre- 
vailingly low,  and  the  soils  are  much  in  need  of  vegetable  matter  such  ns  can 
be  advantageously  supplied  by  turning  under  green  leguminous  crops.  Wheat 
seems  to  give  the  best  results,  but  corn  and  oats  do  well  when  the  seasons  are 
favorable.  Good  yields  are  secured  in  seasons  of  norma!  rainfall.  Much 
lower  yields  are  made  in  excessively  wet  or  dry  years,  as  such  conditions  have 
a  marked  effect  upon  these  soils. 

LrCfl   'i»<f  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the   Neosho   94  ries. 


Boll  mime. 

ie  or  area.1 

Neosho  silt  loam . .                        

14  1 .  J 

30, 739 

'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  oolumn 
OcklOCki  t. — These  soils  are  dark'   gray  to  brownish,  with  brownish  or 

mottled  brownish  yellowish,  and  gray  subsoils.  The  members  ol  this  series 
represent  the  larker-colored  soils  of  the  first  bottoms  along  the  Ooastal  Plain 
streams  They  are  composed  principally  of  wash  from  the  Ooastal  Plain  soils. 
with  proper  drainage  "ais.  forage  crops,  and  corn  give  excellent  yields,  par- 
ticularly  >■■  the  he     ler  types.    The  ><>;'-  are  subject  to  damage  by  overflow. 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  OcklocJcnee  series. 


327 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Oeklocknee  sand Alabama  27;  Mississippi  9 . . . 

fine  sandy  loam Alabama  3,  8,  17,  27,  32,  37; 

Mississippi  9,  10,  14,  20. 
loam i  Alabama  18,  22,  30,  32,  34; 

Mississippi  3,  8,  12,  15,  17. 

silt  loam Mississippi  3,  9,  10,  12 

clay  loam Alabama 29;  Mississippi3, 12 

17. 
clay 


Total. 


Vlabama  2, 3,  5, 13;  Florida  2; 
Georgia  1;  Mississippi  3,  5, 
8,  9,  10,  14,  15,  20. 


Acres. 


2,496 
209,408 

317,248 

39,360 
46,656 

301, 184 


916,352 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Olivier  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  grayish-brown  to  brown  color, 
mellow  structure,  and  prevailingly  silty  character.  The  subsoils  are  mottled 
yellowish  and  drab.  Yellow  is  the  most  pronounced  color,  especially  in  the 
upper  subsoil,  but  drab,  bright  yellow,  and  various  shades  of  brown  and  yellow 
rre  usually  discernible  through  the  subsoil  material.  These  soils  are  derived 
from  old  Mississippi  alluvium,  and  are  characteristically  developed  along  the 
outer  margin  of  the  bottoms.  They  lie  a  little  higher  than  the  Iberia  series, 
and  have  much  better  drainage.  They  are  no  longer  subject  to  overflow,  at 
least  in  their  typical  development,  occupying  low  terraces  and  natural  levees. 
The  surface  is  nearly  flat  to  slightly  undulating.  Drainage  is  mainly  well 
established,  but  some  areas  need  ditching  to  hasten  the  removal  of  surface 
water.  These  soils  are  variously  adapted  to  sugar  cane,  corn,  cowpeas,  peanuts. 
Irish  potatoes,  sweet  potatoes,  rice,  and  a  number  of  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Olivier  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Olivier  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Louisiana  10 

1,536 

22,656 

9,856 

silt  loam 

do 

silty  clay  loam 

do 

Total 

34,048 

1 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Ondawa  series. — The  Ondawa  series  includes  the  brown  to  dark-colored  soils 
of  the  first  bottoms  of  eastern  New  York  and  western  New  England.  These 
soils  are  underlain  at  varying  depths,  usually  3  feet  or  less,  by  beds  of  gravel. 
The  soil-forming  materials  are  derived  from  the  wash  from  glaciated  crystalline 
or  semicrystalline  rocks  of  the  upland  regions  of  the  section. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ondawa  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ondawa  fine  sand 

New  York  17 

2, 176 

silt  loam 

New  York  4,  17 

34,240 

Total 

36,416 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Osage  series. — The  Osage  series  consists  of  dark-gray  to  almost  black  soils, 
composed  of  alluvial  wash  from  the  sandstone  and  shale  soils  of  the  prairie  re- 
gions.  When  drained  and  protected  from  overflow  they  produce  heavy  yields 
of  general  farm  crops. 


328 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  th<  the  Osage  set 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Osage  very  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 


Kansas  9 

Missouri  5 

Kansas  9 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  3, 

9;  Missouri  5. 

Missouri  3 


36,544 
11,520 
4,096 
120,192 
13,816 
23,232 


Total. 


238,400 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Papakating  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black,  with  grayish,  drab, 
or  mottled  yellow  and  gray  subsoils.  They  occur  along  streams  in  the  Glacial 
province,  and  the  sediments  are  derived  from  the  wash  from  upland  soils  of 
glacial  but  not  of  loessial  origin.  The  soils  contain,  however,  no  appreciable 
amount  of  stratified  gravel,  either  in  the  subsoils  or  developed  as  a  substratum. 
They  are  subject  to  overflow  and  are  usually  poorly  drained.  They  are  darker 
in  color  than  the  soils  of  the  Genesee  or  Ondawa  series,  and  differ  from  the 
latter  in  the  absence  of  the  substratum  of  gravel.  This  series  is  the  eastern 
representative  of  the  Wabash. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Papakating  series. 


SoU 

name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

N e\v  York  5 

3,904 

2, 1 78 

silt  loam 

clay 

Total 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  5. . . 
New  York  5 

16,448 
9,984 

32,512 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  738. 


Pledger  series. — The  Pledger  soils  are  dark  gray  to  black  and  consist  princi- 
pally of  Houston  material,  and  the  subsoils,  consisting  of  Miller  material,  are 
yellowish  red  to  chocolate  red.  The  series  occupies  the  first  bottoms  of  streams 
originating  in  the  Red  Beds  region  and  flowing  through  the  Houston  soils,  and 
is  probably  not  developed  to  any  great  extent  outside  of  Texas.  These  soils  are 
sometimes  locally  called  "wild  peach  land."  The  original  timber  growth  con- 
sists of  ash.  oak,  and  pecan.  The  soils  are  very  productive  when  properly 
drained  and  give  good  results  with  sugar  cane.  corn,  cotton,  and   Irish  potatoes. 

\rea  and  distribution  of  the  sou  of  tin'  Pledger  series. 


Boll  name. 


Pledger  silt  loam  Texas  4,  12 


Male  or  urea.1 


tares. 


97,000 


'  I' or  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  738. 

Podunk  series.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  dark  brown  in  color  and  overlie 
i  Kfiicr  brown  to  brownish -ray  <>r  yellowish-gray,  sometimes  slightly  mottled 
subsoils.     The  deep  subsoil   may  or  may  ooi   contain  material,  snch  as  sand 

and    gravel,    noticeably    coarser    than    the    upper    subsoil.      The    soils    occur    as 
rather  high   first   bottoms,  hul   are  subject   to  overflow.     The  topography   is  level 

to  gently  undulating,  and  in  some  places  slight  ridges  have  been  formed  by  wind 

action.      The   material    for   the  most    part   consists  of   recent    alluvium   deposited 
along   the  streams   where   sediments  are   washed    from   upland   glacial    till   soils. 

Influenced  chiefly  hy  granite  and  gneiss,  together  with  schist  and  other  crystal- 
line rocks.     Small  flakes  <>f  mica  are  frequently  present   in  the  soils  of  this 

series.     A  small   part   of  the  Podunk  soil  series  wai  mapped   in  the  Connecticut 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


329 


Valley  as  the  fine  sandy  loam  member.  This  lies  above  any  but  unusual  over- 
flow and  should  have  been  classed  with  the  Hartford  series  of  the  Glacial  Lake 
and  River  Terrace  province.  The  soils  of  the  Podunk  series  are  less  well 
drained  than  the  Hartford  soils.  In  general  they  are  of  limited  agricultural 
value,  owing  to  their  liability  to  inunduation  and  poor  natural  drainage,  though 
in  some  localities  in  the  Connecticut  Valley  they  are  extremely  valuable  for  the 
production  of  grass  and  heavy  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Podunk  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Podunk  fine  sandy  loam 

Connecticut  2;  New  Hampshire  1,  2;  New  York  4 

28, 224 

silt  loam 

Connecticut  1;  Massachusetts  1;  New  Hampshire  1 

75, 812 

Total 

104,036 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Rio  Grande  scries. — The  Rio  Grande  series  includes  dark-brown  to  black  soils, 
with  grayish  subsoils  of  lighter  texture.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  calcareous. 
On  drying  the  soils  bake  and  crack.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  repre- 
sents deposits  laid  down  by  the  Rio  Grande.  The  surface  is  comparatively  level, 
but  poorly  drained  depressions  and  low,  narrow  ridges  frequently  occur  over 
the  larger  areas.  The  soils  are  subject  to  annual  overflow.  Large  areas  of  the 
better  drained  members  of  the  areas  are  covered  by  palms,  while  the  lower  de- 
pressions support  a  heavy  growth  of  cane  and  tules  and  many  varieties  of  marsh 
grass.  Good  yields  of  cotton  and  corn  have  been  secured  from  the  better  drained 
areas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Rio  Grande  series. 


Soil  name. 


Rio  Grande  silty  clay Texas  5,  27 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


34,560 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Robertsville  series. — The  Robertsville  soils  are  gray  to  grayish  brown  and 
prevailingly  of  silty  texture.  The  subsoils  typically  consist  of  a  gray  to  white 
compact  layer  of  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  overlying  a  lower  subsoil  stratum 
of  compact,  impervious,  plastic  clay  of  a  gray  to  brownish  color,  with  some  faint 
mottling  of  reddish  brown.  Black  oxide  of  iron  concretions  are  common  through- 
out the  soil  section,  being  most  abundant  in  the  lighter  colored,  poorer  drained 
situations.  The  flat  surface  and  impervious  subsoil  cause  many  areas  to  be 
poorly  drained.  These  soils  represent  old  stream  alluvium  occupying  terraces 
and  abandoned  stream  valleys  no  longer  subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  includes 
material  washed  principally  from  limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale  soils.  They 
are  fairly  well  suited  to  shallow-rooted  crops.  Wheat,  bluegrass,  alsike  clover, 
and  white  clover  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Robertsville  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Robertsville  silt  loam 

Missouri  8 

32, 192 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


St.  Catherine  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  St.  Catherine  series  ;ire 
yellow.  The  material  represents  outwash  from  the  Lafayette  and  Port  Hudson 
formations  underlying  loess.  The  soils  occur  as  narrow  fringes  along  the  foot 
of  bluffs.  There  is  usually  a  slope  away  from  the  bluff  line  to  the  contiguous 
alluvial  land.  Gravel  is  quite  common  throughout  the  soil  mass.  Very  little 
of  the  type  has  been  used  for  agriculture. 


330  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  St.  Catherine  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


St.  Catherine  sandy  loam Mississippi  1 


1,280 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sanders  series. — The  Sanders  soils  are  dark  gray  to  brownish,  with  mottled 
gray,  yellow,  and  brownish  subsoils.  The  soils  of  this  series  represent  over- 
flowed alluvial  first-bottom  land  along  the  streams  of  eastern  Texas.  The 
material  is  derived  largely  from  the  timbered  soils  of  the  Norfolk,  Orangeburg, 
and  Susquehanna  series.  The  series  is,  when  properly  drained,  well  suited  to 
corn,  oats,  Johnson  grass.  Bermuda  grass,  and  sugar  cane. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sanders  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres 

Sanders  loam 

Texas  23,  24 

17,408 

silt  loam 

Texas  10,  24,  29. . .                       

15,680 

Texas  10 . . . 

1,064 

clav 

Texas  10,  20,  29 

26,304 

Total 

1 

61,0.56 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sarpy  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  range  from  light  gray  to  nearly  black. 
They  differ  from  the  Yazoo  and  Wabash  soils  in  possessing  loose  silty  or  fine 
sandy  subsoils  distinctly  lighter  in  texture  than  their  surface  soils.  This  char- 
acteristic provides  excellent  subsurface  drainage  and  allows  the  soils  to  be 
cultivated  earlier  in  the  season  than  the  Wabash  soils  of  similar  surface  texture 
and  position.  The  soils  occur  in  the  bottoms  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri 
Rivers  and  their  larger  tributaries.  When  leveed  or  otherwise  protected  from 
disastrous  surface  flooding  the  soils  are  very  productive,  being  adapted  to  the 
grains,  grasses,  corn,  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sarpy  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Axsrea 


Sarpy  sand 

fine  sand . 


very  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

loam 

silt  loam 

silty  flay  loam 

clay  loam 

clay 

silty  flay 


Total. 


Missouri  15 

Missouri  10 

Kansas  5;  Missouri  16 

Missouri  6,  10,  13,  15 

Kansas  5;  Missouri  8,  16 

Missouri  1,  15,  16 

Missouri  1 ,  6,  S 

Kansas  5;  Louisiana  4;  Missouri  15, 16. . . 

Missouri  1,  10;  Nebraska  5 

I.ni!i  i  ma  4;  Missouri  8,  15,  16. 
Missouri  6,  10 


16,384 
1,280 

4,544 
36,096 
17,024 
47,104 
17,728 
66, 304 
19,776 

2M...OO 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  thifl  column  see  p.  733. 

XchujiiLiii  st  in s.  Tins  series  comprises  dark  brown  to  black  soils  and  light- 
brown  to  reddish-brown  stibsoila  The  surface  soils  contain  One  particles  of 
coal  derived  from  the  anthracite-coal  region.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin 
and  in. .si  of  11  is  sni.jo.-i  to  ovoriiow.  a  greal  pari  of  the  materia]  is  derived 
from  the  soils  occurring  In  and  near  the  vicinity  of  the  anthracite-coal  region 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  soils  are  generally  developed  only  on  streams  passing 
through  and  Issuing  from  this  region,  They  are  adapted  to  the  general  farm 
crops  of  the  section  and  i<»  a  Dumber  of  vegetables. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Schuylkill  series. 


331 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Schuykill  fine  sandy  loam 

Pennsylvania  3 

2,880 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sharkey  series. — The  soils  of  the  Sharkey  series  are  of  yellowish-brown  to 
drab  color,  with  mottled  rusty-brown,  bluish,  drab,  and  yellowish  subsoils  of 
plastic  structure.  In  the  slight  depressions  where  water  stands  for  a  good  part 
of  the  year  organic-matter  accumulations  impart  a  nearly  black  color  to  the 
soil.  The  series  contains  a  high  percentage  of  clay  in  both  soil  and  subsoil. 
These  soils  occur  as  bottom  lands  subject  to  overflow  from  the  Mississippi 
River.  The  component  material  was  mainly  deposited  some  distance  back  from 
the  river  by  quiet  water.  On  drying  the  soil  cracks  readily,  forming  small 
aggregates,  and  this  condition  gives  rise  to  the  local  name,  "buckshot  land." 
These  soils  are  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  annual  overflow.  When  diked  and 
ditched  heavy  yields  of  corn,  sugar  cane,  and  cotton  are  secured.  The  ravages 
of  the  boll  weevil  have  been  severe  on  cotton.    Rice  does  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sharkey  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1           ► 

Acres. 

Sharkey  silty  clay  loam 

clay  loam 

20,480 

6,848 

Mississippi  1 

Louisiana  4,  G,  7, 10,  11,  12,  13:  Mississippi  1,  6,  19,  21;  Missouri 
4, 15;  Texas  14,  18,  23. 

1,572,436 

Total 

1,599,764 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Teller  series. — The  Teller  series  includes  gray  soils  and  yellow  to  red  sub- 
These  soils  occupy  well-drained  stream  terraces.  They  are  of  alluvial 
origin,  derived  principally  from  residual  prairie  material.  The  original  growth 
consists  chiefly  of  oak,  ash,  elm,  and  cottonwood.  Good  yields  of  cotton,  corn, 
potatoes,  melons,  and  other  truck  crops  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Teller  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Teller  fine  sand 

i  Oklahoma  2 

1,344 

fine  sandy  loam . . 

1 do 

11,712 

Total 

13,056 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Thompson  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown,  while  the  subsoils  are  doin- 
inantly  yellow,  although  they  usually  show  a  mottling  of  gray  and  shades  of 
brown  and  yellow.  The  subsoil  of  the  heavier  members  is  slightly  plastic  but 
not  too  impervious  to  admit  of  good  underdrainage  where  drainage  outlets,  as 
ditches,  are  provided.  These  soils  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams 
in  the  Coastal  Plain  region,  and  they  are  subject  to  overflow.  They  are  char- 
acteristically poorly  drained,  though  not  so  poorly  as  the  related  Bibb  soils. 
The  series  holds  an  intermediate  position  between  the  first-bottom  Bibb  and 
Ocklocknee  series,  and  are  similar  in  color  to  the  Kalmia  soils,  which  represent 
an  intermediate  series  between  the  Myatt  and  Cahaba  terrace  soils.  The  com- 
ponent material  has  been  washed  largely  from  the  Coastal  Plain  soils,  such  as 
the  Norfolk,  Ruston,  Orangeburg,  and  Susquehanna.  In  their  natural  condition 
these  soils  are  best  suited  to  pasturage  and  hay.  but  with  improved  drainage 
they  could  be  profitably  used  for  such  crops  as  corn,  cotton,  oats,  cowpeas. 
sugar  cane,  and  sorghum. 


332  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soUs  of  the  Thorn  j- 


Soil  name. 

o  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Thompson  sand 

3,328 

32,448 

1,408 

fine  sandy  loam 

do. . . 

silt  loam 

...do.. 

Total 

37, 184 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Toxaway  series.— The  Toxaway  soil?  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown.  The 
subsoils  are  yellowish  brown  to  dark  brown.  This  series  occupies  the  first 
bottoms  of  streams  of  the  southern  Appalachian  Mountains,  and  consists  of 
material  derived  from  the  soils  of  this  region,  principally  from  granitic,  gneissic. 
and  schistose  rocks.  They  are  largely  subject  to  overflow.  Along  the  outer 
margins  there  is  more  or  less  influence  from  colluvial  material  from  adjoining 
slopes.  The  soils  are  especially  adapted  to  corn,  grass,  oats,  rye,  cabbage, 
pumpkins,  cucumbers,  potatoes,  and  other  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Toxaway  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Toxaway  fine  sandy  loam 

North  Carolina  13,  27;  Virginia  9 

25,152 

loam 

North  Carolina  13,  27 

11,328 

Total 

36, 4S0 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Travis  series. — The  Travis  series  includes  soils  of  gray  to  grayish-brown  color, 
and  red  clayey  subsoils  of  high  gravel  content.  The  soils  occupy  stream  terraces, 
which  in  places  have  been  sufficiently  eroded  to  form  a  rolling  topography.  The 
material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  having  been  washed  from  the  soils  of  the  prairie 
regions  of  central  Texas.  Considerable  areas  are  poorly  drained.  When  good 
drainage  is  effected,  peaches,  plums,  pears,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 
Cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops  give  moderate  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Travis  series. 


Soil  name. 


Travis  gravelly  loam Texas  2,  31 


or  area. 


Acre^. 


26,738 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Trinity  series.  The  Trinity  soils  comprise  the  dark-brown  to  black  first- 
bottom  alluvia]  hinds  derived  mainly  from  the  soils  of  the  Houston  series.  The 
organic  matter  content  is  high,  and  Lime  is  usually  present  in  safflclenl  quanti- 
ties to  effect  fairly  good  structural  conditions.  These  soils  usually  occur  as 
Hat  lands  in  comparatively  shallow  stream  valleys.  Where  well  drained,  heavy 
yields  of  com,   COtton,   sngar  cane,  and   alfalfa   are  secured.      Alfalfa   does  well 

on  the  heavier  memberi  In  those  situations  tying  above  normal  overflow,    when 

wet    the  s..il    li  extremely  iticky,  bnl   on  drying  out    osnally  cracks  and  breaks 
down  into  a  desirable  tilth  if  properly  handled. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  333 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Trinity  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  14 

2,688 

fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  1 

1,600 
25, 280 

Texas  14 

Alabama' 17,36;   Mississippi  3, 10, 12, 14, 15;    Texas  1, 2. 3, 4, 7,8, 
9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 20. 24, 26, 27, 28. 29, 31, 33. 
Texas  12 

clay 

1,231,424 

20, 736 

Total 

1, 281, 728 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tyler  series. — The  surface  soils  of  the  Tyler  series  are  gray  to  grayish  brown. 
The  subsoils  are  yellowish  to  mottled  yellow  and  gray,  and  of  rather  compact 
and  slightly  plastic  structure.  The  series  is  developed  on  second  terraces  of 
streams  in  that  part  of  the  Appalachian  region  where  sandstone  and  shale  soils 
largely  predominate  over  limestone  soils.  The  drainage  is  not  good,  and  struc- 
tural conditions  are  rather  poor  for  yields.  The  type  is  best  suited  to  grazing 
and  hay.  With  the  establishment  of  good  drainage  conditions,  however,  fair 
yields  of  wheat,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops  are  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Tyler  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

448 

silt  loam 

Alabama  26;  West  Virginia  1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 

55,808 
4,864 

Total 

61,120 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Uvalde  series. — The  Uvalde  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupy  broad, 
level  flood-plains  immediately  south  of  the  Edwards  Plateau.  They  resemble 
the  San  Antonio  soils,  but.  having  weathered  under  more  arid  conditions,  are 
more  calcareous  and  contain  less  humus.  They  are  therefore  of  much  lighter 
color  and  more  loose  and  floury  to  the  feel. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Uvalde  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  28 

557,568 
317,952 

undifferentiated 

do 

• 

Total 

875,520 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wabash  series. — The  Wabash  series  includes  soils  of  dark-brown  to  black 
color  and  high  organic-matter  content,  and  slightly  lighter  drab  or  gray  subsoils. 
The  members  of  this  series  are  developed  typically  in  the  first  bottoms  of 
streams  of  the  Central  Prairie  States,  the  material  being  derived  principally 
from  the  loessial  and  associated  soils  of  this  region.  They  extend  for  many 
miles  down  the  Mississippi  River.  The  Wabash  soils  are  very  strong,  being 
admirably  adapted  to  corn  and  grass. 


334  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wabash  series. 


So'l  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wabash  fine  sand 

Indiana  1;  Oklahoma  1 

16,064 

6,624 

61,760 

sandv  loam 

Indiana  10;  Ohio  7 

fine  sandy  loam 

Indiana  8, 10;  Minnesota  1;  Nebraska  6;  Oklahoma  1... 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

Louisiana  4;  Missouri  13, 16 

13,568 

257  JUn 

silt  loam 

10, 17;  North  Dakota  2,  8, 9;  Ohio  3,  4,  5,  7,  8,  9;  Wisconsin 
5,9,11,12,14. 
Illinois  2,  3,  5,6,  8,  9:  Indiana  1,  3,  7,  8, 10;  Iowa  2,  4;  Kansas        Q7fi  47fi 

silty  clay  loam 

2,  7;  Kentucky  6;  Minnesota  1;  Missouri  1,  6,  7,  9,  10,  12,  13, 
16,17,18,19;  Nebraska  3, 5, 6;  Oklahoma  1;  Wisconsin  5, 9. 
Missouri  1 

2,752 

clay  loam 

Indiana  3;  Iowa  3;  Missouri  1;  21;  North  Dakota  2... 

41,280 

Illinois  2,  4,  7,  9,  10;  Kansas  1,4;  Louisiana  6,7;  Mississippi  6; 
Missouri  1,  4,  6,  8,  10,  12,  13.  14,  16,  17,  18,  19;  Nebraska  5; 
North  Dakota  2;  Ohio  10;  Oklahoma  2. 

362,291 

14,976 

silty  clay 

undifferentiated 

North  Dakkota  10 

163, 5S4 

Total 

1,917,215 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wallkill  series. — The  surface  soils  of  this  series  range  from  gray  or  yellow 
to  dark  brown  or  black  in  color  and  in  depth  from  about  4  to  12  inches.  The 
subsoil  consists  of  a  mucky  and  peaty  accumulation  of  organic  matter.  The 
series  is  developed  in  low,  flat  areas  in  the  glaciated  regions,  either  at  the  sites 
of  old  glacial  lakes  or  ponds  or  along  some  of  the  more  sluggish  streams  where 
alluvial  sediments  have  been  deposited  upon  muck  and  peat.  The  muck  and 
peat  subsoils  extend  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  In  many  areas  the  deposi- 
tion of  the  alluvial  materia]  over  the  muck  is  still  in  progress. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Wallkill  series. 


Soil  name. 


Wallkill  silty  clay  loam New  Jersey  2 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


704 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Waverly  series. — The  surface  soils  are  light  gray  in  color  and  overlie  gray 
or  mottled  yellowish  and  grayish  subsoils.  This  series  is  typically  developed 
in  the  poorest  drained  portions  of  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  passing  through 
and  issuing  from  the  loessial  region  of  the  Central  Prairie  Sciles.  The  soils 
are  subject  to  overflow,  but  are  extensively  used  for  corn  and  grass,  to  which 
they  are  fairly  well   adapted. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Waverly  series. 


Soil  name. 


v  loam. 


sill  loam 


day  loam 
clay 


Total 


State  or  area.1 


Illinois  1;   Indiana  2, 3, 8;    Kentucky  6;   Mississippi  4;   Missouri 

Indiana  8;  1  

Irkansas4,  5;  Hlini  •■  Kentuckj 

1;    Lo  Mississippi   -I,   6,    li,   Missouri    J.    I,    11.   21; 

Alabama  17;  [llino  :"  ' » 

Kentuckj  i.  6;  Ohio  in 


20.800 


572.  Hi. 


106,280 
201,  152 

972,416 


■  I'im  key  in  numbers  In  this  oolumn  bob  p.  7:t:v 


Wehadkee  series,    The  Wehadkee  soils  are  of  gray  color,  compad  structure, 
and  prevailingly  silty  texture,  the  subsoils  of  mottled  grayish  and  yellowish 

to  while  color.  ,  . 1 1 ; i ..  cl  structure,  and  prevailingly  clay  to  silty  clay  texture. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


335 


These  soils  are  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams,  where  they  represent 
alluvial  material  derived  from  Piedmont  soils.  They  are  subject  to  overflow, 
and  hold  the  same  position  in  the  Piedmont  region  as  do  the  Bibb  soils  in  the 
Coastal  Plains.  They  are  of  low  agricultural  value  and  are  best  suited  to 
gra  sses. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wehadkee  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wehadkee  loam 

Alabama  33 

704 

18,560 

Total 

19,264 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wheeling  series. — The  Wheeling  soils  are  brown  to  yellowish  brown,  and  are 
underlain  by  gravel,  usually  within  3  feet  of  the  surface.  They  occupy  the 
series  of  gravel  terraces  along  the  Ohio  and  other  rivers  flowing  from  ice- 
covered  regions  which  were  formed  about  the  close  of  the  Glacial  Epoch. 
This  series  includes  terrace  soils  formed  by  streams  issuing  from  higher  areas 
in  which  the  upland  soils  are  composed  of  sandstone  ground  up  by  glaciers  and 
of  shales.  The  gravel  consists  largely  of  sandstone  and  shale,  although  granite 
and  other  crystalline  rocks  are  also  present.  The  shale  is  soft,  and  the  material 
becomes  finer  with  increasing  distance  from  its  source.  While  of  but  limited 
extent,  the  Wheeling  soils  are  important  in  their  relation  to  the  other  soils 
of  the  region. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wheeling  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Wheeling  fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam, 
gravelly  loam... 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam., 
undifferentiated. 

Total 


Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  2,6,7 

West  Virginia  4,  7,  10 

Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  6,  7 

Ohio  6;  Pennsylvania  9. 10;  West  Virginia  4,  6,  7, 10. 

Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  Z,  4,  6,  7 

West  Virginia  2 

Pennsylvania  13, 14,  15,  16 


4,800 

1,920 

6,912 

29,830 

24,000 

3,392 

234,240 


305,094 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wickham  series. — The  surface  soils  are  reddish  or  reddish  brown,  and 
contain  a  higher  percentage  of  organic  matter  than  the  Norfolk  series.  They 
usually  overlie  reddish,  micaceous  heavy  sandy  loam  or  loam  subsoils,  which 
become  coarser,  looser,  and  more  incoherent  at  about  30  inches.  The  soils 
occupy  river  terraces  in  the  higher  part  of  the  Coastal  Plain  near  the  Piedmont 
Plateau  boundary.  They  generally  have  a  level  or  gently  undulating  surface, 
are  fairly  well  drained,  possess  a  subsoil  retentive  of  moisture,  and  have  a  rela- 
tively high  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wickham  series. 


Soil- name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Wickham  sand 

coarse  sand . 
sandy  loam. 

loam 

clay  loam... 


Total. 


Virginia  6 

Norl  h  ( 'arolina  15 

North  Carolina  15;  Virginia  6. 

Virginia  5 

Virginia  6 


4,416 

2.  SKI 

10, 368 

2,176 

25.728 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


336 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Yazoo  series. — The  color  of  the  surface  soil  ranges  from  gray,  slightly  dark- 
ened with  organic  matter,  to  light  brown,  while  the  subsoils  are  of  mottled 
grayish,  rusty  brown,  and  sometimes  bluish.  In  the  heavy  types  the  material 
is  somewhat  plastic.  The  soils  predominantly  contain  a  high  percentage  of 
very  fine  sand.  The  series  is  developed  in  the  flood  plains  of  the  Mississippi 
River  as  natural  levees  near  the  stream  fronts  and  as  slight  ridges  near  the 
water  front.  The  soils  constitute  the  best  drained  types  of  the  flood  plains. 
some  portions  of  them  standing  above  water  when  the  lower  back  country  is 
inundated.  They  are  usually  sandy  along  the  river,  becoming  heavier  back 
toward  the  low  country,  and  finally  grading  into  clay  soils,  such  as  the  Sharkey. 
The  Yazoo  soils  are  well  suited  to  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  onions,  garden 
peas,  lettuce,  Irish  and  sweet  potatoes,  cucumbers,  melons,  etc.  Cotton,  corn 
and  forage  crops  also  give  good  results,  especially  on  the  moderately  heavy 
types. 

Area  and  distribution  of  die  soils  of  the  Yazoo  series. 


S.oil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Louisiana  4,6 

11.200 

Illinois    2,  9,  10;  Indiana  s;   Kansas  1:  Louisiana  7,  11:  Missis- 
sippi 19,  21. 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. . . 

Louisiana  4;  Mississippi  1 

Illinois  1,  7,  9:   Kansas  1,  4;  Louisiana  6,  7,  11;  Mississippi  6,  19, 
21;  Missouri  4.  14,  is. 

204,803 

Total 

412,862 

. 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 


SAND  GROUP. 


The  soils  of  the  sand  group  occupy  a  small  total  area  in  the  River  Flood 
Plains  province.  They  occur  as  inextensive  patches,  usually  in  the  natural 
levees  near  the  stream  banks,  and  in  slight  hummocks  or  swells  through  the 
bottoms  of  the  smaller  streams.  They  also  have  a  scattered  development  over 
i  lie  terraces. 

These  are  the  lightest-textured  soils  of  the  province,  and  consequently  are  the 
Leasl  retentive  >f  moisture.  Unless  fertilized  and  liberally  supplied  with  vege- 
table matter,  the  yields  average  low.  These  soils,  however,  particularly  those 
<.f  the  Aral  bottoms,  are  generally  a  little  more  productive  than  the  sands  of 
the  uplands,  Pot  the  reason  thai  they  are  usually  more  loamy,  not  having  been 
so  completely  weathered  and  leached,  a  Larger  percentage  of  the  tine  materia] 

remaining   throughout    the  soil   nuiss  than    in  case  of  the  sands  of  the  uplands, 
which   generally    have   had    the  main    portion   of  the   tine   particles   washed 
by  «  rosion. 

These  snnds  are  Hie  curliest   trucking  soils  of  the  Etlver  Flood  Plains  province. 

hui  owing  fo  their  rather  scattered  occurrence  and  to  the  liability  of  overflow 
in  case  of  the  first-bottom  types,  they  have  not  been  used  to  any  considerable 

extent  for  trucking.    They  havel o  used,  particularly  the  second-bottom  typos. 

eneral  farming,  giving  usually  lighl  to  moderate  yields. 

The  Kalmia  sand  seems  to  he  the  most  extensive,     it  occurs  on  stream  ter- 

and  is  the  leasl  productive  member  of  (ho  -roup  so  far  mapped.    This 

particular  type  bae  aboul   the  same  agricultural   value  as  the  Norfolk  sand. 

which  it  quiti-  closely  resembles,    it  averages  a  little  more  productive  than  the 

Norfolk  sand,  probably  because  it  is  a  little  more  retentive  of  moisture. 

The  Thompson  sand  has  aboul  the  same  characteristics  -is  the  Kalmia,  bul  is 
confined  to  the  flrsl  bottoms,  where  it  is  subject  to  overflow,  it  has  a  limited 
extent,  being  most  pr incut  in  the  stream  bottoms  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi. 

The  Cahabfl  and  Wlckham  sands  represent  terrace  types  which  are  fairly 
>.\,.ii  suited  to  corn,  forage  crops,  oats,  and  vegetables.  These  are  more  pro- 
ductive than  the  ordinary  upland  soils  of  a  sand  texture. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  337 

The  Ocklocknee  sand,  representing  a  first-bottom  type  of  the  Coastal  Plains 
region,  is  quite  variable  in  character,  some  areas  being  loose  in  structure  and 
unproductive,  while  others  are  rather  loamy  and  fairly  well  suited  to  corn  and 
forage  crops  where  overflows  are  not  too  frequent. 

The  Sarpy  sand,  which  occurs  in  the  bottoms  of  the  Mississippi  River  and  the 
"streams  of  the  loessial  regions  of  the  North  Central  States,  gives  moderate 
yields  of  general  farm  crops  and  is  very  well  suited  to  the  production  of  melons, 
potatoes,  cabbage,  and  a  number  of  other  vegetables. 

Gahaoa  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  rather  loamy  sand.  The 
subsoil  is  a  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown  loamy  sand,  in  which  the  content 
of  silt  and  clay  increases  with  depth,  the  lower  portion  frequently  having  a 
reddish  cast.  The  substratum  is  a  reddish-brown  sandy  loam,  sometimes 
grading  into  a  sandy  clay  somewhat  similar  to  the  Orangeburg  subsoil.  The 
type  occupies  comparatively  high  terraces  and  has  an  undulating  surface  con- 
figuration. Its  drainage  is  mainly  good.  It  is  a  good  agricultural  soil,  produc- 
ing under  good  management  as  much  as  one  bale  of  cotton  per  acre.  Corn, 
forage,  oats,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Dunning  sand. — The  soil  is  a  black  medium  sand  about  12  inches  deep,  and 
overlies  a  subsoil  of  grayish  or  somewhat  mottled  yellow  and  gray  sand.  The 
topography  is  level  and  usually  low,  some  of  the  type  occupying  positions  inter- 
mediate between  Peat  and  surrounding  terrace  or  upland  soils,  while  other 
areas  border  stream  courses.  The  water  table  is  high  and  the  natural  drainage 
is  poor,  so  that  the  type  is  too  wet  for  cultivation  of  ordinary  farm  crops. 
Its  chief  use  is  for  the  production  of  wild  marsh  hay  and  for  pasture.  Some 
cultivated  crops,  such  as  corn,  buckwheat,  and  potatoes,  are  grown  in  dry 
seasons. 

Genesee  sand. — To  an  average  depth  of  about  8  inches  the  soil  is  a  loose, 
incoherent  sand  of  medium  texture  and  light-brown  or  grayish-brown  color. 
The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  loose  sand,  sometimes  containing  small  amounts  of 
gravel.  The  topography  is  level  or  slightly  undulating  where  the  soil  has  been 
drifted  by  the  wind.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin,  occurring  as  first  bottoms 
along  streams.  It  is  subject  to  more  or  less  overflow.  Where  well  drained, 
and  sufficient  organic  matter  has  been  added  in  the  form  of  barnyard  manure 
or  green  crops  turned  under,  the  type  is  suited  to  some  of  the  earlier  vegetable 
crops.  Corn  can  also  be  grown,  though  much  of  the  land  is  best  adapted  to 
pasturage. 

Kalmia  sand. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  is  a  medium 
to  nearly  coarse  sand.  Uncultivated  areas  are  usually  dark  in  the  first  few 
inches,  owing  to  a  rather  high  content  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  consists 
of  a  yellowish  loose  sand  to  loamy  sand.  The  type  occurs  on  level  or  slightly 
undulating  high  stream  terraces  lying  above  normal  overflows.  The  material 
was  deposited  from  overflow  water  before  the  stream  channels  were  lowered 
to  their  present  levels.  Low  yields  of  cotton,  corn,  and  sugar  cane  are  secured. 
Vegetables  could  be  successfully  grown  with  fertilization. 

Myatt  sand. — The  soil  grades  from  a  dark-gray  loamy  sand  at  a  depth  of 
4  to  5  inches  into  a  light-gray  loamy  sand,  which  becomes  heavier  with  depth 
until  the  subsoil  proper  is  encountered  at  a  depth  of  18  to  20  inches.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  mottled  gray,  red,  and  yellow,  moderately  stiff,  plastic  sandy  loam  to 
sandy  clay.  The  type  occupies  low-lying,  poorly  drained  areas  upon  the  higher 
stream  terraces.  When  drained  and  carefully  treated,  oats,  corn,  and  forage 
do  well. 

Ocklocknee  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  is  a  dark-gray  or  li^ht- 
'brown  medium  to  fine  sand,  rendered  somewhat  loamy  by  organic  matter. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  medium  to  fine  sand,  varying  in  color  from  lighi 
to  yellow.  The  soil  is  alluvial,  and  occupies  a  level  position  10  to  15  feet 
above  the  river,  but  may  be  overflowed  at  times.  It  is  well  drained,  and  most 
of  it  is  cultivated  to  general  farm  crops. 

Sarpy  sand,. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brownish-yellow  to  yellowish-brown  light 
sandy  loam  to  rather  loose  sand  about  4  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a 
loose  sand,  faintly  mottled  with  shades  of  yellow  and  brown.  In  typical  ureas 
the  sand  continues  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more,  but  in  some  cases  stlty  clay 
loam  to  clay  is  encountered  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section.  This  BOll 
also  occurs  in  a  mixed  phase  with  the  Sharkey  soils.  Such  "mixed  land"  is 
marked  by  hummocks  or  small  mounds  ("wind  blows")  of  Sarpy  Band, 
with  intervening  depressions  of  Sharkey  soils  in  such  complex  arrangement 
that  a  separation  would  be  impracticable  and  without  value.      The  hummocks 

79619—13 22 


338 


SOILS  OF  THE  V SITED  STATES. 


are  more  or  les^  rounded  in  shape  and  range  from  S  to  15  inches  above  the 
bottoms  of  the  depressions.  Between  the  typical  Sharkey  clay  in  the  center 
of  the  depressions  and  the  typical  Sarpy  sand  in  the  center  of  the  mounds  there 
are  frequently  gradational  types  or  phases  of  these  soils.  The  uneven  surface 
configuration  of  such  areas  interferes  with  cultivation,  but  they  are  used  for 
agricultural  purposes.  The  typical  Sarpy  sand  is  of  rather  low  agricultural 
value,  being  deficient  in  humus  and  irretentive  of  moisture.  'With  the  liberal 
addition  of  organic  matter,  such  as  barnyard  manure  and  green  crops  plowed 
under,  and  with  liberal  use  of  fertilizers,  good  crops  of  melons,  sweet  potatoes, 
Irish  potatoes,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  can  be  secured.  The  general  farm 
crops  ordinarily  give  poor  results  where  the  depth  to  clay  is  3  feet  or  more. 

Thompson  sand. — This  is  a  light-gray  to  nearly  white*  sand  occurring  in  the 
first  bottoms  of  streams  in  situations  favoring  frequent  overflow.  Owing  to 
the  type's  limited  extent  and  unfavorable  situation,  it  is  of  little  importance. 
The  material  is  so  loose  and  so  deficient  in  organic  matter  that  any  kind  of 
agricultural  utilization  would  generally  necessitate  liberal  use  of  organic  ami 
mineral  manures. 

Wickham  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  yellowish-brown  coars  !  sand 
from  16  to  26  inches  deep,  generally  coarser  in  texture  and  lighrer  in  color 
below  14  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-brown  or  yellowish,  incoherent  sand 
to  light  sandy  loam,  which  grades  at  from  28  to  40  inches  into  a  coarse, 
gravelly  material.  The  type  occurs  along  the  rivers,  occupying  level  or  slightly 
sloping  terraces.  The  drainage  is  good  and  in  some  of  the  coarser  phases  it  is 
excessive.  The  soil  is  derived  from  Pleistocene  deposits.  General  farm  crops 
are  the  principal  products  grown,  and  fair  yields  ai^  secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  satuH. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Kalraia  sand 

Cahaba  sand 

Sarpy  sand 

Dunning  sand 

Myatt  sand 

Wkkham  sand... 
Thompson  sand . . 
Ocklocknee  sand , 
Genesee  sand 


Alabama  1,  2, 9, 12, 14, 32;  Georgia  2;  Mississippi  20 

Alabama  32;  Mississippi  5,  10 

Missouri  15 

Wisconsin  7 

Alabama  2,  9 

Virginia  6 

Mississippi  20 

Alabama  27;  Mississippi  9 

Wisconsin  3 


56,768 
17,792 
16,384 
5,952 
5,184 
4,416 
3,328 
2,496 
512 


Total. 


.|       112,832 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE    SAND    PHASE. 


The  course  sands  are  inextensive  in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province,  only  two 
types  having  been  mapped— the  Kalmia  and  the  Wickham.    These  are  terrace 
soils  of  a  loose  nature  and  of  rather  low  agricultural  value.     Vegetables,  melons. 
and  forage  crops,  such  as  cowpeas,  do  fairly  well,  especially  with  liberal  fer- 
tilization,   particularly    with    (hose    fertilizers    which    contain    relatively    high 
entages  of  nitrogen  and  potash. 
KalnUa  coarse  sand.    The  soil  is  a  light-colored,  rather  loose  coarse  Band, 
nibsoi]  is  ;i  gray  to  pale-yellOW  coarse  Band  having  about   the  suae  texture 
as   the   soil.     The   type   occupies   second    terraces.     Its   moisture   conditions  are 

chiefly  controlled  by  elevation,  the  oearness  of  the  water  table  bo  the  surface 
Insuring  .1  fair  supply  of  moisture  In  Bat  areas  and  depressions  and  along  the 
fool  of  slopes.  Vegetables  and  forage  crops  do  fairly  well  where  the  soil  is 
libera  lly  manured. 

Wickham  OOarte  sand. — This  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown,  loose  coarse  sand, 
plain  :it  aboul  <',  inches  by  n  yellowish-brown  or  reddish-brown  coarse  sand. 

The  type  is  developed  on  stream   terraces  and   in  river  bottoms  as  slight   knolls 

and  ridges  or  swdis  standing  above  normal  overflow.  The  material  is  largely 
from  the  Piedmont.  The  type  stands  above  the  frequently  overflowed  first- 
bottom  soils,     it  gives  good  results  with  watermelons,  and  fair  crops  of  cotton 

and  corn  with   fertilization. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sands. 


339 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kalmia  coarse  sand 

Alabama  2 

5,184 
2,816 

Wickham  coarse  sand 

North  Carolina  15 

Total 

8,000 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAMY-SAND   PHASE. 


Only  one  type  of  the  phase  group  of  loamy  sands,  the  Cahaba  loamy  sand, 
has  been  mapped.  It  is  a  terrace  type,  which  with  good  drainage  and  fertiliza- 
tion gives  good  results  with  potatoes,  melons,  and  forage  crops.  Cotton,  corn, 
and  oats  do  fairly  well.  The  soil  is  considerably  more  productive  than  the  cor- 
responding sand  type,  owing  to  a  higher  content  of  fine  material,  and  the 
consequently  greater  retentiveness  of  moisture. 

Cahaba  loamy  sand. — This  is  a  grayish-brown  sand  underlain  at  an  average 
depth  of  about  10  inches  by  reddish-brown  loamy  sand.  The  type  is  developed 
on  stream  terraces  above  normal  overflow.  Its  drainage  is  good,  yet  moisture  is 
conserved  in  amounts  favorable  to  healthful  plant  development  under  ordinary 
conditions.     Sweet  potatoes,  melons,  forage  crops,  cotton,  and  corn  do  fairly  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  sand. 


Soil  name. 


Cahaba  loamy  sand . 


State  or  area. 


Mississippi  5,  20. 


Acres. 


18,240 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
FINE   SAND  GROUP. 

While  a  large  number  of  types  having  the  texture  of  fine  sand  are  found  in 
the  River  Flood  Plains  province,  the  total  area  is  small  as  compared  with  the 
extensive  groups  of  loams,  silt  loams,  and  clays.  According  to  the  surveys 
made,  however,  a  considerably  larger  area  is  occupied  by  the  fine  sands  than 
by  the  sands. 

These  are  loose-structured  soils,  easy  to  work,  but  not  so  easy  to  maintain  in 
a  good  state  of  productivity,  since  they  are  generally  rather  irretentive  of 
moisture  and  do  not  show  lasting  effects  from  the  application  of  manures. 
They  are,  however,  more  productive  with  the  same  degree  of  treatment  than 
the  coarser  sands  of  the  province  and  similar-textured  soils  of  the  uplands. 
For  the  maintenance  of  the  best  state  of  productivity  it  is  necessary  to  apply 
liberal  amounts  of  vegetable  matter,  while  good  yields  are  generally  not  secured 
without  moderate  applications  of  commercial  fertilizers,  particularly  those 
containing  relatively  high  percentages  of  nitrogen  and  potash. 

One  of  the  biggest  problems  encountered  in  the  utilization  of  those  types 
occurring  in  the  overflowed  bottoms  is  to  secure  proper  protection  from  over- 
flow and  to  establish  necessary  underdrainage.  The  terrace  members  of  the 
group  not  being  subject  to  overflow,  or  at  least  to  frequent  overflow,  are  gen- 
erally much  better  drained,  but  these  are  prevailingly  more  deficient  in  organic 
matter,  and,  outside  of  the  work  involved  in  the  establishment  of  good  drainage, 
require  more  intensive  treatment. 

These  soils  are  best  suited  to  the  production  of  melons,  sweet  potatoes,  Irish 
potatoes,  vegetables,  forage  crops,  sugar  cane,  cotton,  corn,  and  oats.  In  some 
sections  certain  types  of  tobacco  are  produced  with  a  fair  degree  of  success. 
They  are  not  quite  so  early  as  the  coarser  sands,  but  are  much  better  suited 
to  the  production  of  medium  early  truck  crops  than  the  heavier  soils  of  the 
province. 

The  most  extensive  types  are  the  Myatt  fine  sand  of  the  overflowed  bottoms 
of  the  Coastal  Plain,  the  Miller  fine  sand  of  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  rising 
in  the  Red  Beds  region,  the  Kalmia  fine  sand  of  the  well-drained  terraces  of  the 
Coastal  Plain  region,  and  the   Wabash   fine  sand   of  the  overflowed  bottoms  of 


340  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

the  streams  rising  in  and  issuing  from  the  loessial  regions  of  the  North  Central 
States. 

Cahaoa  fine  sand.— The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  consists  of  a  gray- 
ish-brown loamy  fine  sand.  This  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  or  dull-red 
loamy  fine  sand  extending  to  a  depth  of  30  inches  or  more.  Between  30  and 
40  inches  a  stiff  reddish-brown  clay  may  be  encountered.  Mica  flakes  are 
present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occurs 
mainly  as  long,  narrow  ridges  in  the  second  bottoms  of  the  large  streams  in 
the  Coastal  Plain  of  the  Gulf  States.  It  is,  on  account  of  the  open,  loose 
nature  of  the  component  material.  somewhat  droughty.  The  original  timber 
growth  consisted  principally  of  pine,  oak,  sweet  gum,  and  poplar.  The  yields 
of  cotton,  corn,  and  oats  are  rather  light. 

Chtistain  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  fine  sand  of  low  organic-matter 
content.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  fine  sand,  usually  faintly  mottled  with  yellowish 
or  brownish  colors  and  water-soaked  in  the  lower  portions.  The  type' occupies 
first  bottoms  lying  at  a  somewhat  higher  elevation  and  averaging  much  more 
uniform  in  textural  features  than  Meadow.  It  usually  supports  a  rather  skit- 
tered growth  of  pine.  The  soil  has  a  poor,  lifeless  appearance  and  is  of  little 
agricultural  value. 

Congaree  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  chocolate-brown  fine  sand 
to  loamy  fine  sand  about  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  of  about  the  same 
texture  as  the  soil,  but  somewhat  darker  in  color.  At  about  36  inches  fine 
sandy  loam  to  silty  clay  is  encountered.  The  type  is  developed  usually  as 
slightly  elevated  natural  levees  along  stream  fronts.  It  is  subject  to  overflow, 
though  generally  not  so  much  as  the  lower-lying  alluvial  soils  back  from  the 
streams.  It  is  an  excellent  agricultural  soil,  producing  in  the  more  loamy  areas 
from  25  to  90  bushels  of  corn,  40  to  60  bushels  of  oats,  and  from  three-fourths 
bale  to  li  bales  of  cotton  per  acre. 

Genesee  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  grayish-brown,  rather  in- 
coherent tine  sand,  about  8  inches  deep,  and  overlying  a  yellowish  fine  sand. 
The  topography  is  flat  to  gently  undulating  and  the  soil  is  subject  to  wind 
action.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occupies  first-bottom  positions  along 
streams.  The  natural  drainage  is  good,  though  the  type  is  subject  to  overflow, 
and  its  agricultural  value  is  low.  Where  flooding  can  be  prevented  fair  crops 
of  corn  and  grass  may  be  grown. 

Huntington  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark  reddish-brown  loamy  fine  sand,  over- 
lying a  reddish-brown  fine  sand  or  fine  sandy  loam.  The  alluvial  material  of 
this  type  is  of  recent  deposition  and  often  contains  more  or  less  finely  divided 
mien.  The  soil  is  of  too  light  texture  for  general  farm  crops,  and  on  account 
f»f  this  and  its  liability  to  overflow  it  is  best  adapted  to  hay  and  pasture. 

Kalmia  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  light-brown  tine  sand,  averaging 
5  or  <>  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  fine  sand. 'which  usually  be- 
comes lighter  in  color  below  30  Inches.  Owing  to  a  high  content  of  very  tine 
sand  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  tin1  entire  soil  ni;iss  is  inclined  to  become  compact. 
The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occupies  terraces  and  the  higher  bottom  land 
lying  mainly  above  normal  overflow.  The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  under 
proper  management  vives  better  yields  than  somewhat  similar  upland  tine  Band. 

Coin,  forage  Crops,  melons,  potatoes,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Lintonia  fine  wand.  —The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  brown  tine  Band, 

arhlcl]  at   :i   depth  of  10  to  32  inches  is  underlain  by  grayish  to  Llght-broWD   line 

sand,    it  occupies  second  terraces,  <»('  billowy  topography,    it  has  good  drainage 

and   lies  mainly  above  normal   overflow.     The  material   is  derived   from   loessial 

uplands.     The  yields  of  Ordinary  farm  crops  are  Light,  but  the  type  is  well  suitinl 

to  strawberries  and  other  small  fruits  and  truck. 

MUhr  r>nr  sand.  The  type  consists  of  a  loose,  loamy,  gray  t<»  reddish-gray 
line  sand.    The  subsoil  is  .i  loose,  reddish  lino  sand,  extending  to  a  depth  of 

Several  feet  It  is  B  flrst-DOttom  soil,  alluvial  in  Origin  and  usually  well  drained. 
It    is   used    principally    for  corn   and    cotton   and    fair  yields  arc   produced.      The 

higher  lying  areas  i  re  adapted  to  fruit,  especially  peaches.  Vegetables  also  do 
well,  but  are  grown  only  for  boms  consumption 

Myati  •>■  •     nut     The  type  <onsists  of  c  to  L0  Inches  of  gray  or  drab  tine  sand. 

rally  underlain  by  a  mottled  gray  and  yellow  silty  fine  sand  extending  to 

a  depth  of  20  Inches.     Below  this  the  subsoil  varies  from  a  mottled  gray  and 

yellow    si  I;  id    to   sticky    line   Band.      The  soil    is  alluvial    in  origin.      In 

.  it  is  darkened  by  Large  amounts  of  organic  matter.    Natural  drainage  is 
poor  and  but  little  of  'lie  type  is  in  cultivatio 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  341 

Ondawa  fine  sand. — The  soil,  from  4  to  6  inches  deep,  is  a  light-brown  to  yel- 
lowish fine  sand.  The  subsoil  has  the  same  texture  as  the  surface  soil,  although 
it  is  usually  somewhat  lighter  in  color.  The  type  occurs  either  as  a  deposit 
from  flood  waters  in  slightly  undulating  areas  from  moderately  swift  currents 
or  as  small  deltas  built  out  on  the  flood  plains  by  small  streams  coming  down 
from  sandy  soils  of  the  higher  terraces  or  uplands.  It  is  always  of  recent  or 
present  alluvial  origin.  The  type  is  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  and  early  truck 
crops. 

Papakating  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  fine  sand,  averaging 
about  9  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  ranges  from  brown  to  gray  in  color,  and 
varies  somewhat  also  in  texture,  but  is  usually  a  fine  sand,  which  not  infre- 
quently grades  into  a  heavy  sandy  loam  or  even  clay  subsoil  at  the  lower  depths. 
No  stone  or  gravel  of  noticeable  extent  occurs  in  either  soil  or  subsoil.  The 
topography  is  level  or  slightly  undulating,  the  type  occupying  first-bottom  posi- 
tions along  streams.  The  land  is  subject  to  annual  or  periodic  overflow.  Drain- 
age is  poor  in  areas  of  depression.  The  origin  of  the  material  is  principally 
alluvial,  though  in  some  areas,  the  subsoils  at  least,  may  be  in  part  lacustrine 
material  previously  laid  down  in  the  old  glacial  lakes.  Where  the  drainage  is 
sufficient  to  remove  the  surplus  water  or  where  artificial  drainage  is  installed 
the  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  cabbage,  lettuce,  sugar  beets, 
cauliflower,  and  early  Irish  potatoes.  It  is  not  so  well  adapted  to  the  general 
farm  crops. 

Sarpy  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  grayish-brown  fine  sand,  some- 
times containing  minute  but  visible  mica  flakes.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish- 
brown  fine  sand,  in  places  faintly  mottled  with  shades  of  brown.  The  soil  is 
typically  developed  on  natural  levees  along  stream  courses  and  bayous.  It  is 
highest  nearest  the  stream  front,  sloping  gradually  away  to  blend  with  heavier 
types.  Cotton,  corn,  oats,  cowpeas,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  fairly  well, 
especially  where  the  organic  matter  content  is  maintained  and  the  soil  occasion- 
ally manured  or  fertilized. 

Telle?'  fine  sand. — The  soil  has  a  depth  of  about  10  inches.  It  is  a  medium  fine 
sand,  containing  considerable  organic  matter,  which  gives  it  a  gray  color.  The 
subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  or  more,  is  of  similar  material,  but  lacks  organic 
matter  and  has  a  yellow  color.  On  some  parts  of  the  type  in  river  bends  the 
soil  is  light  red  in  color,  and  there  is  no  perceptible  difference  between  the  soil 
and  subsoil.  The  type  is  found  entirely  in  the  bottom  lands  and  consequently 
has  a  nearly  level  surface.  It  is  sedimentary  in  origin,  having  been  laid  down 
by  stream  waters  when  they  occupied  a  much  higher  stage  than  at  the  present 
time.  The  principal  crops  grown  are  cotton  and  corn,  but  only  fair  yields  are 
obtained.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  potatoes,  melons,  and  other  truck  crops, 
and  a  number  of  fruits.  Better  returns  can  be  obtained  from  these  than  from 
the  staple  farm  crops. 

Wabash  fine  sand. — This  consists  of  a  loose  fine  to  very  fine  sand,  3  feet  or 
more  in  depth.  The  surface  soil,  which  is  from  6  to  8  inches  deep,  ranges  from 
light  gray  to  brownish  gray.  The  subsoil  has  a  yellowish  or  light-brown  color 
and  is  less  coherent  than  the  soil.  The  type  occurs  as  an  alluvial  deposit  in  the 
first-bottom  stream  courses.  It  is  used  to  some  extent  for  general  farming,  but 
is  particularly  adapted  to  trucking. 

Wheeling  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  11  inches  is  a  loose,  brown 
fine  sand.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  over  3  feet  is  a  brownish-yellow  sand  of 
practically  the  same  texture  as  the  soil,  becoming  slightly  lighter  in  color  as 
depth  increases.  The  type  occupies  gently  to  sharply  rolling  areas  and  is  com 
posed  of  earlier  deposits  of  the  Ohio  River,  which  have  later  been  subjected  to 
the  action  of  wind.  This  has  given  to  the  type  its  present  topography.  The 
crops  to  which  the  soil  seems  to  be  best  adapted  are  watermelons  and  toma- 
toes. Fairly  good  crops  of  potatoes,  corn,  wheat,  rye,  and  cowpeas  are  also 
produced  during  favorable  seasons.  Small  fruits,  such  as  strawberries  and 
blackberries,  seem  to  do  well  on  this  type. 

Yazoo  fine  sand. — To  a  depth  of  36  inches  this  is  a  gray,  incoherent  sand  con- 
sisting of  quartz  and  feldspnr  and  possessing  a  uniformly  fine  texture.  While 
the  surface  soil  occasionally  contains  a  small  amount  of  organic  matter,  the 
material  usually  shows  an  incoherent  structure  throughout  the  profile.  The  type 
occupies  relatively  small,  disconnected  areas  along  the  immediate  banks  of  the 
Mississippi  River,  and  occurs  when  recent  breaks  in  the  loess  result  in  a  sudden 
checking  of  the  swifter  currents,  with  consequent  deposition  of  the  coarser  par- 
ticles of  the  suspended  sediments.  The  type  is  not  at  present  used  for  agricul- 
tural purposes. 


342 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandt 


Soil  name.                                                              State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mvatt  fine  sand Alabama  St  S 

67,520 
66,944 
32,320 
16,064 

Arkansas  3;  Louisiana  3;  Texas  23,  24,  31 

Wabash  fine  sand 

Indiana  1:  Oklahoma  1 

Yazoo  fine  sand 

Louisiana  4,6 

11,200 

Cabaha  fine  sand 

Alabama  2.  18;  Mississippi  3,  5,  14 

6,912 
5,504 
5,376 

Oenesee  fine  sand 

W  isconsin  3 

Huntington  fine  sand 

Alabama  3;  A rkansas  1 

A'keeline;  fine  sand 

Ohio  6:  '-Vest  Virginia  2,  6,  7 

4,800 

Alabama  2 

4.672 

4,352 
3,904 

Papakating  fine  sand  

New  York  17 

2,176 

North  Carolina  23 

2,112 

Teller  fine  sand 

Oklahoma  2 

1,344 

^arpv  fine  sand Missouri  10 

1,280 

Total 

23(3.480 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


WRY    FINK    SAND    I'll  \>>  . 


Only  two  types  having  the  texture  of  very  fine  sand  have  so  far  been  mapped. 
Soils  of  this  texture  probably  will  not  be  encountered  in  sufficiently  extensive 
areas  to  constitute  an  important  group.  On  nccount  of  their  finer  texture,  they 
are  more  retentive  of  moisture  and  somewhat  more  productive  than  the  riue 
sands.     They  are  suited  to  about  the  same  crops. 

Osage  very  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  loose,  incoherent,  light-brown  to  gray 
very  fine  sand,  overlying  a  very  fine  sand  of  lighter  color.  The  soil  is  porous, 
and  drainage  is  free.  It  is  subject  to  wind  action,  and  as  a  result  the  topog- 
raphy is  often  hummocky.  The  type  usually  occurs  along  the  channels  of 
moderately  large  streams  deriving  their  sediments  from  the  residual  soils  from 
sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  of  the  upland  prairie  region.  The  soil  is  most 
useful  for  the  production  of  special  types  of  vegetables,  such  as  melons,  aspara- 
gus, and  sweet  potatoes. 

Sarpy  very  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  grayish-brown 
very  fine  sand  of  rather  loamy  nature,  frequently  containing  numerous  small 
Hakes  of  mica.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown,  rather  incoherent  very  tine  sand 
to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  type  occurs  as  natural  levees  along  large 
streams.  Its  topography  is  ridgy  or  undulating.  The  agricultural  value  of 
Hie  soil  is  not  great,  but  it  has  a  limited  usefulness  for  certain  vegetables  and 
such  crops  as  corn  and  oats. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 


lie  sand . 


State  or  area. 


Kansas  9 

ouri  18. 


\  r« 


4,644 


41.0*; 


.  to  numbers  in  tins  column  bm  p.  788, 

SANDY     I.OAM     CROUP. 


'I'hc  sandy  loams  of  iiiis  province  comprise  b   moderate  area,  being  fairly 

.■M(Mi<i\«'    ii'i    BOme    Of    the    Aral    bottoms,    especially    in    higher    situations    along 

stream   fronts,  and   in   the  narrow    bottoms  of  small  streams  whore  the 
regional  uplands  Include  large  areas  of  Bandy  laud. 

These  s«>iis  .ire  easy  i"  work,  oo  arc, nut  of  their  light  texture,  and  require 

llghl  tools  .-iini  stock.  '  The  terrace  members  of  the  group  are  In  aeed  of  organic 

matter   such  as  can  !»<•  advantageously  supplied  by  growing  and  plowing  under 

er,  .md  rye.    Commercial  fertilisers,  particularly  those 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  343 

containing   relatively   high   percentages   of  nitrogen   and   potash,    in    moderate 
applications,  can  be  used  profitably  on  the  terrace  types. 

The  soils  under  proper  climatic  conditions  are  well  suited  to  the  production 
of  vegetables,  particularly  potatoes,  cucumbers,  tomatoes,  and  melons-.  Where 
proper  drainage  and  protection  from  overflow  can  be  established  the  first-bottom 
soils  give  good  results  with  the  general  farm  crops  adapted  to  the  climate,  sugar 
cane,  corn,  oats,  and  forage  crops  giving  excellent  yields.  Owing  to  the  fact 
that  crops  reach  maturity  earlier  on  the  sandy  loams  than  on  the  heavier  bottom 
lands,  cotton  is  better  able  to  withstand  the  ravages  of  the  boll  weevil  on  soils 
of  this  texture  than  on  heavier  types. 

The  surface  portion  of  the  first-bottom  members  of  this  group  usually  con- 
tains considerably  more  fine  material  than  the  sandy  loams  of  the  uplands, 
particularly  those  of  the  Coastal  Plain.  They  therefore  average  more  produc- 
tive under  good  drainage  conditions  than  the  sandy  loams  of  the  Coastal  Plain 
region.  The  terrace  sandy  loams  approach  more  nearly  the  characteristics  of 
the  upland  sandy  loams  and  are  quite  similar  to  the  latter  in  crop  adaptation 
and  value,  although  they  average  generally  a  little  more  productive. 

The  most  extensive  types  of  the  group  are  the  Yazoo  sandy  loam  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi bottoms,  the  Congaree  sandy  loam  of  the  first  bottoms  along  streams 
flowing  through  and  issuing  from  the  Piedmont  region,  and  the  Myatt.  Cahaba, 
and  Kalmia  sandy  loams  of  the  Coastal  Plain  stream  terraces. 

Altavista  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  sandy  loam  with  an  average  depth 
of  about  10  inches,  carrying  a  fair  percentage  of  rounded  pebbles  and  cobbles 
scattered  over  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled 
yellow  and  red  clay  loam,  which  in  the  lower  portion  grades  into  red  clay, 
occasionally  slightly  mottled  with  yellow.  The  type  occupies  the  more  gradual 
slopes  of  valley  walls  adjoining  stream  bottoms  and  occasionally  rather  indis- 
tinct old  terraces.  Former  river  action  contributed  a  part  of  the  component 
material,  while  some  of  it  appears  to  have  been  washed  down  from  contiguous 
slopes.  Part  of  the  soil  and  most  of  the  subsoil  material  seems  to  be  of  residual 
origin.     Tobacco,  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  grass  are  grown  with  fair  results. 

Amite  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a 
brown  or  reddish-brown  sandy  loam  to  loamy  sand  of  the  same  color.  The  sub- 
soil varies  from  a  heavy  red  sandy  loam  to  a  sandy  clay.  The  surface  is  gently 
rolling  and  the  type  is  sometimes  spoken  of  as  "second-bottom"  or  "hammock 
land."  It  is  sedimentary  in  origin.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  oats, 
sweet  and  Irish  potatoes,  and  sugar  cane,  and  is  also  suited  to  truck  crops. 

Aroostook  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches  consists  of  a 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  medium  to  fine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish- 
black  or  greenish-gray  medium  sand  containing  small  particles  of  quartz,  calcite. 
and  mica,  but  consisting  principally  of  dark-colored  shale,  slate,  and  sandstone 
fragments.  Pockets  of  a  light-colored  silty  sand  are  of  frequent  occurrence  in 
the  subsoil.  At  about  36  inches  a  rather  impervious,  compact  stratum  of  clay 
is  encountered.  On  the  upland  side  the  type  frequently  grades  by  degrees 
into  the  Caribou  loam.  The  type  occupies  level  or  ridgy  second  terraces  and 
consists  of  reworked  material.  It  retains  a  fairly  good  supply  of  moisture,  but 
some  crops,  such  as  oats  and  grass,  are  apt  to  suffer  in  prolonged  droughts. 
The  native  vegetation  was  ash  and  elm.  The  soil  is  used  for  potatoes,  oats, 
and  grass,  producing  moderate  yields.     Vegetables  could  be  successfully  grown. 

Bastrop  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  10  to  24  inches  is  a  grayish- 
brown  to  reddish-brown  light  sandy  loam.  The  medium  and  fine  grades  of 
sand  predominate.  The  subsoil  to  36  inches  is  a  reddish  to  dark -reddish  Bandy 
clay,  the  lighter  color  occurring  on  the  more  elevated  and  better  drained  areas. 
The  type  is  the  oldest  of  the  alluvial  bottoms.  It  occupies  the  highest  swells 
and  terraces  of  the  alluvial  area,  much  of  the  finer  material  having  been  washed 
to  the  lower  levels,  leaving  a  more  open  structured  and  sandier  soii.  The  red 
sandy  clay  subsoil  represents  material  of  the  old  Permian  lied  P.eds  reworked 
by  river  action.  The  topography  in  general  is  rolling,  and  drainage  is  good. 
The  soil  is  suited  to  the  cultivation  of  cotton  and  corn,  though  corn  gives  better 
results  on  the  lower  alluvial  soils.  It  is  especially  adapted  to  small  fruits. 
grapes,  melons,  potatoes,  ami  truck  crops.  The  maintenance  of  organic  matter 
is  essential. 

Bibb  .sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  nearly  white  to  ashy-gray,  moderately  coarse 
Band,  underlain  by  somewhat  plastic  sandy  clay  of  a  grayish  color  frequently 
mottled  with  yellowish.  It  occupies  first  bottoms  of  streams,  where  it  was 
formed  as  an  alluvial  type.  It  is  subject  to  frequent  overflow  and  is  i>oorly 
drained.     Grasses  give  better  results  than  other  crops. 


344  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Cahaba  sandy  loam. — This  type  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  consists  of  a  medium 
to  fine  reddish-brown  loamy  sand  to  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  typically  a 
reddish-brown,  stiff,  heavy  clay.  Some  of  the  older,  better-drained  areas  have 
a  bright-red  subsoil.  It  is  an  alluvial  type  occurring  in  the  second  bottoms  of 
the  major  streams  in  the  Coastal  Plain  of  the  Gulf  States.  It  is  well  suited 
to  the  production  of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  peanuts. 

Congarec  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  reddish-brown 
sand  to  light  sandy  loam  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark-gray  to 
brown  or  reddish-brown  sandy  loam,  often  mottled  with  yellow  or  brown. 
There  may  be  some  variation  in  the  subsoil  in  the  form  of  an  occasional  bluish 
color  or  mottling  and  layers  of  sand  or  sandy  loam  alternating  with  similar 
layers  of  loam  or  silt  loam.  The  type  occupies  first  bottoms  and  is  derived 
largely  through  wash  from  the  Cecil  soils.  It  is  subject  to  overflow.  In  dry 
years  or  when  protected  from  overflow  corn,  oats,  sugar  cane,  sorghum,  and 
certain  vegetables  do  well. 

Cumberland  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  mellow  sandy  loam. 
The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  or  reddish-brown  loam  to  fine  sandy  clay.  The 
type  occupies  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling  second  terraces  and  has  good  drain- 
age. It  is  quite  productive,  being  especially  suited  to  corn,  grain,  and  a  number 
of  vegetables. 

Genesee  sandy  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  yellowish-brown  sandy  loam 
about  9  inches  deep,  overlying  a  light-brown  or  yellowish  sandy  loam  subsoil. 
Stratified  sand  and  fine  gravel  frequently  appears  in  the  subsoil  and  sometimes 
extends  to  the  surface.  The  type  occupies  usually  level  areas  in  the  first  bot- 
toms of  streams,  and  is  subject  to  more  or  less  overflow.  The  soil  is  easily 
cultivated  and  is  adapted  to  corn,  oats,  hay,  and  potatoes. 

Huntington  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  or  8  inches  is  a  dark-brown 
to  black  light  loam  to  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  to  black  heavy  silt 
loam  or  clay  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  carry  varying  amounts  of  gravel  and 
rounded  stone  fragments.  The  type  has  been  formed  from  material  washed 
from  the  limestone,  sandstone,  and  slate  uplands  and  deposited  in  the  first 
bottoms  of  streams.  It  is  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops.  Grass  doe* 
particularly  well. 

h'ahnia  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  sandy  loam  of  medium  tex- 
ture, overlying  a  yellow  to  slightly  reddish  sandy  clay  frequently  mottled  with 
gray.  It  occurs  on  the  first  and  second  terraces  along  the  Alabama  River  and 
some  of  its  tributaries,  and  is  of  alluvial  origin.  It  requires  drainage  and  is 
sometimes  inundated  during  rainy  periods  The  type  is  best  suited  to  corn 
and  grass.     It  is  sometimes  used  for  cotton. 

La  Crosse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  medium  sandy 
loam  about  10  inches  dee]).  The  light-brown  subsoil  is  of  somewhat  Lighter  tex- 
ture than  the  soil  and  grades  into  a  yellowish,  rather  incoherent  sand  at  about 
w  feet  The  type  occupies  a  terrace  position  and  the  topography  is  usually  level, 
although  the  outer  edges  oi  some  of  the  areas  sIojh'  slightly  upward  to  merge 
with  the  upland  types.  Drainage  is  good,  hnt  seldom  excessive.  The  type  is 
used  lor  such  staple  crops  ;is  corn,  barley,  and  potatoes,  Bail  yields  being 
secured.      It    is  alSO  in   use  to  some  extent    for  the  production  of  truck  crops. 

U//'///  sandy  loam.  -The  Myatt  sandy  loam  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-gray 
medium  to  one  sandy  loam,  and  overlies  grayish  materia]  varying  from  heavy 
Bandy  loam  to  sandy  clay.  At  a  depth  of  about  8  feet  the  material  grades  into 
a  Btlffer  and  more  plastic  substratum.  The  type  occurs  on  the  river  terraces  Id 
poorly  drained,  tint  or  depressed  ureas,  it  is  regarded  as  a  cold-natured  soil, 
rerj  difficult  to  handle  in  its  aatural  condition.  When  properly  drained  and 
cultivated  vegetable!  do  fairly  well.  Johnson  and  Bermuda  grasses  yield  from 
2  i<>  ::  tons  pre  acre.    Oorn,  oats,  and  sugar  cane  Bucceed  moderately  well. 

gt  Catherine  sandy  loom.     The  soil  to  a  depth  Of  ahem    10  inches  is  a  medium 

p.    rather   One  sandy   loam   or  sand   of  yellowish  color.      The  subsoil   consists  of 

about  the  same  material,  though  occasionally  grading  Into  sticky  sandy  loam 
at  80  Inches.  Gravel  is  usually  present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type 
occurs  along  i he  i.,ot   of  loess  bluffs  as  narrow  strips  having  a  gentle  slope 

toward    the    contiguous    true    alluvium.      It     is    derived     from    OUtWSSb    material 

from  exposure  of  the  Lafayette  and   Port    Hudson  formations  modifying  the 

loess,    :md    includes    very    little    loessial    material.      The    soil    is    inclined    to    he 

droughty.     Early  vegetables  .ire  the  most  successful  crops 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  345 

Trinity  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  12  inches  consists 
of  a  dark-brown  sandy  loam  to  heavy  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  quite  variable, 
but  usually  consists  of  dark-brown  to  black  loam  or  sandy  clay.  The  type 
occurs  in  stream  bottoms,  generally  near  the  outer  margins  where  there  has 
been  more  or  less  accumulation  of  material  from  adjacent  uplands.  The  main 
portion  of  the  component  material  is  derived  from  the  calcareous  prairies. 
Drainage  is  good,  except  for  occasional  overflow.  Cotton,  corn,  sugar  cane, 
forage  crops,  and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Tyler  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  10  inches  consists 
of  a  brown  to  dark-brown  medium  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  brownish- 
yellow  or  rather  heavy  sandy  loam  of  uniform  characteristics  to  a  depth  of  at 
least  3  feet.  The  type  occupies  second  bottoms  of  the  larger  streams,  having 
been  washed  from  near-by  upland  areas  of  sandstone  soil.  It  lies  above  the 
level  of  normal  overflows.  The  type,  while  not  naturally  a  highly  productive 
soil,  is  susceptible  of  ready  improvement.  The  average  yield  of  corn  is  about  25 
bushels,  but  much  larger  yields  are  secured  under  proper  management.  Fair 
yields  of  wheat,  oats,  and  buckwheat  are  secured.  Sweet  potatoes  and  truck 
crops,  such  as  potatoes,  asparagus,  onions,  lettuce,  and  cabbage,  do  well.  Good 
yields  of  certain  varieties  of  apples  and  strawberries  are  secured. 

Wabash  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  12  to  24  inches  consists  of 
a  dark-brown  to  reddish-brown  sandy  loam  of  rather  coarse  texture,  becoming 
lighter  in  color  with  depth.  This  is  underlain  by  a  yellowish  coarse  sandy 
loam,  coarse  sand,  or  stratified  graveL  Generally  large  quantities  of  gravel  are 
distributed  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  type  occupies  strips  along  river  and 
stream  bottoms  and  is  generally  subject  to  overflow.  It  is  usually  well  drained. 
The  principal  crop  is  corn.  The  soil  is  also  well  suited  to  melons,  sweet  potatoes, 
cabbage,  and  other  truck  crops. 

Wheeling  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  8  inches  of  light-brown 
sandy  loam,  resting  upon  a  rather  incoherent  yellowish  sandy  loam  to  loamy 
sand,  which  extends  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  Quartz  and  other  pebbles 
occur  upon  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  con- 
fined to  river  terraces  and  has  a  gently  rolling  topography.  It  is  composed  of 
reworked  material  brought  from  the  glacial  region  to  the  north  by  river  cur- 
rents when  flowing  much  stronger  than  at  present.  The  surface  material  of 
the  earlier  deposition  has  been  somewhat  modified  by  the  accumulation  of 
organic  material.  Practically  the  whole  of  the  type  is  devoted  to  the  growing 
of  apples,  for  which  purpose  it  seems  best  adapted. 

Wickham  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  or  brown  loamy  sand  to 
light,  friable  sandy  loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  10  to  26  inches.  The  subsoil 
is  a  reddish  sandy  loam  or  loam,  sometimes  containing  mica,  and  grading  into 
a  heavy  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay,  also  containing  mica.  The  type  occupies 
terraces,  part  of  which  are  overflowed.  The  surface  is  level  or  nearly  so,  but 
drainage  is  fairly  good.    This  is  a  desirable  soil  for  general  farm  crops. 

Yazoo  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  fine  sandy  loam  6  to  12 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  sandy  loam  of  a  lighter  color,  often  mottled  with 
brown,  gray,  and  blue.  It  has  been  deposited  by  streams,  usually  upon  a  clay 
foundation,  which  in  some  cases  comes  within  12  inches  of  the  surface.  The 
type  occupies  low,  flattish  ridges  forming  front  lands  near  stream  courses  in 
river  bottoms.  The  chief  product  is  cotton,  but  the  soil  is  suited  to  truck  and 
market  garden  crops.    Corn  and  truck  do  well  in  the  northern  areas. 


346 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Yazoo  sandy  loam. 


Kalmia  sandy  loam 

Congaree  sandy  loam 

Myatt  sandy  loam 

Cahaba  sandy  loam 

V.  ickham  sandy  loam 

Bastrop  sandy  loam 

Amite  sandy  loam 

Huntington  sandy  loam.. 

W  abash  sandy  loam 

Bibb  sandy  loam 

Trinity  sandy  loam 

V,  heeling  sandy  loam 

La  Crosse  sandy  loam 

St.  Catherine  sandy  loam. 

Altavista  sandv  loam 

Aroostook  sandy  loam 

Cumberland  sandy  loam. 

Oenesee  sandy  loam 

Tyler  sandy  loam 


Illinois  2,  9,  10;  Indiana  8;  Kansas  1;  Louisiana  7,  11; 
sippil9,  21. 

Alabama  1,  8,  14;  Georgia  2,  15 

Alabama  7 

Alabama  1 ;  Georgia  17 

Alabama  8,  18,  31,  32,  37;  Mississippi  5 

North  Carolina  15;  Virginia  6 

Texas  3 

Louisiana  13 

Alabama  14,  15;  Pennsylvania  5 

Indiana  10;  Ohio  7 

Alabama  8,  32 

Texas  14 

'est  Virginia  4,  7, 10 

Wisconsin  9 

Mississippi  1 

Virginia  4 

Maine  1 

Kentucky  3 

Pennsylvania  7 

West  Virginia  8 


192 
648 
032 
960 
368 
680 
232 
784 
624 
352 
688 
920 
856 
280 
088 
960 
S96 
576 
4-^ 


Total. 


312.667 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

Only  one  member  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam   phase,  the  Holston  gravelly 
sandy  loam,  has  been  mapped,  and  this  only  in  small  areas.     Soil  of  this  char- 
acter is  loose  in  structure  and  irretentive  of  moisture,  with  a  rather  low  agr 
cultural  value. 

Holston  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  soil  is  a  brown,  medium  to  fine  sandy  loam, 
about  10  inches  deep.  Rounded  quartz,  chert,  and  sandstone  gravel  is  scattered 
over  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  fine  sandy  loam  or  clay  loam  con- 
taining considerable  fine  gravel.  The  surface  is  nearly  level  to  somewhat  roll- 
ing, and  knolls  occur  where  the  type  is  developed  on  high  terraces.  The  type 
lies  above  overflow  and  was  formed  when  overflows  reached  higher  levels  than 
at  present.    The  soil  is  of  rather  low  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Alabama  6,  15 

10.624 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


FINE    SANDY    LOAM    GROUP. 


The   fine  Bandy    loams  occupy   an   important  area    in    the   ELlver   Blood    Plains 

province,  being  considerably  more  extensive,  according  to  soil  surveys  thus  Ear 

made,  than  the  soils  of  sandy  loam  texture. 

The  fine  Bandy  loams  are  <':isy  to  work  ami  require  only  light  tools  and  Btock 

lor    the    maintenance   of   a    good    Condition    of    tilth.      They    are,    particularly    in 

ond  hoi  torn  members  of  the  group,  generally  in  need  of  vegetable 
matter.  The  terrace  tyj>es  also  give  better  yields  when  fertilised  with  moderate 
applications  of  commercial  mixtures,  especially  those  containing  relatively  high 
percentages  of  nitrogen  and  ]*>tash.  The  tine  sandy  loams  of  the  first  bottoms 
average  considerably  more  productive  than  those  of  the  terraces,  having  gener- 
ally a  higher  percentage  ot  One  material,  silt  ami  clay  in  the  surface  portion. 
They  are,  however,  not  so  well  drained  as  the  second  bottom  soils,  being  Bubjecl 
id  frequently  t<>  poor  drainage  conditions  between  overflows. 

The  soils  of  this  texture  give  Lroo<l    results  under   proper  drainage  conditions 
with    medium   late   truck   crops,   such  as  melons,  cantaloupes,  cucuinhers.   B 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  347 

and  Irish  potatoes,  and  cabbage.  The  general  farm  crops  give  moderate  to 
good  yields,  particularly  on  the  first-bottom  soils  which  are  not  subject  to  fre- 
quent overflow.  Corn,  oats,  cowpeas,  millet,  sorghum,  sugar  cane,  and  cotton 
give  fair  to  good  yields  on  both  the  first  and  second  bottom  members  of  the 
group  where  the  climate  is  favorable.  In  districts  infested  with  the  boll  weevil 
these  soils  are  used  advantageously  for  cotton  production  on  the  heavier  types, 
on  account  of  their  tendency  to  mature  crops  earlier. 

The  Miller  fine  sandy  loam  is  the  most  extensive  member  of  the  group.  This 
occupies  relatively  large  areas  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  flowing  through 
and  issuing  from  the  Red  Beds  region.  The  Cahaba  fine  sandy  loam  also  is 
an  extensive  soil  on  the  terraces  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  particularly  in  Alabama 
and  Mississippi.  The  Ocklocknee  member  comprises  a  considerable  total  area  in 
the  first  bottoms  of  the  Coastal  Plain,  while  the  Myatt  is  fairly  extensive  in 
the  poorly  drained,  and  the  Kalmia,  in  the  moderately  well-drained  portions 
of  the  Coastal  Plain  terraces.  The  Wabash  fine  sandy  loam  has  a  fair  develop- 
ment in  the  first  bottoms  of  the  streams  flowing  through  and  issuing  from  the 
loessial  regions.  The  Holston  fine  sandy  loam  comprises  moderate  areas  in 
the  terraces  of  the  Appalachian  region.  The  Huntington  fine  sandy  loam,  con- 
sisting of  Appalachian  and  Limestone  material,  occurs  in  rather  small,  scat- 
tered bodies  in  the  overflowed,  bottoms  of  the  Limestone  and  Appalachian 
provinces.  The  other  types  of  this  group  have  a  widespread  occurrence,  but 
so  far  as  the  soil  surveys  have  been  extended  they  individually  comprise  rela- 
tively small  areas. 

AltaVista  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain 
ordinarily  at  6  to  10  inches  by  a  compact,  heavy  fine  sandy  clay  or  clay  loam 
of  a  pale-yellow  or  yellow  color,  slightly  mottled  with  gray  or  shades  of  brown. 
The  mottling  is  more  pronounced  in  the  poorer  drained,  situations.  The  type 
is  developed  on  stream  terraces  with  prevailingly  flat  surfaces.  Portions  of  it 
are  overflowed  in  times  of  high  floods,  but  none  is  so  frequently  inundated  as 
the  first  bottoms.  The  material  is  largely  from  the  soils  of  the  Piedmont 
Plateau.  Cotton,  corn,  and  oats  do  fairly  well.  Grass  and  forage  crops  should 
give  good  results. 

Austin  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brownish-yellow  or  reddish-gray  fine 
sandy  loam.  There  is  no  marked  difference  between  the  soil  and  subsoil,  and 
the  latter  often  extends  to  considerable  depths  without  change.  From  the  sur- 
face to  a  depth  of  about  3  feet  the  color  gradually  becomes  lighter.  The  soil  is 
of  sedimentary  origin,  having  been  formed  by  the  floods  of  the  streams  when 
they  flowed  at  a  higher  level.  Its  surface  is  level,  with  an  elevation  of  from  40 
to  60  feet  above  the  present  level  of  the  streams.  The  type  is  well  drained  and 
is  inclined  to  be  somewhat  droughty.  It  is  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  fruit,  and 
some  vegetables.  Considerable  sorghum  fodder  is  grown.  Alfalfa  can  be  suc- 
cessfully grown. 

Bastrop  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  6  to  12  inches  of  dark-brown, 
medium  to  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  by  a  brown  fine  sandy  clay,  which  becomes 
lighter  in  color  and  heavier  in  texture  with  depth.  It  is  an  alluvial  soil  oc- 
curring on  terraces,  and  has  a  comparatively  level  topography,  with  character- 
istic swells  and  depressions.  The  drainage  is  generally  good,  with  the  exception 
of  some  depressed  areas,  which  demand  surface  ditching.  The  type  is  seldom 
overflowed.  It  is  one  of  the  most  productive  of  the  alluvial  soils,  and  is  adapted 
to  ;i  wide  range  of  crops,  including  cotton,  corn,  sorghum,  oats,  alfalfa,  and 
pecans,  all  of  which  do  well. 

Bibb  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  is  a  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain 
by  gray  fine  sandy  clay  mottled  with  yellow.  The  type  represents  first-bottom 
alluvial  material  derived  principally  from  noncaicareotis  Coastal  Plain  soils. 
It  is  subject  to  frequent  overflow.  The  soil  needs  drainage  and  applications  of 
lime  in  order  to  be  brought  into  proper  farming  condition.  Lespedeza  and  a 
number  of  wild  grasses  flourish,  affording  good  pasturage. 

Cahaba  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  8  to  12  inches  is  a 
yellowish-gray  to  brownish-gray  fine  sandy  loam,  overlying  a  yellowish  to 
reddish-brown  heavier  tine  sandy  loam  to  fine  sandy  clay,  which  is  often  mottled 
below  24  inches  with  light  gray.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occupies  the 
older  and  higher  terraces  along  the  larger  streams  in  the  Coastal  Plain  of  the 
Gnlf  States.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  and.  as  a  rule,  the 
drainage  is  fairly  good.  The  larger  part  of  the  type  is  above  possibility  of 
overflow,  though  some  of  it  is  Inundated  for  short  periods  in  years  of  excessive 
flood.  In  Alabama.  Georgia,  and  parts  of  Mississippi  large  areas  of  this  type 
are  under  cultivation.     It  forms  one  of  the  most  important  agricultural  soils 


348  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

for  general  farm  crops  and  the  heavier  types  of  truck.  It  averages  about 
one-half  bale  of  cotton  and  20  bushels  of  corn  to  the  acre,  but  under  im- 
proved methods  of  management  these  yields  can  be  greatly  increased. 

Chastain  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  grayish  and  dark-gray  fine 
sandy  loam  to  fine  sand,  underlain  at  from  2  to  4  or  5  feet  by  an  impervious, 
stiff  clay,  mottled  drab,  yellow,  and  red.  The  type  occurs  as  broad,  flat  stream 
bottoms,  and  is  for  the  most  part  subject  to  frequent  overflow.  None  of  this 
land  is  under  cultivation,  and  the  soil  has  the  appearance  of  being  rather  un- 
productive. Along  some  of  the  lesser  streams  the  drainage  conditions  are 
somewhat  better,  overflows  being  not  so  frequent,  and  the  stiff  clay  subsoil  is 
usually  not  so  near  the  surface.  Portions  of  these  better  drained  stream  bot- 
toms could  be  brought  under  cultivation  and  could  probably  be  made  to  produce 
fair  crops  of  corn,  oats,  and  forage. 

Congaree  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  medium 
fine  sandy  loam  or  loam  3  feet  or  more  in  depth.  In  some  areas  the  type  tends 
to  become  sandier  with  depth,  while  in  others  the  reverse  is  true.  In  places  it 
is  somewhat  modified  by  colluvial  wash  from  the  uplands.  The  surface  is  gen- 
erally level.  The  type  occurs  principally  as  first  bottoms  along  swift-flowing 
streams  and  is  subject  to  occasional  overflow  during  very  wet  weather,  but  dur- 
ing the  remainder  of  the  year  it  is  sufficiently  well  drained  to  produce  excellent 
crops  of  corn,  cotton,  sorghum,  and  grasses.  Cotton  does  best  upon  the  higher 
and  better  drained  areas. 

Cumberland  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  yellowish  silty 
fine  sandy  loam,  8  to  15  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  thin  layer  of 
yellowish-red  to  red  gritty  clay  or  clay  loam,  which  changes  quickly  into  a 
dark-red,  stiff  clay.  Occasionally  rounded  gravel  occurs  on  the  surface  and  in 
the  soil.  The  type  occupies  rolling  and  sloping  terraces  along  the  larger 
streams,  and  has  excellent  drainage.  The  subsoil  is  often  partly  residual  from 
limestone,  while  the  soil  represents  ancient  alluvium.  Almost  all  of  the  soil  is 
cultivated  to  general  farm  crops.  It  is  adapted  to  strawberries  and  small 
fruits. 

Elk  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  grayish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  to  heavy  fine 
sandy  loam,  underlain  at  about  6  to  10  inches  by  a  yellow  or  yellowish-brown 
fine  sandy  clay  of  moderately  friable  or  brittle  character.  The  type  occupies 
flat  to  undulating  stream  terraces  standing  above  overflow.  On  the  higher, 
older  terraces  erosion  has  affected  in  places  a  gently  rolling  configuration.  The 
soil  under  proper  management  conserves  moisture  well  and  gives  good  returns 
with  general  farm  crops.  Drainage  is  well  established  over  the  greater  part  of 
the  type. 

Frio  fine  sandy  loam. — The  Frio  fine  sandy  loam,  being  partly  colluvial  in 
origin,  differs  from  the  soils  adjoining  it.  Where  the  adjoining  soil  is  Norfolk 
fine  sand,  the  type  consists  of  18  to  30  inches  of  gray  or  dark-gray  fine  sandy 
Loam  01  loamy  fine  sand,  underlain  by  mottled  gray  and  yellow  waxy  heavy 
day.  Sometimes  it  consists  of  terraces  of  brown  to  dark-brown  tine  Bandy 
loam,  overlying  material  of  the  same  texture  but  more  compact.  When  culti- 
vated the  soil  is  loose  and  powdery,  but  in  its  native  state  the  surface  is 
slightly  packed. 

Genesee  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark  brown, 
moderately  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  from  10  to  20  Inches  deep.  The  subsoil  has 
aboul  the  Bame  texture  as  the  soil,  but  is  usually  slightly  tighter  In  color. 
There  are  in  places  Blight  variations  from  the  typical  soil,  owing  to  local 
erosion  and  to  deposition  of  sand  and  silt  over  small  areas  by  overflow  waters. 

BtreakS  Of  sand  and  silly  material  are  sometimes  encountered   in  tbe  soil   mass. 

Most   of  the  type  is  Buhjeci   to  annual  or  frequent  overflow,     it   Is  mainly  a 

well-drained,  mellow,  friable  soil,  easy  to  till,  and  where  protected  from  over- 
flow it  is  admirably  suited  to  corn,  oats,  clover,  and  timothy.  Corn  yields 
upward  of  100  bushels,  and  oats  from  SO  to  00  bushels  per  acre.  Cabbage, 
tomatoes,  and  other  truck  crops  can  be  profitably  grown. 

HoUy  /in,  sandy  ln<nn.  The  soil  to  i  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  is  a  gray  to 
almost  white  fine  sandy  loam.  The  BUDSOil  is  a  sticUy.  plastic  tine  s.nidy  clay 
to  silty  day  Of  ;i  mottled  gray  and  yellow  color.  The  type  is  developed  in  Hie 
flrSl  DO  !<>ni<  "f  Streams  where  if   is  subject   to  overflow.     It    is  of  alluvia]  origin, 

consisting  of  material  washed  from  sandstone,  limestone,  ami  shale  soils.    There 

an-  .ireas  where   there   has  been   some  accumulation   of  colluvial    material   from 

slopes  or  from  gulches  Issuing  from  the  adjoinh  With   proper 

drainage,  corn,  oats,  ami  forage  crops  give  fair  to  good  results,    in  its  natural 

Condition  the  type  i*  best   suited  to  ^rass. 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  349 

Holston  fine  sandy  loam. — To  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  the  soil  is  a  grayish 
to  brown  fine  sandy  loam,  containing  large  amounts  of  silt.  The  subsoil  is  a 
yellow,  heavy  fine  sandy  loam,  becoming  reddish  in  the  lower  profile.  The  type 
occurs  as  high  old  terraces  above  overflow.  Shales  and  interbedded  limestone  of 
the  Conasauga  formation  often  underlie  this  type  at  no  great  depth.  The  topog- 
raphy is  level  to  gently  undulating,  permitting  good  natural  drainage.  The 
principal  crops  are  cotton  and  corn.  The  yields  are  lower  than  on  adjoining 
first-terrace  soils. 

Huntington  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  usually  a  light-brown  to  dark- 
brown  fine  sandy  loam.  It  is  yellowish-gray  in  color  where  more  than  the 
average  amount  of  sand  is  present.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  of 
about  the  same  texture,  but  lighter  in  color,  though  in  places  it  contains  con- 
siderable organic  matter.  In  places  the  upper  subsoil  contains  considerable  fine 
materia],  which  rapidly  decreases  with  depth  until,  at  about  30  inches,  it  becomes 
a  fine  sand  of  loose  and  incoherent  structure.  The  type  occupies  first  bottoms 
and  owes  its  origin  to  sediments  carried  from  the  uplands.  It  is  well  adapted 
to  both  general  farming  and  trucking. 

Kalmia  fine  sandy  loam. — The  Kalmia  fine  sandy  loam  has  a  dark-gray  to 
brown  fine  sandy  loam  surface  soil  15  to  18  inches  in  depth,  overlying  a  yellow- 
ish-gray, mottled,  heavier  fine  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay.  The  type  is  alluvial 
in  origin  and  occupies  high  first  and  second  terraces  along  Coastal  Plain  streams. 
The  topography  is  nearly  level  to  gently  undulating,  and,  although  the  land  is 
seldom  overflowed,  much  of  it  is  poorly  drained,  especially  during  periods  of 
considerable  rainfall.  The  native  vegetation  includes  water  oak,  the  gums, 
hickory,  and  pine.  Some  cotton  is  grown,  but  the  type  seems  best  adapted  to 
corn. 

La  Crosse  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  somewhat  compact,  dark-brown  to 
black  fine  sandy  loam  about  10  inches  deep,  and  overlies  a  subsoil  of  light- 
brown  fine  sandy  loam,  which  grades  into  a  yellow,  rather  incoherent  fine  sand 
at  about  30  inches.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating  or  dunelike 
where  the  soil  has  been  blown  by  the  wind.  The  type  occupies  a  low  terrace 
position,  and  natural  drainage  is  for  the  greater  part  good.  Fair  returns  are 
secured  from  the  production  of  potatoes,  sweet  corn,  and  other  truck  crops. 
The  soil  is  in  need  of  lime  and  organic  matter. 

Leaf  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam,  usually  car- 
rying a  high  percentage  of  silt.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  light-gray  or  mottled 
gray  and  yellow  silty  clay,  grading  downward  into  mottled  red  and  gray  or 
red  and  yellow  plastic  clay.  The  subsoil  is  too  dense  to  admit  of  good  aeration 
and  free  movement  of  moisture,  being  somewhat  similar  to  those  of  the  Sus- 
quehanna series  both  in  structure  and  in  color.  The  type  is  developed  on  stream 
terraces.  It  is  used  in  a  small  way  for  the  general  farm  crops  with  rather 
poor  average  results.  In  favorable  seasons  fair  yields  of  cotton  and  corn  are 
made  when  fertilizers  are  applied  in  liberal  amounts. 

Lintonia  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  yellowish-brown  to  dark- 
brown  silty  fine  sandy  loam,  averaging  about  10  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil 
is  a  yellow  to  light-brown  silty  clay  loam.  The  type  occupies  second  bottoms, 
and  is  well  drained.  It  is  derived  from  the  loessial  uplands,  comprising 
chiefly  the  Knox  and  Memphis  silt  loam.  The  soil  has  a  good  structure  and 
is  easily  maintained  in  good  condition.  Wheat,  corn,  and  onts  do  well.  It  is 
particularly  adapted  to  early  potatoes  and  to  various  truck  crops. 

Miller  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  a  grayish-brown  to  reddish  fine  sandy 
loam  from  12  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  red  heavy  fine  sandy  loam  or 
sandy  clay.  In  local  areas  the  soil  may  extend  to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  This 
is  an  alluvial  type,  formed  by  the  reworking  of  material  wasted  from  the 
Permian  Red  Beds.  The  higher  areas  are  seldom  if  ever  overflowed.  The  type 
is  well  drained,  except  in  small  local  areas.  It  is  a  good  soil  for  corn  and 
cotton  and  is  also  well  adapted  to  truck  and  fruits. 

Moshannon  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  is  a  red- 
dish-brown to  Indian-red,  light  to  heavy  fine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is 
usually  similar  in  color  to  the  soil,  but  is  more  compact  and  often  coarser  in 
texture.  Gravel  bods  are  encountered  within  the  soil  profile.  Rounded  gravel 
is  a  common  constituent  of  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin, 
having  been  derived  from  the  Upshur  soils.  Fairly  good  ^rops  of  corn  are 
grown.     A  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Myatt  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray,  sticky  fine  sandy  loam  to  a  depth 
of  about  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  or  gray  silty  clay  of  tough  consist- 
ency, mottled  with  iron  stains  and   usually  containing  percentage  of 


350  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

iron  concretions.  The  type  occurs  on  stream  terraces.  Drainage  is  poor. 
Very  little  of  this  soil  has  been  cultivated.  The  natural  growth  is  gum,  cypress, 
and  oak.  the  latter  producing  valuable  timber.  The  crop  yields  are  only 
moderate,  although  with  proper  drainage  and  good  treatment  it  is  believed 
this  soil  could  be  brought  into  a  good  state  of  productiveness.  Liming  would 
prove  beneficial. 

Ocklocknee  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  gray  fine 
sandy  loam  about  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  light-gray  or  mottled  brown, 
yellow,  and  gray  tine  sandy  loam  or  loam.  It  is  a  rather  variable  alluvial  soil, 
and  occupies  level  or  gently  sloping  bottoms.  In  some  places  the  drainage  is 
poor.  Corn  is  a  profitable  crop  and  cotton  does  well  on  the  better-drained 
areas. 

Osage  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  a  dark-brown  or  grayish-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  containing  considerable  organic  matter  and  overlying  a  yellowish- 
brown  or  grayish  subsoil.  It  occurs  along  small  streams  as  lirsr  bottoms,  and 
is  derived  from  the  deposition  of  stream  sediments.  It  has  fair  natural  drain- 
age and  is  a  desirable  soil  for  corn  and  the  staple  crops. 

Papakating  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  fine  sand  or 
fine  sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  a  foot  or  more.  The 
subsoil  ranges  from  gray  to  yellowish  gray  in  color  and  is  generally  sticky 
and  compact.  The  type  occupies  first-bottom  positions  along  streams,  and  its 
topography  is  nearly  level.  The  land  is  subject  to  annual  or  periodic  overflow. 
Drainage  is  poor  in  depressed  areas.  The  forest  growth  consists  of  cedar,  elm. 
and  soft  maple.  When  drained  and  cleared  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  corn, 
oats,  hay,  potatoes,  and  vegetables. 

Podunk  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a  dark- 
brown  fine  to  very  fine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  to  36  inches  or  more  is  a 
yellowish  silty  fine  sand.  More  or  less  finely  divided  mica  occurs  in  both  soil 
and  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  principally  as  flat  or  slightly  undulating  first 
bottoms  along  rivers  and  large  streams.  The  drainage  is  usually  good,  and 
the  soil  is  inclined  to  be  droughty  and  leachy.  It  is  of  recent  alluvial  origin 
and  is  subject  to  overflow  during  flood  stages  of  the  streams.  Originally  the 
land  was  forested  with  oak.  elm.  maple,  birch,  and  some  pine.  It  is  largely 
under  cultivation,  being  well  adapted  to  grasses  and  corn. 

Sarpy  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  rather  silty  fine  sandy  loam  to  a  depth  of 
about  12  inches,  where  it  is  underlain  by  fine  sand.  It  occurs  in  the  first  bot- 
toms of  streams  flowing  through  and  issuing  from  the  loessial  region.  The  type 
is  well  suited  to  general  farm  crops. 

Hchuylkill  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  brown,  dark-brown, 
or  black  fine  sandy  loam  to  light  loam  10  inches  deep.  The  black  color  is  due 
in  part  to  an  accumulation  of  coal  dust  brought  down  the  river  from  the 
anthracite  region.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  fine  sandy  loam  to  reddish- 
brown  fine  loam,  with  local  color  variations  of  yellow  or  gray.  It  is  sometimes 
either  micaceous  or  gravelly.  The  type  occupies  first  bottoms  along  the  Schuyl- 
kill River,  and  most  of  if  is  subject  to  overflow.  Good  yields  of  general  farm 
crops  are  Obtained.     The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  trucking. 

Teller  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine  sandy  loam  of  gray  or  yellow  color 
and  is  underlain  by  a  red  or  yellow  heavy  fine  sandy  loam.  The  type  occupies 
the  highest   river  terraces  and  is  above  the  limit  of  overflow.     It  is  level  to 

gently  rolling  in  topograph}  and  has  good  natural  drainage.  It  is  of  ancient 
alluvia!  origin.     The  principal  crops  grown  are  cotton  and  corn.     Some  attempt 

lias  been  made  t<>  grow  peaches  on  the  type,  and  with  Favorable  climatic  condi- 
tions they  should  <)•>  well.     Uncleared  areas  of  the  type  are  usually  covered 

with  a  thick  growth  of  oak. 

Thompson  fim  Sandy  loam.  This  is  a  grayish  brown  line  sandy  loam,  under- 
lain at  about  <',  1"  16  Inches  by  a  yellow  fine  sandy  clay,  usually  mottled  with 
gray  and  Bhadefl  Of  yellow  and  brown.  The  subsoil  is  sometimes  slightly  plastic, 
hut    is  not   s<>  unpen  ions  as  to  prevent   the  establishment   of  good  undcrdrainago 

by  ditching.    The  type  occurs  in  the  first  bottoms  of  Btreams  and  is  subject  to 

overflow.  It  ll  poorly  drained,  and  in  its  Datura!  condition  is  best  suited  to  the 
production  Of  native  grass  and  lespede/.a  hay.  By  ditching  much  or  most  of  it 
can  be   profitably    utilized    for  corn,  cowpeas.  oats,  cotton,  and   hay. 

I'o.raicay  fine  sandy  loam.  The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  1<>  inches  consists  of  a 
light  brown    tO    dark  brown,    mellow    line    sandy    loam.       In    the    poorly    drained 

areas  the  soil  li  a  light  loam,  and  in  the  depressions  spots  of  brown  loam  con- 
taining very  little  sand  are  found.     The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  'AC>  inches  or  more 
light-brOWD   Or  yellOwiSh-brown,    loose   fine  sandy    loam.      In   some  places  a 


RIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  351 

loamy  fine  sand  is  encountered,  and  in  poorly  drained  areas,  where  silt  and 
vegetable  matter  have  accumulated,  the  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  brown 
loam  or  silt  loam.  In  areas  bordering  large  streams  a  large  quantity  of  stream 
gravel  is  encountered  at  a  depth  of  about  2  feet.  Both  the  soil  and  subsoil  are 
micaceous,  and  in  some  instances  the  proportion  of  mica  present  is  sufficient  to 
give  the  soil  a  smooth  or  greasy  feel.  The  type  occupies  practically  level  areas 
along  creeks  and  in  oxbows  of  rivers.  It  is  an  alluvial  soil,  formed  by  the 
deposition  of  the  coarser  materials  from  the  streams,  modified  in  many  places 
by  colluvial  wash  from  mountain  slopes.  Practically  all  of  the  type  is  under 
cultivation.  The  better-drained  areas  are  adapted  to  corn  and  hay,  and  on 
the  sandy  phase  melons  and  vegetables  do  well. 

Trinity  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a  dark- 
brown,  usually  heavy  fine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  to  black  heavy 
loam  to  clay.  The  tjpe  occurs  in  first  bottoms  generally  near  the  footslopes 
where  there  has  been  more  or  less  deposition  of  material  from  adjacent  uplands. 
Except  for  occasional  overflows,  the  type  is  fairly  well  drained.  The  material, 
particularly  the  subsoil  portion,  is  derived  from  the  calcareous  prairies.  Good, 
crops  of  cotton,  corn,  forage,  and  sugar  cane  are  secured. 

WabasJi  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  black  fine  sandy 
loam  about  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a  fine  sandy  loam  to  a 
fine  sand,  which  is  generally  dark  colored,  though  sometimes  changing  to  yellow 
at  about  24  inches.  Frequently  a  larger  amount  of  fine,  rounded  gravel  is  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  alluvial  and  occupies  flat  bottom 
lands.  Some  areas  produce  heavy  yields  of  wheat,  oats,  and  corn,  while  the 
well-drained  areas  are  better  suited  to  melons,  sugar  beets,  Irish  potatoes,  and 
alfalfa. 

Waverly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  15  inches  is  a  light-brown 
to  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  the  sand  content  being  usually  high  and  of  the  finer 
grades.  The  soil  becomes  heavier  as  the  depth  increases,  and  at  from  15  to 
20  inches  grades  into  a  brown  fine  sandy  loam,  with  a  larger  percentage  of 
silt  and  clay.  The  sand  content,  depth  of  soil,  and  size  of  the  sand  particles 
vary  with  location.  The  type  generally  occurs  as  slight  ridges  along  streams. 
Its  elevation  above  the  streams  assures  good  drainage.  The  soil  is  alluvial  in 
origin.  It  is  productive  and  easily  cultivated,  and  in  seasons  of  average  rain- 
fall the  crop  yields  are  large.  The  type  is  best  adapted  to  corn,  melons,  early 
vegetables,  and  alfalfa.  The  other  crops  successfully  grown  are  wheat,  oats, 
potatoes,  and  tobacco. 

Wheeling  fine  sandy  loam. — This  consists  of  about  10  inches  of  a  loose,  brown 
fine  sandy  loam,  resting  on  a  yellowish-brown  fine  sandy  loam,  which  may  be- 
come slightly  heavier  at  20  to  30  inches  below  the  surface.  Below  30  inches 
the  texture  again  becomes  more  sandy.  The  material  is  alluvial,  and  the  type 
occurs  along  stream  courses  on  terraces  of  different  levels.  It  is  best  adapted 
to  melons  and  strawberries.  Good  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  potatoes,  and  hay  are 
also  produced.     Small  fruits,  such  as  raspberries  and  blackberries,  do  well. 

Yazoo  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  8  to  12  inches  consists 
of  a  brown  fine  sandy  loam.  This  is  underlain  at  about  24  inches  by  a  brownish- 
colored,  compact  fine  sandy  loam.  Below  24  inches  a  bluish-colored  clay  loam 
is  often  encountered.  The  type  occurs  as  long,  low,  narrow  ridges  or  swells 
along  streams  and  old  stream  channels.  Its  drainage  is  good,  and  it  is  only 
in  times  of  most  general  inundation  of  the  bottoms  that  the  type  is  completely 
covered  with  water.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin.  Practically  all  of  it  is  in  cultiva- 
tion to  cotton  and  corn,  though  it  is  adapted  to  a  variety  of  general  farm  crops, 
as  well  as  to  fruit  and  truck  crops. 


352 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres 


Canaba  fine  sandy  loam 

Ocklocknee  fine  sandy  loam. . . 

Miller  fine  sandy  loam 

Frio  fine  sandy  loam 

Kalmia  fine  sandy  loam 

Myatt  fine  sandy'loam 

Huntington  fine  sandy  loam  . 


Wabash  fine  sandy  loam. 
Bastrop  fine  sandy  loam. 
Congaree  fine  sandy  loam. 


Holston  fine  sandy  loam. . . 

Sarpy  fine  sandy  loam 

Yazoo  fine  sandy  loam 

Austin  fine  sandy  loam 

Thompson  fine  sandy  loam. 
Chastain  fine  sandy  loam... 
Lintonia  fine  sandy  loam... 
Podunk  fine  sandy  loam . . . 

Bibb  fine  sandy  loam 

Toxaway  fine  sandy  loam. . 
Genesee  fine  sandyloam . . . 
Waverly  fine  sandy  loam... 


Teller  fine  sandy  loam 

Osage  fine  sandy  loam 

"Wheeling  fine  sandy  loam. . . 
Cumberland  fine  sandy  loam 
Altavista  fine  sandy  loam. . . 
Moshannon  fine  sandy  loam. 
La  Crosse  fine  sandy  loam.. . 

Elk  fine  sandy  loam 

Schuylkill  fine  sandy  loam | 

Papakatine  fine  sandy  loam 

Trinity  fine  sandy  loam 

Holly  fine  sandy  loam 

Leaf  fine  sandy  loam 


Total. 


Alabama  1,  2, 3, 12, 14, 17, 34,  37;  Mississippi  3, 5,  9, 10, 12, 14,  20; 
South  Carolina  8. 

Alabama  3,  8,  17,  27,  32,  37;  Mississippi  9,  10,  14,  20 

Arkansas  3;  Louisiana  3,  12,  14;  Oklahoma  1;  Texas  11,  24,31.. 

Alabama*  1,"  2,"  3*.  9,'l2.'29,"  32,  37;  Mississippi  9,  10, 14."2o! ........ 

Alabama  2, 5, 9;  Florida  1, 7;  Louisiana  12:  Mississippi  10, 12, 15 

Alabama  6,  11,  37;  Arkansas  1;  Pennsylvania  2,  8,  11;  West 
Virginia  2,  4,  10. 

Indiana  8, 10;  Minnesota  1;  Nebraska  6;  Oklahoma  1 

Texas  2,  3,  33 

Alabama  33;  Georgia  13;  North  Carolina  10, 17;  South  Carolina 
13;  Virginia  4. 

Alabama  6,  11,  15;  "'"est  Virginia  2 

Missouri  6,  10,  13,  15 

Louisiana  4,  6;  Mississippi  6 , 

Texas  25,  33 

Mississippi  20 

Georgia  11,  16 

Indiana  2,  3;  Kentucky  6 

Connecticut  2;  New  Hampshire  1;  2;  New  York  4 

Alabama  37:  Mississippi  9,  14 

North  Carolina  13,  27;  Virginia  9 

New  York  2,  6,  10,  11;  Wisconsin  8 

Illinois  1;  Indiana  2,  3,  8;  Kentucky  6;  Mississippi  4;  Mis- 
souri 2,  21. 

Oklahoma  2 

Missouri  5 

Ohio  6;  West  Virginia  6,  7 

Alabama  35:  Kentucky  3 

North  Carolina  15 

Pennsylvania  5 

Wisconsin  9 

Alabama  28 

Pennsylvania  3 .*. 

New  York  5 

Texas  1 

A  labama  20 

Mississippi  5 


314, 6n8 

209,408 
203,904 
165,888 
158,336 
86,656 
62,080 

61,760 
61,440 
51,072 

46,400 
36,096 
33,088 
32,576 
32,448 
28,928 
28,416 
28,224 
26,752 
25,152 
24,832 
20,800 

11,712 
11,520 
6,912 
5,696 
3,968 
3,584 
3,072 
3,008 
2,880 
2,176 
1,600 
1,472 
1,472 


,798,018 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


VERY    FINE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam  texture  occupy  a  comparatively  small 
in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province,  being  confined,  so  far  ;is  the  soil  sur- 
veys have  been  extended,  to  the  first  bottoms,  principally  near  the  banks  of 
st  roams. 

These  soils  are  adapted  to  the  same  crops  as  the  fine  sandy  lonms  and  require 
about  the  same  kind  of  treatment.  They  are  a  little  more  productive  than  the 
corresponding  members  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group. 

very   fine  sandy   loam. — The  soil   is  a   brown   or  tirayish  brown   very 

Bandy    loam   about    10   inches   in    depth.     The   subsoil    is   a    light-brown    or 

yellowish  brown  very  line  sandy  loam,  though  there  is  some  variation  in  texture 

and  in  some  places  in  the  lower  subsoil  lighter  textured  material  is  encoun- 
tered. The  topography  is  usually  Hat  and  the  natural  drainage  deficient  The 
better  drained  areas  have  a  high  agricultural  value  for  general  farm  crops  or 

Certain  kinds  of  truck. 

Milhr  very   line  sidkIji  loam.      The  soil   consists  of  a    pinkish  red  Or  ChOCOlate- 

ic.i.  friable,  very  fine  sandy  loam,  having  a  depth  of  W  to  80  inches  or  more, 
subsoil  may  consist  of  darker  colored  material  or  there  may  be  very  little 
change  in  the  material  throughout  the  8-foot  profile.    Cotton,  corn,  and  alfalfa 
should  do  well. 

Olivier  very  nn<  mndyloam  The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  10  inches 
is  a  grayish  brown,  mellow,  very  tine  sandy  loam,  usually  with  a  high  silt  con- 
tent.    'I'h--   BUbSOil    is  a    mottled   yellow   and   drab   or   rather  dingy   yellow   silty 

day  in;. in.    The  type  Is  characteristically  developed  <>n  slight   ridges  standing 

but  ;i  few  feet    il ■  the  general  level  of  the  surrounding  Sat  s.>ns.    Drainage 

ii  established.    Sugar  cane,  corn,  cowpoas,  sweet  potatoes,  Irish  potatoes, 
ami  a  number  of  vegetables  can  be  successfully  grown. 


BTVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  353 

Osage  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  grayish-brown,  or  brownish- 
gray  very  fine  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  heavier  textured 
very  fine  sandy  loam  of  brownish-gray  or  brownish-drab  color.  The  type  is 
level  to  gently  undulating,  and  usually  occurs  at  a  higher  elevation  than  the 
heavier  members  of  the  series,  so  that  its  drainage  is  better  and  it  is  earlier  and 
better  adapted  to  the  production  of  corn,  potatoes,  and  general  truck  crops. 

Sarpy  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  consists  of  a  light  brownish- 
gray  or  grayish-brown  very  fine  sandy  loam  averaging  about  12  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  is  usually  coarser  in  texture,  grading  into  a  very  fine  sand  or  fine 
sand,  though  in  local  spots  this  looser  subsoil  is  separated  from  the  surface  soil 
by  an  intervening  stratum  of  very  fine  sandy  loam,  slightly  heavier  than  the 
soil  itself.  This  intermediate  layer  is  rarely  over  6  or  8  inches  in  thickness, 
however,  and  is  never  thick  enough  to  interfere  with  the  subsurface  drainage 
afforded  by  the  loose,  porous,  deep  subsoil.  The  type  is  nearly  level  to  gently 
undulating  or  slightly  ridged  in  topography,  and  occurs  in  the  broad  bottoms  of 
the  Mississippi,  Missouri,  and  other  large  rivers  of  the  Central  Western  States. 
It  is  a  valuable  soil  for  general  farm  crops  and  vegetables. 

Wabash  very  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  friable,  very 
fine  sandy  loam,  rich  in  organic  matter,  overlying  at  a  depth  of  about  18  or  20 
inches  lighter  colored  and  somewhat  heavier  material.  It  mellows  up  readily, 
with  little  tendency  to  clod,  and  is  a  desirable  soil,  being  well  adapted  to  such 
vegetables  as  cabbage,  onions,  and  potatoes.  Corn  aud  oats  should  give  splendid 
yields,  although  the  latter  crop  might  give  some  trouble  with  lodging. 

Yazoo  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  liffht-brown  or  grayish-brown, 
rather  loose  very  fine  sandy  loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  about  8  to  20  inches. 
The  subsoil  is  a  brown  or  light-brown  very  fine  sandy  loam,  more  or  less  mottled 
with  rusty  brown.  The  soil  is  typically  and  mainly  developed  along  river 
fronts,  where  it  occupies  the  well-drained  natural  levees.  It  is  easily  tilled 
and  requires  frequent  replenishment  of  the  organic  matter  content  in  order  to 
supply  crops  with  sufficient  moisture  during  dry  spells.  A  number  of  vegetables 
do  well.     Corn  and  cotton  make  fair  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Louisiana  4;  Mississippi  1 

45,440 

17,024 

13,568 

4,096 

Genesee  very  fine  sandy  loam 

2,944 

1,536 

1,472 

Total 

86,080 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAM    GROUP. 

The  loams  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  comprise  a  large  total  area, 
being  very  extensive  in  the  first  bottoms. 

They  require  more  intensive  cultivation  than  do  the  light-textured  soils  and 
somewhat  heavier  implements  and  stock  to  secure  and  maintain  a  good  struc- 
tural condition.  The  first-bottom  types  are  also  more  difficult  to  protect  from 
overflow  and  to  keep  in  a  proper  condition  of  drainage,  but  on  the  other  hand 
these  soils  are  considerably  more  productive  in  both  Hie  first  and  second  bottom 
developments.  Fertilizers  are  generally  not  needed  except  occasionally  in  small 
applications  on  some  of  the  poorer  terrace  types.  Applications  of  lime,  how- 
ever, are  beneficial,  particularly  in  the  case  of  those  poorly  drained  types  of 
both  terraces  and  first  bottoms  which  have  not  been  influenced  to  any  consid- 
erable extent  by  material  washed  from  limestone  or  calcareous  soils. 

The  loams  are  much  better  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops  than  are  the 
sandy  loams,  giving  heavier  yields  of  nearly  all  crops.  Oats.  corn,  grass,  wheat, 
sugar  cane,  and  a  number  of  forage  crops  give  heavy  yields.  Cotton  gives  heavy 
yields  in  the  South  where  the  crop  is  not  attacked  by  the  boll  weevil.  Medium 
late  truck  crops,  such  as  cucumbers,  tomatoes,  and  cabbage,  can  he  grown  to 

79619—13 23 


354  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

advantage,  especially  on  those  types  of  the  terraces  which  have  good  natural 
drainage. 

The  Ocklocknee.  Wabash.  Yazoo,  Congaree,  Huntington,  Genesee,  Waverly, 
Bibb.  Miller,  and  Trinity  are  the  most  extensive  first-bottom  members  of  the 
group,  while  the  Cumberland  and  Cahaba  are  the  most  important  terrace  types. 

Alta vista  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  dark-gray  silty  loam  to  fine  sandy 
loam,  averaging  about  8  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  composed  of  pale-yel- 
low silty  loam  to  fine  sandy  loam  and  is  underlain  at  about  12  inches  by  friable 
to  plastic  yellow  silty  clay  to  fine  sandy  clay.  In  slight  depressions  the  soil  is 
usually  a  dark-gray  heavy  silty  loam,  underlain  by  plastic  yellow  silty  clay. 
sometimes  showing  red  and  drab  mottlings.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and 
occupies  level  to  undulating  stream  terraces.  It  is  well  suited  to  the  produc- 
tion of  cotton,  corn,  oats,  and  grass. 

Amite  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  brown  or  light  chocolate  colored  loam  about  8 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish  or  reddish  clay  loam  subsoil  of  uniform 
texture  to  a  depth  of  36  inches.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  the 
higher  bottoms  and  terraces.  It  is  a  good  corn  soil,  producing  from  30  to  40 
bushels  per  acre,  and  is  also  adapted  to  cotton,  sugar  cane,  and  some  truck 
crops. 

Aroostook  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  or  dark-brown  heavy 
loam  from  8  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  in  the  upper  10  inches  is  a  mottled 
gray  to  brown  silty  loam  to  silt  loam  and  below  this  a  mottled,  compact  silt 
loam  in  which  the  gray  color  predominates.  The  type  is  inclined  to  be  sticky 
when  wet,  on  account  of  a  relatively  higher  clay  content,  and  is  locally  called 
"clay  land."  It  occupies  more  or  less  distinctly  developed  terraces  at  the  foot 
of  slopes  bordering  streams.     Oats  and  grass  do  well  and  potatoes  fairly  well. 

Bibb  loam. — The  soil  lo  a  depth  of  8  or  10  inches  is  a  light-gray  to  white, 
rather  compact  loam  or  silty  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  white  or  nearly  white  silt 
loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  usually  mottled  with  yellowish  or  brownish  colors. 
The  type  occupies  flat  first  bottoms  and  is  subject  to  poor  drainage  conditions  and 
overflow.  The  material  is  derived  from  Coastal  Plain  soils.  The  tendency  to 
bake  and  to  become  compact  frequently  results  in  decidedly  unfavorable  struc- 
tural conditions.  Wild  grasses  flourish  on  this  soil,  affording  excellent  grazing. 
The  type  is  well  suited  to  hay  crops.  Corn  and  cotton  give  only  moderate  yields. 
Ditching  is  very  much  needed  to  insure  better  drainage.  Applications  of  lime 
would  also  improve  the  condition  of  the  soil. 

Blanco  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  heavy  loam  to  silt  loam  about  10 
inches  deep.  When  dry  and  baked  a  thin  gray  crust  is  formed  on  the  surface, 
but  when  wet  or  recently  cultivated  the  surface  has  a  light-brown  color.  The 
soil  grades  into  a  light-brown  heavy  loam  to  silt  loam  subsoil,  which  gradually 
becomes  heavier  :is  depth  increases  and  at  from  30  to  36  inches  changes  to  a 
heavy,  plastic  silty  loam  of  a  more  decided  brown  color  than  the  upper  soil. 
The  type  occupies  almost  level  areas  along  river  courses.  It  is  alluvial  in 
origin  and  represents  quite  recent  stream  dep'-sits.  Its  position  along  stream 
od  its  level  topography  make  it  possible  to  Irrigate  a  very  large  part 
of  this  type.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops  and  to  vegetables, 
Put    its    limited    acreage    in    any   one   locality    causes  it   to  be  a   soil   of   minor 

Importance. 

When  Irrigation  is  practiced  cotton  produces  from  t  hree- fourths  of  a  bale 
p.  :i   bale,  and  corn  from  .".<>  to  80  bushels  per  acre.     Irish  potatoes  give  excellent 

yields,  and  sweet  potatoes  also  do  fairly  well.  From  3  to  6  cuttings  of  alfalfa 
are  obtained  on  Irrigated  areas,  with  an  average  yield  of  one-half  ton  per  acre. 
Buckner  loam.  The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  loam  about  12  to  15 
Inches  deep.  The  SUbSOll  is  lighter  brown  in  color  and  often  lighter  in  texture 
thai!  the  soil.  The  type  is  developed  on  terraces  or  flat-topped  ridges  holding 
essentially  the  position  of  a  Second  bottom  soil.      It   is  well  suited  to  cotton,  corn. 

grain,  and  forage  crops. 

Caliaha  loam.  The  soil  to  ;i  depth  of  from  1  to  10  inches  consists  of  a  grayish- 
brown   light    loam  Often  approaching  a   tine  sandy  Loam   in  texture.     The  subsoil 

is  :i  brownish  to  reddish  brown  clay  loam  to  day.    The  darker  gray  surface 

soil  and  ike  occasionally  mottled  subsoil  are  generally  found  in  the  lower  lying 

and  level  areas.    The  type  represents  m  second  bottom  alluvial  soil  confined  to 

Ltreams  of  the  Gulf  Coast  States.    The  topography  is  undulating  to 

The  soil  in  the  depressions  is  usually  heavier  than  on  the  swells.    Drain- 

ordlng  to  topography,  and  the  tower  lying  areas  frequently  require 

ditching.     'I'h iglnal  timber  growth  consists  of  hardwood  and  pine,     with 


EIVEE  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  355 

good  drainage  the  soil  is  suited  to  the  production  of  crops  like  corn,  cotton,  and 
forage. 

Congarce  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brownish  to  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  to 
medium  heavy  loam  from  4  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish-brown  or. 
reddish  plastic  clay,  sometimes  mottled  with  gray,  and  carrying  considerable  fine 
sand.  In  small  local  areas  the  soil  is  deeper  and  lighter  in  texture.  This  is 
an  alluvial  soil  occupying  flood  plains  of  creeks  and  smaller  streams,  generally 
containing  considerable  organic  matter.  It  is  subject  to  frequent  overflow.  It 
is  a  good  cotton,  grass,  and  corn  soil,  and  when  properly  drained  is  adapted 
to  a  wide  variety  of  crops. . 

Cumberland  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  rather  mellow  loam  6  to  15  inches 
deep.  This  is  underlain  by  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  clay  loam  subsoil.  Some 
rounded  gravel  occurs  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  second  bot- 
toms or  high  terraces  along  streams,  occurring  mainly  in  the  horseshoe  bends. 
The  surface  is  generally  rolling  and  drainage  is  good.  This  is  a  sedimentary 
soil,  composed  of  materials  washed  from  the  uplands  intermingled  with  mate- 
rials brought  from  a  greater  distance  by  the  river.  It  is  well  suited  to  general 
farm  crops  and  is  also  used  for  truck  crops,  small  fruits,  and  orchards. 

Elk  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  brownish-gray,  medium-textured  loam 
6  to  8  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  beavy  fine  sandy  loam 
or  sandy  clay,  somewhat  mottled  below  a  depth  of  2  or  3  feet.  Quartz  gravel 
is  sometimes  present  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  as  second  terraces  or 
filled-in  and  abandoned  channels.  It  is  not  subject  to  overflow.  It  is  alluvial 
in  origin,  the  sediments  being  derived  from  limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale 
soils.  The  soil  is  principally  used  for  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  grasses.  Corn 
yields  25  to  40  bushels,  wheat  10  to  20  bushels,  and  oats  30  to  50  bushels. 

Franklin  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  brown  loam  to  heavy  fine  sandy 
loam  with  an  average  depth  of  10  inches,  underlain  by  a  sandy  loam  whose 
color  is  lighter  brown.  The  subsoil  varies  in  texture  and  may  be  either  lighter 
or  heavier  than  the  soil.  The  type  is  alluvial  and  has  a  nearly  level  topography. 
It  is  formed  largely  by  wash  from  hills  covered  by  Lamar  soils.  Though  seldom 
subject  to  overflow,  much  of  the  type  needs  artificial  drainage.  Cultivation  is 
not  as  extensive  as  it  should  be.    Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal  products.     , 

Frio  loam. — The  Frio  loam  consists  of  14  inches  of  grayish-brown  loam  con- 
taining a  rather  high  percentage  of  silt  and  fine  sand.  The  type  has  a  grayish 
and  sometimes  yellowish  appearance  on  the  surface,  but  appears  much  darker 
immediately  below.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  gray  loam,  much  lighter  in 
color  and  heavier  in  texture  than  the  surface  soil.  Owing  to  its  loamy  character 
this  is  an  easy  soil  to  work  under  irrigation,  but  puddles  easily  if  stirred  when 
too  wet.  It  has  been  mainly  derived  from  a  deposition  of  soil  material  from 
the  Frio  and  Nueces  Rivers,  but  has  also  been  influenced  to  some  extent  by  wash 
from  nearby  hills. 

Genesee  loam. — The  soil  consists  mainly  of  a  mellow,  friable,  brown  to  dark- 
brown  medium  loam  to  silty  loam  about  8  to  20  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a 
flue  loam  to  clay  loam  ranging  in  color  from  light-brown  to  yellowish-brown. 
In  places  a  substratum  of  coarse  material  is  encountered  below  3  feet.  The  type 
mainly  occupies  level  first  bottoms  subject  to  overflow.  Artificial  drainage  is 
generally  necessary  to  insure  best  results  in  the  lower-lying  phase.  Along 
some  of  the  smaller  streams  of  steeper  gradient  the  type  is  not  subject  to  over- 
flow and  is  usually  well  drained.  When  protected  from  overflow  and  thoroughly 
drained  this  is  a  good  soil  for  corn,  wheat,  grass,  oats,  onions,  carrots,  and 
cabbage.  Corn  yields  from  40  to  upward  of  100  bushels  per  acre,  oats  about 
40  bushels,  hay  1  to  3  tons,  onions  from  500  to  800  bushels,  and  carrots  as  high 
as  1O00  bushels  per  acre.  Potatoes  and  tomatoes  do  well.  Celery,  asparagus, 
beets,  and  sugar  corn  produce  fair  to  good  yields. 

Holly  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Holly  Inn  in  varies,  according  to  its  position  with 
reference  to  the  streams  along  which  it  occurs,  from  a  silty  to  rather  sandy 
loam  <>f  gray  to  brownish  color  and  from  S  to  12  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil 
is  also  variable  in  color  and  texture,  ranging  from  a  mottled  yellow  and  gray 
silty  loam  or  silty  clay  to  a  brownish  lino  loam  or  clay  loam  containing  small 
amounts  of  chert  gravel.  The  natural  drainage  is  generally  poor,  and  overflows 
are  frequent.  The  soil  is  apt  to  clod  if  plowed  while  too  wet.  The  type  is  oi 
alluvial  origin,  the  sediments  consisting  of  wash  from  limestone,  sandstone,  and 
shale  uplands.  The  agricultural  value  of  this  soil  is  inferior  to  thai  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  Huntington  series.    The  type  is  best  adapted  to  pasturage. 

Holston  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  yellowish-gray  to  light-brown  silty  loam 
or  very  line  sandy   loam,  S  to  10   inches  deep,   underlain  by  a  yellowish  brown 


356  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

silty  clay  or  very  fine  sandy  clay,  slightly  mottled  with  redder  colors  in  the 
lower  depths.  The  subsoil  is  free  from  gravel,  but  in  places  waterworn  gravel 
is  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  soil  is  generally  deficient  in  humus  and 
when  dry  its  surface  has  an  ashy-gray  color.  The  type  occurs  as  high  stream 
terraces  which  have  frequently  been  modified  by  erosion.  A  large  part  of  the 
type  is  under  cultivation,  although  it  is  not  considered  productive.  Corn  and 
wheat  are  the  principal  crops.  Limited  areas  are  devoted  to  oats,  sorghum, 
cowpeas,  hay,  and  pasturage. 

Huntington  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  loam  to  silty  loam,  usually  from  10 
to  12  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  light  or  dark-brown  loam,  silty  loam,  or  clay 
loam.  A  sandy  loam  is  sometimes  encountered  in  the  lower  part  of  the  subsoil. 
The  type  is  level  to  slightly  rolling  and  occurs  mainly  as  stream-bottom  land 
subject  to  overflow.  It  may  also  be  found  in  small  upland  depressions.  The 
soil  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  corn  and  hay,  and  much  of  it  is  used  for 
pasture.  It  is  adapted  to  truck  crops  where  high  water  is  not  likely  to  cause 
injury. 

Jackson  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  loam  to  an  average  depth  of  14 
inches,  grading  into  a  mottled  sandy  clay  or  clay  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  as 
second  bottoms,  with  a  gently  rolling  surface,  and  is  mainly  alluvial  in  origin, 
though  modified  to  some  extent  by  alluvial  wash.  The  soil  produces  about  15 
bushels  of  wheat  and  from  25  to  40  bushels  of  corn  per  acre.  Onions  give  large 
yields.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  light  farm  crops  and  to  truck,  wrapper  to- 
bacco, and  peaches. 

Johnston  loam. — This  is  a  black  mucky  loam  to  heavy  sandy  loam,  underlain 
at  about  15  inches  by  gray  heavy  sandy  clay  mottled  with  yellow.  The  soil 
is  typically  developed  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  in  strips  along  the  outer 
edge  of  the  bottoms.  There  has  been  in  places  some  addition  of  material  from 
adjoining  slopes  through  colluvial  action,  but  the  greater  part  of  the  component 
material  is  of  alluvial  origin.  The  elevation  is  a  little  above  the  associated 
swamp  areas,  and  in  places  the  soil  approaches  a  second-bottom  position,  yet 
the  Johnston  loam  is  typically  a  first-bottom  soil  and  is  subject  to  overflow. 
It  remains  wet  throughout  a  good  part  of  the  year,  which  accounts  for  the 
accumulation  of  a  large  supply  of  organic  matter.  Some  areas  of  the  soil 
can  be  cultivated  in  dry  years.  With  drainage  and  diking  most  of  it  could  be 
profitably  used  for  corn,  grass,  and  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage  and  onions. 

KalnUa  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  pale-yellow  loam.  The  subsoil  is 
a  yellow,  compact  loam,  frequently  mottled  with  grayish  colors.  The  type  occu- 
pies second  bottoms,  and  has  moderate  to  poor  drainage.  Its  average  yields 
are  light.  With  drainage  and  liberal  applications  of  manure  yields  can  be 
materially  increased. 

Miller  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown,  reddish-brown,  or  red  heavy  tine  sandy 
loam  to  silty  loam,  varying  i"  depth  from  10  to  1(1  Inches.  The  subsoil  is  a 
red  or  reddish-brown  rather  heavy  Loam  to  silty  clay.  The  type  occurs  as 
Stream-bottom  land,  and  is  Largely  Composed  Of  wash  from  Permian  Red  Beds. 
The  principal  crops  grown  on  the  type  are  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  cotton.  Corn 
will  yield  from  40  to  00  bushels,  wheat  from  20  to  86  bushels,  and  oats  from 
40  to  00  bushels  per  aero.  Cotton  will  often  yield  more  than  a  bale  t<>  ihe 
acre.     Alfalfa  should  do  well  on  all  well-drained  areas  of  this  soil. 

]£08honnon  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brownish-red  to  Indian-r\l  loam  8  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  has  the  same  color  ;is  the  Boll,  but  the  sand  content  increases 
with  depth.  At  .".0  inches  a  layer  of  compact  material  is  frequently  encountered 
r:  Dging  from  tine  sandy  loam  to  clay  loam.      Rounded  gravel  OCCUM  throughout 

the  soil  and   subsoil.    The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  being  derived  from  the 

Upshur  soils.      It    produces  heavy  yields  of  corn,  grass,  and  clover.      Wheat   and 

oats  do  well,  inn  the  straw  is  Liable  to  he  heavy  enough  to  cause  lodging.  The 
better-drained  areas  make  good  crops  of  potatoes, 

OcMocknee  loam.     The  soil   is  a  brown   heavy  sandy  loam  to  heavy  loam  8  to 

oi  depth,  with  a  BUbSOil  of  a  grayish  clay  loam  or  Bandy  clay,  molt  led 

with    brown,    yellow,    and    red.      Both    soil    and    subsoil    :ire    somewhat     variable. 

The  type  occupies  bottom   hinds  and   is  for  the  most    pari   alluvial,  though  some 

small  areas  are  probably  eolluvial  in  formation,  it  cousisis  principally  of 
material  derived  from  Coastal  Plain  soils,     in  some  localities  it   is  subject  to 

overflow.     The   timber  growth   consists  of  white  and   water   oak,   gum.   hickory, 

magnolia,  and  shortleaf  pine.    There  is  often  a  dense  undergrowth  of  vines, 

briars,  and  shrubbery.  Some  of  the  soil  is  cultivated  to  cotton,  corn,  oats, 
Johnson   grass,   sorghum,   BUgar  cane,  and   alfalfa,   producing   u<"m1  yields  wh   re 

drainage  is  sufficient 


EIVEli  FLOOD  PLAINS  PKOVINCE.  357 

Sanders  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  reddish-brown,  or  gray  loam.  The 
subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  and  generally  heavier  in  texture.  The  type  occurs 
in  the  overflowed  bottoms  of  streams  in  eastern  Texas  and  northwestern  Loui- 
siana. It  is  considered  a  good  corn  soil,  producing  as  much  as  45  bushels  per 
acre  where  well  drained.  It  is  not  considered  so  good  for  cotton,  producing 
about  one-half  bale  per  acre.  Bermuda  and  Johnson  grass  flourish.  The  soil 
generally  is  in  need  of  drainage. 

Sarpy  loam. — The  soil  of  the  Sarpy  loam  is  a  dark-gray  to  almost  black, 
rather  fine-textured  loam  with  an  average  depth  of  about  10  inches.  An  ex- 
posed surface  of  the  soil  when  dry  has  a  light-gray  color,  but  upon  wetting  it 
becomes  almost  black.  The  soil  is  immediately  underlain  by  a  yellowish-gray 
subsoil,  which  is  generally  a  very  fine  sandy  loam  containing  large  amounts  of 
coarse  silt.  In  some  areas,  however,  the  subsoil  is  a  light  fine  sandy  loam  or 
silt  loam.  The  contrast  between  the  soil  and  subsoil  is  fairly  distinct.  The 
type  occupies  the  low  ridges  and  higher  elevations  of  first  bottoms,  rising  prob- 
ably 5  or  10  feet  above  the  neighboring  lowlands.  Because  of  its  texture  and 
structure,  which  allow  rapid  seepage  of  rain  water,  and  its  elevation,  which  is 
usually  above  normal  overflow,  it  has  good  drainage.  All  general  farm  crops, 
including  corn,  wheat,  oats,  clover,  and  alfalfa,  do  well,  and  large  yields  are 
secured.     This  soil  is  also  well  adapted  to  a  large  number  of  truck  crops. 

Toxaway  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  15  inches  consists  of  a  black, 
dark-brown  or  dark-gray  silty  loam  or  loam.  Typical  areas  contain  large 
amounts  of  organic  matter.  Spots  of  dark-gray  or  brown  silty  loam  to  very 
fine  sandy  loam  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  silty  loam  or  loam.  In  places  the  silty  material  grades  into  a  yellowish 
or  white  silty  clay  at  20  to  24  inches,  and  occasionally  at  30  inches  a  highly 
micaceous  fine  sandy  loam  or  fine  sand  is  encountered.  The  type  is  an  alluvial 
soil  occupying  river  bottoms.  In  some  places  it  has  a  gradual  slope  toward  the 
upland,  while  in  others  it  is  flat.  A  large  part  of  it  is  subject  to  overflow. 
Practically  all  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  or  included  in  pasture.  It  is 
considered  a  very  productive  soil  and  is  especially  adapted  to  corn,  grass,  and 
rye.     On  some  areas  celery,  cabbage,  cucumbers,  and  pumpkins  would  do  well. 

Trinity  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  is  a  dark-brown  to 
black  loam  or  silty  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  loam  to  clay  loam  of  some- 
what stiff  and  plastic  structure  and  usually  dark  brown  to  nearly  black  in  color. 
The  type  occurs  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  as  flat  areas  interrupted  only 
by  occasional  stream  channels.  The  material  is  derived  largely  from  the 
calcareous  prairies  and  contains  enough  organic  matter  and  lime  to  constitute 
a  soil  of  good  structure.  Some  of  the  type  is  subject  to  overflow  and  poor 
drainage  conditions.  In  good  seasons  cotton,  corn,  and  sugar  cane  do  particu- 
larly well.     The  better-drained  areas  are  well  suited  to  alfalfa. 

WaoasJi  loam. — Owing  to  its  wide  distribution  and  its  alluvial  origin  from 
the  wash  of  soils  of  different  texture,  this  type  shows  a  wide  local  variation. 
It  is  generally  a  brown  loam  about  10  inches  deep,  often  containing  small  quan- 
tities of  sand  and  in  local  areas  some  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  heavy, 
brownish-yellow  loam  20  to  40  inches  deep,  overlying  a  gravelly  loam.  The 
type  occurs  as  first  bottoms  along  rivers  and  small  streams  heading  in  or  pass- 
ing through  areas  of  loessial  upland  soil,  and  much  of  it  is  subject  to  periodical 
overflow.  It  is  a  first-class  corn  soil,  producing  from  35  to  60  bushels  per  acre. 
This  type  could  be  used  more  extensively  for  the  production  of  canning  crops, 
such  as  sugar  corn,  green  peas,  tomatoes,  etc. 

Wave?'ly  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  loam  about  10 
inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  brown  to  yellowish  clay  loam  or  clay.  It  occurs 
as  first-bottom  lands  along  rivers  and  creeks.  The  surface  as  a  rule  is  flat, 
though  occasionally  it  is  slightly  rolling.  Open  ditches  are  frequently  necessary 
to  provide  adequate  drainage.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin.  The  original 
timber  growth  consists  mainly  of  gum,  sycamore,  water  oak,  beech,  and  willow. 
The  soil  is  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  and  grass,  as  well  as  to  forage  crops,  and 
large  yields  are  secured  when  no  injury  is  sustained  by  overflows. 

Wehadkee  loam. — This  type  is  a.  gray,  compact  silty  loam,  underlain  at  about 
8  to  32  inches  by  compact,  grayish-yellow  to  nearly  white,  or  mottled  yellowish 
and  gray  clay.  The  type  is  developed  in  the  bottoms  of  streams  and  consists  of 
alluvial  material  derived  from  Piedmont  soils.  It  is  subject  to  overflow,  and  is 
best  suited  to  grasses  and  lespedesa. 

Wickham  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a  yellowish-brown 
or  chocolate-colored  loam,  resting  on  a  loam  of  lighter  color  and  slight];  heavier 


358 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


texture,  which  becomes  heavier  with  increasing  depth  and  grades  into  a  clay 
loam  at  about  30  inches.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  fine  particles  of  mica. 
The  type  occupies  terraces  along  stream  courses,  and  is  comparatively  level  in 
topography,  with  an  occasional  slight  elevation  or  very  slight  depression.  It  is 
largely  composed  of  material  washed  down  from  the  Piedmont  region  and  de- 
posited during  periods  of  overflow  when  the  waters  reached  higher  levels  than 
at  present.  The  soil  is  a  desirable  one  for  cultivation.  Corn  yields  from  40  to 
60  bushels,  wheat  from  15  to  25  bushels,  oats  from  30  to  40  bushels,  and  timothy 
from  1  to  2  tons  per  acre. 

Yazoo  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  loam  about  6  inches  deep.  The  sub- 
soil is  usually  a  silt  loam,  but  in  local  areas  may  be  a  silty  clay  or  fine  sandy 
loam.  The  type  occupies  low  ridges  in  river  bottoms,  and  represents  the  higher- 
lying  areas  of  fine  sediment  deposited  by  inundations.  It  is  a  strong  cotton 
soil,  producing  a  bale  per  acre.  In  northern  areas  the  soil  is  adapted  to  corn 
and  wheat. 

Areas  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Ocklo  knee  loam. 
W  abash  loam 


Yazoo  loam . 


Congaree  loam. 
Genesee  loam.. 


Huntington  loam . 


Frio  loam 

Waverly  loam 

Cahaba  loam 

Kalmia  loam 

Cumberland  loam. 

Bibb  loam 

Sarpy  loam 

Miller  loam 

Trinity  loam 

Jackson  loam 

Elk  loam 

Sanders  loam 

Amite  loam 

Moshannon  loam. . 

Toxaway  loam 

EobtOD  loam 

Johnston  loam 

AltaVista  loam 

Holly  loam 

■  Ickham  loam 

Blanco  loam 

Franklin  loam 

ii.cc  loam... 

Buck  jut  loam 

Aroostook  loam... 


Alabama  18  22,30,32,34;  Mississippi  3,  8,  12, 15,  17 

Illinois  10;  Indiana  3,  5;  Michigan  7;  Minnesota  4;  Missouri  10, 
17;  North  Dakota  2,  8,  9;  Ohio  3,  4,  5,  7,  8,  9;  Wisconsin  6.  9, 
11,  12,  14. 

Illinois  1,  7,  9;  Kansas  1,4;  Louisiana  6,  7, 11;  Mississippi  6, 19, 
71;  Missouri  4,  14,  18. 

Alabama  7,  33;  Mississippi  16;  North  Carolina  5,  23;  South 
Carolina  16;  Virginia  5. 

New  Jersey  2;  New  York  1,  3,  6,  8,  9, 10,  12,  13,  14, 15;  Ohio  2; 
Pennsylvania  7;    '  isconsin  1,  8. 

Alabama  1,10;  Arkansas  2:  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  4;  Pennsyl- 
vania 2, 8, 11;  Tennessee  4;  Virginia 9;  West  Virginia  2, 4, 7, 10. 

Texas  28 

Indiana  8;  Tennessee  6,  8 

Alabama  2,  14,  17,  37;  Mississippi  12 

Alabama  22;  Mississippi  5,  17 

Kentucky  2;  Tennessee  2,  4,  5;  Virginia  9 

Alabama  22;  Mississippi  15 

Missouri  1,  15,  16 

Oklahoma  1,2 

Texas  14 

Missouri  13,20 

Alabama  26;  Tennessee  1 

Texas  23,  24 

Louisiana  13 

Pennsylvania  2,6 

North  Carolina  13,  27 

A  jabama  1 6:  Tennessee  4 

North  Carolina  15 

North  Carolina  23 

ce  1 

Virginia  5 

26 . .' 

Texas  7 

a  labama  33 

id  10 

Maine  1 


Total. 


317,248 

257,840 


204,803 

155,520 

128, 768 

124,160 

73,728 
72,768 
70,978 
64, 0M 
61,184 
50,304 
47,104 
37,184 

22,464 

22,016 
17,408 

11,328 
7,168 
6,628 
6,080 

5,952 

5,952 

5,378 

1,280 

704 

820 

64 


>  For  key  to  numbers  In  this  column  see  p.  788. 


QRAV]  I  IV     I  <)\M     Til 


The  gravelly  loam  alluvial  soils  ;uv  confined  chiefly  <<>  the  eroded  second 
bottoms.  There  are,  however,  some  small  areas  Id  the  ttrsl  bottoms,  especially 
along  small  Btreams.  Tins,  soils  have  very  nearly  the  same  crop  adaptation 
ms  the  loams,  but  those  especially  on  the  terraces  where  the  surface  lias  been 
more  or  less  eroded  give  lower  yields  on  account  of  the  hindrance  offered  1<> 
cultivation  by  topography. 

Harbour  a  ran  ////  hnm.  The  soil  is  ;in  Indian  red.  brownish  red.  or  grayish- 
red  Loam,  containing  considerable  water-worn  gravel,  with  a  small  amounl  of 
stone,  consisting  generally  of  red  shale  and  sandstone.  The  Bubsoil  is  an 
Indian-red  loam,  its  color  being  darker  and  more  intense  than  thai  of  the 
Burface  soil.    The  quantities  of  gravel  In  the  subsoil  are  often  so  great  as  to 


RIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


359 


interfere  with  boring.  The  topography  ranges  from  level  to  undulating,  roll- 
ing, or  sometimes  sloping,  and  surface  drainage  is  better  than  that  of  the 
finer  textured  members  of  the  series.  The  soil  is  alluvial  in  origin,  the  sedi- 
ments having  been  derived  from  wash  from  red  glacial  upland  soils,  such  as 
the  Lackawanna.  The  soil  is  subject  to  overflow,  though  the  presence  of  gravel 
renders  the  subsoil  porous  to  such  an  extent  that  water  readily  percolates 
through  it  and  early  spring  cultivation  is  possible.  In  dry  seasons  the  crops 
suffer  for  moisture. 

Cumberland  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  from  6  to  12  inches  deep  is  a  grayish 
to  brownish-gray  loam.  Its  texture  often  approaches  a  sandy  loam.  The 
subsoil  is  a  heavy,  reddish-brown  loam  to  clay  loam,  which  generally  grades 
into  a  heavier  material  with  an  increasing  amount  of  red  coloring.  At  from 
30  to  36  inches  it  frequently  becomes  a  yellowish-red  to  red  clay.  Rounded 
pebbles  and  cobblestones  occur  on  the  surface  and  through  the  soil.  The  type 
occupies  the  crests  and  slopes  of  the  hills  and  ridges  along  stream  courses.  It 
produces  good  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  grasses. 

Huntington  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  10  inches  of  brown  loam 
or  silty  loam,  containing  a  great  amount  of  gravel.  This  is  underlain  to  about 
3  feet  by  a  similar  textured,  lighter  colored  material  which  contains  larger 
quantities  of  gravel.  The  type  is  variable  in  color,  texture,  and  gravel  content. 
In  the  lower  depths  a  bed  of  gravel  and  broken  rocks  is  encountered,  frequently 
cemented  together.  The  soil  occurs  as  bottoms  along  the  smaller  streams,  and 
usually  there  is  a  gentle  slope  from  the  stream  to  the  steep  hills.  The  type 
consists  of  material  washed  from  adjoining  slopes  combined  with  alluvial 
deposits.  It  is  well  drained.  All  of  it  is  in  cultivation  and  produces  fair  yields 
of  corn,  wheat,  and  cotton. 

Travis  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  coarse  sandy  loam,  containing  a  large 
quantity  of  rounded  gravel  both  on  the  surface  and  in  the  soil.  This  grades  at 
a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  into  a  mass  of  coarse  sand  and  rounded  gravel 
cemented  together  by  a  stiff,  s'icky  red  clay.  The  soil  is  derived  from  material 
brought  down  by  river  waters  at  an  earlier  period  and  deposited  along  their 
courses,  and  forms  a  series  of  terraces  on  each  side  of  the  streams.  Many  of 
the  rounded  pebbles  are  of  quartz  and  granite.  The  location  of  the  soil,  to- 
gether with  its  open  structure,  allows  water  to  seep  rapidly  through  it,  so 
that  crops  suffer  severely  from  drought.  On  a  few  of  the  more  level  areas 
cotton,  corn,  and  oats  are  grown,  but  the  yields  are  small.  The  type  seems  best 
adapted  to  melons  and  tree  fruits,  but  large  areas  are  rendered  valuable  mainly 
by  a  heavy  growth  of  post  oak  and  blackjack  oak. 

Wheeling  gravelly  loam. — To  a  depth  of  from  8  to  10  inches  the  soil  is  a 
brown  gravelly  loam.  The  fine  earth  varies  from  silt  loam  to  sandy  loam. 
The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  is  a  light-brown  or  yellowish  gravelly 
loam,  the  fine  earth  of  which  varies  from  silt  loam  to  sandy  loam.  From  30 
to  60  per  cent  of  water-worn  gravel  composed  of  granite,  quartz,  quartzite, 
sandstone,  and  shale  is  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  topography  of  the 
type  varies  from  level  to  rolling  and  hilly.  The  soil  consists  of  reworked  ma- 
terial brought  from  glacinl  regions  by  stream  waters  when  they  were  of  much 
greater  volume  than  at  present.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  watermelons  and  toma- 
toes. Of  the  general  farm  crops  it  seems  best  suited  to  corn.  Wheat  does 
fairly  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Huntington  gravelly  loam 

Wheeling  gravelly  loam 

Alabama  21;  Missouri  11;  Pennsylvania  5;  Tennessee  3, 12 

Ohio  0;  Pennsylvania  9, 10;  West  Virginia  4,  0,  7, 10 

43,328 
29,830 
25, 728 

Texas  2,  31 

Cumberland  gravelly  loam 

Alabama  2f>;  Virginia  9 

4,800 
3,048 

Barbour  gravelly  loam 

Pennsylvania  4 

Total 

107,334 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


360  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

BHALE    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  shale  loam  phase  is  represented  by  a  single  type,  the  Genesee  shale  loam. 
This  soil  has  about  the  same  crop  adaptation  as  the  Genesee  loam,  but  the 
yields  are  not  quite  as  good,  owing  to  the  difficulty  offered  to  cultivation  by  the 
large  amount  of  shale  fragments  present  and  to  the  droughty  nature  of  the  soil. 

Genesee  shale  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  silt  loam,  brown  to  dark  brown  in 
color,  having  a  depth  of  6  or  8  inches.  The  subsoil  is  of  the  same  character, 
but  slightly  lighter  in  color.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  from  25  to  50  per 
cent  of  small,  thin  shale  fragments.  It  is  particularly  adapted  to  the  produc- 
tion of  hay,  oats,  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  shale  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Genesee  shale  loam 

New  York  6, 13 

2,944 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILT  LOAM   GROUP. 

Of  the  Flood  Plains  soils  which  have  been  differentiated  into  series  and  types 
the  silt  loam  is  next  to  the  most  extensive  group.  The  most  widely  developed 
types  are  confined  to  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  rising  in  and  flowing  through 
regions  occupied  by  loessial  soils  and  by  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains 
and  Limestone  provinces. 

The  better-drained  silt  loams  are  easily  kept  in  favorable  structural  condi- 
tion, but  those  which  are  subject  to  intermittent  wet  and  dry  periods  between 
overflows  are  inclined  to  become  compact  and  the  maintenance  of  good  tilth 
requires  frequent  cultivation  with  substantial  tools  and  strong  stock.  Most  of 
those  types  not  influenced  by  sediments  derived  from  calcareous  soils  are  im- 
proved by  applications  of  lime.  Only  a  small  part  of  the  total  area  occupied 
by  the  silt  loams  is  in  need  of  commercial  fertilizers.  The  biggest  problem  in 
connection  with  the  agricultural  utilization  of  these  soils  is  the  protection  from 
overflow  and  the  establishment  of  proper  drainage. 

The  silt  loams  are  particularly  adapted  to  the  production  of  general  farm 
crops,  including  corn,  wheat,  grass,  forage  crops,  sugar  cane,  and  rice.  Wheat 
frequently  lodges  in  the  most  productive  first-bottom  types,  but  where  this  can 
be  prevented  the  yields  are  usually  heavy.  Early  maturing  types  of  cotton  do 
well  in  the  southern  areas  where  the  boll  weevil  has  not  become  a  formidable 
enemy.  Certain  late-maturing  truck  crops,  as  cabbage,  Irish  potatoes,  and 
tomatoes  for  canning  purposes,  can  be  successfully  grown  on  the  better-drained 
types. 

Along  Streams  flowing  through  and  rising  in  the  loessial  regions  the  Wabash 
and  W;i\erly  silt  loams  are  the  most  extensive  types  in  the  first  bottoms,  while 
the  Lintonifl  is  the  important  terrace  member  of  the  group.  The  Huntington 
silt    Loam   is  the  most   important   type  in  the  first   bottoms  of  streams  receiving 

their  principal  wash  from  Limestone  and  Appalachian  soils.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  group  arc  less  extensive  and  are  widely  scattered.     They  comprise. 

however,  a  large  total  area  of  very  valuable  farming  land 

Abernathy  Hli  loam.  The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  reddish  silt  loam  about  8 
inches  deep,   underlain   by  a   mottled  gray  and  brown   Bubsoil  of  somewhat 

heavier  texture.  The  type  occurs  in  depressions  which  resemble  sink  -holes, 
where  In  many  instances  ponds  or  lakes  ha\e  formerly  stood,  and  in  the  first  bot- 
toms of  streams  The  soil  for  the  most  pari  consists  of  alluvial  or  colluvlo- 
alluvial  materia!  derived  mainly  from  soils  of  the  Decatur  series.  When  well 
drained  fair  yields  of  corn,  grain,  grass,  and  forage  crops  are  secured. 

AltavUta  Hit  loam.  This  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  yellow,  compact  silt  loam 
to  siltv  clay  loam  underlain  by  a  compact,  yellow  silly  clay  mottled  slightly 
with  red  or  gray.  The  type  Is  alluvial  In  origin  and  occupies  well-defined  stream 
terraces  lying  above  normal  overflow.  Surface  drainage,  such  as  can  b< 
cured  by  ditching,  Is  needed  over  most  of  the  type,  as  the  flat  topography  favors 
tending  of  rain  water.    When  properly  drained,  fertilized,  and  cultivated 

good  yields  Of  grass,  corn,  wheat,  and  oats  are  secured. 


RIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  361 

Aroostook  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a  dark-brown, 
friable,  mellow  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter  brown  silt  loam,  slightly- 
mottled  with  gray  and  chocolate  brown.  The  type  usually  becomes  sandier 
with  increase  in  depth,  passing  into  a  stratum  of  dark-colored  gravel  at  from 
3  to  5  feet.  The  soil  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occupies  first  bottoms.  It  is 
subject  to  overflow,  but  this  usually  occurs  in  the  spring,  so  that  crops  are 
seldom  injured.  The  soil  is  very  productive,  giving  large  yields  of  potatoes 
of  excellent  quality.  Potatoes  yield  as  high  as  100  barrels  and  over,  oats  from 
40  to  50  bushels,  and  hay  from  1  to  2  tons  per  acre. 

Auglaize  silt  loam. — This  is  a  black,  friable  silt  loam,  underlain  at  an  average 
depth  of  about  13  inches  by  a  heavy  silt  loam  which  grades  quickly  into  a 
slightly  plastic  silty  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  black,  but  not  so 
decidedly  black  as  the  surface  soil.  In  places  the  texture  approaches  a  silty 
clay,  while  elsewhere  there  is  little  change  from  a  silt  loam  within  the  3-foot 
section.  This  is  a  stream-bottom  type,  the  material  having  been  washed  from 
black  residual  limestone  soil.  It  is  subject  to  overflow  and  some  areas  remain 
in  a  permanently  wet  condition  on  account  of  springs.  The  soil  is  productive, 
giving  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  timothy,  and  clover. 

Barbour  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  an  Indian-red  silt  loam  about  8  inches  deep, 
overlying  a  somewhat  lighter  red,  more  compact  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam. 
Little  stone  or  gravel  occurs  in  the  soil  profile,  though  gravel  may  in  some 
localities  underlie  the  type  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  topography 
is  flat,  the  type  being  developed  on  first  bottoms.  It  is  subject  to  over- 
flow. The  drainage  varies  from  fair  to  poor.  Under  the  best  drainage  condi- 
tions the  soil  produces  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  buckwheat. 

Bastrop  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  brown  silt  loam  generally  12  inches 
deep,  while  the  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  a  brown  silt  loam  to  silty  clay, 
quite  compact  and  somewhat  darker  in  color  than  the  surface  soil.  Small  shell 
fragments  are  disseminated  through  the  soil  and  subsoil  and  occasion  the  local 
name  of  "  shell  lands."  The  soil  has  a  tendency  to  bake,  and  its  cultivation  is 
difficult.  The  type  is  alluvial  and  occupies  second  bottoms  of  streams  where 
the  topography  is  rather  fiat.  It  stands  above  overflow  and  as  a  rule  the  drain- 
age is  very  good.  It  is  largely  devoted  to  cotton  and  corn,  though  some  oats, 
hay,  and  alfalfa  are  grown.  Melons  and  potatoes  give  excellent  yields  and 
pecans  are  indigenous.  While  the  soil  is  naturally  productive  and  gives  good 
returns,  much  larger  yields  could  be  secured  with  improved  methods. 

Bibb  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  white  silt  loam  which  when  dry  has  a  floury 
feel.  The  subsoil  is  reached  at  a  depth  of  about  10  to  15  inches  and  consists 
of  a  white,  compact  silty  clay,  slightly  mottled  with  streaks  of  yellow  and  brown. 
Iron  concretions  are  frequently  encountered  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occupies 
first  bottoms  and  is  poorly  drained.  The  material  is  derived  through  wash 
from  the  Coastal  Plains  soils.  Its  agricultural  value  is  low,  although  lespedeza 
and  a  number  of  native  grasses  afford  good  grazing  and  hay. 

Birdsboro  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  silty  loam  about  10  inches 
deep,  with  local  variations  caused  by  more  than  a  normal  content  of  fine  sand. 
The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  or  yellowish-brown  silty  clay  loam.  A  few  rounded 
stones  and  some  small  gravel  occur  on  the  surface  and  through  the  soil  and 
subsoil.  The  type  occupies  second  terraces  of  streams  rising  in  the  Appalachian 
and  Limestone  provinces  and  flowing  through  the  northern  part  of  the  Piedmont 
Plateau.  It  is  not  subject  to  overflow,  and  constitutes  a  fairly  good  general 
farming  soil.  It  is  also  used  to  some  extent  for  trucking,  to  which  it  seems  to 
be  adapted. 

Biscoe  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  a  loose,  chocolate- 
colored  silt  loam,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  by  a  yellow  or  brownish- 
yellow  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  quite  light  to  a  depth  of  24  inches,  while  from 
24  to  36  inches  it  often  consists  of  a  heavy  silt  loam,  sometimes  slightly  mottled 
with  gray.  The  surface  in  many  places  is  rather  sandy,  the  sand  being  from 
fine  to  medium  in  texture.  The  type  occupies  gently  rolling  areas  and  is  fairly 
well  drained.  It  is  of  ancient  alluvial  origin  and  may  be  considered  as  second- 
bottom  land.  The  entire  type  is  never  overflowed,  but  during  periods  of  high 
water  parts  of  it  are  inundated.  It  is  well  adapted  to  cotton,  and  cotton  and 
corn  are  the  leading  crops.  With  proper  cultural  methods  it  should  prove  an 
excellent  truck  soil.     It  is  also  adapted  to  the  growing  of  alfalfa. 

Buxin  silt  loam. — The  type  includes  a  shallow,  reddish  silt  loam  of  Miller 
material  overlying  stiff,  plastic,  mottled  drab,  bluish,  and  brown  clay  of 
Sharkey  material.  With  reclamation  it  should  prove  a  good  corn,  cotton,  and 
probably  alfalfa  soil. 


362  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Cahaba  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  yellowish-gray  or  light-brown  loam 
from  8  to  10  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  silt  loam  or  loam. 
Gray  mottling  often  appears  in  the  deeper  subsoil.  The  type  is  alluvial  in 
origin  and  usually  occurs  as  broad,  high  terraces  along  the  larger  streams  in 
the  Coastal  Plain  of  the  Gulf  States.  It  lies  either  entirely  above  overflow  or 
above  all  ordinary  freshets.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating  and 
except  in  depressions  drainage  is  fairly  good.  The  soil  is  easily  handled  and 
produces  good  general  farm  crops.  With  improved  methods  of  cultivation 
and  proper  crop  rotation  a  bale  or  more  of  cotton  or  upward  of  40  bushels  of 
corn  have  been  produced  on  an  acre. 

Catalpa  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  20  inches  is  a  dark-brownish, 
brownish-gray,  or  light-gray  heavy  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil 
varies  from  a  jet-black  tough  clay  in  the  smaller  bottoms  to  a  dark-grayish 
mottled  clay  in  the  larger  bottoms.  It  is  largely  alluvium,  the  grayish  surface 
material  representing  comparatively  fresh  deposits  washed  from  nearby  ex- 
posures of  Selma  chalk  or  areas  of  Houston  chalk.  The  soil  is  valuable  for 
general  farming. 

Chariton  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  the  Chariton  silt  loam  is  a  dark-gray 
or  dark-brown  to  black  mellow  silt  loam  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches.  From 
12  to  IS  inches  the  soil  is  a  gray  silt  loam  to  silty  clay,  with  a  few  round  con- 
cretionary iron  nodules.  Below  18  inches  the  subsoil  is  a  brown,  grayish-brown, 
or  dark-gray,  heavy  and  tenacious  clay,  mottled  with  brown  to  reddish  brown 
and  gray.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  often  lighter  than  the  upper  subsoil,  being  a 
mottled  brown  and  gray  silty  clay.  Practically  all  of  the  type  is  in  cultivation 
to  corn,  timothy,  oats,  wheat,  and  clover. 

Collins  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  24  inches  of  a  brown  silt  loam, 
underlain  to  a  depth  of  3G  inches  by  a  gray  silt  loam.  The  type  occupies  nar- 
row bottom-land  areas  along  small  streams  and  is  very  nearly  level  in  topog- 
raphy. It  is  profitably  cultivated,  although  occasional  crops  are  lost  on  ac- 
count of  overflow.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin.  The  principal  crops  grown 
are  cotton,  corn,  and  potatoes.  The  forest  growth  on  uncultivated  areas  is 
white  oak,  pin  oak,  and  elm. 

Congarce  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  or  chocolate-brown 
silt  loam,  with  but  slight  change  in  color  and  texture  to  a  depth  of  about  24 
inches.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  friable  silt  loam  of  somewhat  Lighter  color, 
more  or  less  mottled  with  shades  of  brown.  Strata  or  pockets  of  sandy  material 
are  frequently  encountered  in  the  soil.  The  type  comprises  first-bottom  allu- 
vial soil  subject  to  overflow.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  corn,  oats,  forage  crops, 
and  grass.     Cotton  also  does  well  under  favorable  seasonal  conditions. 

Cumberland  silt  loam. — This  soil  is  a  light-brown  silt  loam  (5  to  11*  Inches 
doop,  frequently  containing  a  large  quantity  of  fine  sand  and  some  water- 
worn  gravel.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  re*!  silt  loam  or  silty 
clay  loam.  The  type  is  composed  of  sediments  deposited  along  streams  when 
the  water  reached  higher  levels  than  at  present.  A  part  of  the  material  was 
probably  Washed   down   from   Hie  near-by  hills.     As  the  streams  deepened   their 

channels  the  terraces  were  subjected  to  erosion.  The  type  is  marked  by  low. 
rolling  hills  ami  gently  sloping  forelands  extending  back  from  the  Btreams  to 
the  blgher  elevations  occupied  by  the  uplands,  its  high  position,  often  60  to 
i<h»  feci   above  the  stream,  insures  ample  surface  drainage.     The  soil  retains 

Sufficient    moisture    for    successful    plaid    growth,    and    crops    rarely    suffer    from 

drought    it  is  a  rich,  productive  soil  and  is  easily  cultivated. 

Elk  Hit  Inn m.  The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  light-brown  silt  loam  6  to  L2  inches 
deep.     The  suhsoil   is  :i  compact   silt    loam,  of  lighter  color  than  the  BUrface  soil, 

sometimes  faintly  mottled  with  yellowish  ami  grayish  colors,  especially  in  the 
lower  sec  ions,  where  ;>  silty  day  predominates.  At  about  t  feet  gravelly  ma- 
terial is  frequently  encountered.  The  type  occurs  on  second  terraces  lying 
Largely  above  overflow,  The  surface  is  sometimes  so  flat  .-is  to  cause  poor 
drainage  conditions,  and  a  great  pari  of  the  type  should  he  ditched  or  tiled. 
Under   the   usual   methods  of  cultivation  corn  yields  from    LB  to  90  bushels. 

Wheal    !<)  i"   L6  bUShelS,  oatS   L5  to  25  bushels,  and  hay    1    I"   i\   tons  per  acre. 

Genesee  sili   i<><nn.    The  soil  consists  of  a   brown  t<>  dark-brown  silt   Loam 

from  L0  to  BDOUt  L2  indies  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  silty  hum  to  silt 
loam,  sometimes  resting  on  lighter  material  in  the  lower  sections  or  sub- 
stratum.    The  type  occupies  level  Btream  bottoms  and   is  largely  suh.ject   to 

Overflow.  Artificial  drainage  is  necessary  with  the  greater  part  of  the  type  to 
insure  godd  results  with  crops.  The  soil  is  very  productive.  When  thoroughly 
protected  from  Overflow  and  properly  drained  it   produces  from  80  to  7f>  bushels 


KIVER   FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE.  363 

of  corn  and  from  75  to  150  bushels  of  potatoes  per  acre.  Sugar  beets  do  well, 
yielding  as  high  as  18  tons  per  acre.  Oats  succeed  quite  well  and  wheat  fairly 
well.  Peppermint,  beans,  and  late  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  are  successfully 
grown. 

Hamlin  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  chocolate  to  reddish-brown  silt  loam  8  to  14 
inches  deep,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  by  a  somewhat  heavier  and 
darker  reddish-brown  subsoil.  The  topography  is  flat  and  the  type  is  subject 
to  some  overflow  from  the  small  streams  along  which  it  occurs.  In  spots  some 
surface  incrustation  occurs,  the  chemical  analyses  of  which  show  the  presence 
of  sodium  chloride.  These  patches  are  too  small  to  indicate  on  the  map,  but 
occur  throughout  the  type.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  pasturage,  but  owing  to  its 
position  near  the  streams  and  its  liability  to  overflow  it  is  not  used  to  any 
considerable  extent  for  the  production  of  intertilled  crops. 

Holly  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  silt  loam  about  6  to  8 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact  gray  silt  loam  mottled  with  yellow  and 
brown.  The  lower  part  is  more  intensely  mottled,  bluish  and  drab  colors  fre- 
quently coming  into  prominence.  The  type  is  rather  clammy  and  cold  natured, 
remaining  in  a  soggy  condition  throughout  a  good  part  of  the  year.  It  occurs 
in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  and  is  subject  to  frequent  overflow.  Grass, 
especially  redtop  and  a  number  of  wild  water-loving  varieties,  afford  good 
grazing  and  make  fair  yields  of  hay.  Corn  and  oats  also  do  well  in  seasons  of 
normal  rainfall,  especially  where  the  drainage  has  been  improved  bv  ditching  or 
tiling. 

Holsion  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  inches  is  a  gray  to  yellowish- 
gray  or  grayish-brown  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  to  36  inches  is  a  yellow  to  yel- 
lowish-brown clay  loam  passing  into  a  clay  of  the  same  color.  A  few  rounded 
gravel  and  cobblestones  occur  on  the  surface  of  some  of  the  more  eroded  areas. 
The  type  occupies  stream  terraces  which  frequently  stand  several  hundred  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  streams.  It  is  also  developed  in  some  abandoned  stream 
valleys,  such  as  Teays  Valley  in  West  Virginia.  Land  of  this  kind  gives  fair 
to  good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops. 

Huntington  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  is  a  yellowish- 
brown  to  brown  silty  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  sometimes  containing  from  15  to 
20  per  cent  of  sand  of  the  finer  grades.  The  subsoil  is  either  a  somewhat 
lighter  brown  clay  loam  in  which  the  sand  content  becomes  slightly  greater  as 
depth  increases,  or  its  texture  may  differ  but  little  from  that  of  the  soil.  The 
lower  section  of  the  subsoil  often  consists  of  very  fine  sand  or  fine  sandy  loam 
grading  into  coarser  water-bearing  material.  The  type  occupies  bottom  lands 
and  owes  its  origin  to  recently  deposited  sediments.  It  is  level  to  slightly 
rolling  in  topography  and  is  subject  to  overflow.  The  principal  crops  grown  on 
the  type  are  corn,  potatoes,  and  hay.  Wheat  is  sometimes  produced  on  the 
higher  areas,  where  there  is  less  danger  from  overflow. 

Iberia  silt  loam. — To  its  usual  depth  of  about  6  to  12  inches  the  soil  is  a  dark 
ashy-gray  to  black  mellow  silt  loam,  showing  a  slight  mottling  of  yellowish- 
gray  in  the  lower  part.  The  subsoil  is  generally  developed  in  two  distinct  strata. 
The  upper  section  is  a  dingy-brownish  silt  loam,  slightly  mottled  with  bright  yel- 
low, while  the  lower,  beginning  at  18  to  22  inches,  is  typically  a  yellow  silt 
loam.  Lime  concretions  are  common  in  the  subsurface  soil  and  subsoil,  the 
quantity  sometimes  being  so  great  as  to  interfere  with  plowing.  In  places  the 
upper  subsoil  is  of  a  decided  gray  color  and  very  calcareous.  Drainage  is  rather 
poorly  established,  ami  ditching  is  necessary  in  order  to  bring  the  land  into 
proper  condition  for  best  crop  results.  Sugar  cane,  corn,  and  cowpeas  do  well, 
and  some  vegetables  are  successfully  grown.  Most  of  the  type  was  originally 
prairie. 

Kalmia  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  pale-yellow,  rather 
compact  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow,  compact  silt  loam,  frequently  mottled 
with  grayish  colors.  The  type  occupies  second  bottoms  and  drainage  is  mod- 
erately good  to  poor.  Crop  yields  are  light.  The  soil  is  difficult  to  maintain  in 
a  good  condition  of  tilth  unless  supplied  with  organic  manures. 

La  Crosse  silt  loam. — To  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  this  is  a.  black  or 
brownish-black  silt  loam  of  smooth  feel.  The  subsoil  is  -i  chocolate-brown  silt 
loam  to  about  16  to  20  inches.  Beneath  this  depth  it  becomes  yellowish  brown 
in  color  and  changes  to  a  silty  clay  in  texture.  Below  -  to  3  feci  the  subsoil 
becomes  lighter  in  texture  and  contains  sand  ami  small  rounded  gravel.  The 
topography  varies  from  level  to  undulating  or  somewhal  hilly. 

The  soil  is  less  typical  on  the  tops  of  the  low  hills  and  knolls  where  more  or 
less  erosion  has  taken  place,  and  its  color  is  lighter.     While  for  the  most  part 


364  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

this  type  is  of  old  alluvial  origin,  the  silty  surface  in  some  areas  may  be  due  to 
eolluvial  wash  from  the  silt  loam  uplands.  The  soil  is  easily  cultivated. 
Whore  the  topography  is  flat  and  the  sand  or  gravel  is  not  encountered  at  less 
than  3  feet  the  drainage  is  apt  to  be  inadequate,  but  on  the  whole  drainage  is 
well  established.    The  soil  is  adapted  to  small-grain  ;md  hay  crops. 

Laredo  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  consists  of  a  gray 
to  light-brown  silt  loam,  which  usually  contains  a  considerable  amount  of 
tine  and  very  fine  sand  in  the  upper  6  to  10  inches.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of 
36  inches  is  composed  of  similar  material,  but  usually  contains  less  fine  sand 
and  is  slightly  lighter  in  color.  The  general  topography  is  almost  level.  The 
soil  is  composed  of  alluvial  stream  deposits  laid  down  at  times  of  early  floods.  A 
comparatively  large  part  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  and  the  greater  part 
of  the  cultivated  area  is  under  irrigation.  When  irrigated  the  soil  produces 
very  profitable  yields  of  all  crops  grown,  but  on  the  unirrigated  areas  the  yields 
are  usually  light  and  the  crops  are  often  total  failures.  The  principal  crops 
are  onions,  cotton,  sweet  potatoes,  and  cowpeas.  Beets,  turnips,  and  straw- 
berries are  successfully  grown. 

Lintonia  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  silt  loam  about  10  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  silt  loam,  quite  uniform  in  color  and  texture, 
sometimes  underlain  by  silty  clay  loam  at  a  depth  of  from  3  to  4  feet.  The  soil 
lacks  plasticity,  and  has  rather  a  mealy  character.  The  type  occupies  stream 
terraces.  A  eolluvial  phase  is  found  along  the  foot  of  bluffs  and  as  narrow 
strips  in  stream  valleys,  adjoining  higher-lying  areas  of  Memphis  silt  loam  or 
Knox  silt  loam.  The  soil  represents  reworked  material  of  the  Memphis  and 
Knox  silt  loams.  It  is  rarely  inundated,  but  is  in  places  subject  to  the  addition 
of  eolluvial  material  from  uplands  during  winter  rains.  This  is  a  good  cotton 
toil  and  is  also  adapted  to  market  gardening  and  fruit  culture.  In  the  northern 
areas  it  produces  corn,  wheat,  hay,  oats,  and  potatoes. 

Miller  sill  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  red,  or  light-chocolate 
colored  silt  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  6  to  20  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  red 
heavy  silt  loam,  often  grading  into  a  lighter-colored  fine  sandy  loam  at  about 
2  or  3  feet.  The  type  is  alluvial  and  occupies  level  or  slightly  rolling  areas, 
subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  is  friable,  productive,  and  easily  cultivated.  In 
general  it  is  naturally  well  drained.  The  type  is  adapted  to  cotton,  corn,  alfalfa, 
and  sugar  cane,  and  also  to  late  vegetable  and  truck  crops.  The  timber  growth 
includes  cottonwood,  ash,  hickory,  red  oak,  and  sweet  gum. 

Hoshcmnon  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  inches  consists  of  a 
reddish-brown  to  Indian-red  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  very  similar  to  the  soil 
in  texture,  but  differs  from  it  mainly  in  the  closer  structure  and  brighter  red 
or  Indian-red  color.  The  type  occupies  first  bottoms  and  is  derived  largely 
through  wash  from  the  Upshur  soils.  It  averages  somewhat  more  productive 
than  the  Huntington  silt  loam,  possibly  on  account  of  a  higher  lime  content 
resetting  from  the  presence  of  a  larger  amount  of  material  washed  from  the 
iiK.ro  calcareous  shales  which  give  rise  to  the  Upshur  soils. 

The  type  is  inclined  to  clod,  but  as  a  rule  it  is  easily  kept  in  a  good  tillage 
condition.    The  general  farm  crops  and  grass  do  well. 

Myatt  silt  loam.—  This  is  a  light-gray  silt  loam,  underlain  at  about  6  or  8 
Inches  by  mottled  gray  and  yellow  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  The  type  is 
developed  in  flat  to  flightly  depressed,  poorly  drained  situations  on  stream 
terraces.  It  is  host  suited  to  gTRM  and  lospodoza.  The  drainage  can  he  im- 
proved by  ditching  so  that  fair  crops  of  corn.  BUgar  cane,  and  oats  can  be 
made.     Applications  of  phosphoric  acid  and  lime  are  advisable. 

Neosho  silt  loam.    The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  inches  is  a  light-colored,  somewhat 

ashy    silty    loam    containing    sum  1 1    amounts    of    tine   and    very    tine   sand.      The 

subtil  from  8  i"  26  inches  is  a  drab,  compact,  and  Impervious  silty  clay, 
locally  known  ae  "hardpan."  The  type  occurs  principally  upon  ten-aces  from 
r.  t,,  iu  feet  above  the  level  of  the  stream  bottoms,     its  elevation  is  Bufflcienl 

to  insure  it  against  overflow!  and  to  afford  fair  surface  drainage     Deep  plowing 

or  subsoiling  and  the  addition  of  organic  matter  would  greatly  improve  its 
moisture-holding  capacity.    The  soil  is  largely  an  old  alluvial  deposit,  greatly 

Influenced  by  wash  from  the  adjoining  uplands.  It  is  probably  best  adapted 
to  wheal   and  grass,  hut  com  and  oats  do  well  when  the  season  is  not  extremely 

wet  or  dry. 

OcklOCknee  silt  loam.  The  soil  consists  of  a  dark  grayish  to  brown  silt  loam 
having  :i    depth   of  about    '•»    inches.      The   subsoil    is  a    brownish   or  grayish   silt 

i, ^m  t,,  silt v  day  loam,  and  grades  Into  a  rather  heavy  mottled  gray  ami  brown 

el:, v.      (),,    the    higher    swells    the    material    is    lighter    in    texture,    sometimes 


RIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  365 

approaching  a  fine  sandy  loam,  while  in  depressions  the  heavier  phase  is  encoun- 
tered. The  subsoil  is  more  mottled  in  the  level  and  depressed  areas.  The 
type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  confined  to  the  first  bottoms  o£  streams  of  the 
Coastal  Plain.  It  is  subject  to  overflow  and  much  of  it  is  rather  poorly 
drained.  Where  well  drained  and  properly  handled  it  produces  good  crops  of 
corn  and  cotton. 

Olivier  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  to  15  inches  is  a  brown, 
mellow  silt  loam,  occasionally  somewhat  grayish  in  the  dry  immediate  surface 
portion.  The  subsoil  is  predominantly  a  mottled  yellow  and  drab  silt  loam  to 
silty  clay  loam.  In  many  places  the  subsoil  is  yellowish  brown,  faintly  mottled 
with  bright  yellow  and  sometimes  reddish  yellow.  A  few  lime  concretions  are 
occasionally  encountered  in  the  subsoil.  The  surface  is  flat  to  gently  undulat- 
ing. Low  turtle-back  ridges  are  sometimes  encountered.  The  drainage  is  well 
established.  Sugar  cane,  corn,  cowpeas,  peanuts,  Irish  potatoes,  sweet  potatoes, 
and  a  number  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Ondawa  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  mellow  silt  loam  about 
12  inches  deep,  underlain  to  3  or  4  feet  by  a  subsoil  of  the  same  silty  materials, 
though  of  a  gray  to  pale-brown  or  yellow  color.  There  is  usually  a  deep  sub- 
soil of  gravel,  which  often  comes  to  the  surface  in  local  areas  of  small  extent. 
The  type  always  occurs  on  first  bottoms  or  the  level  floors  of  stream  valleys. 
It  is  derived  from  the  fine  alluvial  materials  deposited  by  flood  waters.  It 
is  an  excellent  soil  for  grass,  both  for  hay  and  pasturage,  and  for  corn,  oats, 
potatoes,  and  heavy  late  truck  crops. 

Osage  silt  loam. — The  Osage  silt  loam  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  grayish- 
brown  silt  loam  which  gradually  becomes  lighter  in  color  and  usually  heavier 
in  texture  with  depth  until  at  about  3  feet  it  is  a  drab  or  gray  silty  clay  loam. 
The  type  varies  considerably  both  as  to  texture  and  color,  the  above  order  in 
some  places  being  exactly  reversed.  It  constitutes  the  lighter  alluvial  soil 
which  has  been  washed  from  the  prairie  uplands  of  dark-colored  soils.  Where 
its  situation  gives  good  drainage  it  is  a  very  productive  soil,  giving  large  yields 
of  general  farm  crops. 

Papakating  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  silt  loam  about 
6  or  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  subsoil  which  is  brown,  yellow,  or  gray, 
though  usually  mottled  yellow  and  gray,  in  color.  The  texture  of  the  subsoil 
is  somewhat  variable;  in  some  places  it  is  heavier  than  the  surface  soil,  in 
others  lighter.  The  topography  is  level  and  drainage  is  poor.  The  areas  vary 
in  width  from  a  few  rods  to  a  half  mile  or  more  along  streams  in  the  glacial 
region,  which  are  annually  overflowed.  The  type  has  a  rather  lower  agricultural 
value  than  the  corresponding  member  of  the  Genesee  series,  principally  because 
of  poorer  drainage  and  the  greater  uncertainty  of  securing  a  matured  crop. 
Its  best  use  is  for  pasturage  and  hay  meadows. 

Pledger  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  14  inches  consists  of  a  black 
silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  silt  loam  to  silty  clay,  usually  of  a  reddish 
or  yellowish  shade.  The  type  occurs  as  narrow  strips  of  well-drained  soil  on 
slight  ridges  along  stream  courses  in  the  river  bottoms,  merging  into  the  low, 
flat,  poorly  drained  Trinity  clay  or  Miller  soils.  The  soil  is  very  productive 
and  is  considered  the  best  agricultural  land  of  the  river  valleys,  owing  to  its 
well-drained  condition.  It  is  locally  called  "  peach  land,"  owing  to  a  common 
gi-owth  of  wild  peach  tree  (Laurocerasus  caroliniana  or  Primus  earoliniana). 
The  type  owes  its  origin  to  high-water  depositions  of  dark-colored  material, 
largely  from  the  Black  Prairies  of  Texas,  over  reddish  alluvial  material  from 
the  Red  Beds  region.  This  type  is  limited  in  extent  and  is  highly  prized  for 
corn,  cotton,  cane,  and  potatoes.  Pecan,  oak,  ash.  and  wild  peach  constitute  the 
principal  timber  growth.  The  soil  has  the  feel  of  a  silt  loam,  but  small  areas 
are  found  which  analyze  as  light  'is  a  fino  sandy  loam. 

Podunk  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  12  inches  of  a  dark-brown  silt 
loam  or  heavy  loam,  underlain  by  lighter  colored  silt   loam  grading  into  drab 
and  yellow  mottled  silt  loam,  which  in     urn.  at  an  average  depth  of  20  inches, 
rests  upon  a  very  compact  fine  sand  of  a  drab  color.     Finely  divided   mica   is 
encountered  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil,  which  gives  the  material  a  slightly 
greasy  feel.    The  type  is  alluvia]  in  origin,  and  occupies  level  or  depressed 
along  streams.     Artificial  drainage  is  necessary  and  is  accomplished  ho  h  by 
open  ditches  and  covered  drains.     It  is  best  adapted  to  grass  crops  and  pr< 
Large  yields  of  hay.     When  moisture  conditions  are  good  large  crops  of  ens 
are  produced.     Most  of  this  land  should  he  devoted  to  truck  crops,  su 
celery  and  onions. 


366  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Roberts  v  ill  c  silt  loam. — This  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown,  floury  silt  loam, 
underlain  at  about  6  to  12  inches  by  a  light-gray  to  white,  compact  silt  loam  to 
silty  clay  loam,  which  passes  at  about  16  to  2S  inches  into  a  compact,  imper- 
vious plastic  clay  of  gray  to  yellowish-brown  or  chocolate-brown  color,  with 
a  faint  mottling  of  reddish  brown.  In  the  better  drained  situations  both  the 
soil  and  upper  subsoil  usually  have  more  of  a  brownish  color.  Black  oxide  of 
iron  concretions  are  usually  present,  the  quantity  increasing  with  depth. 
These  are  more  abundant  in  the  lighter  colored,  poorer  drained  situations. 
The  flat  surface  and  impervious  subsoil  renders  the  drainage  quite  poor  in 
many  places.  This  type  occupies  level  or  nearly  level  stream  terraces  and 
abandoned  stream  valleys  no  longer  subject  to  overflow.  If  plowed  when  too 
wet  the  structure  is  very  likely  to  become  intractable  with  subsequent  dry 
weather.  Crops  generally  suffer  more  severely  in  wet  years  than  during 
droughts,  except  those  of  unusual  duration.  Crops  are  rather  late  in  getting 
started,  owing  to  the  cold  nature  of  the  soil.  Ordinarily  corn  yields  from  20 
to  40  bushels,  wheat  10  to  20  bushels,  and  oats  20  to  30  bushels  per  acre. 
Bluegrass,  timothy,  and  white  and  alsike  clover  do  well. 

Sanders  silt  ]<><->,i. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  12  inches  is  a  dark-colored 
or  nearly  black  compact  silt  loam.  There  is  frequently  a  dark  mottling  of  brown 
and  drab  immediately  beneath  the  surface  soil.  Pockets  of  sand  or  mantles 
of  sandy  material  occur  locally.  Though  the  subsoil  is  variable,  it  is  generally 
a  dark-gray  or  brown  mottled  with  drab  silt  loam  passing  Into  a  brown  line 
sandy  loam  in  the  lower  depths.  The  type  is  alluvial  and  occupies  first 
bottoms.  It  is  subject  to  overflow,  but  makes  good  crops  of  corn,  co  ton.  and 
Johnson  and  Bermuda  grasses.     Heavy  yields  of  sirup  are  also  obtained. 

Sarpy  silt  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  a  dark-gray  to  brown  rather  heavy 
silt  loam  which  clods  to  some  extent  under  cultivation.  At  an  average 
depth  of  about  10  inches  the  color  changes  to  a  slightly  lighter  shade  of  brown 
or  grayish  brown  without  much  change  in  texture.  At  about  18  inches  or 
slightly  deeper  a  more  marked  change  in  color  and  texture  occurs,  the  material 
usually  becoming  a  grayish-brown  very  fine  sandy  loam.  The  type  is  alluvial 
in  origin  and  Is  found  in  the  broad  bottoms  of  the  Mississippi,  Missouri,  and 
other  streams  of  the  loessial  region.  It  occupies  slight  elevations  representing 
the  former  sites  of  sandy  swells  or  slight  ridges  which  later  have  received  the 
deposits  of  silt  now  forming  the  surface  soil.  On  account  of  its  relatively 
greater  elevation  and  the  looser  structure  and  texture  of  the  lower  subsoil, 
the  type  is  comparatively  well  drained  and  is  very  productive  of  (he  ordinary 
farm  crops,  such  as  corn,  wheat,  oats,  clover,  and  alfalfa.  It  is  subject  to 
inundation  only  in  times  of  unusually  high  floods. 

Thompson  silt  loam. — This  is  a  grayish-brown  silt  loam,  underlain  at  about 
6  to  10  Inches  by  a  yellowish  silt  loam  or  mottled  yellow  and  gray  heavy  silt 
loam  to  silty  clay  Loam.  The  subsoil  frequently  grades  below  into  somewhat 
plastic  silty  day.  This  soil  occurs  in  the  iirst  bottoms  of  streams  where  it 
is  subject  to  frequent  overflows.  It  has  be  ter  drainage  than  the  Bibb  soils 
and  would  give  better  results  with  corn.  Grasses,  corn,  and  oats  give  fair 
■d  results,  according  to  drainage  conditions,  freedom  from  overflows,  and 

•  Is   of    cultivation. 

Tyler  silt  loam. — While  there  are  many  phases  of  this  soil,  in  general  the 
of  about  !<•  Inches  of  a  gray  or  dark-gray  compact  silt  loam. 
underlain  to  about  15  Inches  by  a  lighter-gray  or  yellow  compact  silt  loam. 
Prom  18  to  36  Inches  the  subsoil  varies  from  a  mottled  gray  and  yellow 
compact  silty  clay  loam  to  a  heavy  plastic  clay.  The  type  Is  confined  to  second 
bottoms  of  streams  in  the  Appalachian  region.  Drainage  conditions  are  poor 
and   the   I  oca  11  y  called   "crawfish    land."     it    is  not   well   adapted   to 

wheat,  i-ut   fair  yields  of  corn  and  oats  are  secured.     The  type  is  largely  in 
low  or  pasture.    <;ra^s  does  well.    Applies  ions  of  lime  and  artificial  drain- 
age are  ;•  to  put   the  land  in  proper  condition  for  the  genera]   farm 
cro]  !. 

Wabash    sill  U>am,      The  type  includes  a   dark  brown   to  black   silt    loam  about 
■lies  deer,    underlain    by    a    heavy    silt    loam    <>f   lighter   COlor,      Sometimes. 

however,  the  dark  color  extends  to  a  depth  of  ::  fed  or  more.    The  soil  is  of 
alluvial  origin,     it  occupies  stream  bottoms  subject   to  overflow    and  is  often 

v    drained.       When    well    drained     it     produces    heavy    crops    of    corn    and 
and   fair  yields  of  small  grain. 

Waverly  sUt   loam.    The   type  consists  of  ;i    grayish  brown   to  white  silty 

OUt     10    indies   by    B    irrayish    or    yellowish    silly    loam    of 
iCture.      It    occupies  bottom    lands  and    marshy   depressions,   and  owes 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


367 


its  origin  to  sediments  washed  from  loessial  uplands.  Corn  is  the  principal 
crop. 

Wehadkee  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  dull  grayish-brown 
compact  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam,  delicately  mottled  with  rusty  brown.  In 
the  higher  situations  the  color  is  gray  to  light  brown,  while  in  the  depressions 
and  swales  it  tends  more  toward  dark  drab.  The  subsoil,  beginning  at  an 
average  depth  of  about  8  inches,  is  a  dark-gray  to  drab  compact  silty  clay  loam 
to  silty  clay,  usually  mottled  with  shades  of  brown  and  yellow.  The  subsoil 
in  many  of  the  poorer-drained  situations  is  intensely  mottled  drab,  gray,  yellow, 
and  brown.  The  type  occurs  in  first  bottoms  and  over  slightly  higher  areas, 
which  might  be  considered  as  either  high  first  bottoms  or  low  second  bottoms. 
The  material  is  probably  derived  largely  from  the  Piedmont.  Overflows  are 
frequent  and  water  often  stands  on  the  flat  areas  and  in  depressions  for  long 
periods  subsequent  to  the  subsidence  of  stream  floods.  The  reclamation  of 
most  of  the  type  would  probably  necessitate  diking  the  streams.  Extensive 
ditching  or  tiling  is  essential  to  the  establishment  of  good  surface  and  under- 
drainage.  The  type  is  heavily  timbered  with  gum,  oak,  ash,  and  poplar.  Corn, 
oats,  and  grass  would  give  good  results  under  proper  conditions  of  drainage. 

Wheeling  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  is  a  brown,  mellow 
silt  loam.  The  subsoil  from  about  12  to  16  inches  is  usually  a  somewhat  lighter 
brown,  compact  but  friable  silt  loam,  and  from  this  depth  to  the  lower  limit  of 
the  profile  it  is  a  brownish-yellow  friable  silt  loam,  the  structure  being  some- 
what more  compact  as  depth  increases.  The  type  occurs  on  level  or  gently 
rolling  terraces  along  river  courses  and  is  composed  of  alluvial  material  de- 
posited at  an  early  date.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  potatoes,  which  are  profit- 
ably grown,  and  also  produces  good  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  and  hay.  Alfalfa  has 
been  grown  to  some  extent.  In  general  this  type  should  prove  very  profitable 
for  agriculture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Illinois  2,  3,  5,  6,  8,  9;  Indiana  1,  3,  7,  8, 10;  Iowa  2,  4;  Kansas  2, 

7;  Kentucky  6;  Minnesota  1;  Missouri  1,  6,  7,  9, 10, 12, 13,  16, 

17, 18, 19;  Nebraska  3,  5,  6;  Oklahoma  1;  Wisconsin  5,  9. 
Alabama  3,  6, 11, 14, 15,16, 20,  21.  23,  26, 28,  35,  37;  Arkansas  1,2; 

Georgia  18;  Kentucky  2,  3,  7;  Missouri  4,  8,  11,  22;  Ohio  6; 

Pennsylvania  2,18;    Tennessee  2,  3,  7,  9,  11,12;  Virginia  9; 

West  Virginia  1,  2,  5,  7,  8. 
Arkansas  4,  5;  Illinois  1,  2,  4,  7,  9;  Indiana  1,  2,  3,  9;  Kentucky 

1;  Louisiana  6;  Mississippi  4,  6,  13;  Missouri  2,  4,  14,  21; 

Tennessee  8. 
Texas  5,  16,  27,  28 

976,476 

Huntington  silt  loam 

729,730 

572,416 

294,912 

Lintonia  silt  loam 

Illinois  9;  Indiana  8;  Kentucky  6;  Louisiana  10;  Mississippi 

1,6,13,19,21;  Missouri  4;   Wisconsin  5,  7. 
Kansas  10;  Louisiana  3, 5, 10;  Texas  12, 23,  24, 30, 31 

157,236 

154,816 

120,192 

Alabama  1,3, 14,37;  Mississippi  5, 9, 10,12 

94,656 

Connecticut  1 ;  Massachusetts  1 ;  New  Hampshire  1 

75,812 

65,792 
57,600 

Texas  4, 12 

Alabama  15;  Virginia  9;  West  Virginia  1 ,  2,  5,  7 

56,128 

Alabama  26;  West  Virginia  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8 

55,808 

Holly  silt  loam 

Alabama  8,  20,  26,  28;  Georgia  18;  Kentucky  4;  Missouri  4 

New  York  6, 10, 13;  Pennsylvania  4, 7 

53, 120 

50, 432 

West  Virginia  i,  R,  7,8..." - 

50,304 

Alabama  14,  27, 37;  Mississippi  9, 10,20;  South  Carolina  10 

Kentucky  4;  Missouri 4, 8;  Pennsylvania  18;  West  Virginia  1,5.. 
Mississippi  3,  9,  10,  12 

43,712 

41,088 

39,360 
35, 264 

Alabama  3,  37;  Mississippi  5,  9, 10 

New  York  4,  17 

34,240 

32, 192 

30, 739 

Ohio  ti:  West  Virginia  2,  4,  6,  7 

24,000 

23,808 

Conferee  silt  loam 

Mai  amis:  Georgia  5;  North  Carolina  11;  South  Carolina  9 

19,072 

Missouri  1,6  8                                                                      

17,738 

- 

15,936 

Texas  10  24  29                                                                   

Biscoe  silt  loam 

A  rkansas  4 

12,992 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


368 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams — Continued. 


Soil  name. 


Collins  silt  loam 

Cumberland  silt  loam. 

Hamlin  silt  loam 

Bastrop  silt  loam 

Myatt  silt  loam 

Catalpasilt  loam 

Barbour  silt  loam 

Birdsboro  silt  loam 

Auglaize  silt  loam 

Altavista  silt  loam 

Buxinsilt  loam 

Aroostook  silt  loam. . . 
Thompson  silt  loam. . . 
Abernathy  silt  loam... 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Arkansas  4 

Missouri  11;  Tennessee  12. 

New  York  10 

Texas  3 

Mississippi  5,  10 

Mississippi  15 

Pennsylvania  4 

Pennsylvania  3 

Missouri  11 

North  Carolina  11,  23 

Louisiana  4 

Maine  1 

Mississippi  20 

Alabama  10 


8,576 

7,872 

6,144 

6,080 

5,888 

5,056 

4,416 

3,840 

2,816 

2,624 

2,560 

2,432 

1,408 

832 

4,069,449 

SILTY   CLAY   LOAM   PHASE. 

The  silty  clay  loams  comprise  a  moderately  extensive  group.  They  are  de- 
veloped in  both  first  and  second  bottoms.  These  soils  are  adapted  to  practically 
the  same  crops  as  the  silt  loams,  the  essential  difference  being  their  greater 
tendency  to  bake,  owing  to  the  larger  content  of  clay.  They  are  a  little  more 
difficult  to  cultivate  than  the  silt  loams,  but  with  proper  cultivation  and  drain- 
age the  yields  compare  favorably  with  those  of  the  corresponding  members  of 
the  silt  loam  group. 

Abernathy  silty  clay  loam. — This  is  a  dark-red  or  chocolate-red  silty  clay 
loam  to  about  6  to  25  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact  yellowish-gray  to 
nearly  white  silty  clay  loam  of  a  floury  feel,  frecpiently  grading  below  into 
mottled  yellow  and  gray  silty  clay.  The  type  is  developed  in  overflowed  bot- 
toms of  the  streams  in  drainage  basins  which  include  extensive  areas  of  De- 
ep tur  soil.  The  soil  portion  represents  material  derived  largely  from  Decatur 
soils,  or  at  least  enough  Decatur  material  is  present  to  impart  the  red  color 
to  the  soil.  The  subsoil  material  is  identical  in  appearance  with  that  of  the 
Holly  silty  clay  loam.  Much  of  the  type  is  timbered.  Corn,  oats,  and  grass 
would  do  well  with  proper  drainage. 

Catalpa  silty  clay  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-gray,  friable 
silty  clay  loam,  underlain  at  about  10  to  15  inches  by  a  brownish  sticky  silty 
clay.  In  places  the  subsoil  is  quite  dark  and  consists  of  material  practically 
similar  to  the  Trinity  clay.  The  soil  is  typically  developed  in  narrow  strips 
of  stream  bottoms  adjoining  outcrops  of  "rotten  limestone"  or  near  areas  of 
Houston  chalk.  The  type  owes  its  grayish  color  to  depositions  of  comparatively 
fresh,  light-colored  calcareous  material  washed  from  these  areas  of  "rotten 
limestone"  or  Houston  Chalk.  This  soil  generally  lies  a  little  higher  than  the 
Trinity  elay,  and  consequently  has  better  drainage.    The  soil  would  he  Improved 

by  plowing  under  BUCfl  crops  as  melilotus,  lespodoxa.  or  soy  beans.  It  is  well 
suited  to  com,  COtton,  alfalfa,  Johnson  grass,  soy  beans,  lospodo/a,  and  melilotus. 

Oongaree  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silly  clay 

loam.  The  subsoil  is  Slightly  lighter  in  color  and  of  very  nearly  the  same 
texture,  except  in  the  occasional  strata  of  sandy  material  encountered  especially 
in  the  lower  section  of  the  subsoil.  Particles  of  mica  frequently  occur  through- 
out the  soil  mass.  The  type  occupies  first  bottoms  of  streams.  II  consists  of 
alluvial    material    derived    mainly    from    the    Piedmont    soils.      It    is   subject    io 

overflow.  With  protection  from  overflow,  such  as  can  he  secured  by  straighten- 
ing .'Hid  deepening  the  stream  channels,  the  type  can  be  made  to  produce  excel- 
lent Crops  of  com,  grass,  oats,  ami  forage  crops.  A  large  pari  of  the  type  can 
he  successfully   used    for   these  crops,  the  overtlows  not    being  so   frequent   as  to 

render  the  utilization  of  the  Land  unprofitable. 

Frio  silty  clay  loam.  The  soil  consists  of  8  to  IB  inches  of  grayish-brown  to 
dark-brown  Bilty  clay  loam.    The  subsoil  is  a  gray  to  Bllghtly  yellowish  gray 

or  yellowish  brown  silly  clay   Loam,  and   is  usually   more  compact    than   the  soil. 

Notwithstanding  its  high  clay  content,  the  soil  is  comparatively  easy  to  culti- 
vate when  moisture  conditions  are  favorable,  but  if  Stirred  when  we!  it  is  apt 
to  hake.      It    is  well  suited  to  Irrigation,  OWlng  to  its  position  in  the  valleys  and 


BIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE.  369 

its  level  topography.       Very  little  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  though  a 
small  acreage  is  being  cleared. 

Genesee  silty  clay  loam. — This  type  is  composed  of  a  dark-brown  or  grayish- 
brown  silty  clay  loam  soil  from  9  to  10  inches  deep,  overlying  a  plastic  silty 
clay  of  a  gray,  bluish  gray,  or  mottled  gray  and  brown  color.  The  natural 
underdrainage  of  the  type  is  deficient,  on  account  of  the  heavy  character  of  the 
subsoil.  The  soil  is  found  along  streams  and  is  subject  to  overflow.  Follow- 
ing reclamation  by  drainage,  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  heavier  types  of  farm 
crops,  and  especially  to  grass. 

Holston  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  or  12  inches  is  a  brown 
to  dark-brown  mellow  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  silty 
clay  loam,  which  grades  downward  into  compact  silty  clay.  In  the  poorer 
drained  situations  there  is  sometimes  a  mottling  of  gray,  drab,  and  rusty 
brown.  This  phase  represents  an  approach  toward  the  conditions  obtaining  in 
the  Tyler  soils.  The  type  is  developed  on  terraces  well  above  overflow.  The 
surface  is  smooth  and  the  poorer  drained  areas  should  be  ditched  or  tiled.  This 
is  a  moderately  good  soil,  well  suited  to  such  crops  as  grass,  wheat,  soy  beans, 
tomatoes,  potatoes,  and  cabbage. 

Huntington  silty  clay  loam. — This  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  silty  clay  loam, 
underlain  at  about  8  to  15  inches  by  brownish  silty  clay.  Through  the  soil 
section  occasional  layers  of  sandy  material  are  encountered.  The  type  occurs 
in  first  bottoms  and  is  subject  to  overflow.  The  component  materials  have  been 
washed  from  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shale  soils.  With  proper  drainage  the 
type  is  well  suited  to  the  production  of  corn,  oats,  wheat,  grass,  a  number  of 
forage  crops,  and  cotton. 

Iberia  silty  clay  loam. — This  is  a  dark-gray  to  black  silty  clay  loam,  underlain 
at  about  6  to  12  inches  by  dark-yellow  or  grayish-yellow  plastic  silty  clay,  faintly 
mottled  with  rusty  brown  or  drab.  At  about  30  inches  this  material  varies 
from  silty  clay  Joam  to  very  fine  sandy  loam.  Lime  concretions  occur  in  the 
subsoil.  This  is  one  of  the  best  general  farming  soils  of  the  region,  being  well 
suited  to  sugar  cane,  corn,  rice,  and  cowpeas.  In  some  places  this  soil  is  some- 
what similar  to  the  Sarpy  soils,  in  that  its  deep  subsoil  is  lighter  in  texture 
than  the  soil.  The  subsoil,  however,  is  more  intensely  mottled  than  that  of  the 
Sarpy  series  and  contains  a  larger  amount  of  lime  concretions. 

La  Crosse  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  inches  is  a  black 
silty  clay  loam.  This  overlies  gray  or  drab  material  of  slightly  coarser  texture. 
The  topography  varies  somewhat  from  level  to  hilly  and  the  type  often  occurs  in 
basin-shaped  depressions,  where  the  natural  drainage  is  poor.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  corn,  and  when  properly  drained  is  a  productive  soil  for  small  grain 
and  hay  and  truck  crops. 

Laredo  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  heavy  silty  loam 
to  silty  clay  loam  to  an  average  depth  of  12  inches.  The  subsoil  from  12  to  36 
inches  is  a  light-brown  to  drab  silty  clay  loam  which  becomes  lighter  in  color 
with  depth.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  sticky  and  plastic  when  wet  and  bake 
badly  on  drying.  The  type  occurs  along  old  stream  channels,  where  its  topog- 
raphy is  nearly  level.  It  suffers  but  little  from  lack  of  drainage.  The  soil 
represents  alluvium  deposited  along  the  former  courses  of  the  Rio  Grande 
River.  It  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  mesquite  and  cactus,  and  when  cultivated 
produces  excellent  crops  of  corn,  cotton,  sugar  cane,  and  vegetables,  especially 
under  irrigation.  Small  accumulations  of  alkali  occur  in  depressions  and  very 
fiat  areas. 

Olivier  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  brown  silty  clay 
loam,  averaging  about  10  inches  in  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  mottled  drab,  yellow, 
and  brown  clay  loam  to  silty  clay.  Spots  of  black  material  are  occasionally 
found  in  the  subsoil.  The  drainage  is  well  established.  Corn,  cowpeas,  rice, 
and  sugar  cane  do  well. 

Osage  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  gray  silty  clay  loam  about 
20  inches  deep,  and  contains  a  high  percentage  of  silt.  The  subsoil  is  a  light- 
brown  or  drab  clay  loam,  which  is  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil  in  texture. 
The  material  contains  a  high  percentage  of  organic  matter,  and  the  soil  is 
friable  and  easily  worked.  The  type  occurs  as  level  areas  along  streams  and  is 
alluvial  in  origin.  It  is  subject  to  overflow,  but  the  water  drains  away  quickly, 
and  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  corn  and  sorghum.  Alfalfa 
is  also  grown  to  a  limited  extent. 

Sarpy  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-brown  silty  clay  loam 
averaging  something  like  15  inches  in  depth.    The  subsoil  is  a  light -brown  very 

79619—13 24 


370  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

fine  sandy  loam,  usually  mottled  faintly  with  rusty  brown  or  yellowish  colors. 
The  soil  is  most  typically  developed  in  a  position  intermediate  between  the 
higher  front  lands,  such  as  the  Yazoo,  and  the  lower,  heavier  back  land,  and 
upon  slight  ridges.  It  has  fair  natural  drainage,  owing  to  its  light  subsoil  and 
slightly  elevated  position.  Ditches,  however,  are  often  necessary  for  the  re- 
moval of  heavy  rains.  The  type  owes  its  origin  to  deposition  of  silty  clay  loam 
over  lighter  textured  material,  such  as  old  sand  bars  or  sandy  front  lands. 
Cotton,  corn,  and  oats  give  fine  yields.    Alfalfa  should  do  well. 

Sharkey  silty  clay  loam-. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  or  12  inches  con- 
sists of  a  light-brown  or  brown  heavy  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam  often  slightly 
mottled  with  rusty  brown.  The  subsoil  ranges  from  heavy  very  fine  sandy 
loam  through  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  usually  of  a  light-brown  color,  mottled 
with  drab  and  rusty  brown  and  in  places  bluish  gray.  Fairly  good  yields  of 
corn  and  cotton  are  secured.  If  protected  from  overflow  and  properly  cultivated, 
the  type  would  produce  heavy  yields  of  a  number  of  crops.  Cabbage,  grass,  and 
rice  should  do  well. 

Tyler  silty  clay  loam. — This  type  includes  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  compact 
silty  clay  loam,  underlain  at  about  10  or  12  inches  by  a  rather  plastic  silty 
clay  of  grayish-brown  or  pale-yellow  color,  sometimes  mottled  with  gray  in  the 
lower  portion.  The  material  represents  old  alluvium  occurring  on  second  ter- 
races and  in  deserted  stream  valleys.  The  type  is  sometimes  called  "crawfish" 
land.  It  is  a  rather  clammy,  cold-natured  soil  of  moderate  productive  capacity. 
The  type  is  best  suited  to  grass.  With  liming,  liberal  incorporation  of  vegetable 
matter,  and  the  establishment  of  good  drainage  conditions,  general  farm  crops, 
such  as  corn,  wheat,  and  oats,  would  give  moderate  to  good  yields. 

Uvalde  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  15  inches  is  a  gray  to 
light-brown  silt  loam.  This  is  underlain  by  brown  or  yellowish-brown  silty 
clay  loam.  In  common  with  nearly  all  the  types  of  this  arid  region,  both  the 
soil  and  subsoil  are  highly  calcareous,  but  contain  little  humus.  According  to 
the  amount  of  organic  materials  present,  the  surface  varies  from  light  yellowish- 
brown  to  dark,  the  lighter  color  and  lighter  texture  being  found  along  the 
streams,  while  the  darker,  heavier  soils  occupy  the  low  interstream  plateaus. 
As  a  rule,  the  color  and  texture  of  the  subsoil  are  more  uniform  than  they  are 
in  the  soil,  the  presence  of  white  chalky  mottling  in  the  former  being  charac- 
teristic of  the  type. 

Wabash  silty  clay  loam. — To  a  depth  of  about  15  inches  the  soil  is  a  dark- 
gray  to  almost  black  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  lighter  gray 
clay,  sometimes  containing  some  silt  and  fine  sand.  The  type  occurs  in  broad 
bottoms,  and  is  usually  closely  associated  with  other  members  of  the  Wabash 
series,  especially  the  Wabash  silty  clay.  It  occupies  positions  somewhat  more 
favorable  to  drainage  than  the  Wabash  clay.  In  the  Missouri  River  Valley  it 
Is  a  good  soil  for  general  farm  crops,  yielding  25  to  50  bushels  of  corn  and 
16  to  .".o  bushels  of  wheat  per  acre. 

\\'(illl:ill  silty  clay  loam, — The  surface  soil  of  this  typo  consists  of  from 
about  C>  to  12  inches  of  silty  clay  loam,  usually  gray  or  dark  brown,  but  having 
a  rather  wide  range  in  color  characteristics.  The  subsoil  is  a  black  nnick  or 
peat  and  extends  to  a  depth  of  2  feet  or  more.  The  topography  is  flat,  and  many 
of  the  areai  of  this  type  are  subject  to  some  overflow.  In  the  drainage  of  this 
type  care  should  he  exercised  not    to  lower  the  water  table  far  into  the  muck 

subsoils,  where  capillarity  is  weak.    The  type  produces  excellent  hay. 

Wheeling  silty  clay  i<><im.  This  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  friable  heavy  silt 
loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  underlain  :it  a  depth  of  about  io  to  14  inches  by  a 
lighter-brown  or  yellowish-brown  compact  silty  clay  loam.  Beds  of  gravel  in 
the  substratum  render  drainage  conditions  good,  except   in  local  depressions, 

Where    there    is    not    sufficient    surface    relief    or    drainage    outlet    to    effect    the 

proper  removal  of  excess  water.    The  soil  is  easily  worked,  and  the  topography 

is    favorable   to   the   use   of  :uiy    type  of   farm    machinery.      The   soil    occurs   on 

terraces  above  overflow,     it   is  admirably  suited  to  the  production  of  corn, 

o:its.  and  COWpeaS.  A  great  many  Other  crops  do  fairly  well,  including  a  num- 
ber of  vegetables  and  some  varieties  of  apples. 

YazOO  Sttty  Clay  loam.  The  soil  is  a  brown  silty  clay  loam,  averaging  about 
18  Inches  In  depth.  The  subsoil  is  R  light-brown  very  line  Bandy  l<>:im  io  silty 
Clay    loam,    mottled    with    rUSty    In-own.   yellowish,    and    sometimes  bluish   colors. 

'iii,-.  soil  is  most  typically  developed  in  a  position  Intermediate  between  the 
sandier  7azoo  front  lands  and  the  heavy  Sharkey  clay  of  the  lower  back  lands 
in  the  Mississippi  Hood  plains,  it  usually  has  good  drainage,  owing  to  its  posi- 
tion and  the  frequently  sandy  or  tine  sandy  character  of  the  subsoil.    Where  the 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


371 


subsoil  is  heavier  the  type  is  sometimes  quite  impervious.  In  such  areas  ditches 
or  tile  drains  are  necessary.  The  soil  gives  good  yields  of  corn,  oats,  and  cotton. 
Alfalfa  would  give  good  results  with  the  application  of  lime  and  inoculation, 
especially  where  the  soil  is  freed  from  weeds  by  preliminary  clean  cultivation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Uvalde  sil ty  clay  loam 

Frio  silty  clay  loam 

Laredo  silty  clay  loam 

Sarpy  silty  clay  loam 

Osage  silty  clay  loam 

Huntington  silty  clay  loam 

Iberia  silty  clay  loam 

Yazoo  silty  clay  loam 

Sharkey  silty  clay  loam 

Holston  silty  clay  loam 

Abernathy  silty  clay  loam 

Olivier  silty  clay  loam 

Congaree  silty  clay  loam 

Genesee  silty  clay  loam 

Tyler  silty  clay  loam 

Catalpa  silty  clay  loam 

Wheeling  silty  clay  loam 

Wabash  silty  clay  loam 

La  Crosse  silty  clay  loam 

Wallkill  silty  clay  loam 


Texas  28 

do 

Texas  5,  27 

Kansas  5;  Louisiana  4;  Missouri  15,  16. 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  5 

Alabama  20,  28 - 

Louisiana  10 

Louisiana  4 

Mississippi  1 ;  Missouri  15 

West  Virginia  2 

Alabama  26 

Louisiana  10 

North  Carolina  3 

New  York  10, 13;  Pennsylvania  7 

West  Virginia  7 

Mississippi  10 

West  Virginia  2 

Missouri  1 

Wisconsin  7 

New  Jersey  2 


557,568 

184,320 

184,32® 

66,304 

42,816 

37,312 

25,664 

21,248 

20,480 

13,248 

10,816 

9,856 

7,360 

5,504 

4,864 

3,968 

3,392 

2,752 

1,472 

704 


Total. 


1,203,968 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY   LOAM    GROUP. 


The  clay  loams  are  not  nearly  so  extensive  in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province 
as  the  loams,  silt  loams,  and  clays,  but  are  important  in  that  they  produce 
heavy  yields  of  a  number  of  the  general  farm  crops  when  given  proper  drainage. 
They  require  strong  implements  and  teams  in  their  cultivation.  Tillage  opera- 
tions are  restricted  to  a  narrower  range  than  on  the  lighter  types,  since  the 
material  puddles  if  disturbed  while  in  a  soggy  condition,  baking  with  subse- 
quent dry  weather  into  a  hard,  unfavorable  structure.  Fertilizers  are  seldom 
needed,  but  applications  of  lime  are  beneficial  in  the  case  of  most  of  those 
types  not  influenced  by  wash  from  calcareous  soils.  Corn,  grass,  sorghum,  and 
a  variety  of  forage  crops  are  successfully  grown.  The  clay  loams  of  this 
province  are  rarely  adapted  to  truck  crops. 

Altamaha  clay  loam, — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  14  inches  consists  of  a 
dark-drab  to  bluish-black  friable  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  silty  clay,  ranging 
in  color  from  dark  drab  through  grayish  mottled  with  reddish  yellow  to  bluish 
drab  below.  The  surface  is  level  and  the  type  is  subject  to  tidal  overflow  with 
fresh  or  brackish  river  water.  With  the  establishment  of  proper  drainage, 
corn,  oats,  grass,  and  forage  crops  should  do  well.    Rice  gives  good  results. 

Cumberland  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches  is  a  brownish 
to  grayish-brown  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  to  36  inches  or  more  is  a  reddish- 
brown  to  reddish  heavy  clay  loam  to  clay.  The  soil  contains  small  amounts  of 
waterworn  pebbles.  The  surface  is  gently  rolling  and  drainage  is  good.  The 
type  occupies  old  river  terraces  and  consists  of  colluvial  material  and  ancient 
alluvium.  Good  yields  of  corn  are  secured,  though  the  soil  is  largely  utilized 
as  pasture. 

Dunning  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  very  dark  gray  to  black  silty  clay  loam 
to  clay  loam,  rich  in  organic  matter.  The  subsoil,  beginning  at  about  8  to  12 
inches,  is  a  mottled  black  and  yellow  clay  which  grades  below  into  a  yellowish 
clay  frequently  mottled  with  dingy  yellow,  bluish,  and  drab  colors.  The  type 
is  confined  to  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  and  is  mainly  subject  to  frequent 
overflow.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  derived  principally  from  sandstone, 
Bhale,  and  limestone  soils.  When  properly  drained,  grains  and  grasses  do 
especially  well. 

Genesee  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  clay  loam,  dark  in  color,  having  a 
depth  of  about  10  to  12  inches.     The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  silty  clay,  bluish  to  drab 


372  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

in  color.  The  type  is  poorly  drained  and  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay 
and  grazing. 

Holly  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brown  to  gray  clay  loam  to  a  depth 
of  10  inches,  grading  into  a  stiff,  peculiarly  mottled  clay,  the  main  color  being 
drab  or  blue  streaked  with  blue  or  gray.  This  material  extends  to  a  depth  of  3 
feet  or  more,  and  at  about  10  feet  assumes  a  uniform  deep  blue  color.  It  is  a 
first-bottom  soil,  generally  poorly  drained  and  occasionally  subject  to  overflow. 
It  is  used  to  some  extent  for  corn,  wheat,  and  grass.  The  type  is  very  much 
in  need  of  drainage  and  lime. 

Huntington  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches  is  a  silty  clay  loam 
to  clay  loam  of  drab  to  dark-gray  color.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  to  yellow,  slightly 
plastic  silty  clay  loam  to  clay.  Yellow  and  drab  mottling  is  quite  common  in  the 
poorer  drained  areas.  The  soil  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  represents  the  wash  from 
shale  sandstone  and  limestone  formations.  It  occurs  principally  as  first  bot- 
toms and  is  subject  to  overflow.  A  small  part  of  the  type  lies  above  overflow 
upon  indistinctly  developed  second  terraces.  Corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  grass  do 
well. 

Laredo  clay  loam. — To  an  average  depth  of  10  or  12  inches  this  soil  is  a 
heavy  light-brown  silty  loam  which  contains  enough  clay  to  make  it  sticky  and 
tenacious  when  wet  and  to  cause  it  to  bake  and  sun-crack  upon  drying/  The 
subsoil  is  a  brown  silty  loam  of  slightly  heavier  texture,  which  rapidly  becomes 
heavier  as  depth  increases,  until  at  about  20  inches  it  changes  to  a  dark-brown 
stiff,  compact,  silty  clay.  The  type  is  alluvial,  being  formed  of  old  flood-plain 
deposits.  It  occupies  shallow  depressions  adjoining  the  rolling  upland.  A 
large  percentage  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  and  the  greater  part  of  the 
cultivated  area  is  under  irrigation.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  the  production  of 
onions.  Corn,  cabbage,  beets,  sorghum,  cowpeas,  and  sweet  potatoes  are  all 
successfully  grown.  Cowpeas  do  particularly  well  on  both  the  irrigated  and 
unirrigated  areas. 

Myatt  clay  loam. — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  3  to  5  inches  is  a  gray  or  brownish- 
gray  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  passing  into  a  light-gray  mottled  plastic  silty 
clay  which  seems  to  contain  a  large  percentage  of  fine  sand.  Under  cultivation 
the  soil  has  a  tendency  to  clod.  It  occurs  as  low,  level  areas  generally  border- 
ing stream  bottoms  and  only  a  few  feet  above  overflow.  The  natural  growth 
consists  of  post,  red,  Spanish,  pin,  water,  and  white  oaks,  hickory  and  pine. 
A  few  areas  are  cultivated,  and,  except  during  wet  seasons,  the  yields  are  better 
than  on  the  lighter  uplands.     Cotton,  corn,  and  oats  are  grown. 

OcJclocknee  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-brown  clay  loam  or  silt 
loam,  varying  from  8  to  18  inches  and  averaging  about  10  inches  in  depth.  The 
subsoil  is  a  brownish,  drab,  or  gray  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  loam  to  a  depth  of  30 
inches  or  more.  P>ods  of  sand  are  sometimes  encountered  at  3  feet  or  more. 
The  type  occurs  as  level  or  gently  undulating  first  bottoms  along  streams.  The 
natural  drainage  is  poor  and  crops  are  somewhat  damaged  by  annual  floods. 
Along  the  smaller  brandies  there  is  little  danger  from  floods.  The  type  is 
alluvial  in  origin.  It  is  better  adapted  to  corn  than  to  cotton,  although  good 
yields  of  both  are  obtained.  The  soil  would  be  greatly  benefited  by  open  drains 
I  also  by  installing  tile  drainage  in  places.     (Jrass  and  corn  do  well. 

San<l<  r.s  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  Inches  is  a  dark-brown 
day  loam.  The  subsoil  to  :;  feet  or  more  is  a  grayish  or  yellowish  silty  clay. 
The  type  occurs  in  limited  areas  along  the  edges  of  bottoms.  Its  formation  is 
hie  in  pari  to  flood  action  and  in  pail  to  alluvial  wash  from  the  slopes.  Drain- 
age  is  usually  fair.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  cotton  and  corn,  ami  if  artificially 
trained  it  should  be  suited  to  the  production  <>f  alfalfa. 

Sarin/  clay  loam.  The  soil  is  a  st iff,  waxy,  gray  to  brown  or  nearly  black  clay 
lOam  from  1-  to  24  indies,  with  an  average  of  ahont  20  inches  in  depth.  The 
•aibsi.il  consists  of  gray  or  yellow  fine  silty  sand  or  lino  sandy  loam.  This  is  a 
bottom  land  type  occupying  depressed  areas  ami  generally  requiring  artificial 
drainage.  It  is  of  recent  alluvial  formation  and  is  undergoing  some  change. 
When  drained  it  is  an  excellent  COID  soil,  the  average  yield  per  acre  being  about 
50  bushels.      Where  not   overflowed  the  type  is  used  to  some  extent  for  alfalfa, 

and  excellent  yields  are  secured. 

8horkey  day  loam.  The  sop  paries  from  a  dnrk-brown  heavy  loam  to  a  light- 
brown  or  grayish  brown  light  day  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  plastic  clay  loam  or 
'•lay  mottled  with  drab,  bluish,  and  rusty  brown.  The  type  represents  in  places 
a  gradfltional  soil  between  the  Y.r/oo  «»r  higher  lying  and  lighter  textured  river- 
front soils  and  the  hea\y  day  hmds  such  as  the  Sharkey  clay.  The  topography 
ranges  from  Hat   to  slightly  ridgy,  being  cul   in  places  by  old  stream  channels. 


EIVEE  FLOOD  PLAINS  PROVINCE. 


373 


The  type  is  well  adapted  to  corn,  cotton,  and  cabbage.  Grass,  sugar  cane,  and 
rice  should  do  well. 

Wabash  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  black  silty  clay  loam 
from  8  to  IS  inches  deep.  In  local  areas  it  varies  from  a  heavy  silt  loam  to  a 
silty  clay.  The  type  is  marked  by  small  mounds  rising  from  1  to  3  feet  above 
the  general  surface  level.  On  these  mounds  the  soil  is  generally  a  silt  loam, 
and  on  their  slopes  a  silty  clay  loam,  while  between  them  it  is  a  silty  clay. 
The  subsoil  is  composed  of  a  gray  or  yellowish-gray,  plastic,  heavy  silty  clay 
loam  or  silty  clay,  or  of  the  former  grading  into  the  latter  at  an  average  depth 
of  20  inches.  The  type  occupies  level  or  slightly  rolling  bottom  lands  which  are 
much  better  drained  than  Meadow.     It  is  alluvial  in  origin. 

The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  grass  for  pasture,  and  a  great 
part  of  the  type  is  used  for  this  purpose.  Under  ordinary  management  the  tilled 
areas  produce  only  fair  yields  of  general  farm  crops.  Higher  yields  are  obtained 
where  artificial  drainage  is  employed. 

Waverly  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  6  inches  is  a  light-brown  to 
grayish,  heavy  silty  clay  loam,  often  containing  small  iron  concretions  over  the 
surface  and  through  the  soil.  The  soil  becomes  heavier  with  depth  and  grades 
into  a  very  heavy  silty  clay  loam.  At  a  depth  of  from  12  to  20  inches  the  sub- 
soil is  a  sticky,  mottled  clay,  usually  containing  small  iron  concretions  and 
becoming  stiffer  and  more  tenacious  as  depth  increases.  There  is  apparently 
little  organic  matter  in  the  soil,  except  in  swampy  areas.  The  compact  nature 
of  the  soil,  together  with  its  level  topography  and  low-lying  position,  often 
makes  drainage  difficult.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin,  having  been  formed 
largely  through  the  reworking  by  stream  action  of  the  loessial  material  from 
the  uplands.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  clover,  timothy,  and  redtop.  The  other 
crops  grown  are  tobacco,  wheat,  and  corn,  the  yields  depending  on  thoroughness 
of  drainage  and  cultivation.  Where  drainage  is  not  practiced  the  land  is  either 
covered  with  a  growth  of  scrub  oak  or  used  exclusively  for  pasture. 

Wickham  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  pale-yellow  or  gray  loam  or  very  fine  sandy 
loam,  passing  at  about  6  inches  into  a  yellow  clay  loam  which  extends  to  a 
depth  of  about  12  inches.  The  subsoil  varies  from  slightly  friable  to  stiff, 
yellow,  olive,  or  mottled  clay  or  reddish  clay,  containing  a  high  percentage  of 
fine  sand  and  fine  flakes  of  mica  in  its  lower  depths.  The  type  occupies  level 
or  slightly  rolling  terraces  and  is  generally  well  drained.  It  is  derived  from 
old  alluvial  sediments.  The  soil  is  very  productive,  yielding  in  good  seasons 
from  40  to  60  bushels  of  corn,  from  15  to  30  bushels  of  wheat,  50  or  more 
bushels  of  oats,  and  from  1  to  2  tons  of  hay  per  acre. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Waverly  clay  loam 

Ocklocknee  clay  loam. 

Wabash  clay  loam 

Sarpy  clay  loam 

Huntington  clay  loam. 

Sharkey  clay  loam 

Myatt  clay  ioam 

W  ickham  clay  loam 

Sanders  clay  loam 

Genesee  clay  loam , 

Holly  flay  loam , 

Dunning  clay  loam 

Laredo  clay  loam 

Altemaha  clay  loam 

Cumberland  clay  loam. 

Total 


Alabama  17;  Illinois  7;  Indiana  2,  8;  Missouri  14. . 

Alabama  29;  Mississippi  3,  12,  17 

Indiana  3;  Iowa  3;  Missouri  1,21;  North  Dakota  2. 

Missouri  1,  10;  Nebraska  5 

Arkansas  2;  Pennsylvania  5 

Mississippi  1 

Mississippi  15 

Virginia  6 

Texas  10 

New  York  6 

Kentucky  3 

Pennsylvania  2 

Texas  10 

Georgia  10 

Virginia  9 


105,280 
46,656 
41,280 
19,776 
19,00S 
6,848 
4,096 
2,176 
1,664 


76S 
704 
640 


250,944 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   GROUP. 


The  clays  comprise  the  largest  total  area  of  differentiated  soils  of  the  River 
Flood  Plains  province.  They  are  most  extensive  in  the  first  bottoms  of  the 
Larger  streams,  where  the  sediments  have  been  deposited  by  relatively  slow 
moving  water. 


-374  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

These  are  the  most  difficult  soils  of  the  province  to  cultivate,  heavy  draft 
animals  and  strong  tools  being  necessary  to  maintain  requisite  tilth.  In  most 
eases  tillage  is  restricted  to  a  narrow  range  of  moisture  conditions,  for  the 
reason  that  the  soils  are  likely  to  puddle  and  to  assume  on  drying  a  hardened 
condition  favorable  to  the  formation  of  intractable  clods.  Some  types,  however, 
such  as  the  Sharkey  clay,  can  best  be  cultivated  either  when  In  a  very  wet  or 
a  very  dry  condition,  because  they  are  extremely  plastic  and  sticky  when  only 
moderately  moist.  Since  the  material  is  inclined  to  crack  into  small  aggregates 
on  drying  out,  baking  is  not  so  apt  to  follow  when  the  soil  is  disturbed  In  a 
wet  condition. 

The  clays  are  largely  suited  only  to  such  crops  as  rice,  sugar  cane,  corn,  grass. 
and  certain  forage  crops.  Some  of  those  types,  such  as  the  Miller  clay,  which 
contain  considerable  lime  and  assume  a  granular  structure  on  drying  out.  can 
i»e  successfully  used  for  a  few  late  vegetables,  particularly  cabbage  and  tomatoes. 
The  early  maturing  varieties  of  cotton  do  well  on  the  clays,  but  the  crop  is 
often  damaged  severely  by  the  boll  weevil.  As  a  rule  this  group  of  soils  gives 
heavy  yields  when  properly  protected  from  overflow  or  during  years  when  dis- 
astrous overflows  do  not  occur  during  the  growing  season.  They  do  not  require 
fertilization,  but  certain  members  not  derived  from  calcareous  soils  are  benefited 
by  applications  of  lime. 

The  Sharkey  clay  is  the  most  extensive  series  of  the  entire  province.  It  com- 
prises the  greater  part  of  the  Mississippi  bottoms.  The  Trinity  clay  is  an  ex- 
tensive soil  along  streams  flowing  through  and  issuing  from  the  regions  oc- 
cupied by  the  Houston  soils.  The  Wabash  and  Waverly  clays  have  a  wide  de- 
Telopment  in  the  bottoms  of  streams  of  the  loessial  region,  while  the  Miller 
elay  is  the  most  extensive  bottom-land  type  along  streams  heading  in  the  Red 
Beds  region.  The  Ocklocknee  clay  is  the  most  widely  developed  representative 
©f  this  group  in  the  first  bottoms  of  the  Coastal  Plain  streams,  while  the  Cahaba 
is  the  most  extensive  clay  of  the  Coastal  Plain  terraces. 

Altamaha  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy,  plastic  clay,  except  in  the  surface 
inch  or  so,  which  is  frequently  a  dark  clay  loam.  Below  this  superficial  layer 
the  color  of  the  material  ranges  from  dark  drab  or  dark  slate  blue  to  bluish 
drab  or  bluish  gray,  sometimes  mottled  with  yellow.  Lime  concretions  are 
occasionally  encountered  at  lower  depths.  Cultivation  is  difficult  when  the  soil 
is  wet  on  account  of  its  stickiness,  and  when  dry  on  account  of  its  hard,  intracta- 
ble structure.  Ordinarily  this  soil  is  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  tidal  over- 
flow with  fresh  or  brackish  water.  The  type  occurs  in  river  bottoms,  and  in 
places  it  has  been  protected  from  overflow  by  dikes  and  utilized  for  rice.  It  is 
associated  with  the  Georgetown  soils  lying  usually  a  little  higher.  The  type  is 
best  suited  to  rice  and  oats. 

Bastrop  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  10  inches  is  a  dark-gray  clay  Loam 
to  heavy  clay.  The  subsoil  to  36  Laches  is  a  dark-gray  to  dark-brownish,  com- 
pact and  plastic  clay.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  large  amounts  of  silt  and 
organic  matter.  The  soil  bakes  badly  and  requires  careful  cultivation  to  main- 
tain propei-  tilth.  This  is  an  alluvial  soil,  occurring  on  terraces  having  compara- 
tively level  topography  with  occasional  swells  or  gentle  depressions.  Drainage  Is 
not  exceptionally  good  and  much  <>\'  the  type  is  greatly  benefited  by  Burface 
ditching,  though  but  little  damage  is  ever  done  by  overflows  or  by  exce* 
moisture,  it  is  probably  the  strongesl  soil  of  these  bottoms  cud  is  well  adapted 
to  general   farming.    Cotton,  corn,  and  sorghum  are  the  principal  products 

though  corn  does  better  than  cotton.      Alfalfa  is  successfully  grown. 

Itibb  (Uiy.  The  soil  consists  of  a  mottled  gray  to  nearly  white,  compact  silty 
elay  from  about  4  to  8  inches  deep,  with  a  subsoil  o^  light-gray  to  nearly 
white,  compact,  plastic  silty  clay,  more  or  less  mottled  with  yellowish  or  brown- 
mh  colors.  Owing  to  its  intractable  Structure,  the  soil  clods  badly  and  b:ikes  in 
dry  weather.  II  is  a  poorly  drained  flrst-bottom  alluvial  soil  derived  from 
•  'I   Plain   material.      In  good  seasons  both  cotton  and  COlU  do  well,  bul    the 

average  yields  arc  rather  low  on  i ounl  of  poor  underdrninage  and  overflows. 

Brass  docs  well.    With  the  establishment  of  better  drainage  and  liberal  appli- 
cations of  lime  this  could  be  made  quite  a   productive  soil. 

Oahaba  clay.  This  type  consists  of  a  stiff,  reddish-brown  to  red  clay,  some- 
times Slightly  Streaked  and  mottled  with  yellow.  This  is  frequently  owrlain 
ny   Prom    1    t<>    I   inches  of  a   brownish   material  Of  lighter  texture.     The  pic 

of"  mica  flakes  frequently  imparts  a  greasy  feel  t<>  the  subsoil     t  . 
alluvia]  in  origin,  ami  occupies  terraces  along  streams  in  the  Coastal  Plains. 
Hie  original  growth  comprised  shorties!  pine,  gum,  and  oak.    The  type  is  very 

productive,   making  excellent    yields  of  oats  and  COttOD  with   bul    little  fertiliza- 


KIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  PKOVINCE.  375 

tion.  Crops  sometimes  suffer  during  drought  when  the  soil  has  not  been 
thoroughly  broken  and  kept  well  mulched. 

Calhoun  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  heavy  clay,  2  to  6  inches  deep.  In 
places  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  it  is  a  gray  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  very 
heavy,  tenacious,  waxy  clay  of  gray  or  drab  color.  Small  iron  concretions  are 
found  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  low-lying  upland 
areas  intermediate  between  higher-lying  uplands  and  bottoms,  which  indicates 
an  ancient  alluvial  origin.  It  is  nearly  level  and  poorly  drained.  Water  stands 
for  long  periods  during  wet  seasons,  though  the  type  is  never  overflowed.  When 
well  drained  it  should  prove  a  good  soil  for  cotton.  The  type  supports  a  heavy 
growth  of  white  and  black  oak. 

Cameron  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  clay  to  an  average 
depth  of  12  to  15  inches.  The  subsoil  from  12  to  36  inches  is  a  heavy  clay  of 
lighter  color  than  the  soil.  The  soil  puddles  and  bakes  badly.  Small  lime  con- 
cretions frequently  occur  in  the  deeper  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  bottom-land 
depressions  on  either  side  of  abandoned  stream  courses  and  has  very  poor  drain- 
age. Rice  culture  has  been  discontinued  on  account  of  alkali  accumulation,  but 
where  well  drained  good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  are  secured. 

Congaree  clay. — The  type  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  consists  of  light-brown 
or  chocolate-colored  clay,  containing  a  large  percentage  of  silt.  The  material 
from  8  to  36  inches  is  lighter  in  color  and  a  little  heavier  in  texture  than  the 
top  soil,  and  occasonally  a  thin  seam  of  very  fine  sand  occurs.  The  swells 
and  hummocks  contain  a  little  more  sand  than  the  low-lying  areas.  Particles  of 
mica  brought  down  from  the  Piedmont  are  scattered  throughout  the  soil  section. 
The  type  occurs  in  the  first  bottoms  of  streams  flowing  through  and  issuing 
from  the  Piedmont.  Frequent  overflows  render  a  large  part  of  the  type  un- 
certain for  crops.  It  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  and  good  yields  of  com 
and  oats  are  secured  in  favorable  seasons.  The  original  timber  growth  in- 
cludes gums,  hickory,  cottonwood,  and  sycamore,  with  some  pine  and  cypress. 

Dunning  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark  grayish  brown  to  black  silty 
clay,  underlain  at  about  12  inches  by  tenacious,  plastic  clay  of  drab  to  yellowish- 
brown  color.  The  soil  is  sticky  and  assumes  a  compact,  intractable  structure 
on  drying  out.  The  type  occurs  in  the  overflowed  bottoms  of  streams  and 
abandoned  stream  valleys  subject  to  overflow.  The  organic-matter  content  is 
high,  and  the  soil  when  properly  drained  gives  good  results  with  corn,  oats, 
and  wheat. 

Elk  clay. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  to  light-brown  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a 
mottled  gray  and  yellow,  somewhat  plastic  clay  or  silty  clay.  The  soil  is 
alluvial  in  origin,  having  been  derived  from  the  limestone,  sandstone,  and  shale 
soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and  Limestone  Valleys.  It  occupies  sec- 
ond terraces  lying  in  part  completely  above  overflow  and  in  part  above  normal 
overflow.     It  is  well  adapted  to  corn,  grain,  and  grass. 

Frio  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  dark-gray  or  black  clay  or  clay  loam,  10 
inches  deep,  grading  into  stiff,  tenacious  clay,  slightly  lighter  in  color  than  the 
soil  and  becoming  heavier  in  texture  as  depth  increases.  When  wet  the  soil 
is  sticky,  plastic,  and  tenacious,  and  on  drying  it  becomes  baked  and  sun- 
cracked.  Because  of  these  characteristics  the  soil  is  difficult  to  work,  except 
when  in  the  proper  state  of  moisture. 

Georgetown  clay. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  6  inches  is  a  silty 
clay  of  mottled  drab  and  rusty-brown  or  reddish-brown  color.  In  places  the 
drab  predominates,  giving  the  soil  when  dry  a  grayish  color.  In  other  places 
the  rusty  brown  or  reddish  brown  predominates,  so  that  the  dry  surface  re- 
sembles closely  that  of  the  Congaree  soils.  Upon  close  inspection,  however, 
the  mottled  color  is  nearly  always  found  to  be  present.  The  subsoil  is  a 
plastic,  sticky  silty  clay  of  mottled  reddish-brown,  drab,  bluish,  and  gray 
color.  This  general  mottling  may  continue  to  a  depth  of  3  feet,  but  often  the 
lower  subsoil,  which  is  saturated  with  water,  is  more  of  a  bluish  color.  The 
type  occurs  as  alluvial  lands  near  the  mouths  of  streams  rising  in  the  Pied- 
mont. It  is  subject  to  fresh  or  tidal  overflow  with  fresh  or  slightly  brackish 
water.  The  type  grades  into  tidal  marsh,  which  occurs  nearer  the  ocean  and 
is  subject  to  daily  inundation  of  salt  water.  This  soil  was  formerly  exten- 
sively used  for  the  production  of  rice  where  protected  from  overflow  by  dikes, 
but  recently  this  industry  has  declined.  By  strengthening  the  dikes  and  in- 
stalling underdrainage  and  pumping  to  lower  the  level  of  the  water  table  good 
results  could  be  had  with  such  crops  as  sweet  and  Irish  potatoes,  spinach, 
cabbage,  cauliflower,  late  tobacco,  corn,  oats,  peas,  beans,  BUgar  cane,  and 
certain   bottom-land    varieties   of   cotton.     Applications    of    acid    phosphate    to 


376  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

hasten  maturity  and  the  addition  of  lime  to  correct  possible  unsanitary  condi- 
tions would  likely  be  profitable. 

Qriffln  clay. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  mottled,  heavy,  impervious  clay  mixed 
with  coarse  sand  and  medium  to  fine  water-worn  gravel.  The  gravel  is  some- 
times absent,  but  in  places  it  ranges  as  high  as  40  per  cent,  and  averages  10 
per  cent  of  the  soil  mass.  A  substratum  of  gravel  is  generally  encountered  at 
from  5  to  10  feet.  The  presence  of  this  gravel  in  the  soil  section  and  sub- 
stratum makes  the  type  more  friable  and  assists  its  natural  drainage.  The 
type  occupies  broad  first  bottoms  and  is  of  alluvial  origin.  Com  is  the  prin- 
cipal crop  grown  on  cleared  areas,  though  wheat  ;ilso  yields  well. 

Huntington  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  silty  clay  loam  to 
silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  silty  clay.  The  typo 
occupies  first  bottoms  subject  to  overflow.  The  material  is  derived  principally 
from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  soils  of  the  Appalachian  Mountains  and 
limestone  valleys.  When  the  soil  is  properly  drained  corn  and  grass  do  well. 
Late  truck  crops,  such  as  cabbage  and  tomatoes,  are  sometimes  grown. 

Iberia  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  5  or  6  inches  consists  of  a  heavy,  waxy, 
black  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  tenacious  clay  of  grayish-yellow  color, 
faintly  mottled  with  dark-drab,  grayish-yellow,  and  bluish  colors.  Between  30 
and  40  inches  the  subsoil  becomes  lighter  in  texture.  Owing  to  the  sticky  char- 
acter and  black  color  of  the  soil,  the  type  is  locally  styled  "  black  waxy  land," 
"  terregras,"  and  "  blackjack  land,"  the  latter  term  referring  to  the  character 
of  the  soil  and  not  to  timber  growth.  Lime  concretions  occur  in  the  subsoil. 
The  type  occupies  low,  flat,  poorly  drained  areas.  It  is  a  strong  soil,  pro- 
ducing good  crops  of  corn  and  sugar  cane  in  years  of  moderate  rainfall.  With 
the  establishment  of  good  drainage  it  is  the  best  corn  soil  of  the  region.  Rice 
also  does  well. 

Kalmia  clay. — This  soil  consists  of  a  thin  mantle  of  grayish  or  yellowish, 
compact  very  fine  sandy  loam  to  silty  loam,  resting  upon  yellow,  very  fine 
Bandy  loam  to  silty  clay,  which  in  the  lower  section  is  mottled  with  grayish 
and  reddish  colors.  It  occupies  second  terraces  of  streams,  lying  above  over- 
flow. The  type  is  rather  difficult  to  cultivate,  but  when  brought  into  a  good 
condition  of  tilth  gives  fairly  good  yields  of  oats,  corn,  cotton,  and  forage 
crops. 

Laredo  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  drab  clay  loam  about 
10  Inches  deep.  The  upper  2  or  3  inches  of  the  soil  often  contains  enough  fine 
sand  to  give  it  a  slightly  gray  appearance,  but  the  soil  becomes  stiff  and  heavy 
at  a  very  slight  depth,  and  at  6  to  10  inches  it  contains  little  or  no  fine  sand. 
1  be  BUbsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  is  a  light-brown  to  drab,  stiff,  heavy 
Clay.  In  the  lower  part  of  the  soil  profile  the  material  is  so  dry  and  compact 
that  it  is  difficult  to  penetrate  with  a  soil  auger.  The  type  is  comparatively 
level.  It  was  formed  from  materials  washed  from  the  residual  prairie  regions 
mixed  more  or  less  with  silt  and  clay  which  have  been  worked  down  from  the 
neighboring  hills  and  ridges.  None  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  It  sup- 
portfl  a  dense  growth  of  mesquite  and  other  native  vegetation. 

\liihr  cloy. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches  is  a  brownish-red  or 
Chocolate-Colored  Clay.  This  is  underlain  by  a  stilt",  tenacious,  brown  or  red 
Clay  BUDSOil.      In  some  cases  a  yellow  fine  sandy  loam  is  found  :it   a  depth  of  ."> 

feet,  while  in  depressed  areas  subject  to  frequent  and  long-continued  overflows 
a  drab  or  blue  clay  may  form  the  deeper  suhsoii.  Tins  type  represents  the 
finest   materials  brought  down  by  Btr earns  from  the  Permian  Ked  Beds  and 

deposited  during  overflows.      It   is  a  strong  soil  for  corn,  cotton,  and  sugar  cane. 

and  where  well  drained  large  yields  are  secured.  The  timbered  areas  sup- 
port :i  beavy  growth  of  oak,  gum,  whitewOOd,  and  cypress,  with  a  dense  under- 
growth of  shrubs,  Vines,  and  briers.  The  USUal  high  content  of  lime  -rives  the 
soil,  especially  when  dry,  a  more  friable  structure  than  it  WOUld  otherwise 
I 

M08hannon  (lay  erosion  phase  <  includes  some  Holly  Clay).  'I'lds  type  is  do 
volopod  in  Stream  bottoms  which  are  subject  to  overflow.  The  surface  con- 
figuration  is  marked  by  Slight   hummocks  and  shallow  depressions.     The  soil  in 

fhe  depressions  is  poorly  drained  and  represents  mainly  Holly  silty  clay,  which 
is  n  compact,  gray  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay,  underlain  by  clammy,  rather 

plastic  silty  Clay,  of  mottled  gray,  rUSty-brown,  <>r  drab  color.  The  structural 
conditions  are  poor,  and    the  soil    is  best    suited   to  j^ass.      On   the  slight  ridges 

the  soil  is  ;i  chocolate-brown  silty  clay  loam,  underlain  by  mottled  gray  and 
chocolate-brown  or  red  silty  clay,  representing  Buosbannon  silty  clay.  The  mate- 
rial is  fairly  well  drained  and  is  well  suited  to  general  farm  crops.    These  two 


EIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PEOVINCE.  377 

soils  occur  in  areas  so  small  and  in  such  close  association  that  it  is  impossible 
to  separate  them  on  the  scale  of  an  inch  to  the  mile.  They  are  so  patchy  in 
occurrence  that  it  is  usually  impracticable  to  farm  them  differently,  the  whole 
often  being  turned  over  to  pasturage  or  hay  lots. 

Ocklocknee  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  heavy  clay  loam  to  clay, 
resting  on  a  brownish,  stiff,  tenacious  clay,  mottled  with  rusty-brown  and  yellow- 
ish colors.  The  type  is  confined  to  overflowed  first  bottoms.  It  is  a  strong  soil 
and  produces  good  crops  of  corn  and  sugar  cane  when  not  too  severely  overflowed. 

Osage  clay. — The  soil  to  about  18  inches  is  a  black,  heavy  silty  clay  or  clay. 
This  is  underlain  by  a  bluish-drab  clay  subsoil.  Generally  there  is  little  differ- 
ence between  the  soil  and  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  repre- 
sents the  heaviest  material  washed  from  the  prairie  uplands  of  sandstone  and 
shale  soils.  Practically  all  of  the  type  is  subject  to  deep  and  prolonged  over- 
flows, but  when  drained  and  protected  from  floods  large  yields  of  corn  and  other 
crops  are  secured. 

Papakating  clay. — To  the  depth  of  about  7  inches  the  soil  is  a  dark-brown, 
dark-gray,  or  black  heavy  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter  gray 
or  bluish-gray,  plastic,  tenacious,  heavy  clay,  so  dense  and  impervious  in  struc- 
ture as  to  impede  the  movement  of  water  through  it.  No  stone  or  gravel  occurs. 
The  type  occupies  level  to  slightly  basin-shaped  depressions  in  areas  through 
which  at  present  only  small  drainage  ways  pass.  The  origin  of  some  of  the  soil 
is  somewhat  obscure,  though  it  is  believed  that  the  surface  of  the  type  at  least 
is  predominantly  alluvial.  The  subsoils  in  some  of  the  areas  may  have  been 
deposited  as  lacustrine  sediments.  The  type  is  at  present  subject  to  overflow 
at  infrequent  intervals.  It  is  poorly  drained,  and  is  largely  covered  with 
marsh  grass  and  other  water-loving  vegetables.  When  well  drained  the  soil  is 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay  and  some  of  the  heavier  grain  crops. 
The  type  is  used  principally  for  pasturage. 

Sanders  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  or  8  inches  consists  of  a  grayish  silty 
clay.  This  is  underlain  to  3  feet  or  more  by  an  ashy-gray,  sticky,  impervious 
clay,  which  becomes  almost  white  on  exposure.  The  subsoil  is  frequently 
faintly  mottled  with  shades  of  yellow  and  brown.  The  soil  is  alluvial  in  origin 
and  is  typically  developed  along  the  larger  streams.  The  surface  is  level  and 
the  type  is  subject  to  such  frequent  overflow  that  no  crops  are  grown.  Under 
present  conditions  it  is  not  a  desirable  soil  for  agricultural  purposes,  but  if 
artificially  drained  and  protected  from  floods  it  would  be  well  adapted  to  grass 
and  some  of  the  staple  crops  of  the  region. 

Sarpy  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  grayish-brown  or  some- 
times drab,  heavy,  compact  silty  clay,  from  about  15  to  24  inches  in  depth.  The 
subsoil  is  a  silt  loam  to  very  fine  sandy  loam  of  friable  structure.  Rusty-brown 
and  drab  mottlings  are  common  in  the  subsurface  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type 
is  developed  in  depressions  and  flat  areas  within  the  river  bottoms.  Corn  has 
been  grown  with  success  on  this  soil  where  drained,  yields  of  50  to  75  bushels 
having  been  obtained.  With  the  establishment  of  thorough  drainage  alfalfa 
would  probably  do  well. 

Sharkey  clay. — The  soil  is  a  drab  to  mottled  drab,  yellow,  and  rusty-brown, 
stiff,  waxy  clay,  about  8  inches  deep,  frequently  containing  iron  concretions. 
The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  impervious  clny  similar  to  the  soil.  The  surface  sun- 
cracks  readily.  The  type  is  locally  known  as  "buckshot  land."  It  is  a  poorly 
drained  soil,  occupying  the  lowest  portions  of  river  bottoms,  and  is  subject  to 
annual  overflow.  When  diked  and  well  drained  it  is  a  strong  soil,  suited  to 
corn,  sugar  cane,  cotton,  and  rice. 

Trinity  clay. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  8  to  15  inches  is  a  dark-gray  to 
black  stiff  clay  loam  to  clay.  The  subsoil  is  a  drab  to  gray,  heavy,  very  stiff 
clay,  usually  lighter  than  the  soil  in  color,  though  the  dark  color  may  some- 
times extend  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  soil  is  quite  plastic  when  wet 
and  is  subject  to  hard  baking  and  cracking  on  drying  out.  Intractable  clods 
are  formed  when  the  soil  is  plowed  while  too  wet  or  too  dry.  The  type  occupies 
comparatively  level  bottoms  along  the  streams  in  and  issuing  from  the  calcare- 
ous prairies  of  the  Gulf  Coastal  Plain.  It  is  alluvial  in  origin,  being  derived 
mainly  from  calcareous  prairie  lands.  The  type  is  productive,  and  where  well 
drained  and  protected  from  overflow  is  suited  to  corn,  cotton,  Johnson  grass, 
and  alfalfa. 


378 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Wabash  clay. — The  soil  is  a  drab  to  black  heavy  clay  loam.  6  inches  deep,  con- 
taining considerable  organic  matter.  The  soil  sun-cracks  badly,  forming  small 
aggregates  which  cause  a  close  resemblance  to  "  buckshot  land."  The  subsoil 
is  a  gray  or  drab,  gray  clay,  sometimes  resting  upon  fine  sand  at  a  depth  of 
about  o  feet.  The  type  occupies  low  areas  to  the  rear  of  front  lands  and  higher 
ridges  in  open  forest  lands  in  river  deltas.  It  usually  requires  drainage.  In 
the  northern  areas  the  soil  is  adapted  io  corn ;  in  the  southern  areas  it  is  a  good 
cotton  soil,  yielding  about  1^  bales  per  acre. 

Waverly  clay.— The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  gray  clay  loam  about 
10  inches  deep.  It  contains  a  high  percentage  of  clay  and  silt,  and  rapidly 
becomes  stiffer  and  more  tenacious  with  depth,  grading  into  a  heavy,  tenacious 
clay  subsoil  of  brown  or  drab  color,  which  is  often  mottled  in  the  lower  depres- 
sions. A  few  small  iron  concretions  are  present  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  espe- 
cially in  the  swampy  areas.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin,  and  occupies  low 
bottom  lands  subject  to  overflow.  The  occasional  addition  of  new  material  to 
the  soil  tends  to  maintain  its  productiveness.  This  soil  is  best  adapted  to  corn, 
and  when  well  drained  and  cultivated  it  yields  as  much  as  60  bushels  per 
acre.  Wheat,  oats,  and  tobacco,  when  not  damaged  or  destroyed  by  floods,  do 
well.    Clover,  timothy,  and  other  grasses  give  large  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Sharkey  clay. 
Trinity  clay.. 
Wabash  clay. 


Ocklocknee  clay. 


Miller  clay... 
Waverly  clay. 
Cameron  clay . 
Cahabaclay.. 


Laredo  clay 

Georgetown  clay. 

Congaree  clay 

Sarpy  clay 

Huntington  clay . 

Frio  clay 

Sanders  clay 

Osage  clay 

Calhoun  clay 

Bastrop  clay 

[beria  'lav 

Papakal 

Kalmia  el  a- 

Bibb  day 

Elk  clay 

r,;>n  clay.. 

Griffin  clay . . . 

Donning  clay 

Altemaha  clay. . . 


Total. 


Louisiana  4,  6,7,  10,11,12,13;  Mississippi  1,6,19,21;  Missouri  4, 

15;  Texas  14,  18,  23. 
Alabama  17,  30;  Mississippi  3,  10,  12,  14,  15;  Texas  1,  2,  3,  4,  7, 

8,  9,  10,  11,  12,  14,  20,  24,  26,  27,  28,  29,  31,  33. 
Illinois  2,  4,  7,  9,  10;  Kansas  1,  4;  Louisiana  6,  7;  Mississippi  6; 

Missouri  1,4,6,  8,  10,  12,  13,  14,  16,  17,  18,  19;  Nebraska  5; 

North  Dakota  2;  Ohio  10;  Oklahoma  2. 
Alabama  2,  3,5, 13;  Florida  2;  Georgia  1;  Mississippi  3,  5,  8,  9, 

10,  14,  15,20. 
Arkansas  3;  Louisiana  3,  5,  14;  Oklahoma  1;  Texas  4,  24,  81... 

Arkansas  4;  Indiana  2,  8;  Kentucky  1,  6;  Ohio  10 

Texas  5   27  28 

Alabama  13,  18,  30;  Georgia  8;  Mississippi  10,   14,  20;  North 

Carolina  7. 

Texas,  5,  16,  27 

Georgia  3,  10;  South  Carolina  10 

Mississippi  11;  North  Carolina  7,  22;  South  Carolina  10,  14 

Kansas  5;  Louisiana  4;  Missouri  8,  15,  16 

Alabama  21,  25,  30;  Arkansas  1 

Texas  28 

Texas  10,  20,  29 

Missouri  3 

Arkansas  4 

Texas  3 


1,572,436 
1,231,424 

362,291 

301,184 


Louisiana  10 

New  York  S 

South  Carolina  6. 

ppi  15 

Alabama  19 

Indiana  - 

.  10 


1  For  key  to  numbers  In  this  column  sec  p.  t.ih. 


SMI  ' 

Soils  of  siiiy  day  texture  are  In Blve  In  the  Flood  PI   Ins  pi  >y 

bave  practically  the  same  Adaptation  and  crop  value  ms  the  clays,  b  I  are 

b  little  easier  to  maintain  In  .1  good  condition  of  tilth  on  account  of  the 
lating  effect  of  the  sill  presenl 

Huntington  sUty  clay.    The  soil  is  b  brown,  Quite  compact  Bllty  lonm  t< 
clay  loam,  about   L2  Inches  deep.    The  subsoil  is  a  compact  ailty  cli  y  of  Bome- 
wiuit  lighter  brown  color.    The  type  occurs  In  first  bottoms  and  Is  subject  t<> 
overflow.    Along  some  of  the  smaller  Btreams  the  texture  varies,  with  ;i  tendency 
toward  a  larger  percentage  of  sand.    The  topography  is  level  to  slightly  rolling, 


RIVER  FLOOD   PLAINS   PROVINCE. 


379 


and  surface  and  underdrainage  are  fairly  good.  Though  the  soil  has  a  decided 
tendency  to  clod,  good  tilth  can  be  maintained  by  careful  management.  It  is 
considered  a  valuable  type  for  corn  and  hay,  producing  an  average  yield  of  50 
bushels  of  the  former  and  1*  tons  of  the  latter  crop. 

Laredo  silty  clay. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  brown  silty  clay,  about  15  inches  deep. 
This  grades  into  a  lighter-colored,  stiff,  compact  silty  clay  subsoil.  At  25  to  30 
inches  the  subsoil  grades  into  a  light-brown  silty  loam.  The  soil  does  not  bake 
seriously.  The  surface  is  nearly  level,  but  a  gentle  slope  toward  the  adjacent 
lowlands  gives  it  fair  drainage.  The  type  was  formed  by  deposits  when  these 
areas  were  overflowed  by  the  river  and  represents  ancient  alluvium.  Alkali 
occurs  in  small  depressions.  Under  irrigation  the  soil  produces  good  yields  of 
corn,  cotton,  sugar  cane,  and  vegetables. 

Miller  silty  clay. — The  soil  of  the  Miller  silty  clay,  to  an  average  depth  of  14 
inches,  is  a  heavy,  reddish-brown  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  is  typically  a  reddish- 
brown  silty  clay  loam,  though  local  pockets  of  sand  or  bands  of  clay  occur 
below  30  inches.  The  high  lime  content  is  due  in  part  to  the  presence  of  snail 
shells.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  consists  of  stream-deposited  material, 
which  has  been  derived  from  the  Permian  Red  Beds.  It  is  an  excellent  general 
farm  soil  and  produces  large  crops  of  corn  and  cotton,  although  the  yields  of  the 
latter  crop  have  been  much  reduced  in  recent  years  by  boll-weevil  ravages. 
Alfalfa  does  well.    Irish  potatoes  constitute  the  most  important  crop. 

Rio  Grande  silty  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  12  inches  of  dark-brown  to  black 
silty  clay  or  clay,  grading  into  a  subsoil  which  becomes  lighter  in  texture  with 
depth.  The  surface  bakes  badly.  Low  ridges  of  fine  sand  and  silt  occur 
throughout  the  type.  It  occupies  the  lower  terraces  in  the  larger  bends  of  the 
Rio  Grande  River  and  is  subject  to  occasional  overflow.  The  soil  is  derived 
from  recent  alluvium.  Most  of  the  type  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  palms, 
tules,  cane,  and  marsh  grasses.  Cotton  and  corn  produce  fair  yields  on  the 
better  drained  areas.     No  irrigation  is  practiced. 

Harpy  silty  clay. — The  type  is  a  dark-brown  to  almost  black  silty  clay,  about 
14  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  lighter-colored  fine  sandy  loam.  Thin  layers  of 
clay  are  sometimes  encountered  in  the  subsoil.  The  soil  cracks  and  breaks  into 
cubes  upon  drying.  It  is  difficult  to  handle,  but  when  properly  cultivated  it  is 
a  productive  soil. 

Wabash  silty  clay. — The  soil  varies  in  depth  from  12  to  24  inches  and  consists 
of  a  dark-brown  medium  to  heavy  silty  clay  loam.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36 
inches  is  a  compact  and  rather  heavy  brownish  or  yellowish  silty  clay  loam  or 
silty  clay.  The  type  occupies  a  rather  low  position  in  stream  valleys  and  on 
gentle  slopes.  In  the  former  position  its  surface  is  very  nearly  level  or  gently 
sloping.  It  occurs  as  first  bottoms  and  is  subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  is  of 
alluvial  origin.  Where  protected  from  overflow  some  of  the  areas  are  adapted 
to  the  production  of  corn  and  alfalfa.  Alfalfa  should  be  grown  on  the  gentle 
slopes  where  drainage  is  good.  Wheat  and  oats  are  also  grown.  Some  of  the 
heavier  types  of  vegetables  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Miller  silly  clay 

Huntington  silty  clay . 
Rio  'Irande  silty  clay. 

Wabash  silty  clay 

Sarpj  silty  clay 

silty  clay 


Total. 


Texas  12 

Tennessee  1;  West  Virginia  6 

Texas  5, 27 

Kansas  7;  Missouri  1,  12;  Oklahoma  1. 

Missouri  G,  10 

Texas  5 


124, 4S0 
47,93C> 
34,560 

I4,y:ti 

5,440 
448 

227, 840 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


380 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Alabama  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  8,  9,  12,  13,  14,  15,  19,  20,  24,  25,  28,  30,  31, 
32,  33.  34,  36,  37;   Arkansas  2;   Connecticut  2;   Delaware  1; 
Florida  1,  2,  5,  6;  Georgia  1,  4,  6,  7,  8,  9,  11,  12,  14,  15,  16,  19; 
Illinois  3,  11;  Indiana  1,  4,  6;  Iowa  1,  2,  3;  Kansas  10;  Ken- 
tucky 3;  Louisiana  2,  3,  4.  5,  7,  9,  10,  12,  13,  14;  Maryland  1, 

2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9;  Massachusetts  2;  Michigan  1,  2,  3,  5,  6,  7, 
8;  Minnesota  1,  2,  4,  5;  Mississippi  2,  4,  5,  6,  7,  9,  10,  11,  13, 
19,  20,  21;  Missouri  1,  IS,  20;  .Sew  Hampshire  1,  2;  New 
Jersey  1,  2,  3;  New  York  1,  2,  4,  5,  7,  8,  12,  15,  16,  18;  North 
Carolina  1,  2,  3,  4,  5.  10,  11,  13,  14,  15,  17,  18,  22,  26;  North 
Dakota  2,  5,  8,  9;  Ohio  1,  3,  7;  Oklahoma  2;  Pennsylvania 

3,  6,  9,  10,  12.  17;  Rhode  Island  1;  South  Carolina  1,  2,  3,  5, 
9,  11,  15,  17;  Tennessee  5,  10;  Texas  1,  3,  6,  10,  11,  13,  14,  15, 

18,  19,  20,  21,  24,  29,  32,  34;  Vermont  1;  Virginia  1,  2,  3,  4, 
5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  11;  West  Virginia  3,  9;  Wisconsin  5,  6,  7,  9,  12, 
14,  15. 

Alabama  1,  2,  13,  14,  18,  29,  37;  Arkansas  3;  Connecticut  1; 
Delaware  1;  Florida  4,  5,  6,  7;  Georgia  2,  3,  5,  10,  13,  15,  16, 
17,  19;  Louisiana  1,  3,  5;  Maryland  2,  9,  10;  Massachusetts  1; 
Mississippi  4,  18;  New  York  6;  North  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  9,  15, 

19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25;  South  Carolina  6,  7,  8,  10,  12,  14,  16; 
Texas  3;  Virginia  5,  6,  10,  12. 

Texas  28 

3,395,919 
1,687,464 

Swamp 

Gravelly  soils  undifferentiated 
Riverwash 

177,408 

Indiana  3.  10;  Kentucky  2;  Louisiana  4,  6;  Mississippi  1,  5; 

Missouri  1,  8,  10,  22;  North  Dakota  5;  Wisconsin  9. 
Alabama  2;  Connecticut  2;  Georgia  10;  Kentucky  2;  Louisiana 

11. 
Kansas  10 

52,480 

Muck 

46,912 

Salty  marsh 

41,472 

37,248 

9,024 

7,232 

Peat 

6,080 

Total 

5, 461, 239 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


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SOILS  OF  THE  GREAT  PLAINS  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 
DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  REGION. 

The  Great  Plains  region  as  recognized  in  the  major  regional  classification  of 
soils  consists  of  the  nonglaciated  part  of  the  western  prairies  and  plains. 

Its  northern  half  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  east  by  the  Glacial  and  Loessial 
province,  which  marks  the  southern  and  western  limits  of  glaciation  and  whose 
northern  division  follows  in  general  the  course  of  the  Missouri  River.  On  the 
east  the  Great  Plains  region  is  limited  in  Texas  and  Oklahoma  by  the  Gulf 
Coastal  Plain,  and  in  eastern  Oklahoma  and  Kansas  and  southeastern  Missouri 
by  the  Ozark  Uplift  included  within  the  Appalachian  Mountain  and  Plateau  and 
the  Limestone  Valley  and  Upland  provinces.  It  extends  south  to  the  Rio  Grande, 
which  constitutes  the  international  boundary,  and  west  to  the  foot  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  which  form  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  and 
Plateau  region.  Its  boundary  through  south-central  New  Mexico  and  Texas 
is  nearly  coincident  with  the  valley  of  the  Pecos  River,  marking  the  eastern 
limit  of  the  Arid  Southwest  region. 

The  region  thus  extends  from  the  Rio  Grande  River  nearly  to  the  Canadian 
boundary,  and  has  a  maximum  width  from  east  to  west  of  some  600  miles. 
It  covers  the  greater  part  of  eastern  Montana,  southwestern  North  Dakota, 
western  South  Dakota,  Nebraska,  and  Kansas,  eastern  Wyoming,  Colorado, 
and  New  Mexico,  western  Texas,  most  of  Oklahoma,  and  parts  of  eastern 
Kansas  and  western  Missouri.  A  number  of  isolated  mountain  ridges  and  domes, 
forming  detached  areas  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  and  Plateau  region,  are  included 
within  this  region. 

In  the  middle  section  of  its  western  boundary,  at  the  foot  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, the  region  reaches  a  height  of  about  6,000  feet,  with  an  elevation  of  some 
4,000  feet  in  the  northern  and  southern  sections.  From  this  the  elevation  de- 
creases to  about  2,000  feet  along  the  northern  part,  and  to  less  than  1,000  feet 
along  the  southeastern  and  middle  parts  of  the  eastern  boundary. 

The  surface  of  the  Great  Plains  region  where  uneroded  is  level  or  gently 
sloping,  but  the  greater  part  of  the  region  has  been  sufficiently  eroded  to  pro- 
duce an  undulating  or  rolling  topography,  and  areas  of  excessively  eroded  or 
"  bad  land  "  topography  occur.  The  region  is  traversed  by  occasional  flat,  broad 
stream  valleys  following  a  general  easterly  course,  and  by  newer  valleys  of 
broad  and  shallow  to  deep,  narrow  character. 

The  varying  conditions  encountered  in  the  character  of  rocks  or  of  uncon- 
solidated material,  in  topography,  and  in  soil-forming  processes  have  given  vise 
to  several  distinct  physiographic  and  soil  provinces  within  the  region. 

The  western,  more  elevated,  and  flatter  areas  comprise  the  High  Plains  or 
uneroded  remnants  of  a  former  more  extensive  plateau  surface,  which  are 
covered  by  unconsolidated  material  of  Tertiary  age,  derived  mainly  from  pre- 
Cambrian  gneisses  and  granites  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  This  has  been  dis- 
tributed as  outwash  alluvial  fan  or  foot-slope  material  by  shifting  aggrading 
streams.  The  unconsolidated  flu  via  tile  deposits  have  been  subsequently  altered 
to  some  extent  by  weathering  and  frequently  modified  somewhat  by  winds,  run- 
ning water,  or  other  agencies,  forming  a  distinct  soil  province  designated  as 
material  of  the  Outwash  Plains.  Local  areas  of  alluvial  fan  and  alluvial  foot- 
slope  deposits  have  been  included  within  this  province. 

The  lighter-textured  soils  of  the  region  are  usually  wind  blown,  and  the  soils 
in  certain  sections  often  consist  essentially  of  wind-deposited  material,  giving 
rise  to  eolian  soils  or  soils  of  the  Windlald  province.  They  are  represented  in 
the  central  and  eastern  parts  of  the  region  by  several  soil  series.  Including  the 
Colby,  Derby,  and  Finney  soils. 

Besides  the  areas  covered  by  unconsolidated  deposits  there  are  extensive  areas 
of  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  of  Cretaceous,  Permian,  and  Carboniferous 

381 


382 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


age.  Weathering  of  these  rocks  in  place  has  given  rise  to  wide  areas  of  residual 
soils,  which  represent  the  residual  province  of  the  region. 

The  deposition  of  sediments  from  the  waters  of  streams  has  resulted  in 
the  formation  of  a  number  of  series  of  alluvial  soils,  which  occupy  the  stream 
bottoms  and  terraces  of  the  valleys  and  constitute  the  River  Flood  Plain 
province  of  soils.  These  are  represented  by  the  soils  of  the  Arkansas,  Lincoln, 
Laurel,  Wade,  Vale  and  related  series. 

In  local  depressions  throughout  the  plains  accumulations  of  sedimentary 
material  occur.  This  has  been  transported  by  minor  streams  or  washed  from 
adjoining  slopes  and  deposited  in  the  shallow  waters  of  temporary  lakes. 
Such  material  is  recognized  as  soils  of  the  Lacustrine  or  Lake-laid  province. 

The  more  humid  portions  of  the  region  are  extensively  utilized  for  the  pro- 
duction of  corn,  wheat,  flax,  cotton,  and  other  staples.  Upon  a  great  part  of 
the  semiarid  areas  yields  are  uncertain  without  irrigation,  but  under  irriga- 
tion large  areas  of  the  valley  and  plains  soils  are  valuable  for  the  production 
of  alfalfa,  grains,  and  special  crops,  such  as  sugar  beets,  melons,  etc.  Exten- 
sive areas  of  the  rougher  and  more  arid  districts  are  also  utilized  for  grazing. 

The  following  areas  of  the  various  soil  provinces  of  the  Great  Plains  region 
have  been  surveyed : 


Soil  province. 

Types. 

Undiffer- 
entiated. 

Total 
series. 

14,172,001 

350, 208 

69, 120 

18, 699, 584 

22,467,584 

1,768,832 

24,959,232 

39,131,233 
350,208 

39,168 

108,288 

18,699,584 

31,108,160 

5,477,440 

25.524,825 

8,640,576 
3,  708, 608 
25,524,825 

Miscellaneous 

Total 

57,527,329 

62,872,409 

120,399,738 

Of  the  57,527,329  acres  of  soil  types  and  phases  that  have  been  differen- 
tiated, the  following  table  shows  the  amount  and  proportion  of  each  grade 
of  material : 


Grade. 

Acres. 

Per  cent. 

Grade. 

Acres. 

Percent. 

Sand 

1,003,072 
1,264,064 
1,768,784 

7,869,773 
6,760,365 

1.7 
2.0 
3.0 
13.7 
11.8 

Silt  loam 

28, 968, 679 
8,441,984 
1,460,608 

50.6 

Clay  loam 

14.7 

Clay 

2.5 

Total j 

57,527,329 

100.0 

RESIDUAL   MATERIAL. 


The  residual  soils  of  the  Great  Plains  region  are  of  widespread  occurrence 
and  Constitute  the  most  extensively  developed  and  most  important  province  of 
soils  Id  the  Great  Plains  region.  They  are  formed  by  weathering  in  place  of 
sedimentary  rocks,  usually  lying  in  an  approximately  horizontal  position. 

in  certain  parts  of  the  region  Interbedded  standstones  and  shales,  often  of 
calcareous  character,  predominate,  in  other  areas  sandstones  or  shales  alone 
are  exposed,  while  in  others  the  soils  are  derived  from  an  admixture  of  ma- 
terial from  sandstone,  Limestone,  and  shale,  or  from  limestone  with  but  little 

or    no    Intermingling    of    material    from    sandstone    or    shale    rocks.      Of    those 

derived  from  both  sandstone  and  shale  the  soils  of  the  Morton.  Boone,  Bates, 
Spearflsh,  Oswego,  Englewood,  and  Vernon  series  are  extensively  developed.  The 
soils  derived  exclusively  Prom  sandstone  are  of  limited  extent,  as  the  sandstones 
are  generally  associated  with  other  rocks.  The  sandstone  soils  are  represented 
by  the  Lancaster  series.  Those  derived  exclusively  from  shales  are  of  more  fre- 
quent occurrence  and  more  extensive  development,  and  include  the  soils  of 
the  Pierre,  Hannibal,  and  Epping  scries.  The  limestone  soils  are  still  more 
extensive,  and  Include  as  the  more  Important  representatives  the  soils  of  the 
onade,  Crawford,  Dodgville,  Wagoner,  and  Bracked  series.  The  soils 
derived    from   the   weathering  in   place  of  an  admixture  <>r  a   succession  of 


GKEAT  PLAINS  REGION.  383 

rocks,  including  sandstone,  shales,  and  limestone,  are  widely  distributed  and 
include  the  soils  of  the  Leslie,  Summit,  Clark,  Hermosa,  Kildeer,  Benton, 
Belvedere,  Sidney,  and  Hamilton  series. 

The  residual  soils  of  the  region  are  often  shallow,  excessively  drained,  and 
of  rough,  broken  topography.  They  include  hi  the  semiarid  districts  extensive 
areas  of  eroded  or  minutely  dissected  character,  often  developing  a  character- 
istic "  bad  land "  type  of  topography,  but  the  predominating  topography  of 
most  of  the  soil  series  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling  and  favorable  to  the 
extensive  and  effective  use  of  farm  machinery.  The  soil  areas  are  generally 
treeless  or  support  only  a  stunted  growth  of  timber,  but  in  the  southeastern 
sections  of  the  region  some  of  the  soils  are  or  were  heavily  timbered. 

Owing  to  their  extensive  distribution,  the  residual  soils  are  subject  to  wide 
variation  in  regional  climatic  influences.  The  middle,  eastern,  and  southeastern 
areas  are  fairly  well  supplied  with  moisture,  though  summer  droughts  some- 
times occur.  In  the  western  areas  the  rainfall  is  inadequate,  and  the  practice 
of  farming  without  irrigation  is  often  precarious.  Extensive  areas  have  been 
placed  under  irrigation,  but  the  water  supply  available  for  such  use  is  limited, 
and  a  great  part  of  the  semiarid  area  of  residual  soil  is  capable  of  being 
used  only  for  grazing  purposes,  or  for  the  culture  of  drought-resistant  crops 
through  the  practice  of  efficient  moisture-conserving  methods  of  tillage. 

The  residual  soils  predominate  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  sections  of 
the  Great  Plains  region,  the  most  extensive  soils  of  agricultural  importance 
covering  parts  of  the  Dakotas,  Nebraska,  Kansas,  Missouri,  Oklahoma,  and 
Texas.  Extensive  areas  of  the  more  elevated  plains  in  the  western  part  of 
the  region  are  also  occupied  by  residual  soils,  but  in  such  locations  they  are 
frequently  interrupted  or  obscured  by  soils  derived  from  the  material  of  the 
alluvial  foot-slope  or  stream-outwash  plains,  are  often  sparsely  settled,  and 
are  of  less  agricultural  importance  except  where  irrigated.  Under  irrigation 
agriculture  is  successful. 

The  residual  soils  are  devoted  mainly  to  general  farming  and  contribute  mate- 
rially to  the  production  of  corn,  small  grains,  and  live  stock  in  the  Middle 
Western  States. 

DESCRIPTION    OF  THE  SOIL   SERIES. 

Bates  series. — The  soils  of  the  Bates  series  are  of  dark  gray  color.  The  sub- 
soils are  yellowish  and  mottled  red  or  yellowish  or  buff  in  the  upper  part  and 
mottled  with  yellow  and  red  in  the  deeper  section.  The  series  is  of  residual 
origin,  and  is  derived  from  sandstone  and  shale  rocks.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  distinguished  from  those  of  the  associated  Oswego  series  by  their  more 
pervious  subsoils,  and  from  the  Boone  series  by  the  darker  color  of  the  surface 
soils.  They  are  usually  well  drained,  treeless,  and  of  level  to  undulating  topog- 
raphy. The  series  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  the  staple  farm  crops 
of  the  region  in  which  they  occur,  including  corn,  wheat  flax,  oats,  and  some  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bates  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  3,  5 

92,416 

64, 256 

25,344 

Total 

182,016 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Behndere  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  yellow  to  brown,  and  are  underlain  by 
grayish-yellow  subsoils.  They  are  of  residual  origin,  and  derived  from  shales. 
Small  amounts  of  rounded  gravel  derived  from  eroded  Tertiary  deposits  fre- 
quently appear  on  the  surface.  A  substratum  of  bedrock  usually  occurs  often 
at  shallow  depth.  This  frequently  outcrops  on  eroded  surfaces.  The  members 
of  the  series  are  generally  shallow,  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and 
of  too  rough  and  broken  topography  to  be  suitable  for  the  production  of  crops. 
They  are  generally  utilized  only  for  grazing. 


384  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Belvidere  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Belvidere  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

23,040 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Benton  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  light-brown  or  grayish-brown 
to  gray  color,  with  light  gray  subsoils. 

The  series  is  of  residual  origin,  and  is  derived  from  shale  and  limestone  ma- 
terial. Fragments  of  shale  and  limestone  occur  in  the  soil  and  subsoil.  A 
substratum  of  bedrock  is  frequently  encountered  at  shallow  depth,  and  occasion- 
ally outcrops  along  eroded  surfaces.  The  topography  is  usually  rough  and 
broken,  the  soils  occupying  eroded  and  dissected  plateau  plains.  The  members 
of  the  series  are  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and  are  generally 
devoted  to  grazing.  The  less  hilly,  broken,  and  shallow  areas  are  adapted  to 
the  production  of  forage  crops  in  connection  with  stock  raising. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Benton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Benton  fine  sandy  loam 

196,480 

do 

78,784 

I'.SS,  S'.Hi 

Colorado  2,  3 

42,880 

236,288 

Total 

1,243,328 

»  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Boone  series. — The  Boone  series  consists  of  light-gray  soils,  containing  a 
small  amount  of  organic  matter,  underlain  by  pale  yellowish  to  slightly  reddish 
yellow  and  often  mottled,  porous  subsoils.  A  bedrock  substratum  is  frequently 
encountered  at  shallow  depth.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  residual  origin, 
being  derived  from  sandstones  and  shales,  principally  of  Carboniferous  age. 
The  topography  is  rolling  to  steeply  sloping,  and  the  soils  are  usually  timbered. 
This  series  is  closely  associated  with  the  Bates  series,  but  differs  from  ii  in 
containing  smaller  amounts  of  humus,  with  consequent  lighter  color,  and  lighter 
forest  covering.  The  soils  are  often  thin  and  unproductive.  The  principal 
crops  are  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  hay.  Melons  and  truck  crops  are  grown 
locally. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Boone  series. 


Soil  name. 


ind 

n in-  land 

adj  loam 

inn-  sandy  Loazn . 

ny  loans 

mIi  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


Minnesota  ■>;  Wisoonain  3,  u 

main  7,  <) 

Wisconsin  14 

.  - '';  Mis,..nri 8,  6,  16;  Wisconsin  6, 7, 

II  ."> 

m  iaaonrl  :i, '', 


Acres. 


81,298 

16,064 
63,913 
10,433 

sn.  L93 


334,208 


i  Pot  key  to  numb  loluinn  see  p.  733. 

Brackett  §etie$.  The  soils  <>r  the  Bracket  series  are  light  gray  to  grayiah- 
"'•rown.  They  are  generally  low  in  organic  matter  content  and  rich  in  lime, 
Tin  .  subsoils  are  shallow,  and  are  usually  similar  In  color  and  character  to  the 
■oil  Kyiaterial.  They  are  underlain  by  a  bedrock  stratum.  The  soils  of  the 
series  .)  -n.  ,,,  residual  origin,  and  are  derived  from  soft  chalky  limestones. 
They  nre<  associated  In  origin  and  mode  of  Formation  with  the  soils  of  the 
Crawford  series,  but  differ  from  them  In  color,  humus  content,  and  In  that 


GKEAT   PLAINS   EEGION. 


385 


they  receive  less  rainfall.  The  topography  is  generally  rough  or  rolling  and 
dissected  by  intermittent  streams  and  gullies,  but  it  is  not  generally  so  rugged 
as  to  prevent  cultivation.  The  soils  are  not  culivated  to  any  extent,  and  are 
utilized  mainly  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Brackett  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Brackett  stony  clay  loam Texas 


391,680 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Castleton  series. — The  soils  of  the  Castleton  series  are  dark  brown  to  reddish- 
brown,  and  vary  in  depth.  A  substratum  of  bedrock  occurs  at  from  6  to  about 
15  inches  from  the  surface.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin,  having  been  de- 
rived from  thin  shaly  limestone.  This  limestone  lies  in  contact  with  the  red 
sandstones  and  shales  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds,  and  is  probably  the  upper 
member  of  this  formation.  The  soils  occupy  benchlike  positions  just  below 
the  Tertiary  prairie,  and  are  usually  droughty  on  account  of  the  shallowness  of 
the  material  overlying  the  rock,  so  that  their  agricultural  value  is  limited. 
Fair  crops  can  be  grown  on  these  soils  in  seasons  of  more  than  normal  rainfall. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Castleton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Castleton  silt  loam 

2,944 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clark  series. — The  Clark  series  includes  dark-gray  to  dark-brown  or  black 
soils  and  grayish,  calcareous  subsoils.  The  soils  are  of  residual  origin  and  are 
derived  from  the  consolidated  calcareous  material  known  as  the  Mortar  Beds 
phase  of  the  Tertiary  formation.  The  subsoils  contain  large  amounts  of  the 
unweathered  white  chalky  material  characteristic  of  the  Mortar  Beds.  The 
soils  produce  fair  yields  of  corn,  kafir,  wheat,  sorghum,  and  other  grains. 
Alfalfa  does  fairly  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Clark  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  6 

8,320 
11,520 

do 

Kansas  10 

161,280 
23,232 
46,080 

clay  loam 

Kansas  6 

Total . . . 

250,432 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Cottonwood  series. — The  soils  are  of  dark-brown  color  and  of  friable  char- 
acter. The  subsoils  are  light  gray  or  white  in  color,  and  are  often  of  flourlike 
or  ashy  texture.  The  material  consists  mainly  of  impure  gypsum  and  contains 
fragments  of  this  material.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from 
gypsum  lentils  or  deposits  occurring  in  shale  and  sandstone  rocks.  The  topog- 
raphy is  level  to  undulating.  The  members  of  the  series  are  unimportant  in 
extent  and  agriculture,  and  are  utilized  mainly  for  grazing. 


79019—13- 


-25 


386  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cottonwood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cottonwood  loam 

Texas  22 

2,304 

1  For  key  1o  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Crawford  series. — This  series  comprises  residual  limestone  soils  of  the  prairie 
regions,  including  dark-brown  to  reddish-brown  surface  soils  and  reddish-brown 
to  red  subsoils.  Although  derived  from  limestone,  these  soils  contain  only  a 
small  percentage  of  lime,  differing  materially  in  this  respect  from  the  soils  of 
the  Houston  series  which  occur  in  the  Cretaceous  black  prairies  of  the  Coastal 
Plain.  The  members  of  the  series  occupy  undulating  or  rolling  areas  and 
sometimes  local  areas  of  rough,  broken  topography.  They  are  generally  well 
drained,  productive,  and  are  adapted  to  general  farming.  Cotton,  corn,  wheat, 
and  oats  are  the  principal  crops.  Alfalfa,  clover,  and  timothy  are  grown  to 
some  extent  on  the  heavier  members.  Some  of  the  soils,  including  those  of  stony 
or  gravelly  character,  are  adapted  to  grapes,  tree  fruits,  small  fruits,  and 
vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Crawford  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  31 

6,784 

gravelly  loam 

Kansas  1 

5, 165 

Kansas  1,  11;  Missouri  3, 10 

320,039 

Texas  9 

8,448 

stony  clay  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

Missouri  10,  1G 

39,872 
7,936 

Kansas  4;  Texas  11,31 

184,384 

stony  clay 

Texas  2,  1 1 ,  20,  28,  31 

310,144 

Total   . 

882,772 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

DodgeviUe  series. — The  soils  of  the  Dodgeville  series  are  dark  brown  to 
almost  black  in  color  and  are  essentially  silty  in  texture.  The  subsoils  are 
light  reddish  brown,  buff,  or  brown.  The  members  of  the  series  are  of  residual 
origin.  They  are  derived  from  the  weathering  of  limestone  with  a  slight  ad- 
mixture of  loessial  material.  It  is  difficult,  however,  to  detect  the  presence  of 
the  loess  on  account  of  its  extreme  thinness  where  present,  and  because  of  the 
fact  that  the  texture  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  of  the  residual  material 
from  limestone.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  somewhat  hilly.  The  soil  is  thin 
in  places,  the  underlying  rock  being  encountered  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or 
slightly  less,  though  in  general  the  soil  covering  is  much  thicker.  These  soils 
are  well  adapted  to  wheat,  oats,  corn,  hay,  and  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  DodgeviUe  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wisconsin  5 

56, 128 



'  Fur  key  tO  number  in  tins  <ulimin  see  p.  788. 

Eldorado  Berle*.     The  soils  arc  dark   brown  and   the  subsoils  yellow  to  gray 

with  red  mottlinga  The  soil  and  subsoil  material  frequently  contains  chert 
fragmenta  The  series  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  from  limestone.  The  topog- 
raphy is  rolling,  and  drainage  is  well  established.  The  soils  of  the  series  arc 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  and  are  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of 
wheat  eorn,  and  grass  crops. 


GBEAT   PLAINS   KEGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Eldorado  series. 


387 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Eldorado  stony  loam Missouri  5 


28,224 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Englewood  series. — The  soils  are  of  brown  to  reddish-brown  color.  The  sub- 
soils are  usually  reddish  brown,  but  sometimes  brown.  The  series  is  mainly 
of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  shale  and  sandstone  material  of  the 
Permian  Red  Beds.  The  soils  contain  an  admixture  of  material  derived  from 
unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits,  probably  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks. 
The  subsoils  are  entirely  residual.  Owing  to  erosion,  the  soils  are  often  thin 
and  the  subsoils  exposed.  The  series  occupy  gently  rolling  to  undulating  areas, 
and  drainage  is  well  established.  The  soils  are  especially  adapted  to  corn, 
kafir  corn,  and  sorghum,  and  other  grain  and  hay  crops  are  grown.  Good 
yields  are  secured  in  favorable  seasons. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Englewood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Englewood  sandy  loam 

Kansas  6 

2,688 

64,512 

7,232 

145,152 

fine  sandy  loam 

Kansas  10 

loam 

Kansas  6 

silt  loam 

Total 

219,584 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Epping  series. — The  soils  of  the  Epping  series  are  of  white  or  light-gray  to 
buff  color,  and  are  underlain  by  subsoils  similar  in  color  and  character  to  the 
soil  material.  They  are  of  residual  origin  and  are  derived  from  the  weathering 
in  place  of  shales  and  indurated  clays.  Drainage  conditions  are  subject  to 
wide  variation.  Normally  the  soils  are  well  drained  and  are  subject  to  exces- 
sive erosion.  They  occupy  undulating  or  dissected  plains  to  sloping  or  compara- 
tively level  flats.  Some  of  the  lower  lying  areas,  however,  occur  as  local  flats 
or  terraces  of  erosion  in  stream  valleys,  and  are  subject  to  the  accumulation 
of  seepage  or  drainage  waters,  being  without  surface  drainage  or  subdrain- 
age.  The  soils  are  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  are  rather  difficult  to  main- 
tain in  a  favorable  condition  of  structure  when  first  cultivated.  The  rougher 
or  unirrigated  areas  are  utilized  mainly  for  grazing.  Where  irrigated,  alfalfa, 
wheat,  barley,  and  potatoes  constitute  the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Epping  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Epping  silt  loam                                           

Nebraska  7 

313,344 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fort  Collins  series. — This  series  consists  of  dark-brown  or  reddish-brown 
to  almost  black  soils  from  4  to  12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  layer  of  heavy 
loam  from  1  to  4  feet  in  thickness,  beneath  which  the  subsoil  grades  into  a 
light  loam  similar  to  the  surface  soil  and  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or 
more.  The  loam  and  heavier  members  of  the  series  become  sticky  when  wet, 
and  bake  badly,  often  breaking  into  rough,  cubical  blocks  upon  exposure  after 
puddling.  In  general  the  surface  is  level,  though  in  places  it  is  slightly  rolling 
or  undulating,  and  sometimes  pitted  by  erosion  and  cut  by  small  intermittent 
streams.     This  is  for  the  most  part  a  residual  series  formed  by  the  weathering 


388 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


in  place  of  clayey  or  sbaly  sandstones  and  sandy  shales  of  the  Pierre,  Laramie, 
and  Fort  Union  formations  of  Cretaceous  age.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  wheat, 
oats,  barley,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  potatoes,  and  apples. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Fort  Collins  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Fnrt  Cnllins  loam 

Colorado  2 

14,144 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gasconade  series. — The  Gasconade  series  includes  dark-gray  to  black  soils 
with  mottled  brown,  yellow,  and  red  plastic  and  usually  heavy  clay  subsoils. 
These  soils  are  of  residual  origin  and  are  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  chert-free 
limestone  from  which  they  have  been  derived.  The  surface  is  undulating  to 
gently  sloping.  In  general  the  drainage  is  good,  but  there  are  a  few  places 
where  springs  keep  the  soil  in  a  permanent  soggy  condition.  A  great  part  of 
the  series  was  originally  prairie  land.  Post  oak,  wild  plum,  locust,  elm,  and 
hawthorn  constitute  the  natural  growth  over  some  areas.  These  soils  are 
productive,  and  are  well  suited  to  corn,  clover,  timothy,  and  wheat. 

Area- and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gasconade  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Arkansas  2;  Missouri  7 

16,320 
3,648 

silty  clay  loam 

Total.. 

19,968 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gerald  series. — The  surface  soils  are  of  gray  or  grayish-brown  to  light-brown 
color  and  silty  texture.  The  subsoils  consist  of  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown 
silty  clay  loam,  which  grades  into  a  dingy  or  snuff-brown  plastic  heavy  clay 
deeper  subsoil,  frequently  mottled  with  gray.  A  substratum  of  sandstone  often 
occurs  at  a  depth  of  about  36  to  48  inches.  Iron  concretions  are  of  common 
occurrence  in  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  topography  varies  from  flat  to  strongly 
rolling,  and  is  not  badly  dissected  or  broken.  Surface  drainage  is  good  over 
the  predominant  rolling  country,  but  underdrainage  is  poor  on  account  of  the 
imperviousness  of  the  heavy  clay  subsoil.  The  flat  areas  represent  poorly 
drained  late  soils.  The  series  is  typically  developed  through  a  broad  section  of 
the  northern  Ozark  Plateau  region.  In  its  mode  of  formation  and  the  character 
of  its  parent  material  the  series  is  probably  similar  to  the  Oswego  series,  which 
it  closely  resembles,  except  that  its  color  is  lighter.  A  large  part  of  the  Gerald 
series  exists  under  prairie  conditions.  A  great  part  of  the  rolling  areas  supports 
a  forest  of  oak  of  rather  stunted  growth  and  some  hickory.  The  soils  are 
utilized  principally  for  the  production  of  wheat,  corn,  and  oats,  and  to  some 
extent  for  bluegrass  and  cowpeas.     Their  agricultural  value  is  only  fair. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Gerald  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  arc; i.1 

Acres. 

Gerald  silt  loam 

Missouri  8 

80,000 

1  For  key  to  Dumber  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 
Hamilton   scries.'      The   BOilfi  Off  the   Hamilton    series  are  Of  brown   color  and 

usually  oi'  compart  structure,  becoming  sticky  when  wel  and  linking  and  oheok- 


1  Encountered  only   la   reconnolssance  work  and  1 1 1 < -  several  typet  nave  not  been  dif- 
ferentiated. 


GREAT   PLAIXS   REGION. 


389 


ing  upon  drying.  The  subsoils  consist  of  yellowish  gray,  with  mottlings  of 
white,  calcareous,  and  generally  porous  material.  The  lime  content  is  sometimes 
excessive,  giving  rise  to  a  light-gray  or  white  color.  The  series  is  mainly  of 
residual  origin,  but  the  surface  material  is  made  up  in  part  of  gravels,  sands, 
and  finer  material,  derived  from  soft,  consolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  cal- 
careous character  and  subsequently  modified  or  shifted  by  winds  or  by  alluvial 
agencies.  The  remainder  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  material  is  residual  from 
shales.  A  substratum  of  shale  or  of  calcareous  cemented  sands  and  gravels  of 
the  Mortar  Beds  of  the  Tertiary  deposits  often  occurs.  The  topography  varies 
from  gently  rolling  to  rolling  or  broken.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  not  ex- 
tensively utilized  and  are  best  adapted  to  grazing  and  stock  raising,  with  local 
cultivation  of  milo,  kafir,  sorghum,  etc.,  where  suitable  areas  occur. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hamilton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

237,312 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Hannibal  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  gray  to  brown  in  color  and 
overlie  yellowish  or  greenish  yellow  tenacious  subsoils.  They  are  of  residual 
origin  and  are  derived  from  soft,  easily  weathered  shales.  They  sometimes 
contain  fragments  of  the  shale  and  of  the  sandstone  which  immediately  over- 
lies it.  The  soils  occupy  slopes  or  benches  and  sometimes  gullied  or  eroded 
steep  hillsides.  Low-lying  areas  are  poorly  drained,  but  otherwise  drainage  is 
fairly  well  established.  Where  they  can  be  cultivated  they  are  moderately 
productive,  giving  fair  yields  of  wheat  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hannibal  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

TTarmihal  silt  ln?vm 

Missouri  5,  13 

14, 848 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hcrmosa  series. — The  soils  of  the  Hermosa  series  are  dark  brown.  The 
subsoils  are  brown  and  are  calcareous.  The  soils  occur  upon  plateau  plains, 
usually  of  level  to  gently  sloping  surface,  but  of  rough,  hilly  character  where 
eroded  by  streams.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin,  and  derived  from  soft 
calcareous  sandstones  and  conglomerates  of  the  slightly  consolidated  calcareous 
deposits  of  Tertiary  material  of  the  Great  Plains  region.  The  members  of  the 
series  are  usually  associated  with  the  soils  of  the  Rosebud  series.  Under 
favorable  climatic  and  topographic  conditions  they  are  productive  and  adapted 
to  general  farm  crops,  including  corn,  small  grains,  and  potatoes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hermosa  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Hermosa  loam South  Dakota  3 


119,808 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


Kildccr  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Kildeer  series  are  dark  gray  to  dark  brown, 
while  the  subsoils  are  of  light-gray  to  light-brown  color.  The  soil  and  subsoil, 
material  is  calcareous  and  of  residual  origin.  It  is  derived  from  limestones 
and  calcareous  shales.  The  soils  of  this  aeries  occur  upon  sloping  or  compara- 
tively level  plateau  plains  and  on  eroded  remnants  of  such  areas  or  elevated 
eroded  buttes.    The  rougher  areas  are  broken  by   rock  outcrop  and  are  not 


390 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


suited  to  extensive  cultivation.     Where  favored  by  topography  and  climate  the 
soils  of  good  depth  are  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  oats,  barley,  and  other  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Kildeer  s<  I 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Kildeer  loam 

North  Dakota  10 

46,080 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Kirkland  series. — The  Kirkland  series  consists  of  brown  surface  soils  with 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  compact  subsoils.  It  is  closely  associated  with  the 
Vernon  series,  and  is  a  soil  of  residual  origin  derived  from  the  shales  and 
sandstones  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds.  It  differs  from  the  Vernon  series  in 
possessing  darker  colored  soils  and  subsoils.  The  decided  red  color  of  the  rocks 
giving  rise  to  the  Vernon  soils  is  here  replaced  by  a  more  dingy  or  dark-reddish 
brown  or  grayish-red  color,  with  mottling  in  some  places.  The  texture  of  the 
rock  is  also  finer  where  this  series  is  developed.  It  is  a  clayey  shale,  sometimes 
calcareous  or  interbedded  with  limestone.  The  series  occupies  regions  of  gently 
rolling  topography.  The  soils  are  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  or  for  the  produc- 
tion of  cotton,  corn,  forage  crops,  and  grains.  The  rainfall  is  so  uncertain  that 
they  are  best  adapted  to  drought-resisting  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Kirkland  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


K  irkland  silty  day  loam . 
clay 


Kansas  0 . 


52,992 
40,064 


Total. 


93,066 


'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lancaster  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  and  the  subsoils  are  yellow  to 
gray.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  of  open,  porous  structure,  and  the  soil  is  easily 
cultivated.  In  places  a  layer  of  finer  material  occurs  about  2  feet  below  the  sur- 
face in  the  subsoil.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  surface  and  under- 
drainage  are  both  good.  The  series  is  derived  from  sandstone  and  is  residual. 
The  soils  of  the  series  are  rather  low  in  productive  capacity.  Under  favorable 
conditions  of  topography  and  climate  the  Lighter  members  are  well  adapted  to 
truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Lancaster  serif*. 


soil  name. 


Nei  • 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


2,368 


1  For  key  U)  number  In  this  roluinn  866  p.  733. 

Leslie  series.    The  soils  of  the  Leslie  series  are  black  and  are  underlain  by 

Hark  gray  or  mottled,  compact,  tough  day  subsoils.    The  depth  of  the  soil  and 

subsoil  material  varies  from  a  few  Inches  to  several  feet    it  Is  underlain  by  a 

stratum  of  alternating  beds  of  limestone  and  black  fissile  shale  from  which  the 

series  is  derived  as  a  residual  product.     Fragments  of  limestone  and  Bhale  are 

:,i  to  Borne  extent  In  the  soils  and  subsoils    The  topography  varies  from 

stoop  to  rolling.     Under  fav<  rable  topographic  conditions  the  soils  are  particu- 

adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  and  oats,  but  arc  not  ei  tenslvelj  utilized,  owing  to 

slopes  and  lie.; \  \  forest  CO!  er 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Leslie  series. 


391 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Leslie  clay 

Missouri  2 

1,216 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Morton  series. — The  soils  are  brown  in  color  and  contain  a  high  percentage 
of  organic  matter.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown  to  gray.  These  soils,  espe- 
cially the  subsoils,  are  usually  rich  in  lime.  Gravel  or  rock  fragments  rarely 
occur.  The  series  occupies  undulating  to  rolling  and  sometimes  rough  hilly 
prairies.  It  consists  of  residual  soils  derived  principally  from  the  sandstones 
and  shales  of  the  Laramie  formation.  The  series  is  extensively  devoted  to 
grazing  and  to  dry  farming  to  grains.  Wheat,  barley,  and  flax  are  the  prin- 
cipal products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Morton  series. 


Soil  name.                                                         State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Morton  fine  sand North  Dakota  6.  7 

4,352 

North  Dakota  6,  7;  South  Dakota  3 

2,548,672 

North  Dakota  7 

163,456 

North  Dakota  6,  7 

48.128 

North  Dakota  6 

104, 576 

North  Dakota  6.  7 

17,024 
9.920 

clay 

North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 

gumbo 

North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 

404,736 

undifferentiated 

North  Dakota  10;  South  Dakota  3 

9, 873, 408 

Total 

13.174,272 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 

Oswego  series. — The  soils  of  the  Oswego  series  are  light  gray  to  dark  gray. 
The  subsoils  are  drab  to  yellow  and  are  compact  and  impervious.  The  series 
is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  interbedded  sandstone  and  shale,  which 
sometimes  occur  as  a  bedrock  substratum  at  comparatively  shallow  depth. 
The  topography  is  gently  rolling  or  rolling  and  the  soils  are  favored  by  good 
surface  drainage,  but  subdrainage  is  sometimes  deficient.  They  are  generally 
less  productive  than  the  associated  soils  of  the  Crawford  series,  but  constitute 
important  staple  crop  soils.  Wheat,  corn,  oats,  flax,  rye,  and  potatoes  are  the 
principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  srnls  of  the  Oswego  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  10 

82,944 

fine  sandy  loam 

Kansas  1,4 

25,293 

Kansas  9 

18,688 

Total 

910,541 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Pierre  series. — The  soils  of  the  Pierre  series  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown, 
the  immediate  surface  often  being  light  gray.  They  are  usually  compact  and 
refractory  and  the  subsoil  frequently  contains  fragments  of  disintegrated  clay 
concretions.  The  subsoils  are  brown  and  compact  and  grade  Into  a  substratum 
of  partially  weathered  bc   le.    This  l  bstratum  does  not  usually  occur 

at  less  than  (>  feet.    The  surface  Is  ly  Irregular,  being  dissected  or  eroded 

and  marked  by  hills  and  ridges.  Drainage  is  generally  good,  but  in  local.  \  oorly 
drained  depressions  the  subdrainage  is  deficient.  The  series  is  of  residua] 
origin  and  is  derived  from  Bhales.  The  types  frequently  contain  rather  exces- 
sive amounts  of  alkali  salts. 


392  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Pierre  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

South  Dakota  1 

24, 192 

cla  v 

South  Dakota  1 

undifferentiated 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

Total 

10,861,056 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sidney  scries. — The  Sidney  series  consists  of  brown  surface  soils  with  light- 
gray  to  white,  calcareous,  floury  silty  clay  subsoils.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  distinguished  from  those  of  the  Rosebud,  series,  with  which  they  are  asso- 
ciated, by  the  brown  color  of  the  soils  and  the  white  color  and  floury  texture  of 
the  subsoils.  Water-worn  gravel  occurs  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  of  all  the  types. 
These  soils  cover  a  part  of  the  High  Plains  and  the  topography  ranges  from 
gently  undulating  to  very  hilly  and  broken.  The  soils  are  residual  and  are 
derived  from  cemented  calcareous  conglomerate  with  clay  and  silt  material  of 
the  Tertiary  deposits.  The  more  loamy  types  are  excellent  soils  for  general 
farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sidney  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7.. 
...do 

292, 60S 
343,296 

do 

705,024 

do 

1.405,440 

Total ...                         

2,746,368 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Spearfish  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Spearfish  series  are  chocolate  brown  to 
red.  and  sometimes  carry  an  amount  of  organic  matter  sufficient  to  impart  a 
dark-brown  color  to  the  immediate  surface.  The  subsoils  ape  reddish-brown  to 
red.  Fragments  of  gypsuni  usually  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  subsoils 
are  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  gypsum  or  gypsuiu-beariug  rocks,  often  occurring 
at  shallow  depth.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  gypsum- 
bearing  shales  and  sandstones.  The  topography  is  level  or  gently  rolling  to 
rough.  Owing  to  its  shallow  character  and  lack  of  irrigation  possibilities,  a 
large  part  of  the  series  is  not  developed  to  agriculture.  Where  of  sufficient 
depth,  and  particularly  where  irrigated,  the  soils  are  adapted  to  orchard  and 
truck  crops  and  to  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Spearfish  aeries. 


Soil  name. 

state  or  ana.1 

Acres. 

South  l>akot;i  8 

200,448 

:  .  number  in  this  ooluran  see  p.  733. 

Summit  Tin.   soils  are  d:irk   gray    to   black,   with    mottled   yellow   ami 

gray  subsoils.  The  soils  OCCUpy  smooth  and  nearly  tlat  to  sharply  rolling 
pr;iiries.     The  series  is  of  residual  origin  and   is  derived  from  calcareous  shales 

associated  with  thin  Lnterbedded  layers  of  limestone,    The  soils  contain  a  large 

amount  Of  Organic  matter.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established.  The  mem- 
bers of  this  series  are  «.f  darker  COlOl  and  of  higher  Agricultural  value  than 
the  soils  of  the  Bates  and  OswegO  series,  with  which  they  are  associated.      They 

arc  known  loeally  as  "black  limestone  lands."    They  are  well  adapted  to  the 

staple  farm  products  of  the  regions  in  which  they  occur.  Com,  wheat,  oats, 
timothy.   Hover,  and  alfalfa   are  the   principal   products. 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  393 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Summit  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Summit  silt  loam 

Missouri  3, 10 

228,480 

Missouri  10 - 

20, 224 

silty  clay  loam 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  10. 
Missouri  3 

146, 048 

14.976 

undifferentiated 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

4,006,656 

Total 

4, 416, 384 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Vernon  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown  to  red.  The  subsoils  are  usually- 
red,  but  sometimes  reddish  brown  or  brown  in  the  upper  part.  This  series 
occurs  extensively  in  the  prairie  regions  of  northern  Texas,  Oklahoma,  and 
southern  Kansas.  The  soils  are  residual,  and  are  derived  from  sandstones  and 
shales,  mainly  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds.  The  topography  varies  from  gently 
rolling  to  dissected  and  excessively  eroded.  The  lighter  members  of  the  series 
are  usually  wind  blown.  The  soils  are  generally  well  drained,  productive,  and 
adapted  to  general  farm  crops.  Cotton,  wheat,  oats,  corn,  and  forage  crops, 
including  kaflr  corn,  maize,  and  sorghum,  are  the  principal  products.  Under 
suitable  moisture  conditions  some  of  the  lighter  types  are  adapted  to  melons, 
truck  crops,  and  certain  tree  fruits. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the 


of  the  Vernon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Vernon  sand 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  30 

68.224 

fine  sand 

Oklahoma  1 

44.928 

sandv  loam 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  30 

40, 576" 

fine  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam. . 
loam 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  22,  30 

526, 720 

7,680 

Texas  22 

732,672 

silt  loam 

Kansas  10;  Oklahoma  1;  Texas  30 

768,768 

Oklahoma  1 ;  Texas  30 

31,808 

Total 

2,221,376 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wagoner  series. — The  soils  of  the  Wagoner  series  are  gray  to  light  brown. 
They  are  underlain  by  yellow  to  gray  subsoils,  mottled  with  red.  The  subsoils 
are  of  heavy  texture,  but  of  granular,  friable  structure.  Chert  fragments  occur 
in  the  soil  and  subsoil  of  the  stony  members.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin 
and  derived  from  limestone  material.  The  topography  is  rolling  and  drainage 
is  well  established.  The  timber  growth  consists  of  black  oak,  post  oak.  and 
hickory.  The  soils  are  adapted  to  general  farm  products,  and  particularly  to 
grass  crops.     The  stony  members  are  suited  to  the  cultivation  of  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  ~\Yagoncr  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wagoner  stony  silt  loam 

Missouri  5 

41,984 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND    THEIR    USE. 


Sand  Groltp. 

The  soils  of  the  sand  group  included  within  the  residual  province  of  the 
Great  Plains  region  are  of  loose,  porous,  and  usually  incoherent  structure.  They 
are  widely  distributed,  although  their  total  area  is  not  extensive.  Thus  far 
but  two  soil  types  have  been  mapped. 


394 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


The  soils  are  frequently  shallow,  and  are  sometimes  eroded.  Where  devel- 
oped as  prairies  they  are  subject  to  drifting  and  their  surface  is  usually  hum- 
mocky.  They  are  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  in  time  of  drought, 
and  are  not  extensively  utilized  except  for  pasture.  Wheat,  corn.  oats,  and 
hay  are  the  principal  crops  in  the  north,  but  yields  are  generally  low.  Id  the 
southern  areas  cotton,  kafir,  and  sorghum  are  the  main  products,  the  later 
crops  being  more  resistant  to  the  pronounced  conditions  of  drought  prevailing 
during  the  summer  in  these  areas. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  not  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  and  where 
subject  to  wind  action  are  poorly  adapted  to  agriculture  unless  protected  by 
windbreaks.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  moisture  and  protection  from  winds 
they  are  best  adapted  to  early  truck  crops  and  melons  and  to  peaches  under 
intensive  cultivation.    Apples  are  successfully  grown  locally  to  a  limited  extent. 

Boone  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  fine  to  medium  sand  from  6  to  10  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  fine  to  medium  sand  of  mottled  brown,  yellow,  and 
white  color.  A  bedrock  substratum  occurs  at  a  depth  of  2  to  6  feet  or  more. 
The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  sandstone,  but  includes 
some  colluvial  talus  material.  It  has  suffered  somewhat  from  erosion  and 
surface  washing.  It  occurs  inextensively  and  is  but  little  utilized.  The  soil 
is  loose  and  porous  and  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  It  is  de- 
voted mainly  to  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  hay,  with  low  yields.  It  is  better 
adapted  to  fruit  and  early  truck  crops. 

Vernon  sand. — The  surface  soil  is  a  gray  to  reddish  brown  loose,  incoherent 
medium  sand,  and  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-yellow  slightly  more  compact 
sand  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
from  sandstone,  but  includes  some  wind-laid  material  from  stream  channels. 
The  type  is  wind-blown  and  its  surface  is  hummocky  to  dunelike.  The  soil 
is  well  drained.  Kafir,  sorghum,  and  cotton  are  the  principal  crops,  but  much 
of  the  type  is  not  suitable  for  agriculture,  drifting  badly  when  cleared  of 
native  vegetation.  Apples,  peaches,  and  melons  do  well  where  moisture  condi- 
tions are  favorable  and  protection  from  winds  is  afforded. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

Vernon  sand 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  30 

68,224 

Minnesota  5;  W isconsin  3,14 

31,296 

Total 

99,520 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 


Tlif  soils  of  the  line  sand  group  occupy  somewhat  elevated  positions,  and  the 

topography  is  usually  Bloplng.  The  soils  are  loose  and  porous,  ami  are  exces- 
sively drained.  They  are  ofteD  underlain  by  bedrock  .-it  shallow  depths  and 
are  deficient  in  moisture  -retaining  capacity  duriDg  periods  of  restricted  rainfall. 
They  are  do!  extensively  cultivated  aDd  are  devoted  mainly  to  grazing.  When 
cultivated  the  soil  is  subject  to  erosion,  and  to  wind  drifting  where  not  pro- 
tected by  wind  breaks  or  by  natural  vegetation.  Some  corn,  cotton,  and  peaches 
are  grown. 

The  members  of  the  tine  Band  group  are  not  adapted  to  general  farming  pur- 
poses.   They  are,  however,  easily  cultivated  and  are  warm,  early  soils  which 

•  the  curly  spring  growth  of  native  grasses  in  the  Northern  stales  where 
such  L'i';^cs  are  of  value  in  the  grazing  industry,  hut  fall  with  the  earlj   ad 

e  of  summer  drought.  Where  protected  from  winds  and  favored  by  condi- 
tions of  moisture  supply,  the  soils  are  well  adapted  to  early  potatoes,  early 
t  ruck  crops,  and  peach 

The  soils  of  i he  group  require  only  a  light  farming  equipment,  but  owing  to 
ii,"  light  rainfall  in  the  areas  in  whicb  they  occur  their  extensive  cultlvatiou  is 
somewhat   hazardous,     in  their  utilization  aod  adaptation  to  agriculture  they 

-i  depart  greatly  from  the  soils  of  the  sand  group  of  this  province. 
Boone  fine  sand.    The  soil  t"  an  average  depth  of  about  i<»  laches  is  b  brown 

lit  brown,  rather  loose,  Incoherent  line  Band.    The  subsoil  is  :i  light-brown 

How  Incoherent  line  sand  generally  '■>  feet  or  more  in  depth     in  places  the 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


395 


subsoil  passes  at  about  2  feet  into  the  partially  weathered  sandstone  from  which 
the  type  is  derived.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  undulating  to  quite 
rolling  and  steep,  so  that  the  use  of  modern  farm  machinery  is  sometimes  pro- 
hibited. Drninnge  is  good  to  excessive,  and  some  erosion  occurs  on  steep  hill- 
sides. Over  small  areas  small  dunes  have  been  formed  by  wind  action.  The 
original  timber  growth  was  principally  bur  oak  and  other  scrub  oaks.  The  agri- 
cultural value  is  low.  Such  crops  as  corn  and  rye  are  generally  grown  with  only 
moderate  profit.     Pastures  are  scanty. 

Morton  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  from  5  to  10  inches  of  a  light-brown, 
very  fine  silty  sand,  underlain  by  a  fine  silty  sand  of  lighter  color.  The  soil  is 
loose  and  incoherent  and  contains  organic  matter  in  varying  amounts.  The 
subsoil  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  less  passes  into  a  partly  altered  sandstone  sub- 
stratum. It  is  a  residual  soil  formed  from  fine-grained  sandstone  with  subse- 
quent removal  by  washing  of  the  finer  materials.  It  occupies  the  flat  tops 
and  in  places  the  slopes  of  a  few  hills  or  buttes.  It  has  a  low  agricultural 
value  for  general  farm  crops,  owing  to  its  inability  to  retain  moisture,  and  is 
used  chiefly  for  grazing.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  and  cultural 
methods  it  is  adapted  to  potatoes  and  truck  crops. 

Vernon  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  loose  fine  sand  from  4  to  6 
inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  to  depths  varying  from  2  to  3  feet  by  a  yellowish 
or  salmon-colored  fine  sand.  Below  this  is  a  sandy  porous  clay  which  grades 
into  disintegrated  sandstone.  The  type  occupies  slopes  and  crests  of  ridges  and 
has  good  drainage.  It  is  residual  in  mode  of  formation  and  derived  from  fine- 
grained red  sandstone.  The  native  tree  growth  consists  of  scrubby  black  jack 
oaks.  The  soil  is  of  low  agricultural  value.  Some  cotton,  corn,  and  peaches 
are  grown.  Cowpeas  should  be  grown  as  a  means  of  improving  the  soil,  and  it 
should  be  protected  by  cover  crops  during  the  winter. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

B  oone  fine  sand 

133  312 

Oklahoma  1 

44,928 
4,352 

North  Dakota  6,  7 

Total 

182,592 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 


The  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  group  are  widely  distributed  and  are  included  in 
several  important  soil  series.  They  usually  occupy  areas  of  undulating  or  rolling 
topography  which  favors  cultivation  and  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  although 
some  of  the  members  of  the  group  are  hilly  and  broken.  Drainage  is  well 
established. 

The  soils  are  of  friable  and  porous  structure  and  readily  absorb  rain  water. 
Thep  are  easily  cultivated  and  maintained  in  a  favorable  condition  of  tilth  by 
the  use  of  moderately  light  farming  equipment.  The  subsoils  are  prevailingly  of 
heavier  texture  and  more  compact  structure  than  the  surface  material,  and 
serve  to  check  excessive  subdrainage  and  render  the  group  as  a  whole  retentive 
of  moisture.  The  soils  are  generally  much  less  subject  to  erosion  and  wind 
drifting  than  those  of  lighter  texture  in  the  same  series.  Owing  to  their 
heavier  texture  and  the  character  of  underlying  material,  these  soils  are  much 
superior  to  the  groups  of  lighter  textured  soils  in  this  province  for  general 
farming  purposes.  Crops  are.  however,  often  subject  to  injury  from  deficient 
moisture  owing  to  the  light  rainfall  over  a  large  part  of  the  region  in  which  the 
soils  occur. 

Corn,  wheat,  feaflr,  and  sorghum  are  the  principal  products.  Oata  and  alfalfa 
are  grown  in  certain  areas,  and  cotton  is  grown  in  the  Southern  States.  Under 
favorable  climatic  conditions  the  soils  are  also  suited  to  potatoes,  melons,  and 
truck  crops,  and  in  many  cases  the  soils  are  better  adapted  to  such  uses 
to  general  farm  crops,  owing  to  greater  possibilities  in  retention  of  moisture 
under  a  system  of  intertillage.  In  many  districts  of  Light  rainfall  the  Bandy 
loams,  where  accompanied  by  subsoils  of  high  water-holding  capacity,  are  supe- 
rior for  general  farming  purposes  to  the  soil   types  of  heavier  texture  daring 


396  soils  or  the  uxited  states. 

periods  of  drought,  owing  to  the  more  porous  character  of  the  immediate  surface, 
which  when  dry  tends  to  form  a  natural  mulch. 

Boone  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  grayish-brown  medium  sandy- 
loam  and  extends  to  a  depth  of  about  10  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  or 
reddish-yellow  heavier  sandy  loam.  Practically  no  stone  or  gravel  is  present 
ill  the  soil  section.  In  general  the  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly,  though  some 
areas  on  the  tops  of  drainage  divides  are  nearly  level.  Drainage  is  usually 
good.  The  type  is  derived  from  weathering  of  the  sandstone  country  rock. 
Where  the  soil  is  well  manured  its  agricultural  value  is  fair  for  corn,  oats,  and 
potatoes. 

Clark  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  dark-brown  or  nearly  black 
sandy  loam,  8  to  12  inches  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  a  gray  sandy  clay  or  loam 
which  contains  loose,  chalky,  calcareous  material  and  concretions  and  extends  to 
several  feet  in  depth.  The  topography  of  the  type  is  gently  rolling  to  undulating, 
and  surface  drainage  is  good.  In  origin  the  soil  is  residual  from  weathering  of 
the  consolidated  calcareous  material  of  the  Mortar  Beds,  in  places  mixed  with 
unconsolidated  sandy  and  gravelly  material  of  the  Tertiary  formation,  and  modi- 
fied more  or  less  by  wind  action.  Fair  yields  of  corn,  kaflr,  and  sorghum  are 
secured. 

Kngleicood  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-brown,  rather 
light-textured  sandy  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  8  to  15  inches  and  containing 
sand  and  fine  gravel,  though  not  enough  to  cause  the  soil  to  be  porous  or  leachy. 
The  subsoil  is  a  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay  which  varies  somewhat  in  color,  being 
quite  reddish  where  the  underlying  Red  Beds  are  near  the  surface,  or  grayish 
where  they  are  covered  with  several  feet  of  the  unconsolidated  material.  The 
topography  is  gently  rolling  to  undulating.  The  type  is  derived  from  two 
geological  formations,  the  soil  resulting  from  the  weathering  of  the  unconsoli- 
dated Tertiary  material,  while  the  subsoil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from 
the  shales  and  sandstones  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds.  Drainage  is  good.  Fair 
yields  of  corn,  kafir,  and  sorghum  are  secured,  with  lighter  yields  of  wheat  and 
alfalfa.     Truck  crops  do  well. 

Oswego  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  light-gray  to  grayish-brown  and  from  10 
to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  quite  similar  to  the  soil,  but  has  a  slightly 
heavier  texture  and  lighter  color.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived 
mainly  from  sandstone.  Its  topography  ranges  from  comparatively  level  or 
gently  rolling  to  rough.  It  is  rather  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  but 
in  favorable  seasons  produces  fair  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  and 
potatoes.  With  a  favorable  moisture  supply  it  is  adapted  to  melons,  truck 
crops,  and  other  intertilled  crops. 

Sid/try  sandy  loam.— The  soil  is  brown  to  dark  reddish  brown,  and  lias  an 
average  depth  of  about  16  inches.  It  is  of  slightly  adhesive  character.  The 
Upper  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  and  somewhat  heavier  in  texture  than  the  soil. 
The  deeper  subsoil  is  light  gray  or  white,  and  calcareous.  The  type  is  of  resid- 
ual origin  and  is  derived  from  soft,  partially  consolidattNl  calcareous  gravel, 
sand,  silt,  and  clay  formations  of  the  Mortar  Beds  of  Tertiary  deposits,  suhse- 
quentlv  modified  to  some  extent  by  winds.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly 
level  plains  to  hilly  with  dunclike  undulations.  The  type  is  retentive  of 
moisture,  the  surface  materia]  forming  a  natural  mulch  during  dry  periods. 
It  is  well  adapted  to  corn  and  forage  crops,  and.  where  sheltered  from  winds. 
to  small  grains. 

Vemon  sandy  /or////.— The  soil  is  a  dark-red  to  reddish-brown  sandy  loam 
from  1^  to  •':«>  Inches  deep,  and  is  mellow,  friable,  and  easily  worked.  The  sub- 
soil lo  a  depth  of  36  inches  is  heavier  in  texture  and  varies  in  color  from  red 
to  brown.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  sandstone  and  shale 
material,  but  Includes  considerable  wind-blown  material,  it  is  generally  well 
drained  and  usually  retentive  of  moisture.  The  topography  is  sloping  or  un- 
dulating. Corn,  wheat,  katir.  oats,  and  cotton  are  the  principal  crops  on  this 
soil  type,  and  it   is  well  adapted  to  potatoes,  melons,  truck  crops,  and  alfalfa. 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


397 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Sidnev  sandy  loam 

Nebraska  7 

292,608 

82,944 

40,576 

16,064 

8,320 

2,688 

Oswego  sandy  loam 

Kansas  10 

Vernon  sandy  loam 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  30 

Boone  sandy  loam 

Wisconsin  14 

Clark  sandy  loam 

Englewood  sandy  loam 

do 

Total 

443,200 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  has  been  encountered 
only  under  one  soil  series. 

The  topography  is  prevailingly  rough  and  broken  and  is  not  favorable  to  the 
extensive  or  economical  use  of  farm  machinery.  Owing  to  the  gravel  content, 
which  renders  the  soil  more  porous,  and  to  the  porous,  open  structure  of  the 
upper  subsoil,  the  type  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  departs 
widely  from  the  sandy  loams  in  relation  to  agriculture. 

But  little  attempt  has  been  made  to  use  this  soil  for  other  than  grazing  pur- 
poses, and  only  small  areas  occur  which  are  capable  of  being  profitably  culti- 
vated without  irrigation. 

Sidney  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  and  contains  varying  amounts 
of  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil,  but  similar  in  texture. 
The  deeper  subsoil  is  of  gray  to  white  color  and  of  silty  or  flourlike  texture. 
The  surface  is  usually  rough  or  broken  and  dissected  by  streams.  The  type 
is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  soft,  partially  consolidated,  calcareous 
conglomerates,  and  sand,  clay,  and  silt  deposits  of  the  Tertiary  age.  It  is 
prevailingly  of  too  rough,  hilly  character,  and  too  deficient  in  moisture-retaining 
capacity  to  be  well  adapted  to  cultivation.     It  is  usually  devoted  to  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sidney  gravelly  sandy  loam Nebraska  7 


343,296 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  are  of  extensive  occurrence  in  this 
province.  They  have  been  recognized  under  a  number  of  important  soil  series, 
ranging  in  distribution  from  the  more  northern  to  the  southern  portions  of  the 
Great  Plains  region.  They  are  thus  subject  to  a  wide  range  in  climatic  condi- 
tions and  vary  in  topography  and  in  character  of  underlying  material,  with 
resulting  influence  upon  drainage,  moisture-retaining  properties,  and  adapta- 
tion to  crops. 

The  prevailing  topography  is  undulating  or  rolling,  but  some  of  the  members 
of  the  group  are  frequently  hilly  and  some  are  rough,  broken,  and  eroded  or 
dissected.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established  and  sometimes  excessive. 
Underlying  bedrock  is  encountered  in  places  at  shallow  depths,  but  except  in  the 
areas  of  rough  topography  it  does  not  usually  approach  the  surface  so  closely 
as  to  interfere  with  cultivation  or  with  root  development  of  the  staple  i 
of  the  region.  The  subsoils  of  some  members  of  the  group  are  coin  pact  and  of 
heavier  texture  than  the  surface  soil  and  their  moisture-holding  capacity  is 
high.  In  other  members  of  the  group  the  subsoils  are  porous  and  leachy  and 
not  adapted  to  the  conservation  of  moisture  during  periods  of  drought. 

In  the  more  sparsely  settled  and  In  rough  and  hilly  districts  the  fine  sandy 
foams  are  utilized  extensively  for  grazing  purpose*,     in  the  northern   Si 
the  cultivated  areas  are  devoted  mainly  to  wheat,  outs,  pol  '  flax.     In 

the  middle  states  of  the  Great  Plains  Region  they  are  devoted  principally  to 


398  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

com.  oats,  potatoes,  small  grains,  and  the  more  drought-resistant  crops,  such  as 
kafir.  milo.  sorghum,  etc.,  while  in  the  southern  part  of  the  district  covered  by 
the  group  cotton  is  grown  to  a  limited  extent. 

The  soil  is  friable  and  easily  cultivated.  The  genera]  type  of  agriculture 
practiced  calls  for  an  equipment  somewhat  lighter  than  that  required  on  the 
heavier  soil  groups  at  the  same  series.  Although  typically  liner  and  more  re- 
tentive of  moisture  than  the  sandy  loams,  the  fine  sandy  loams  within  this 
province,  owing  to  their  underlying  material,  average  somewhat  lower  in  water- 
holding  capacity  and  resistance  to  drought.  Whore  underlain  by  subsoils  of 
greater  water-holding  power  they  vary  but  little  from  the  sandy  loam  group 
in  adaptation  to  crops  and  are  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  except  in  dis- 
tricts of  insufficient  rainfall.  Where  underlain  by  porous  subsoils  they  are 
better  adapted  to  intertilled  drought-resistant  crops,  such  ;is  the  sorghums, 
broom  corn,  milo,  kafir,  etc.  Early  melons  and  truck  crops  may  be  grown  for 
home  use  or  upon  a  commercial  basis  in  are;;s  favored  by  market  and  trans- 
portation conditions.  In  the  western  arid  districts  irrigation  is  usually  essen- 
tial to  trucking  and  general  farming.  Under  irrigation  some  of  the  members 
of  the  group  produce  melons,  sugar  beets,  potatoes,  and  alfalfa  and  are  well 
adapted  to  such  crops. 

Benton  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  from  2  to  4  feet  of  a  light-brown 
to  dark-brown  friable  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  by  heavy  fine  sandy  loam 
or  loam  carrying  a  stratum  of  compact  and  slightly  heavier  material. 

The  type  occurs  as  extensive  areas  of  rough  and  hilly  to  gently  undulating, 
elevated  plains,  cut  by  deep,  narrow  valleys  formed  by  intermittent  stri 
Local  swampy  depressions  or  closed  drainage  basins  frequently  occur.  The  soil 
is  formed  largely  of  residual  material  derived  from  underlying  shales,  shaly 
sandstone,  and  sandstone.  The  type  is  sometimes  gravelly,  generally  well 
drained,  and  free  from  alkali  except  in  local  depressions.  Under  irrigation  it  is 
adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and  sugar  beets. 

Boone  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  about  8  to  12  inches  is  a  gray,  Uiose- 
structured  fine  sandy  loam,  and  this  is  underlain  by  a  buff  or  yellowish-gray 
clay  loam  or  sandy  clay.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  usually  mottled  with  red.  A 
bedrock  substratum  occurs  at  10  to  30  inches.  Mica  flakes  are  present  in  both 
soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  residual  and  is  derived  from  sandstones  and  sandy 
shales.  The  type  is  generally  confined  to  abrupt  slopes  and  its  topography  is 
rough.  It  is  well  drained.  It  was  originally  timbered,  but  a  great  part  of  it  is 
now  cultivated.  The  humus  content  is  low  and  the  addition  of  organic  matter 
will  greatly  benefit  the  soil.  It  is  better  suited  to  truck  crops  than  to  general 
farming,  although  fair  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  and  oats  are  secured. 

Englewood  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  16  inches  is  a 
light  reddish  brown  tine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  texture,  but  its 
color  is  lighter  and  more  reddish.  The  soil  is  loose  and  incoherent.  The 
topography  is  for  the  most  part  rolling  and  in  some  places  the  hills  are  dune 
Shaped.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  shale  and  sandstone 
material  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds,  with  an  admixture  in  the  surface  material 
of  sand  blown  in  from  other  formal  ions.  It  is  better  adapted  to  corn  and  the 
■Orghums  than  to  small  grains.     Melons  and  truck  crops  would  do  well. 

Lancaster  fine  sandy   loam. — The  soil    is  composed  of  medium   to   fine   sand. 

with  a  Blight  admixture  of  silt,    it  is  open  and  porous  and  extends  to  an  average 

depth  of  about  12  Inches.  The  subsoil  is  composed  of  medium  to  fine  sand  or 
sandy  loam  of  yellow  to  gray  color.  At  about  26  incbes  a  stratum  of  rather 
heavy  silly  material,  about  .r>  inches  in  thickness,  is  sometimes  encountered 
The  type  has  a  rolling  topography.  It  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  largely 
from  sandstone.  It  is  not  a  good  type  for  general  farming.  It  is  probably  best 
adapted  t<>  early  vegetables. 

Morion  fine  sandy  foam,  The  type  consists  of  1<>  to  L8  inches  of  light  hrovvn. 
friable  line  sandy  loam,  Underlain  by  a  subsoil  which  becomes  slightly  lighter 
brown  or  gray  and  heavier  with  depth.  A  bedrock  substratum  is  sometimes 
encountered   at    •■•    depth   of  :;    feet    or   less.      The  type  has  a    moderately   rolling 

topography.  Drainage  is  thorough  and  even  excessive  in  the  rough  areas.  The 
soil  is  residual  and  formed  by  the  weathering  of  one-grained  sandstone,  usually 
of  the  Laramie  formation,  which  underlies  the  subsoil  at  depths  varying  trom 
2  to  -zo  feet.    The  soil  is  productive,  but  is  largely  used  for  grating.     Under 

cultivation  it    produces  g 1  crops  of  llnx.  o;i(s.  and  potatoes,  and   fair  yields  of 

wheat     Barlj  maturing  corn  should  do  well  and   the  texture  <»f  the  soil   is 

favorable  for  trucking 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


399 


Oswego  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  or  gray,  heavy,  friable 
fine  sandy  loam,  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  of  similar  material,  but  of 
lighter  yellowish  color  and  sometimes  heavier  texture.  The  deeper  subsoil 
usually  contains  rock  fragments.  This  is  an  upland  soil  and  occupies  low, 
rounded  knobs  and  ridges.  Its  surface  is  rolling.  Drainage  is  well  developed. 
The  type  is  residual  and  the  soil  is  derived  from  sandstone  and  arenaceous 
shale,  which  occur  in  places  a  few  feet  beneath  the  surface.  Corn  and  oats  are 
the  principal  crops,  the  former  yielding  from  20  to  30  bushels  and  the  hitter 
about  25  bushels  per  acre.  Very  little  wheat  is  grown  on  this  soil,  as  it  is  likely 
to  winterkill.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  fruit  and  truck  crops  and  to  corn, 
broom  corn,  and  potatoes. 

Vernon  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brownish-red,  friable,  fine  to  very  fine 
sandy  loam  from  12  to  22  inches  deep,  often  containing  a  high  percentage  of 
silt.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  in  texture  and  structure,  but  it  is 
lighter  in  color  in  the  lower  depths.  At  from  four  to  six  feet  the  material  is 
generally  a  yellowish-red  fine  sand.  The  soil  occupies  bluffs  along  rivers. 
The  surface  is  level  to  slightly  rolling,  and  drainage  is  good.  The  type  is  of 
residual  origin  and  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones,  but  the  surface  ma- 
terial locally  includes  wind-blown  river  sand.  The  soil  is  used  principally  for 
pasturage,  but  it  is  adapted  to  wheat,  corn,  oats,  cotton,  and  other  farm  crops, 
and  to  fruits  and  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Morton  fine  sandy  loam 

Vernon  fine  sandy  loam 

Benton  fine  sandy  loam 

Englewood  fine  sandy  loam . 

Boone  fine  sandy  loam 

Oswego  fine  sandy  loam 

Lancaster  fine  sandy  loam.. 


North  Dakota  6,  7;  South  Dakota  3 

Oklahoma  1;  Texas  22,  30 

Colorado  2 

Kansas  10 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  3,  5,  16;  Wisconsin  5,  7, 

Kansas  1,  4 

Nebraska  3 


2,548,672 

526,720 

196, 480 

64,512 

62,912 

25,293 

2,368 


Total. 


3,426,957 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


VERY   FINE   SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


But  one  soil  of  very  fine  sandy  loam  texture  has  been  recognized  in  this 
province  and  this  type  is  confined  to  the  southern  part  of  the  Great  Plains 
region. 

The  topography  is  rolling  and  sometimes  hilly.  Drainage  is  well  established 
and  is  frequently  excessive.  In  places  the  soil  is  thin.  The  material  is  slightly 
finer  in  texture  than  that  of  the  typical  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group. 
The  subsoil  is  similar  to  that  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series. 

The  surface  material  is  a  little  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  fine 
sandy  loam.  In  utilization  and  its  adaptation  to  crops  this  soil  does  not  depart 
materially  from  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series. 

Vernon  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  red  very  fine  sandy  loam  about. 
15  inches  deep,  and  overlies  a  lighter  red  and  heavier  subsoil.  The  type  is  of 
residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  sandstone.  In  some  places  erosion  has  been 
severe,  and  the  underlying  red  Permian  sandstone  is  exposed  or  occurs  as  a 
bedrock  substratum  at  shallow  depths.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  hilly, 
and  drainage  is  good  to  excessive.  The  agricultural  value  of  the  soil  varies 
with  the  amount  of  erosioD  which  has  taken  place.  Where  the  soil  is  not  too 
thin,  and  the  topographic  contour  is  favorable,  corn  and  wheat  give  fair  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

7,680 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


400  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  loam  group  are  extensively  developed  and  occur  under  a  large 
number  of  important  soil  series.  They  are  encountered  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  Great  Plains  province  and  in  the  middle  and  southern  States.  Some  of  the 
series  include  types  which  have  a  wide  range  in  location  from  east  to  west, 
while  others  are  either  confined  to  districts  of  ample  rainfall  in  the  eastern 
section  of  the  region  or  occupy  western  areas  where  they  are  not  of  great  agri- 
cultural importance  except  under  irrigation.  Owing  to  this  wide  range  in  dis- 
tribution and  to  their  variation  in  topography,  drainage,  and  character  of  under- 
lying material,  the  loams  vary  widely  in  the  purposes  to  which  they  are  devoted 
and  in  the  crops  to  which  they  are  adapted. 

Certain  members  of  the  group  are  locally  or  typically  shallow  and  have  a 
rough,  broken  topography.  In  general,  however,  depth  of  soil  and  topographic 
features  are  favorable  to  cultivation,  root  development,  and  to  the  effective  use 
of  farm  machinery.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established  and  is  sometimes 
excessive. 

While  some  members  of  the  loam  group  occur  under  unfavorable  conditions 
of  water  supply  or  of  topography,  transportation  facilities,  or  character  of 
underlying  material,  this  is  one  of  the  most  important  soil  groups  in  the  Great 
Plains  region  and  produces  a  great  part  of  the  grain  and  other  general  farm 
crops  of  the  prairie  States. 

In  the  northern  States  wheat,  oats,  flax,  com,  and  millet  are  the  principal 
products.  In  the  middle  States  small  grains,  corn,  and  forage  crops,  consisting 
of  sorghum,  milo,  kafir,  broom  corn,  etc.,  are  most  extensively  grown,  while  in 
the  southwestern  areas  wheat,  other  small  grains,  and  corn  are  less  extensively 
grown  than  the  more  drought-resistant  crops.  In  the  southern  States  cotton  is  a 
staple  crop.  Vegetables  are  grown  for  home  use  throughout  the  region,  and 
under  favorable  climatic,  market,  and  transportation  conditions  they  are  pro- 
duced commercially.  Potatoes  constitute  an  important  crop.  The  soils  are 
generally  too  shallow  and  unfavorably  located  for  the  successful  culture  of  tree 
fruits,  but  peaches,  apples,  plums,  etc.,  are  profitably  grown  in  small  areas.  In 
irrigated  sections,  alfalfa  and  sugar  beets,  as  well  as  the  staple  grain  (Tops,  are 
extensively  grown.  Watermelons  and  cantaloupes,  and  peas  for  canning  pur- 
poses are  grown  for  market  in  certain  local  districts. 

The  subsoils  are  usually  retentive  of  moisture.  Some  of  the  soils  are  sticky 
when  wet  and  tend  to  puddle  and  bake,  but  owing  to  good  natural  drainage  and 
to  the  prevailing  structure  and  texture  of  the  soil  material  it  is  usually  triable 
under  cultivation,  is  easily  kept  in  good  tilth,  and  when  in  such  condition  its 
water-holding  power  is  high  during  the  dry  summer  months. 

The  loam  group  requires  a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment.  It  is 
superior  to  the  groups  of  lighter  textured  soils  within  (his  province  for  general 
farm  crops,  and  is  usually  to  be  preferred  for  the  production  of  vegetables 
.ling  watermelons  and  truck  crops  for  early  market  or  grown  under  Irriga- 
tion. When  irrigated  it  is  suited  to  the  culture  of  sugar  beets  and,  except  in 
areas  of  thin  soil,  to  alfalfa. 

Benton  loam.— The  soil  is  rather  fine  silty  loam  usually  reddish  brown  in 
color,  extending  to  a  depth  of  G  feet  or  more.  A  compact,  adobelike  stratum, 
:1  inches  thick,  often  occurs  below  the  first  6  inches,  or  at  a  depth  of  1  to 
2  feet  a  reddish,  tough  sandy  clay  of  compact,  adobe  structure  is  encountered. 
This  materia]  is  underlain  by  a  Stratum  Of  sedimentary  rocks.  It  sometimes 
gravel,  consisting  Of  angular  fragments  Of  sandstone  and  shale.  This 
type  OCCUra  both   in  small  and  extensive  areas  of  elevated,  treeless  plains.     The 

raphy  is  gently  rolling  or  rather  hilly.  The  surface  Of  elevated  areas  to 
■led  by  narrow  valleys  and  deep  perpendicular-sided  arroyos  or  marked 
by  drainage  depressions.  The  higher  elevations  are  rounded  and  often  broken 
by  outcropping  sedimentary  rocks.  The  soil  is  derived  from  residual  material 
from  shale,  sandstone,  and  limestone.  The  type  is  usually  well  drained  and  free 
from  alkali,  except  m  Local  depressions,  and  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar  beets, 
small  fruits,  and  ordinary  farm  crops. 

Bate*  loam.    The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  brown  loose  loam  8  to  LB 
inches  deep,     it  is  underlain  by  buff-colored  sandy  clay  Loam,  which  is  usually 
mottled  with  red  and  yellow.    A  Bubstratum  of  arenaceous  shales  and  sand- 
stone is  encountered  al  depths  varying  from  18  inches  to  8  Beet    The  soil  is 
ual  and  derived  from  the  weathering  of  these  rocks    The  type  is  usually 

well    drained,   and   occupies   .  rolling   topography.      It    OCCUrS   as   treeless 

prairie  Lu  native  condition  and  It  devoted  to  general  farm  crops  and  vegetable 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  401 

gardening.     Corn,   wheat,   flax,   oats,   melons,   and   other   truck   crops  are  the 
principal  products. 

Clark  loam. — The  Clark  loam  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  loam,  quite  heavy  and 
sticky  in  places,  although  it  contains  large  amounts  of  sandy  material.  It  ranges 
in  depth  from  6  to  15  inches,  and  is  underlain  by  a  gray  sandy  clay  or  sandy 
loam.  The  subsoil  is  calcareous,  and  grades  into  beds  of  soft,  chalky  material 
containing  lime  nodules.  Some  mottling  is  frequently  present  in  the  subsoil. 
The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  undulating,  and  drainage  is  good.  The  type 
is  residual  and  derived  from  the  weathering  of  consolidated  calcareous  material 
from  the  limestone  forming  the  Mortar  Beds  phase  of  the  Tertiary  formation, 
probably  modified  by  wind  action.  Only  small  areas  of  this  type  have  so  far 
been  mapped,  but  where  cultivated  it  produces  fair  yields  of  corn,  kafir, 
sorghum,  wheat,  and  alfalfa. 

Cottonwood  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  loam  to  silty 
loam,  8  to  12  inches  deep,  containing  enough  fine  sand  to  make  it  quite  friable. 
At  a  depth  of  12  to  30  inches  a  substratum  of  gray  or  white,  soft,  impure  gyp- 
sum is  encountered.  In  some  areas  this  rock  lies  so  near  the  surface  that  it 
is  turned  up  by  the  plow.  The  soil  is  mainly  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
from  gypsum  lentils  found  in  the  Permian  Red  Beds.  In  places  the  superficial 
material  consists  of  Tertiary  or  wind-blown  material,  and  forms  a  thin  layer 
over  the  gypsum.  The  soil  is  of  low  productiveness  and  is  used  principally  for 
pasturage. 

Crawford  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  loam  12  inches  deep. 
The  immediate  surface  soil  carries  a  large  amount  of  fine  sand  and  has  the 
general  appearance  of  a  fine  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  brown  loam, 
passing  usually  at  about  25  inches  into  a  stiff,  compact  clay  more  nearly  red  in 
color.  The  type  has  a  rolling  topography  and  is  well  drained.  It  is  not  se- 
riously eroded.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  the  weathering 
of  sandy  ferruginous  clays,  impure  limestone,  and  sandstone.  It  is  easily  tilled, 
is  well  suited  to  cotton  and  corn,  and  produces  fair  yields  of  wheat  and  oats. 
Peaches,  plums,  small  fruits,  vegetables,  and  forage  crops  do  well. 

Engleicood  loam. — To  a  depth  of  8  to  15  inches  this  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or 
reddish-brown  loam,  often  containing  more  sand  than  a  typical  loam  soil,  but 
owing  to  a  high  clay  content  the  soil  is  distinctly  loamy.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown 
or  reddish-brown  loam  or  clay  loam.  In  some  areas  small  knolls  of  gravelly 
soil  too  small  to  differentiate  occur.  The  type  is  easily  tilled  on  account  of  its 
rather  high  sand  content.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  and  drainage 
is  usually  good.  The  type  is  classed  as  residual  in  origin,  since  the  subsoils 
are  residual  from  shale  and  sandstone  material  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds  which 
they  overlie,  but  the  soil  material  includes  a  thin  covering  of  unconsolidated 
Tertiary  material.  The  Englewood  loam  is  a  fair  agricultural  type,  and  pro- 
duces corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  wheat  and  alfalfa.  Small  vegetables  and  some 
fruits  are  also  grown. 

Fort  Collins  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or  reddish-brown  to  almost 
black  loam  from  4  to  12  inches  in  depth.  It  is  underlain  by  a  layer  of  heavy 
loam  from  1  to  4  feet  in  thickness,  beneath  which  the  subsoil  grades  into  a 
light  loam  similar  to  the  surface  soil  and  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more. 
The  soil  becomes  sticky  when  wet  and  bakes  badly,  often  breaking  into  rough 
cubical  blocks  upon  exposure  after  puddling.  The  surface  is  generally  level, 
although  occasionally  slightly  rolling  or  undulating,  and  sometimes  pitted  by 
erosion  and  cut  by  small  intermittent  streams.  This  is  a  residual  type  formed 
by  the  weathering  in  place  of  clayey  or  shaly  sandstones  and  sandy  shales. 
The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  oats,  barley,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  potatoes, 
and  apples. 

IFcrmosa  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  rather  heavy  and  plastic 
loam  about  14  inches  deep,  underlain  by  brown  or  gray  heavy  loam  to  clay 
loam  similar  in  texture  and  structure  to  the  soil  material.  At  a  depth  of 
about  3  feet  this  becomes  less  plastic  and  more  friable.  A  small  amount  of 
water-worn  quartz  and  limestone  gravel  usually  occurs.  The  material  is  of 
residual  origin  and  derived  from  slightly  consolidated  deposits  of  the  Tertiary, 
consisting  of  soft  and  calcareous  sandstones  and  conglomerates.  The  type  la 
closely  associated  with  the  Rosebud  soils,  but  the  material  is  of  more  local 
origin,  having  been  brought  down  from  the  Black  Hills  Immediately  west  of 
the  area  in  which  it  is  found.  It  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  plateau  plains 
with  steep  slopes  and  rough  hilly  areas  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  It  is  a 
productive  soil,  and  under  favorable  moisture  conditions  is  well  suited  to  corn. 
small  grains,  potatoes,  and  other  general  farm  crops. 

79619—13 26 


402 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Kihleer  loam. — The  Kildeer  loam  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  dark-brown 
loam  from  10  to  20  inches  deep,  underlain  by  light-gray  to  light-brown  loam. 
The  soil  is  calcareous,  friable,  and  readily  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of 
tilth.  It  is  residual,  and  formed  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  limestone 
and  calcareous  shales.  The  type  occupies  elevated  plateaus  and  buttes.  The 
surface  is  rough  and  rocky  at  higher  altitudes  to  smooth  and  more  gently  slop- 
ing at  lower  levels.  The  slopes  are  frequently  broken  by  rock  outcrop,  and  are 
often  too  steep  and  broken  for  successful  cultivation.  The  arable  areas  are 
adapted  t<»  the  production  of  wheat,  oats,  and  corn. 

Morton  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  IS  inches  is  a  brown  loam  with  a  large 
percentage  of  silt.  This  passes  in  many  places  into  a  silt  loam.  The  subsoil 
is  typically  a  light -brown  to  light-gray  silt  loam,  which  usually  extends  to  a 
depth  of  40  inches  or  more.  This  is  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  bedrock.  The 
topography  includes  broad  valleys  and  rolling  hills.  The  natural  drainage  is 
good,  and  moisture  is  well  retained.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is 
derived  from  calcareous  sandstones  of  the  Laramie  formation.  Some  stones 
occur  on  the  hills.  This  soil  is  productive,  and  good  crops  of  wheat,  flax, 
oats,  corn,  millet,  and  vegetables  are  secured.  On  areas  of  rougher  topography 
pasture  is  most  profitable. 

Sidnev  loam. — The  soil  is  light  brown  and  10  to  16  inches  deep,  and  it  is 
usually  somewhat  silty  and  is  rather  compact.  The  subsoil  is  light  gray  to 
white  and  contains  excessive  amounts  of  lime,  with  an  admixture  of  coarse 
sand  and  gravel.  In  places  it  consists  of  a  compact  bed  of  cemented  gravels. 
The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  areas,  and  is  usually  well  drained.  It 
is  residual  and  derived  from  soft,  partially  consolidated,  calcareous  conglomer- 
ate, snnd.  silt,  and  clay  deposits.  It  is  little  used,  except  for  grazing.  Where 
the  rainfall  is  adequate  the  soil  is  adapted  to  small  grains,  corn,  sorghum,  and 
other  forage  crops. 

sr<  ar/isli  loam.— This  type  includes  a  chocolate  brown  to  reddish-brown  loam 
to  silty  loam  about  8  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  to  rcsl  heavy 
loam  to  silty  clay  loam.  This  rests  upon  a  stratum  of  gypsum-bearing  shales 
and  sandstones.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  the  weather- 
ing of  the  Spearfish  Red  Beds.  It  closely  resembles  the  Vernon  soils  of  Okla- 
homa and  Texas.  Where  not  too  shallow  it  is  a  very  productive  soil,  and 
when  Irrigated  or  when  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  it  produces  good 
crops  of  wheat,  oats,  alfalfa,  and  potatoes.  The  soil  is  also  well  suited  to  the 
production  of  fruit. 

Verntni  loam.— The  surface  soil  of  the  Vernon  loam  consists  of  0  to  10  inches 
of  reddish-brown  or  reddish  loam,  containing  a  high  percentage  of  very  line 
sand  and  a  rather  large  amount  of  silt.  The  subsoil  to  36  inches  is  a  red. 
reddish-brown,  or  reddish-yellow  heavy  loam.  In  some  areas  gypsum  is  found 
either  exposed  or  at  a  slight  depth  beneath  the  surface.  The  soil  is  residual. 
and  has  been  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  shale  and  sandstone  rocks 
of  the  Permian  Red  Reds.  The  surface  is  gently  to  moderately  rolling,  but 
large  areas  are  badly  eroded  and  the  cultivation  of  large  connected  areas  is 
usually  Impossible.  It  is  a  strong,  productive  soil,  and  irives  good  yields  of 
kafir.  milo,  sorghum,  wheat,  oats,  and  cotton. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  irnmo. 


Vernon  loam 

loam 

■  h   loam... 
•    . 
Hermo  :i  loam 
.  "ii 

Benton  loam 

K Hdeei  '.'•  ■ 
Fori  Collin   l<>;tm. 
loam 

Cottonwood  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.' 


•    .  .    .      , 
Nebraska  "... . 
South  Dakota  3. 
North  I' 
South  Dakota  3. . 

>2 

North  i 
Colorado  2 

i    



I 
I  i 


A.ores. 


200,448 

119,808 

14,144 
11,630 

f.,7S4 


2,180,fi72 


5  to  Diimbei    In  this  oolumn  •  ee  p.  73S. 


GEEAT   PLAINS   REGION.  403 

STONY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  stony  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  resemble  the  loams  of 
the  same  series  in  texture  of  the  interstitial  soil  material,  but  are  distinguished 
by  the  presence  of  stone  fragments  or  bowlders  in  quantities  large  enough  to 
influence  the  possibilities  and  methods  of  crop  production,  the  drainage  of  the 
soils,  and  their  relation  to  moisture  supply. 

The  stony  loams  have  been  encountered  under  several  of  the  soil  series  of 
the  Great  Plains  region.  They  are  widely  distributed  and  in  some  districts 
cover  extensive  areas. 

The  stone  and  bowlders  interfere  with  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  and 
considerable  expense  and  labor  is  necessary  in  clearing  the  land.  The  prevail- 
ing topography  is  sharply  rolling  to  rough,  and  the  surface  is  frequently  so 
dissected  or  interrupted  by  outcropping  ledges  of  rock  as  to  render  large 
areas  unfit  for  cultivation.  The  soils  are  usually  shallow.  Drainage  is  gen- 
erally excessive,  and  the  soils  are  sensitive  to  drought. 

The  stony  loams  are  not  extensively  utilized  except  for  pasture,  and  are  best 
adapted  to  grazing.  They  are  of  "some  importance  in  connection  with  the 
grazing  industry,  and  local  areas  are  capable  of  producing  forage  crops  or 
grains.  On  some  of  the  timbered  areas  in  districts  of  ample  rainfall  forestry 
should  be  practiced. 

Benton  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  grayish-brown  loam,  con- 
taining small  shale  and  limestone  fragments  throughout  the  soil  material  and 
on  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  light  gray,  and  is  made  up  largely  of  partially 
weathered  shale  and  limestone  fragments.  The  type  occupies  eroded  and  dis- 
sected regions  of  rough,  broken  topography,  and  is  well  drained.  The  soil  is 
residual  and  derived  from  shale  and  limestone  material.  It  is  underlain  b5 
a  bed  rock  stratum,  usually  at  shallow  depths.  The  underlying  shale  and  lime- 
stone rocks  are  exposed  in  places  as  eroded  surfaces  or  as  outcrops.  The  type 
is  not  retentive  of  moisture,  and  owing  to  this  feature,  together  with  its  shallow 
depth  and  rough  topography,  it  is  generally  devoted  to  grazing.  Where  topo- 
graphic and  climatic  conditions  are  suitable  forage  crops,  such  as  kafir,  sorghum, 
etc.,  may  be  grown  in  connection  with  stock  raising. 

Boone  stony  loam. — The  interstitial  material  varies  from  a  brown  loam  to  a 
light-brown  sandy  loam,  and  in  a  few  places  to  a  gray  sand.  The  soil  is  from 
6  to  15  inches  deep,  and  contains  broken  fragments  of  brown  sandstone  varying 
considerably  in  size.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellow  loamy  clay  with  dull  red  mot- 
tlings.  and  is  very  stony.  This  is  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  unweathered  bed- 
rock, occurring  at  from  2  to  4  feet.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is 
derived  from  shales  and  sandstones.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  steep  along 
valleys  and  on  narrow  divides.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  timbered, 
though  a  few  areas  of  prairie  land  occur.  It  has  little  agricultural  value,  and 
is  best  adapted  to  pasturage  and  forestry. 

Clark  stony  loam. — Over  most  of  its  area  this  type  is  rough  and  stony.  In 
the  small  areas  of  tillable  land  the  typical  soil  is  a  light  to  dark  brown  or 
dark-gray  silt  loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  6  to  18  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a 
lighter-colored  silt  loam.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  fragments  of  calcareous 
rocks.  In  the  rougher  areas  a  limestone  substratum  outcrops  in  great  blocks 
or  ledges,  and  loose  fragments  are  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  type  repre- 
sents the  exposure  and  partial  weathering  of  calcareous  strata  of  the  Ter- 
tiary, underlying  the  Plains  Marl.  On  the  arable  land  wheat,  corn,  and  the 
sorghums  produce  fair  yields. 

Eldorado  stony  loam. — This  is  a  d;irk-brown  loam  12  to  15  inches  deep,  under- 
lain by  a  yellow  or  gray  loamy  clay  with  red  mottlings.  The  subsoil  becomes 
redder  with  depth.  Angular  chert  fragments  constitute  from  10  to  20  per  cent 
of  the  soil  material  and  a  somewhat  greater  part  of  the  subsoil.  The  soil  is 
easily  cultivated,  except  where  the  stone  content  is  too  great,  and  produces 
good  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  and  ^rass.  The  tyre  is  derived  from  the  weathering 
of  Burlington  limestone,  and  is  of  residual  origin.  Tt  forms  a  part  of  the 
original  prairies.    The  topography  is  rolling  and  drainage  is  good. 

Morton  stony  loam. — The  interstitial  earth  consists  of  6  to  12  inches  of  brown 
One  sandy  loam  or  yellowish  brown  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  brown 
silt  loam.  From  10  to  50  per  cent  of  gravel,  stones,  and  bowlders  occurs  on  the 
surface  .Mid  through  the  soil.  The  gravel  and  bowlders  are  largely  granitic 
and  of  glacial  deposition,  the  finer  glacial  material  having  been  removed  by 
erosion.    The  stones  are  largely  sandstone  and  chert,  derived  from  underlying 

rocks.      The   type    usually   occupies    lew.    narrow    ridges   and    rounded    knolls   or 


404 


SOILS    OF    THE    UXITED   STATES. 


hilly  regions  subject  to  erosion.  Drainage  is  thorough  to  excessive.  While  the 
typo  is  largely  devoted  to  pasture,  small  tracts  may  be  utilized  for  producing 
winter  feed  and  potatoes  or  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Benton  stony  loam 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

Clark  stonv  loam 



Morton  stony  loam 

North  Dakota  6,  7 

Eldorado  stony  loam 

Missouri  5 

Boone  stony  loam 

do 

10.432 

Total 

936  960 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CEAVELLY  LOAM  PHASE. 


While  the  stony  loams  of  the  residual  province  in  the  Great  Plains  region 
have  been  quite  extensively  encountered  in  the  soil  survey,  the  gravelly  loam  has 
been  recognized  under  only  one  soil  series. 

The  subsoil  is  heavy  and  compact  and  is  retentive  of  moisture,  but  a  high 
gravel  content  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  with  the  predominant  rolling  topography, 
renders  both  surface  and  subdrainage  excessive.  The  soil  is  of  greater  average 
depth  than  that  of  the  stony  loams  of  the  province,  and  its  general  features  are 
superior,  yet  it  is  much  inferior  to  the  soils  of  the  loam  group  in  adaptation  to 
agriculture,  particularly  under  conditions  of  light  rainfall.  It  is  best  suited  to 
pasture,  but  where  the  gravel  content  is  not  excessive  corn  is  grown  to  some 
extent  with  a  fair  degree  of  success  in  favorable  seasons.  In  favorable  loca- 
tions a  part  of  the  type  could  probably  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  peaches 
and  grapes. 

Crawford  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  very  dark  to  black,  compact  gravelly 
loam,  with  a  depth  of  about  8  inches,  and  contains  from  10  to  50  per  cent  of 
rounded  chert  fragments  of  a  reddish  tinge.  The  subsoil  is  a  red,  very  stiff, 
tenacious  clay,  in  which  small  quantities  of  similar  gravel  usually  occur.  The 
gravel  content  varies  greatly  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  soil  is  residual, 
and  is  derived  from  limestone.  The  type  occupies  knobs  and  ridges,  which  rise 
from  5  to  30  feet  above  the  general  level.  The  topography  is  thus  rolling,  and 
affords  good  surface  drainage.  The  gravel  in  the  soil  permits  ready  sub- 
drainage.  The  type  as  a  whole  is  best  adapted  to  pasture,  but  where  the  soil 
Is  not  too  gravelly  corn  is  successfully  grown,  especially  in  wet  seasons.  (J rapes, 
peaches,  and  some  other  fruits  would  probably  do  well  on  some  areas. 

.-  and  distribution  of  tin-  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  niune. 


K 


State  oi 


number  in  this  oolumn  Bee  p.  733. 


l.OA.M     ADOBE    I'M  \ 

The  adobe  Boils  are  noi  widely  developed  in  the  Greal  Plains  region,  and  are 
confined  to  the  western  arid  districts,  where  they  have  been  recognized  under 
one  soil  series.  This  sol]  is  more  tenacious  and  refractory  when  wet  than  are 
the  normal  □  the  loam  group,  and  it  has  a  pronounced  tendency  to 

puddle  and   to  ad  check   upon  drying.    When   properly  managed  and 

thoroughly  cultivated  the  soil  is  friable  and  retentt  Isture.    Drainage  la 

sometimes  rather  poorly  developed. 

The  loam  adobe  soil  requires  a  somewhat  heavier  type  of  farming  equipment 
than  the  loam  soils  in  general  adaptation  to  crops  It  is  more  closely  related 
to  the  soils  of  the  clay  loam  than  to  those  of  the  loam  group.    The  rainfall 

is  usually  tOO  light    for  the  growing  Of  Crops  without    irrigation,      ruder  irriga- 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION.  405 

tion  and  favorable  drainage  conditions  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  a  heavy  type 
of  farming  and  the  production  of  grains,  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  and  sugar  beets. 
Benton  loam  adobe. — This  soil  has  a  compact,  adobelike  structure,  checking 
into  cubical  blocks  upon  exposure,  but  breaking  into  a  loamy  tilth  when  culti- 
vated under  favorable  moisture  conditions.  It  grades  from  a  fine  sandy  loam  to 
a  heavy  loam  in  texture,  is  usually  without  gravel,  and  is  yellowish  or  reddish 
brown  to  dark  brown  or  dark  gray.  It  is  usually  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and 
is  underlain  by  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shale.  The  type  occupies  hilly  to  low, 
gently  undulating  slopes,  local  drainage  depressions,  and  narrow  areas  bordering 
arroyos.  It  is  derived  from  underlying  sedimentary  rocks,  modified  by  alluvial 
wash  from  higher  slopes,  and  by  wind-blown  material.  Gypsum  and  lime  are 
frequently  encountered  in  large  quantities.  The  soil  retains  moisture  and  is 
adapted  to  alfalfa  and  grains  when  capable  of  irrigation.  It  is  generally  free 
from  accumulation  of  seepage  waters  or  alkali  from  the  irrigation  of  higher 
lands. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Benton  loam  adobe 

Colorado  2,  3 

42,880 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  silt  loam  group  are  extensive  and  widely  distributed  and 
are  represented  in  a  greater  number  of  important  soil  series  than  are  the  soils 
of  any  other  group  within  the  residual  province  of  the  Great  Plains  region. 

Their  extensive  occurrence  gives  a  wide  variation  in  rainfall  and  other 
regional  climatic  conditions.  They  also  vary  more  in  topography,  drainage, 
depth,  character  of  subsoil  or  other  underlying  material,  and  in  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  and  relation  to  agriculture  than  any  other  soil  group  or 
group  phase  in  the  province. 

Most  of  the  silt  loams  occur  in  areas  of  comparatively  level  to  undulating  topog- 
raphy, are  of  good  depth,  and  are  underlain  by  subsoils  which  are  somewhat 
heavier  and  more  compact  than  the  surface  material.  Surface  drainage  is 
fairly  well  established,  but  subdrainage  is  generally  poor,  owing  to  relatively 
impervious  subsoils.  The  soil  is  usually  friable  under  cultivation  and  retentive 
of  moisture.  Some  of  the  members  of  the  group,  however,  occupy  areas  of 
rough,  broken  topography,  frequently  broken  by  outcropping  ledges  of  rock, 
and  are  excessively  drained,  subject  to  erosion,  and  often  of  shallow  depth.  In 
some  types  the  subsoils  are  of  porous  character;  in  others  they  are  so  dense 
and  intractable  as  seriously  to  retard  subdrainage  and  root  development.  In 
some  members  the  soil  material  is  easily  puddled  and  is  maintained  in  a  favor- 
able structural  condition  only  with  difficulty.  Some  of  the  members  of  the 
group  are  the  best  soils  for  general  farming  within  the  districts  in  which  they 
occur.  Others  are  unproductive  and  not  retentive  of  moisture  and  are  adapted 
only  to  grazing  or  forestry. 

With  respect  to  agricultural  use  and  possibilities  of  development,  the  silt 
loams  average  somewhat  lower  than  the  loam  group  of  the  province.  In  certain 
series,  however,  they  may  be  superior  to  the  loams. 

The  arable  and  productive  members  of  the  group  are  devoted  almost  ex- 
clusively to  general  farming,  the  principal  crops  consisting  of  wheat,  oats,  corn, 
flax,  clover,  timothy,  and  other  grasses.  Kafir,  sorghum,  millet,  broom  corn, 
and  similar  crops  are  extensively  grown,  particularly  in  districts  of  light  rain- 
fall. Alfalfa  and  sugar  beets  are  important  crops  in  some  localities,  especially 
in  the  irrigated  areas.  Potatoes,  tobacco,  cantaloupes,  and  garden  vegetables, 
and  apples,  peaches,  plums,  and  berries  are  local  products  of  some  importance. 

The  soil  requires  a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment,  and  careful  man- 
agement and  thorough  cultivation  is  necessary.  It  is  adapted  to  a  rather  heavy 
type  of  general  farming,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of  climate,  natural 
water  supply,  and  irrigation,  and  where  transportation  and  market  facilities 
are  available,  such  special  products  as  heavy  and  late  vegetables,  cantaloupes, 
and  sugar  beets  can  be  profitably  produced. 


406  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Bates  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  mellow  loam,  which  changes  to  a 
yellowish-gray  silt  loam  at  a  depth  of  8  to  10  inches.  This  is  underlain  at  20 
to  36  inches  by  a  yellow  and  red  mottled  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  subsoil  which 
becomes  slightly  heavier  with  depth.  Iron  nodules  and  bands  of  soft,  imperfect 
iron  bardpan  occur  in  the  subsoil  material.  The  type  is  of  residua]  origin  and 
Is  derived  from  the  soft  shales  and  sandstones  which  Immediately  underlie  it. 
In  its  native  condition  it  is  treeless  prairie,  but  the  soil  is  valuable  for  general 
Canning  and  large  areas  are  under  cultivation.  The  principal  products  consist 
of  corn,  wheat,  flax,  and  hay. 

ticlri<i<  rt  yj't  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish-yellow  to  brown  silt 
loam  10  to  14  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  grayish-yellow,  loose  silt,  containing 
flakes  and  fragments  of  shale.  This  is  underlain  by  a  bedrock  stratum  occur- 
ring frequently  within  3  feet  of  the  surfa.ee.  The  soil  is  hard  and  compact  and 
cracks  when  dry.  Fragments  of  anhydrite  and  fossiliferous  limestone  occur  in 
both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  is  residual,  and  has  been  derived  from  dark- 
colored  shale.  Owing  to  its  shallow  character  and  rough  broken  topography  it 
is  not  adapted  to  crop  production,  and  is  used  only  for  grazing. 

Benton  sill  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light  yellowish-brown  or  buff  silt  loam.  It 
is  somewhat  sticky  when  wet.  but  friable  under  cultivation.  The  upper  subsoil 
is  a  light  brown  rather  compact  silt  loam,  while  the  deeper  subsoil  is  light 
brown  to  light  grayish  brown  in  color  and  of  more  porous  structure,  is  usually 
calcareous,  and  often  contains  gypsum  crystals.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin 
from  calcareous  shales,  shaly  limestones,  and  to  some  extent  from  interbedded 
sandstones.  There  is  some  admixture  in  places  of  waterworn  gravels  or  of 
finer  angular  material  of  granitic  origin  from  Tertiary  or  from  early  alluvial 
deposits.  In  general  the  topography  is  nearly  level  or  undulating,  but  local 
rough  eroded  areas  occur.  The  soil  is  easily  eroded  and  is  generally  well 
drained  except  in  local  depressions  or  where  seepage  waters  from  irrigation 
accumulate.  Where  climatic,  irrigation,  and  drainage  conditions  are  favorable, 
rhe  type  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  and  special  crops,  and  is 
extensively  utilized  for  the  production  of  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  melons,  and 
-m gar  beets. 

Boone  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  from  6  to  15  inches  of  a  very  light  gray, 
rtoury  silt  loam,  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  mottled  yellow  and  gray, 
father  compact  silt  loam  or  light  clay  loam.  The  type  is  residual  and  is  derived 
from  shales.  Its  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  sloping.  The  timber 
growth  is  principally  oak  and  hickory.  The  soil  is  very  low  in  humus,  and  can 
be  improved  by  the  addition  of  organic  matter.  Very  little  of  the  type  is  uu- 
der  cultivation  and  the  yields  are  rather  low. 

Casth  ton  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  about  12  inches  is  a  dark  grayish  or 
<rayish  brown  heavy  loam.  The  substratum  consists  of  disintegrated  gray  clay 
rod  shaly  limestone*  This  is  underlain  at  20  to  36  inches  by  a  stratum  of  lime- 
stone bedrock  which  is  so  thin  and  broken  that  the  soil  auger  passes  through  it 
into  the  red  clay  beneath.  The  type  is  encountered  as  small  areas  along  the 
escarpment  between  the  Tertiary  and  Permian  formations.  It  occupies  shelf- 
like i>ositions  which  represent  the  highest  horizon  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds. 
The  soil  is  residual  from  shaly  limestone  of  the  Permian.  Its  topography  Is 
pearly  level  to  gently  undulating,  and  narrow  areas  of  the  type  have  been  cut 
by  streams  and  reduced  in  extent  by  erosion.  Owing  to  its  thin  soil  and  the 
Impervious  underlying  material,  the  type  is  droughty.  The  soil  is  cultivated  in 
places  and  during  gOOd  seasons  fair  yields  of  corn  and  wheat  and  good  yields 
•  f  katir  and  sorghum  are  produced. 

Crawford  Hit  loam.— The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  i<>  Inches  is  a 
reddish-brown  to  dark-brown  friable  silt  loam,  which  has  a  decided  tendency  to 

ut   iii  periods  of  drought,  making  frequent  cultivation  necessary.     The  sub- 
red  or  brown   silt    loam  or  clay  loam,  generally  somewhat  open  and 
ular,   hut    becoming  more  compact    and   stiffer   with   increased  depth.     The 

lype  is  residual  ami  derived  from  limestone,  which  is  frequently  encountered  2 

te.   6   feet    below    the  surface.      It    occupies   level    to    rolling   prairies  and    is   well 
drained  except   in  depressions  ami  tlat  areas,  where  it   is  generally  best   suited  to 

tures.    The  soil  is  particularly  adapted  to  corn,  but  ail  general  farm  crops, 

,<■]]  us  fruit   and   ve:  .■( aides,  do  fairly  well.     Corn,  wheat,  oats,  and   hay  are 
the    principal    products.      Alfalfa,    clover,    and    timothy   are    grown    to   a    limited 

tent 

DodgevUle  Hit  loam,     This  soil  is  a  dark  brown  to  nearly  black  silt   loam  8  to 

deep,  and  overlies  a  more  compact  subsoil,  changing  to  a  light  reddish 

f   huff   color,    particularly   at    lower  depths,    where    il    frequently    rests  directly 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  407 

upon  a  bedrock  substratum.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  but  includes  a 
slight  admixture  of  loessial  material.  It  is  derived  from  limestone.  The  lime- 
stone is  often  quite  granular  in  structure,  so  that  the  soil  material  appears 
sandy  at  the  point  of  contact.  The  soil  occupies  gently  rolling  to  hilly  areas, 
and  is  well  drained.  It  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  particularly  hay, 
corn,  and  the  small  grains. 

Englewood  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light  to  dark  brown  silt  loam 
containing  considerable  very  fine  sand,  18  to  20  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a 
light-brown  to  reddish-brown  silt  loam,  which  extends  to  more  than  3  feet. 
The  soil  is  easily  tilled.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  and  is  associated  with 
the  soils  of  the  Vernon  series.  It  is  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones  of  the 
Permian  Red  Beds,  but  includes  in  the  surface  soil  some  material  from  uncon- 
solidated Tertiary  deposits  or  from  other  sources.  It  is  more  deeply  weathered 
than  the  Vernon  soils.  It  is  very  productive  and  is  adapted  to  small  grains 
and  corn. 

Epping  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  silt  loam  of  light  yellowish  gray  or  buff  and 
sometimes  of  flesh  color.  The  subsoil  is  generally  similar  in  color  and  char- 
acter to  the  overlying  material.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
mainly  from  the  weathering  of  underlying  clay  of  the  Brule  formation.  It  occu- 
pies rolling  or  undulating  plains,  which  are  frequently  excessively  eroded  and 
dissected  and  which  merge  into  areas  of  "bad  lands"  or  rough,  broken  land. 
Drainage  is  generally  well  established.  The  soil  and  subsoil  are  deficient  in 
organic  matter  and  are  of  compact  structure.  The  type  is  rather  refractory 
when  first  placed  under  cultivation,  but  with  proper  management  and  thorough 
cultivation  it  becomes  friable.  The  rougher  areas  or  those  not  capable  of  irri- 
gation are  generally  used  for  grazing.  Irrigated  areas  are  devoted  to  the  suc- 
cessful production  of  alfalfa,  wheat,  barley,  and  potatoes. 

Gasconade  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  dark-gray  to 
black  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  mottled  silt  loam,  grading  below  36 
inches  into  a  gray  and  red  mottled  silty  clay.  The  subsoil  rests  in  places  upon 
unweathered  limestone  at  a  depth  of  4  to  6  feet.  The  type  occupies  gently  rolling 
prairie  uplands,  and  usually  has  good  drainage.  It  is  a  residual  type  derived 
from  limestones.  The  soil  is  productive  and  nearly  all  of  it  is  under  cultiva- 
tion. Corn  yields  from  20  to  45  bushels  per  acre,  and  wheat,  timothy,  and 
clover  do  well. 

Gerald  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  4  to  7  inches  is  a  gray  or 
grayish-brown  to  light-brown  floury  silt  loam.  On  the  more  nearly  level  areas 
the  color  is  usually  lighter  and  iron  concretions  occur,  the  reverse  being  true  in 
the  more  sloping  situations.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown 
silty  clay  loam,  grading  into  a  deeper  heavy  plastic  clay  subsoil  of  light  or 
dingy  brown  or  snuff  color,  frequently  mottled  with  gray  in  the  lower  section. 
Over  the  crests  of  ridges  and  flat  areas  the  heavy  clay  often  extends  to  a 
depth  of  36  inches  or  more,  but  on  the  steeper  slopes  the  lower  portion  of  the 
subsoil  is  often  more  friable  or  sandy  than  the  overlying  subsoil  section.  The 
heavy  intractable  clay  subsoil  interferes  with  root  development  and  the  down- 
ward movement  of  moisture.  Prevailingly  the  topography  is  gently  to  strongly 
rolling,  and  surface  drainage  is  good,  but  the  flat  areas  are  poorly  drained. 
Most  of  the  type  is  covered  with  a  stunted  growth  of  post  oak,  blackjack, 
some  white  oak,  and  hickory.  Owing  to  the  poor  underdrainage  and  the  heavy 
silty  texture  of  the  soil,  this  land  warms  up  slowly  in  the  spring.  Ordinarily 
the  yields  of  the  most  important  crops  grown  are  10  to  12  bushels  of  wheat,  15 
to  25  bushels  of  corn,  and  15  to  30  bushels  of  oats.  Cowpeas  and  bluegrass 
do  well. 

Ilannibal  silt  loam. — The  type  includes  a  dark-brown  silt  loam  8  to  10  inches 
deep  underlain  by  a  bright  yellow  or  greenish-yellow  silty  clay,  which  becomes 
more  tenacious  with  depth.  The  soil  contains  ;i  varying  amount  of  sandstone 
fragments.  Relatively  small  arens  of  the  type  are  developed  along  streams 
where  the  valleys  have  been  cut  down  to  the  underlying  shale,  the  soil  being  a 
residual  product  of  the  weathering  of  this  material.  It  occurs  as  gentle  slopes 
or  benches  just  above  the  alluvial  bottoms,  and  sometimes  occupies  step,  gullied 
hillsides.  Low-lying  areas  are  sometimes  poorly  drained.  As  a  rule,  however, 
the  drainage  is  fairly  good.  Wheat  and  corn  are  the  principal  crops.  The  soil 
is  especially  adapted  to  wheat. 

Morton  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  6  to  10  inches  of  gray  or  yellowish- 
brown  friable  silt  loam.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  24  inches  is  a  yellowish- 
gray  silt   loam  or  silty  clay,  beneath  which  a  compact  silly  clay  of  somewhat 


408  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

lighter  color  occurs.  The  surface  12  inches  contains  a  high  percentage  of  or- 
ganic matter,  which  renders  the  structure  fairly  loose  and  open.  The  greater 
part  of  the  type  has  sloping  or  gently  rolling  topography.  This  facilitates  good 
drainage,  which  is  very  important,  as  the  soil  becomes  plastic  when  wet.  This 
is  an  extensive  upland  type,  and  is  residual,  being  derived  from  fine-grained 
sandstone,  but  on  some  slopes  colluvial  material  is  also  locally  included. 
Narrow  ridges  of  fine  glacial  gravel  occur,  the  finer  glacial  material  having 
been  removed  by  erosion.  As  a  rule  the  soil  is  free  from  injurious  amounts  of 
alkali,  but  the  presence  of  some  salts  is  frequently  indicated  by  a  thin  white 
crust.  The  type  is  treeless,  the  vegetation  being  native  grasses.  The  soil  has 
never  been  cultivated,  and  wild  hay  and  pasture  are  the  only  products.  Small 
grains,  hay,  and  potatoes  should  do  well  wiih  sufficient  rainfall. 

Oswego  silt  loam.— The  soil  is  a  gray  to  dark-gray  or  yellowish-brown  silt 
loam,  6  to  20  inches  deep,  grading  into  a  drab  to  yellow  stiff  silty  clay,  which 
becomes  stiffer  and  more  impervious  as  depth  increases.  The  type  occupies 
level  to  gently  rolling  upland  prairies.  It  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
from  shale,  with  occasional  interbedded  layers  of  sandstone  or  limestone,  and 
in  places  outcrops  of  bituminous  coal.  When  dry  the  soil  is  likely  to  bake  and 
check,  but  breaks  up  into  a  mellow  loam  when  plowed.  Surface  drainage  is 
usually  well  established,  but  subdrainage  is  deficient.  This  is  t.  soil  of  fair 
productivity,  and  is  used  for  general  farm  crops.  The  average  yield  of  wheat 
is  about  18  bushels,  of  corn  25  bushels,  and  of  potatoes  SO  to  100  bushels  per 
acre.  Flax,  rye,  broom  corn,  oats,  clover,  timothy,  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  and 
fruits  are  grown  to  some  extent. 

Sidney  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  and  usually  extends  to  a  depth  of  12 
to  18  inches,  but  areas  of  thin  surface  soil  of  grayish-brown  color  occur  on 
slopes.  Water-worn  gravel  and  calcareous  fragments  often  occur.  The  subsoil 
is  white,  silty,  and  calcareous,  the  lime  content  being  excessive.  It  occasionally 
contains  gravel  and  soft  calcareous  fragments.  The  type  is  underlain  by  soft, 
cemented,  calcareous  material  of  the  Mortar  Beds,  but  this  substratum  is  not 
near  the  surface.  The  soil  occupies  slightly  undulating  or  gently  rolling  areas, 
and  is  well  drained.  It  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  calcareous 
grit  or  soft  limestone  interbedded  with  silt  and  clay,  containing  gravel  and 
calcareous  nodules.  The  type  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  and  for  the 
production  of  small  grains.  Under  favorable  climatic  conditions  it  is  adapted 
to  wheat,  oats,  corn,  and  forage  crops. 

Summit  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  of  this  type  is  uniformly  a  dark-gray 
or  black  rather  heavy  silt  loam,  which  has  a  tendency  to  constant  granulation. 
At  about  10  inches  below  the  surface  the  material  becomes  lighter  in  color, 
and  the  subsoil  is  mottled  yellow  and  gray.  The  granular  structure  is  main- 
tained to  about  20  inches,  at  which  depth  the  subsoil  grades  into  a  deeper  sub- 
soil of  yellowish  or  sligbtly  greenish  tinged  gray  silty  clay.  The  type  is  of 
residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  calcareous  shales.  Outcrops  of  thin  strata 
of  limestone  occur,  and  these  have  given  rise  to  the  impression  that  the  soil 
is  derived  from  limestone,  "black  limestone  land"  being  a  popular  name.  The 
soil  occupies  areas  of  rolling  typography,  and  is  usually  confined  to  narrow- 
ridges  and  slopes  and  higher  mountlike  elevations.  Surface  drainage  is  well 
Ished,  but  percolation  and  subdrainage  take  place  slowly.     The  type  was 

originally  covered  with  prairie  grasses,  but  is  now  Largely  cultivated  and  is 

dered  a  strong  soil  for  genera]  farm  crops,    it  is  particularly  adapted  to 

corn,   wheat,   and   flax.     Alfalfa    and   grass   crops   are   successfully    grown   to   a 

limited  extent 

u, n    silt    loam.— The   surface  soil   is  a   reddish-brown    to  dark-brown    silt 
Loam    1-!  Inches  deep,  and  is  mellow,  friable,  and  easily  worked.     The  subsoil   is 

a  light  reddish  In-own  compact  silt  loam,  heavier  iii  texture  than  the  soil.  but. 
at  from  3  10  6  fort  it  is  underlain  by  a  friable  rod  clay,    The  subsoil  frequently 

contains  lime  COncretiOUB  and  locally  becomes  grayish  and  sticky  when  moist. 
The  type  occupies  level  and  slightly  rolling  areas  of  the  prairie  upland,  and  is 
fairly    well    drained.      It    is   of   residual    origin    and    is   derived    from    shale   and 

sandstone  material  of  the  Permian  Red  Beds,  corn,  wheat,  oats,  kaflr,  apd 
sorghum  are  the  principal  crops  grown.  The  sol)  is  particularly  adapted  to 
wheat 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loaim 


409 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sidney  silt  loam 

Nebraska  7 

1,405,440 
783,616 

768, 768 

Kansas  1,  4,  7,  9;  Missou 
Kansas  10;  Oklahoma  1 
Kansas  1,  11;  Missouri  3 

ri3,  5,  6 

Texas  30... 

10 

320,039 
313,344 
236,288 
228,480 
145, 152 

Benton  silt  loam 

Colorado  3 

Summit  silt  loam 

Missouri  3,  10 

Englewood  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

North  Dakota  6 

104,576 
80,192 
80,000 
64,256 
56, 128 
23,040 
16,320 
14,848 
2,944 

Missouri  3,6 

Gerald  silt  loam 

Missouri  8 

Dodgeville  silt  loam 

Wisconsin  5 

Belvidere  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

Gasconade  silt  loam 

Arkansas  2;  Missouri?. 
Missouri  5,  13 

Hannibal  silt  loam 

Castleton  silt  loam 

Total 

4,643,431 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY  SILT  LOAM  PHASE. 


The  stony  silt  loam  phase  has  been  encountered  under  one  soil  series.  Both 
soil  and  subsoil  contain  a  large  amount  of  chert  fragments.  The  type  occupies 
rolling  topography  and  is  well  drained  and  productive.  While  the  porosity  of 
the  soil  and  subsoil  is  increased  to  some  degree  by  the  stone  content,  the  type 
occurs  in  districts  of  fairly  well-distributed  rainfall,  and  drainage,  while  ample, 
is  not  usually  so  excessive  as  seriously  to  impair  the  productiveness  of  the  land. 
The  soil  is  friable  under  cultivation,  but  the  stone  content  is  sometimes  suffi- 
cient to  interfere  somewhat  with  the  use  of  farm  machinery.  The  type  is 
almost  exclusively  devoted  to  general  farm  crops.  It  is  probably  superior  to 
the  normal  members  of  the  silt  loam  group  for  the  production  of  apples  or 
other  fruits,  which  can  be  produced  successfully  where  markets  and  transporta- 
tion facilities  are  good. 

Wagoner  stony  silt  loam,. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  silt  loam  12  to 
15  inches  deep  and  is  underlain  by  a  granular  yellow  or  gray  friable  loamy 
clay  mottled  with  red.  Scattered  through  the  soil  and  subsoil  are  50  per  cent 
or  more  of  angular  chert  fragments,  a  large  part  of  which  is  often  concentrated 
about  a  foot  below  the  surface.  The  topography  is  rolling  and  drainage  is 
good.  The  type  was  originally  timbered  with  black  oak,  post  oak,  and  hickory. 
The  soil  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  Burlington  limestone  and  is  of 
residual  origin.  It  is  a  good  agricultural  type,  and  is  especially  adapted  to 
grass.    Fruit  does  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  5 

41,984 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Clay  Loam  Group. 


The  residual  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  are  widely  distributed  throughout 
the  Great  Plains  region,  and  in  some  districts  cover  large  areas,  but  they  are 
less  extensive  than  those  of  either  rue  loam  or  silt  loam  groups.  They  have 
been  recognized  under  several  of  the  more  important  soil  series. 

The  soils  are  subject  to  a  wide  range  in  climate  and  to  some  local  variations 
in  topography,  depth,  character  of  underlying  material,  and  drainage.  They 
are  generally  of  good  depth  and  drainage  is  fairly  well  developed.  The 
topography  is  usually  nearly  level  to  undulating  or  gently  rolling.  The  soil 
is  rather  sticky  and  intractable  when  wet  and  bakes  and  puddles  somewhat 


410  '  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

under  poor  drainage  or  inefficient  management.  It  is  usually  friable  where 
properly  cultivated  and  is  retentive  of  moisture.  The  subsoils  are  predomi- 
nantly rather  heavy  and  compact  and  their  moisture-holding  power  is  high, 
but  where  drainage  is  not  well  developed  they  render  the  soil  rather  wet,  cold, 
and  late.  The  underlying  stratum  of  bedrock  occasionally  occurs  at  shallow 
depths. 

The  clay  loams  require  a  heavy  farming  equipment  and  somewhat  more  care- 
ful management  than  the  soils  of  the  loam  group.  They  are  somewhat  less  pro- 
ductive than  the  loam  and  are  adapted  to  a  somewhat  narrower  range  of  crops. 
In  general  they  are  moderately  productive  and  are  devoted  almost  exclusively 
to  general  farming,  to  which  they  are  well  adapted,  the  principal  products 
consisting  of  wheat,  oats,  corn,  timothy,  clover,  and  alfalfa.  Local  areas  in 
the  southern  districts  are  adapted  to  cotton.  The  type  is  generally  capable  of 
producing  fruit  and  vegetables  for  home  use,  but  conditions  are  not  usually 
favorable  to  their  commercial  production.  Sparsely  settled  and  poorly  drained 
areas  are  devoted  to  grazing. 

Bates  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  dark-gray  loam,  carying  from  10 
to  15  inches  deep  and  underlain  by  a  dark-gray  or  dull-yellow  clay  loam  mottled 
with-  reddish  brown.  A  few  sandstone  fragments  occur  in  the  soil  and  sub- 
soil, ami  a  substratum  of  partially  weathered  sandstone  rock  is  often  encoun- 
tered at  depths  of  3  to  6  feet.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and 
drainage  is  generally  good.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from 
interbedded  sandstones  and  shales.  It  occupies  flat-topped  divides  and  saucer- 
shaped  valleys.  The  type  is  usually  prairie,  though  a  darker  colored,  thinner 
phase  is  sometimes  found  covered  with  blackjack,  post  oak,  and  black  oak.  It 
is  moderately  productive  and  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  corn, 
wheat,  and  timothy. 

Clark  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  or  black  clay  loam 
about  10  inches  deep,  overlying  a  gray  calcareous  clay  subsoil  which  contains  a 
large  amount  of  soft  white  chalky  material  which  often  extends  to  a  depth  of 
several  feet.  The  soil  is  quite  heavy  and  clods  when  wet,  though  if  cultivated 
under  favorable  moisture  conditions  the  soil  has  good  tilth  and  resembles  a 
loam  in  structure  and  texture.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  nearly  level, 
and  drainage  is  poor,  so  that  water  stands  at  the  surface  for  a  short  time.  The 
type  is  residual  and  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the  consolidated  calcareous 
material  or  limestone  of  the  Mortar  Reds  phase  of  the  Tertiary  formation,  pos- 
sibly modified  by  the  addition  of  sandy  material  transported  by  winds.  The 
soil  is  productive  and  is  extensively  used,  for  the  staple  farm  crops.  Alfalfa, 
wheat,  and  other  small  grains  are  grown  with  good  success. 

Crawford  clan  loam. — This  type  includes  s  inches  of  chocolate-brown  silty 
Clay  loam,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  by  light-brown,  chocolate,  or  reddish- 
brown  silty  clay.  A  bedrock  substratum  occurs  at  2  to  4  feet.  The  type  is  of 
nsidual  origin  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  limestone.  It  is  consid- 
ered a  desirable  soil,  and  is  easily  cultivated  and  very  productive.  The 
topography  is  gently  rolling  or  rolling.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  adapted 
to  cotton,  corn,  wheat,  and  oats,  being  especially  suited  to  small  grains. 

Morton  ctai/  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy  silty  clay  loam  to  a  depth  of  6  to  16 
Inches  and  contains  sullicient  humus  to  give  it  a  dark-brown  color.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  heavy  silty  clay  loam  or  clay,  ranging  in  color  from  gray  to  drab. 
Where  this  material  is  exposed  at  the  surface  it  is  locally  known  as  ••gumbo." 
The  type  occupies  upper  slopes  of  hills,  and  the  topography  is  generally 
level  "i-  gently  sloping.  Drainage  is  well  established,  excepl  on  the  more 
Level    ;ire;is.      The    type    is    residual    and    owes    ils    origin    to    the    outcropping 

and  weathering  of  fine-grained  calcareous  shale  and  sandstone  rocks,  mainly 

of  the    Laramie  formation.      It    is  usually   retentive  of  moisture.      White  alkali 

is  present  in  very  Bmall  areaa    This  is  a  good  grazing  soil,  and  could  be  uti- 
lized for  the  production  of  bay  and  grain  crops. 

Pierre  day  loam.  The  soil'  consists  of  L2  to  :'.<»  inches  of  light-brown  heavy 
day  Loam.  This  Is  underlain  to  t;  fee*  i».\  a  brows  very  heavy  tenacious  clay, 
in  parts  of  th<-  subsoil  Bmall  rough  cubical  fragments  of  grayish  or  light-brown 
color  derived  from  clay  concretions  in  the  Pierre  shale  occur,  Below  «"»  feet  the 
soil  contains  a  heavy  clay  to  a  depth  of  10  to  40  feet  or  more,  where  it  is 
underlain  bj  h  beavy  blue  clay.  Small  quantities  of  water-worn  gravel  some- 
times OCCUr.     The   type   occupies    low,    poorly   drained    areas   and    the   slopes   of 

foothills,  ami  the  drain  ige  varies  accordingly.    The  type  is  residual  from  shale, 

hut  i:  includes  locally  some  alluvial  Burface  material  derived  from  wash  from 

olng  higher  shale  material,     it  is  sometimes  difficult  i"  handle  on  account 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


411 


of  its  heavy  nature.  Alkali  is  injurious  in  certain  sections.  The  soil  supports 
a  good  growth  of  grass  and  is  used  for  grazing  to  some  extent.  Good  yields  of 
alfalfa,  oats,  wheat,  and  corn  are  secured  by  dry-farming  methods.  Irrigation 
is  also  practiced. 

Summit  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam  and  contains 
minute  particles  of  mica.  The  subsoil,  beginning  at  about  15  to  18  inches,  is  a 
mottled  yellowish  and  gray  stiff  clay  loam  to  clay.  The  type  is  derived  from 
shales  and  is  of  residual  origin.  It  is  influenced  by  limestone,  owing  to  wash 
from  higher  soils,  and  in  places  by  material  from  thin  beds  of  included  lime- 
stone. Corn,  wheat,  and  other  grain  are  the  chief  crops.  Fair  yields  are 
secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam*. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  5 

25,344 

South  Dakota  1 

24,192 

Kansas  6 

23,232 

20,224 

17,024 

8,448 

Missouri  10 

Morton  clay  loam 

Crawford  clav  loam . . . 

North  Dakota  6,  7 

Texas  9 

Total 

118,464 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  clay  loam  in  this  province  has  been  encountered  under  but  two 
soil  series.  The  topography  is  rolling.  The  soil  contains  rock  fragments  in 
amounts  sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation  and  to  render  the  soil  and  subsoil 
of  open,  porous  structure.  It  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and 
departs  widely  in  agricultural  importance  from  the  clay  loam  members  of  the 
same  series.     It  is  utilized  mainly  for  pasture  and  is  best  suited  to  grazing. 

Brackett  stony  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  clay  loam  and  contains  a 
large  amount  of  limestone  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color  and  in 
texture  and  is  underlain  at  shallow  depths  by  a  chalky  limestone.  Outcrops  of 
this  rock  are  frequently  exposed  along  eroded  slopes.  The  soil  is  of  residual 
origin  and  derived  from  the  underlying  material.  It  is  usually  deficient  in 
humus  and  high  in  content  of  lime.  The  topography  is  usually  rough  or  rolling 
and  dissected.  Drainage  is  well  developed.  Owing  to  the  shallow  depth  of  the 
soil,  the  excess  of  stone  fragments,  the  low  moisture-holding  capacity,  and  to 
the  semiarid  conditions  under  which  the  type  occurs,  it  is  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing  and  is  best  adapted  to  this  purpose. 

Crawford  stony  clay  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  is  dark  brown  to  reddish 
brown.  It  is  friable  under  cultivation  and  somewhat  subject  to  drought.  The 
subsoil  is  reddish  brown  or  red  and  becomes  compact  with  increasing  depth. 
This  type  is  residual  and  derived  from  limestone.  This  rock  frequently  occurs 
as  a  substratum  at  shallow  depths.  The  topography  is  rolling.  Chert,  limestone, 
and  shale  fragments  are  present  in  such  amounts  that  the  type  is  of  very  little 
use  except  for  pasturage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay  l<j<im.s. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bracken  .^tony  clay  loam 

Crawford  stony  clay  loam 

Texas  28 

391,680 
39,872 

Missouri  10,  16 

Total 

431,552 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


412  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

SILTY    CLAY    LOAM    PI!. 

The  silty  clay  loam  soils  of  this  province  have  been  recognized  under  several 
important  soil  series.  In  importance  and  extent  they  are  about  equal  to  the 
clay  loams,  but  are  less  widely  distributed. 

The  topography  is  usually  undulating,  but  sometimes  comparatively  flat. 
Drainage  is  generally  good,  although  it  is  imperfectly  developed  in  some  of 
the  low,  flat  areas.  The  subsoils  are  heavy  and  compact  and  are  often  rela- 
tively Impervious.  This  retards  subdrainage  and  renders  the  soil  usually 
rather  late  and  wet.  The  soil  is  generally  compact  and  intractable  where 
poorly  drained  and  improperly  cultivated,  but  where  moisture  and  tillage  con- 
ditions are  favorable  it  is  friable  and  capable  of  being  maintained  in  a  good 
tilth. 

The  silty  clay  loams  are  productive  and  return  good  yields  of  corn,  wheat, 
oats,  clover,  and  timothy.  In  the  western  and  southwestern  arid  districts 
drought-resistant  crops,  such  as  kafir,  milo,  millet,  and  sorghum,  are  more 
extensively  grown  and  give  more  certain  yields.  Alfalfa  may  be  successfully 
grown  under  irrigation  or  where  the  natural  moisture  supply  is  ample,  except 
in  local  shallow  or  poorly  drained  areas. 

The  silty  clay  loams  are  adapted  to  heavy  general  farming  and  require  a 
heavy  farming  equipment.  In  the  purposes  to  which  they  are  devoted  and  in 
adaptation  to  crops  they  do  not  depart  greatly  from  the  normal  clay  loams, 
but  they  are  slightly  heavier  and  require  more  careful  management  and  thor- 
ough tillage. 

Crawford  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or  brownish-red  silty 
clay  loam,  and  overlies  a  decidedly  brownish  red  or  red  subsoil  of  heavier  tex- 
ture. Limestone  fragments  and  iron  concretions  are  frequently  present.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  sloping  and  surface  drainage  is  usually  good.  The 
soil  is  derived  from  the  residual  weathering  of  limestone  with  some  inter- 
bedded  shale.  The  soil  is  rather  granular,  and  notwithstanding  its  heavy 
texture  it  can  be  maintained  in  good  tilth  if  cultivated  under  favorable  moisture 
conditions. 

Gasconade  siity  clay  loam. — This  soil  ranges  from  about  10  to  18  inches  in 
depth  and  consists  of  a  black,  friable,  heavy  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  the 
clay  content  increasing  with  depth.  The  soil  is  deepest  in  lower  situations 
where  there  has  been  some  local  accumulation  of  colluvial  material.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  heavy  clay  of  decided  plasticity  when  wet,  with  some  variations  in 
color.  On  drying  in  exposures  it  has  a  tendency  to  crumble,  as  do  many  cal- 
careous clays.  Usually  the  color  is  a  very  dark  brown  or  brownish  black  in 
the  upper  part,  but  this  quickly  gives  way  to  a  mottling  of  brown,  yellowish 
brown,  and  brick  red.  With  increase  in  depth  a  gray  color  frequently  appears, 
while  the  yellow  and  red  become  less  pronounced.  Koek  fragments,  consisting 
principally  of  limestone,  occur  on  the  surface  and  in  the  lower  subsoil.  Tame- 
stone  outcrops  are  conimon.  The  surface  is  undulating  and  the  typo  occurs 
chiefly  in  basins  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  In  general  drainage  is  good,  hut 
:i  few'  places  are  kept  permanently  soggy  by  springs.  The  type  is  residual  and 
is  derived  from  massive  limestone,  which  is  mainly  chert  free.  At  leasl  a  part 
of  this  soil  was  originally  treeless.  Post  oak.  walnut,  wild  plum,  locust,  elm, 
.  and  bawthorn  have  Bpread  over  a  part  of  the  type.  The  type  is  pro- 
ductive and  ecrn  yields  up  t<>  (*><>  bushels  per  acre.  (Mover,  timothy,  and  wheat 
(1m    well. 

Kirkland  silty  day  loam.    The  surface  soil  to  au  average  depth  of  abo 

inches  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  slightly  reddish-brown  silty  clay  loam,  and 
is  underlain  by  B  heavy  silty  Clay  loam  or  silly  clay  of  ;i  brown  or  yellowish- 
brown  color.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling,  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin 
and  baa  been  formed  from  the  weathering  of  the  nonred  sandstone  and  shale 
..f  the  Permian,  it  is  close  and  compact  ami  crops  Buffer  during  dry 
ffaflr,  milo.  Borghum,  and  millet  are  the  surest  crops,  although  alfalfa, 
wheat,  oats,  ••"Hi  corn  do  well  when  moisture  conditions  are  favorable. 

vego  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  ab  iches 

io  nearly  black  silty  clay  Loam.    The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  rather 
Impervioua  silty  clay,  which  la  either  dark  drab  or  black  in  color,  or  In  places 
light  drab  below  aboul  28  Inches.     Lime  an,d  Iron  concretions  sometimes  « 
in   the  subsoil  and  soil.    The  topography  is  nearly  level.    The  type 
shelf-like  positions,  somewhat  resembling  terraces,  along  streams.    The  soil  is 
residua]  from  the  weathering  of  shales,  possibly  Interbedded  with  thin  Btr  ta  of 

tone,     it   is  :i   true  upland  type  notwithstanding  its  terracelike  position, 


GEE  AT   PLAIXS   REGION. 


413 


and  is  not  subject  to  overflow.  The  moisture  conditions  of  this  type  are  better 
than  those  of  the  higher  lying  soils  of  the  series,  as  it  is  nearer  ground  water. 
Its  agricultural  value  is  superior  to  the  higher  lying  soils. 

Summit  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  about  12  to  18  inches  is  a 
silty  clay  loam.  It  is  dark  gray  in  color  and  becomes  black  when  wet.  The 
soil  grades  into  a  mottled  yellow,  gray,  and  brown  silty  clay  subsoil.  Iron  con- 
cretions occur  at  the  depth  where  soil  and  subsoil  merge.  The  type  is  of 
residual  origin  and  derived  from  shales  influenced  more  or  less  by  thin  beds  of 
limestone.  The  surface  is  nearly  flat  and  is  well  suited  to  tillage  operations. 
The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  when  it  contains  the  proper  amount  of  moisture, 
but  it  puddles  and  bakes  if  plowed  while  too  wet.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  timothy, 
and  clover  give  good  results. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Summit  siltv  clay  loam 

Kansas  9;  Missouri  10 

146,048 

Kirkland  siltv  clav  loam 

Texas  22 

52,992 
18,688 
7,936 

Oswego  silty  clay  loam 

Crawford  siirv  clav  loam 

ivansas  9 

do 

Gasconade  silty  clay  loam 

Missouri  11 

3,648 

Total 

229,312 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 


The  residual  soils  of  the  clay  group  in  the  Great  Plains  region  are  moderately 
extensive.  They  occur  in  the  northern,  middle,  and  southern  States  of  the 
region  under  a  range  in  rainfall  from  fairly  abundant  to  semiarid  and  nearly 
arid  conditions.  In  structure,  depth,  subsoil  or  other  underlying  material, 
topography,  drainage,  and  relation  to  agriculture  they  vary  more  widely  than 
do  the  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group. 

Drainage  is  more  frequently  inadequate  than  in  the  case  of  the  clay  loams, 
though  some  of  the  clays  have  a  rolling  or  broken  dissected  topography  and  are 
subject  to  excessive  surface  drainage  or  to  erosion.  In  general,  surface  drain- 
age is  fairly  well  established,  but  percolation  and  snbdrainage  is  restricted  by 
heavy  impervious  subsoils.  In  some  of  the  higher  lying  and  eroded  areas  the 
soils  are  shallow  and  rock  outcrops  and  stone  fragments  are  encountered. 
Alkali  salts  occur  in  poorly  drained  depressions  or  flats  in  the  semiarid  districts. 

The  soil  is  usually  tenacious  and  refractory,  sticky  when  wet,  and  puddling 
and  baking  upon  exposure  during  dry  periods,  but  with  adequate  moisture  sup- 
ply and  proper  drainage  and  cultivation  the  clays  are  usually  friable  and  reten- 
tive of  water.  They  demand  careful  management  and  thorough  tillage  and  re- 
quire a  heavy  farming  equipment  for  economical  and  effective  utilization. 

They  are  adapted  only  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming.  Corn,  wheat, 
oats,  alfalfa,  flax,  timothy,  clover,  and  other  grass  crops,  and  in  the  more  arid 
districts  kafir,  milo,  and  sorghum  are  the  principal  products.  Some  of  the 
fruits  and  vegetables  can  be  grown  for  home  use. 

The  areas  which  are  undeveloped  to  agriculture  because  of  rough  topography, 
poor  drainage,  or  for  other  reasons  are  devoted  to  grazing. 

The  soils  are  used  for  practically  the  same  purposes  as  those  of  the  clay  loam 
group.  They  are.  however,  adapted  to  a  slightly  heavier  type  of  farming,  and 
owing  to  the  unproductiveness  of  some  of  the  members  and  k>  the  greater  care 
necessary  in  their  management,  this  group  has  a  somewhat  lower  average  agri- 
cultural value  than  the  clay  loams. 

Craicford  clay. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  slightly  reddish  clay  10  inches  deep. 
It  is  stiff  and  tenacious  when  wet,  but  friable  and  granular  when  dry  and 
properly  cultivated.  The  subsoil  is  a  stiff,  tenacious  clay  of  a  lighter  reddish- 
brown  color,  which  becomes  stiller  and  more  compact  with  increased  depth. 
Fragments  of  limestone  are  often  scattered  over  the  surface,  and  the  subsoil 
sometimes  contains  white  spots  caused  by  partially  weathered  lime  nodules. 
The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  limestone, 
which  is  frequently  encountered  at  a  depth  of  3  or  4  feet.  It  occupies  gently 
rolling  to  rolling  upland  plateaus,  and  is  naturally  well  drained.     The  soil  is 


414  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

adapted  to  wheat,  cotton,  corn,  and  oats,  while  alfalfa,  clover,  timothy,  rye,  and 
forage  crops  do  well. 

Kirkland  cloy. — The  type  includes  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  clay  from 
6  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark-red  or  reddish-brown  heavy  clay.  It 
is  residual,  and  is  derived  from  shale  and  sandstone  material.  A  substratum 
of  red  clay  shale  in  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  18  to  36  inches  or 
more.  The  underlying  shale  is  iuterbedded  with  shaly  limestone  and  is  some- 
times mottled  with  whitish  spots.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  undulating,  and 
the  soil  is  well  to  excessively  drained  and  subject  to  erosion.  The  eroded  areas 
are  of  little  agricultural  value.  In  good  seasons  fair  crops  of  corn,  katir  corn, 
sorghum,  wheat,  and  alfalfa  are  grown.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of 
prairie  grasses. 

Leslie  clay. — The  type  is  a  black  heavy  clay  underlain  by  a  dark-gray  or 
mottled,  stiff,  compact  clay  subsoil.  This  is  underlain  by  bedrock  at  depths 
ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  many  feet.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  generally 
contain  fragments  of  limestone  and  black  fissile  shale.  During  wet  weather 
the  soil  and  subsoil  become  tough  and  very  sticky,  and  bake,  shrink,  and 
crack  on  drying.  The  type  is  residual,  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of 
alternating  beds  of  limestone  and  black  fissile  shale.  The  type  occurs  in  rather 
intimate  association  with  the  Crawford  soils.  The  topography  varies  from  steep 
to  rolling,  and  the  soil  in  its  native  state  is  quite  heavily  timbered.  It  is  not 
extensively  developed  to  agriculture,  but  is  adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  and  oats. 

Morion  clay. — The  soil  is  a  brown  clay  or  silty  clay  from  6  to  15  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  is  a  gray  to  light-brown  heavy  silty  clay,  which  usually  passes  into 
drab  sandy  clay  at  less  than  40  inches.  The  surface  soil  is  compact,  sticky 
when  wet.  and  puddles  and  bakes  badly.  The  type  occupies  small  knolls  and 
hillsides,  where  erosion  has  in  places  exposed  the  fine  shales  of  the  Laramie 
formation  from  which  the  soil  is  derived.  The  presence  of  injurious  amounts 
of  alkali  salts  is  often  indicated  in  ihe  growth  of  natural  grasses,  though 
cultivated  crops  are  not  usually  affected.  The  type  is  suited  to  hay.  wheat,  and 
flax. 

Pierre  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  tenacious  clay,  which  is  compact 
and  impervious.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure.  Both 
soil  and  subsoil  contain  large  quantities  of  small  light-brown  or  gray  fragments 
of  disintegrated  clay  concretions.  The  immediate  surface  lias  a  whitish  or 
ashy-gray  color.  The  topography  is  rolling  1o  rough,  and  surface  drainage  Is 
good,  but  percolation  and  subdrainage  is  retarded  by  the  compact  soil  and  sub- 
soil material.  The  soil  is  residual,  and  was  formed  from  the  Pierre  shale. 
Extreme  care  is  required  over  most  of  the  type  Lo  prevent  serious  trouble  from 
alkali  under  irrigation.  The  type  is  used  mainly  for  pasture,  though  small 
areas  are  under  cultivation.  It  produces  fair  crops,  and  is  adapted  to  grain 
and  hay  products. 

Summit  day. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  from  5  to  8  inches  is  a  black,  heavy, 
adhesive  silty  clay  or  clay,  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellowish-gray  or  greenish 
plastic  clay  subsoil.  The  type  usually  occupies  steep  slopes  and  narrow  stony 
ridges.  The  type  is  residual,  and  has  been  derived  from  calcareous  (day  shale 
which  is  associated  with  a  thin  layer  of  limestone.  Fragments  of  limestone 
and  Chert  OCCUr  OH  the  surface,  and  for  this  reason  the  type  is  commonly  called 
"heavy  black  Limestone  land."  The  soil  contains  a  high  amount  of  lime,  and 
drainage  is  well  established.  The  type  is  usually  timbered.  Cultivation  is 
largely  confined  to  the  less  broken  areas.  It  is  a  Strong,  productive  soil,  and 
Where  Ht<'  BUrface  is  not  too  broken  or  stony  it  is  well  adapted  to  general  farm 
crops,  including  corn,  wheat,  alfalfa,  and  clover.  It  is  QOt  extensively  Utilized 
Vernon  clay.  This  is  a  red  clay  to  heavy  (day  loam  about  9  indies  deep. 
Containing  in  some  localities  a  small   percentage  Of  rounded  quart/  gravel.     The 

subsoil    is  a   red.   heavy,  sticky  (day,  winch  often  contains  waterwoni   gravel 

from   .*:   to    1    inches   in  diameter.      This   type  usually  occupies  sloping  t<>   gullied, 

ed  areas.      It   is  of  residual  origin,  and  is  derived  from  the  same  shale  and 

■andstone  giving  the  Vernon  loam.     The  soil  is  used  principally  for  pasture       it 

is  deficient  in  organic  matter  ami  but  scantily  covered  with  vegetation 


GREAT    PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


415 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.* 


i    Acres. 


Crawford  clay Kansas  4;  Texas  11, 31 

Pierre  clay South  Dakota  1 

Kirkland  clay j  Kansas  6 

Vernon  clay Oklahomal;  Texas  30 

Summit  clay Missouri  3 

Morton  clay North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 . 

Leslie  clay Missouri  2 


Total. 


184,384 
41,088 
40,064 
31,808 
14,976 
9,920 
1,216 


323,456 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   CLAY   PHASE. 


The  soils  of  the  stony  clay  phase  of  the  clay  group  are  represented  by  the 
stony  clay  of  the  Crawford  series. 

This  soil  is  widespread  and  extensive,  but  owing  to  its  prevailing  rough  topog- 
raphy, excessive  stone  content,  and  shallow  depth,  it  is  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing  and  is  not  widely  developed  to  agriculture.  In  local  areas,  where  the 
material  is  comparatively  free  from  stone  and  has  favorable  depth  and  topog- 
raphy, it  is  utilized  successfully  for  the  production  of  general  farm  crops.  In 
some  localities  the  soils  are  adapted  to  grapes  and  tree  fruits. 

Crawford  stony  clay. — The  soil  is  dark  brown  or  reddish  brown  to  nearly 
black.  The  subsoil  is  typically  reddish  brown,  but  is  sometimes  a  yellow  brown. 
In  places  the  soil  material  is  directly  underlain  by  the  bedrock,  which  generally 
occurs  at  shallow  depths.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  usually  contain  a  large  quantity 
of  chert  and  limestone  fragments,  generally  in  sufficient  amount  to  interfere 
with  cultivation.  The  topography  is  rough  and  hilly,  and  rock  outcrops  fre- 
quently occur.  The  soil  is  thoroughly  dissected  by  numerous  small  streams. 
Drainage  is  well  established  and  frequently  excessive  and  the  soil  is  rather 
deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Owing  to  its  shallow  depth,  rough 
topography,  and  its  high  stony  content,  the  soil  is  in  general  best  adapted  to 
pasture,  and  is  usually  used  for  grazing.  Small  areas  on  the  more  moderate 
and  uneroded  slopes  are  utilized  to  some  extent  for  the  production  of  cotton, 
corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  forage  crops.  Local  areas  are  well  adapted  to  grapes 
and  orchard  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  2, 11, 26, 28, 31.. 

310, 144 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GUMBO   PHASE. 

This  phase  Includes  soils  which,  when  classed  with  respect  to  texture,  prop- 
erly fall  within  the  clay  group,  but  the  areas  mapped  also  include  clay  loams 
and  silty  clay  loams.  The  structure  of  the  soil  is  such  as  to  render  it  sticky 
and  tenacious  when  wet,  highly  impervious  to  water,  and  hard,  compact,  and  re- 
fractory when  dry.  Tts  structural  features  are  somewhat  similar  to  those  of 
the  adobe  soils  occurring  in  the  western  arid  and   semiarid   areas. 

A  small  quantity  of  alkali  is  usually  present  in  the  soils  of  the  gumbo  phase, 
and  probably  accounts  in  part  for  the  intractable  character  of  the  soil  material. 

The  phase  has  been  recognized  un<3  9oil  series  and  is  not   extensively 

developed.  Drainage  is  poorly  developed,  and  the  soil  is  generally  utilized  only 
for  grazing.  It  is  less  important  than  the  clay  member  of  the  same  series,  and 
can  not  be  used  for  agriculture  until  drainage  and  structural  conditions  are 
improved. 

Morton  (jumbo. — While  this  soil  represents  a  condition  rather  than  a  distinct 
soil  type,  in  general  the  surface  soil  is  a  gray  Clay  loam  or  clay  of  silty  texture 
to  an  average  depth  of  0>  inches.     The  subsoil    is  a   gray  clay   loam  or  clay  of 


416  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

lighter  color  and  higher  silt  content.  The  soil  is  found  where  the  lignite  strata 
and  carbonaceous  alkali  shales  which  occur  through  the  Laramie  formation 
outcrop.  It  is  residual  and  is  formed  from  these  strata.  It  is  not  confined  to 
any  particular  area  of  distinct  topography,  and  may  occupy  sloping  hillsides  or 
flat  areas.  The  surface  is  rough,  owing  to  settling  in  level  areas  or  to  land- 
slides on  slopes.  Low.  stunted  cactus,  sagebrush,  and  other  alkali  and  drought 
resisting  plants  compose  the  natural  vegetation.  The  presence  of  alkali  salts 
and  imperfect  drainage  render  the  soil  unproductive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  Gumbo. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Morton  gumbo 

North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 

404,736 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GLACIAL  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  derived  from  glacial  material  do  not  occur  extensively  in  the  Great 
Plains  region.  They  merely  represent  small  areas  of  soils  which  seem  to  have 
been  derived  from  an  earlier  deposit  of  glacial  or  ice-laid  material  and  which 
owing  to  their  location,  are  included  within  the  Great  Plains  region  rather  than 
the  Glacial  and  Loessial  region  to  the  eastward. 

The  soils  are  represented  by  but  a  single  soil  series,  of  which  only  two  mem- 
bers have  been  recognized.  While  not  relatively  important  in  extent,  Lhey  are. 
where  not  too  gravelly,  well  adapted  to  agriculture  and  are  esteemed  for  general 
farming. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

O'Neill  series. — The  members  of  the  O'Neill  series  are  essentially  dark-gray 
to  brown  soils,  underlain  by  light-brown  subsoils  resting  upon  sand  and  gravel. 
The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  very  rough  and  broken.  The  series 
is  derived  by  weathering  from  a  bed  of  glacial  drift  which  underlies  the  loess. 
The  surface  is  usually  modified  by  wind-blown  materials.  The  deeper  loamy 
members  of  the  series  have  a  high  value  for  general  farming  and  are  adapted  to 
small  grains,  corn,  potatoes,  forage  crops,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  O'Neill  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.» 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7 

do 

- 

Total                                    

350,208 

I  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  scop.  733. 
Tin:   SOIL  TYIM.s    \M)   THEIR   USE. 

Loam  Guour. 

The  Great  Plains  region  embraces  comparatively  little  sol]  derived  predomi- 
nantly from  glacial  material,  and,  so  far  as  recognized,  this  is  confined  to  a 
e  soil  series  and  i<>  the  loam  group  with  one  pi: 

in   occupies  gullied   or  dissected   ureas  and   has  :i    deep   subsoil,   which 
tlvely    Shallow    depths    and    consists    "f    porous    sands    ;ind 

els.  This  underlying  material,  with  the  prevailing  topography,  favors  ready 
Surface  drainage  ami  snbdralnage,  so  tint  the  soil  is  somewhat  better  drained 
and  earlier  than  the  average  -oils  of  the  loam  group  occurring  in  the  other 
provinces  within  the  region.    The  soil  is  friable  and  mellow  and  is  retentive  of 

moisture  under  tillage.      It    requires  only   moderately   heavy   farming  equipment 

and  i-  well  adapted  t<>  general  farming  and  to  potatoes. 


GKEAT  PLAINS  REGION.  417 

O'Neill  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  gray'  to  brown  and  has  an  average  depth  of 
about  10  inches.  The  upper  subsoil  is  light  yellowish-brown,  compact,  and  some- 
what heavier  than  the  soil  material.  At  an  average  depth  of  about  24  inches 
a  deeper  subsoil,  consisting  of  a  porous  mass  of  sand  and  gravel,  is  encountered. 
The  topography  is  generally  undulating,  but  the  soil  areas  include  dissected  or 
gullied  slopes  along  stream  channels.  The  type  is  derived  mainly  from  glacial 
drift,  but  the  superficial  material  probably  includes  later  wind-laid  material 
or  alluvial  deposits  of  minor  streams  or  sheet  erosion.  The  type  is  friable  and 
retentive  of  moisture,  but  is  well  drained.  It  is  adapted  to  corn,  small  grains, 
and  potatoes,  and  in  local  areas  to  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

O'Neill  loam 

Nebraska  7 

138,240 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam  phase  is  similar  in  origin  and  in  general  topography  to  the 
loam  soil  occurring  under  this  series  and  province.  It  departs  from  the  loam 
in  the  more  shallow  depths  at  which  the  underlying  porous  sands  and  gravels 
are  encountered  and  in  the  more  gravelly  and  coarser  nature  of  the  soil  material. 
Surface  drainage  and  subdrainage  are  excessive  and  the  soil  is  not  retentive  of 
moisture  and  is  subject  to  drought  during  periods  of  deficient  rainfall.  It  is  for 
this  reason  of  subordinate  importance  in  agriculture  and  is  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing. 

O'Neill  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  gray  or  brown  and  prevailingly  of 
loam  or  sandy  loam  texture.  It  is  underlain  at  shallow  depths  by  a  stratum  of 
coarse  sand  and  gravel,  with  but  little  interstitial  material.  The  topography 
ranges  from  comparatively  level  or  undulating  in  eroded  areas  to  dissected  and 
hilly  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  The  type  is  derived  predominantly  from  glacial 
outwash  material,  but  the  superficial  soil  is  probably  in  part  of  wind-laid 
origin.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing,  to  which  it  is  well  adapted.  Drainage 
is  excessive  and,  owing  to  scanty  rainfall,  the  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  farm 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


O'Neill  gravelly  loam Nebraska  7 


211,968 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LAKE-LAID  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  derived  from  lacustrine  or  lake-laid  material  are  of  local  occurrence. 
They  are  represented  by  the  members  of  the  Randall.  Scott,  and  Hoisington 
series,  which  cover  comparatively  inextensive  areas.  Only  one  or  two  members 
of  each  of  these  series  have  been  encountered  in  this  province  and  these  are 
soils  of  heavy  texture.  The  material  was  derived  through  the  erosion  of  fine 
soil  material  and  its  deposition  in  shallow  waters  of  depressions  or  of  ponded 
drainage  courses. 

The  soils  of  this  province  are  usually  deep,  and  where  well  drained  and 
properly  cultivated  are  productive  and  adapted  to  general  farming.  They  are 
naturally  poorly  drained,  however,  and  in  most  cases  artificial  drainage  is 
difficult  and  expensive.  Even  these  wet  areas  are  of  some  value  for  grazing 
and  for  the  production  of  wild  hay. 

79619—13 27 


418 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Hoisington  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  dark  brown  or  dark  drab  and 
usually  black  when  wet.  They  are  predominantly  compact  and  become  sticky 
when  wet,  readily  puddling,  and  baking  upon  exposure.  The  subsoils  are  dark 
drab  in  color  and  usually  heavy  and  compact.  The  material  is  derived  from 
adjoining  soils  originating  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone,  and  has  been 
deposited  by  intermittent  streams  or  sheet  waters  in  shallow  lakes  occupying 
undrained,  sinklike  depressions  in  upland  plains.  A  large  part  of  the  tyi>e  is 
submerged  during  rainy  periods.  Where  free  from  overflow  and  capable  of 
cultivation  the  soil  is  productive.  It  is  adapted  to  corn  and  forage  crops,  such 
as  kafir  and  sorghum. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hoisington  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Hoisington  undifferentiated 

Kansas  10. . . 

39,168 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Randall  series. — The  soils  of  the  Randall  series  are  dark  drab  to  black. 
The  subsoils  are  usually  drab  or  dark  gray.  The  soils  of  this  series  consist  of 
lake-laid  sediments  washed  from  more  elevated  soils  derived  from  unconsoli- 
dated Tertiary  deposits.  They  occur  in  shallow  depressions  in  upland  plains, 
which  are  occupied  during  rainy  periods  by  temporary  lakes  or  ponds.  They 
are  entirely  without  natural  drainage,  are  subject  to  periodical  inundation,  and 
are  barren  of  vegetation.  Artificial  drainage  is  impracticable,  and  the  areas  are 
not  agriculturally  important. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Randall  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Randall  clay 2    .                       

Texas  22 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

8  This  soil  was  encountered  only  in  reconnoissance  work  in  areas  too  small  to  map  on  the  scale  used. 

Scott  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  drab.  The  subsoils  are  lighter 
drab  or  brown.  The  members  of  the  series  consist  of  lake-laid  material  eroded 
from  higher-lying  loessial  soils  and  deposited  by  sheet  surface  waters  or  inter- 
mittent streams  in  the  shallow  waters  of  temporary  lakes  or  ponds  occupying 
local,  undrained,  sinklike  depressions  in  upland  plains.  The  soils  are  fre- 
quently heavy  and  refractory  and  are  poorly  drained.  They  are  subject  to 
periodical  submergence.  Where  not  subject  to  overflow  and  where  sufficiently 
well  drained,  they  are  productive  and  are  adapted  to  corn,  small  grains,  alfalfa, 
and   forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Scott  series. 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Scott  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

6,912 

do 

02, 208 

Total 

69,120 

GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


419 


THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND    THEIR   USE. 


Silt  Loam  Group. 


The  lacustrine  or  lake-laid  sediments  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  so  far  as 
encountered  by  the  soil  survey,  are  soils  of  fine  texture.  The  coarser  material 
has  a  silt  loam  texture,  and  is  included  in  a  single  soil  series,  represented  only 
by  the  silt  loam  group  with  one  phase. 

In  general  the  silt  loam  soils  are  well  drained,  but  in  some  areas  drainage 
is  inadequate,  and  owing  to  their  location  some  of  the  better-drained  areas 
suffer  from  insufficient  rainfall.  With  respect  to  utilization,  the  silt  loam  is 
comparable  with  the  soils  of  similar  texture  in  other  provinces  in  the  region. 
The  soil  requires  a  rather  heavy  farming  equipment  and  careful  management. 
It  is  adapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming,  and  is  best  suited  to  the 
production  of  grain  and  hay. 

Scott  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  drab  silt  loam,  12  inches  deep. 
The  subsoil  from  12  to  24  inches  is  a  light-drab,  smooth,  slightly  coherent  silt 
loam,  underlain  to  36  inches  by  a  light-gray  silt  loam  which  is  very  incoherent 
when  dry.  The  type  is  mainly  of  lacustrine  origin,  being  deposited  from  shal- 
low waters  standing  over  or  flowing  into  depressions.  The  material  is  derived 
from  erosion  of  loessial  soils  by  intermittent  streams  or  surface  waters  during 
rains.  The  type  usually  occupies  gentle  slopes  and  is  fairly  well  drained.  In 
places  small  amounts  of  alkali  salts  accumulate.  Where  the  rainfall  is  adequate 
the  soil  is  adapted  to  wheat  and  corn,  and  these  constitute  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area. J 

Acres. 

Scott  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

6,912 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay.  Loam  Group. 

silty  clay  loam  phase. 

The  silty  clay  loam  of  the  province  differs  from  the  silt  loam  soil  in  having 
a  finer,  heavier,  and  more  compact  surface  soil  and  a  heavier  and  more  imper- 
vious subsoil.  Its  drainage  is  less  well  developed.  The  silty  clay  loam  and  silt 
loam  are  included  in  the  same  series. 

The  soil  is  colder  and  later,  and  requires  a  heavier  farming  equipment  and 
more  careful  management  and  thorough  tillage  than  the  silt  loam.  It  is  utilized 
mainly  for  the  production  of  corn  and  alfalfa,  and  is  well  adapted  to  the  cereal 
and  hay  crops. 

Scott  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  drab  silty  clay  loam  12  to 
16  inches  deep.  It  is  rather  compact  and  refractory,  but  under  cultivation  it 
is  fairly  friable.  It  is  underlain  by  a  silty  clay  loam  to  a  depth  of  30  to  32 
inches.  The  subsoil  gradually  becomes  lighter  in  color  as  its  depth  increases, 
and  below  32  inches  it  changes  to  a  silty  clay  mottled  with  calcareous  material. 
The  subsoil  is  hard  and  brittle  when  dry,  but  plastic  when  moist.  The  type  is 
of  lacustrine  origin.  The  parent  material  is  derived  from  erosion  of  more 
elevated  areas  of  loessial  soils  by  surface  waters  or  intermittent  streams,  and 
deposited  in  the  shallow  waters  of  temporary  lakes  in  local  depressions.  Where 
not  subject  to  flooding  the  soil  is  very  productive,  corn  and  alfalfa  being  the 
principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Scott  silty  clay  loam . 


Kansas  10. 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


420  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Clay  Group. 

The  lake-laid  soils  of  the  clay  group  in  the  Great  Plains  region  are  not  ex- 
tensive and  are  comparatively  local  in  occurrence. 

The  soils  are  compact  and  refractory,  and  the  soil  and  subsoil  material  is 
relatively  impervious.  Surface  drainage  is  prevailingly  deficient.  The  soils 
generally  occupy  local  depressions,  and  a  great  part  of  the  area  covered  is 
subject  to  inundation  by  shallow  waters  during  rainy  periods. 

They  are  productive  where  drained,  carefully  managed,  and  thoroughly  cul- 
tivated, but  artificial  drainage  is  generally  impracticable. 

The  soils  are  not  generally  adapted  to  agriculture,  and  are  capable  of  utiliza- 
tion only  for  grazing  or  the  production  of  wild  hay  of  low  value. 

Randall  clay.1 — This  type  is  a  dark-drab  or  black  clay  having  a  depth  of  36 
inches  or  more.  The  surface  8  to  12  inches  is  slightly  darker  in  color  than  the 
subsoil,  owing  to  a  greater  content  of  organic  matter.  The  soil  is  heavy  and 
sticky.  It  becomes  hard  and  sometimes  cracks  to  depths  of  several  feet. 
It  is  without  drainage.  The  type  occupies  the  bottoms  of  small  depressions, 
which  during  rainy  periods  are  occupied  by  intermittent  or  temporary  lakes. 
The  soil  has  been  formed  by  the  washing  of  finer  material  from  the  higher 
surrounding  Tertiary  deposits.  The  soil  is  productive,  but  owing  to  inadequate 
drainage  it  is  rarely  cultivated,  except  around  the  higher  outer  edges. 

WIND-LAID  MATERIAL. 

In  the  prairies  and  plains  the  winds  attain  a  higher  velocity  and  follow  a 
more  constant  direction  than  in  forested  areas  or  regions  of  greater  variation 
in  topography,  and  are  more  effective  as  an  agency  in  the  transportation  of 
soil  material  and  the  formation  of  soils. 

While  practically  all  of  the  lighter  soils  of  the  region,  where  not  protected 
by  vegetation  or  topography,  are  more  or  less  modified  by  drifting,  the  typical 
soils  of  the  wind-laid  province  are  most  extensively  developed  in  or  near  the 
central  part  of  the  Great  Plains  region.  The  wind-laid  soils  constitute  one 
of  the  smaller  provinces  of  the  region,  but  they  are  extensive  and  are  important 
in  agriculture. 

A  large  part  of  the  parent  material  consists  of  loessial  deposits  associ- 
ated with  the  soils  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province  on  the  east.  Those 
loessial  deposits  are  of  somewhat  doubtful  geologic  origin,  but  are  supposed  to 
have  been  formed  by  eolian  agencies.  They  are  generally  of  fine  texture, 
friable,  and  productive.  These  loessial  deposits  are  frequently  so  similar  to 
the  soils  of  the  residual  or  other  provinces  that  their  separation  is  difficult. 
They  formerly  covered  larger  areas  in  the  Groat  Plains  region,  but  were  re- 
duced in  extent  by  erosion  or  other  agencies,  and  from  the  remaining  areas 
of  these  old  loessial  deposits  the  more  important  of  the  wind-laid  soils,  includ- 
ing the  Derby.  Finney,  and  Colby  series,  have  been  derived.  These  soils,  which 
include  sandy  loams,  fine  sandy  loams,  loams,  and  silty  loams,  arc  usually  re- 
tentive of  moisture  and  are  well  adapted  to  agriculture  both  with  and  without 
irrigation.  They  occur  in  districts  of  undulating  to  rolling  topography.  Local 
areas  are  dissected  and  broken  where  eroded  by  streams.  With  the  exception 
of  the  rougher  areas,  which  are  Utilised  for  grazing,  they  are  devoted  to  the 
production  of  corn,  small  grains,  and  forage  crops. 

In  some  localities  remnants  of  the  uneroded  loessial  material  have  become 
Intermingled  with  residual  material  derived  from  the  weathering  in  place  of 
calcareous  conglomerate  of  the  Tertiary  Mortar  Beds.  This  has  given  rise  to 
the  soils  of  the  Canyon  series,  which  is  represented  by  a  single  member,  usually 
of  eroded  broken  topography,  and  of  Importance  mainly  for  grazing. 

In  other  places  areas  of  soil  material  blown  from  recent  alluvial  deposits  in 
stream  valleys  are  encountered.  Such  soil  areas  may  he  of  local  or  of  exten- 
sive occurrence.  Conditions  are  most  favorable  to  accumulation  of  the  soil 
material  on  the  side  of  wide  stream  valleys  opposite  to  the  direction  of  the  wind. 
The  soils  are  most  extensive  where  the  valleys  are  entrenched  hut  little  below 
the  level  of  the  plain  and  are  traversed  by  wide,  shallow,  shifting  streams,  in 
which  wide  areas  of  sand  bars  or  of  recent  flood-plain  deposits  unprotected  by 
vegetation  are  exposed  during  periods  <»f  low  water.     Buch  soils  are  represented 

by  the  Smithwick  series.    These  bays  an  undulating  or  dunelike  topography,  are 

1  Kn countered  only  as  .small  local  depreMlOM  In  1 1 1 «-  areas  Of  Amarillo  sllty  clay  loam  In 
the  reconnolssance  Hurvey  of  tlie  Panhandle  region  of  Texas,  and  not   separately  mapped. 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION. 


421 


usually  excessively  drained,  and  are  subject  to  surface  drifting.  The  series  is 
represented  by  the  fine  sand  and  the  sandy  loam  types,  which  are  successfully 
utilized  for  general  farming  in  good  seasons. 

In  other  districts  of  the  Great  Plains  occur  extensive  areas  of  wind-laid  soils 
derived  from  sandy  material  of  the  unconsolidated  fluviatile  Tertiary  deposits. 
These  deposits  are  represented  by  the  soils  of  the  Valentine  series,  which  so  far 
as  encountered  are  soils  of  light  texture. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Canyon  series. — The  soils  of  the  Canyon  series  are  light  brown  or  ashy  brown, 
and  the  subsoils  are  yellowish  gray.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  usually  contain 
fragments  of  disintegrated  soft  calcareous  conglomerate  of  the  Tertiary  Mortar 
Beds.  The  members  of  the  series  are  mainly  derived  from  loessial  material 
but  contain  residual  material  from  soft  calcareous  conglomerates,  sands,  and 
finer  deposits  of  the  Tertiary  formations.  The  topography  is  hilly  and  eroded, 
and  the  greater  part  of  the  areas  covered  by  the  series  is  suitable  only  for  graz- 
ing. Where  locally  capable  of  cultivation  the  soils  are  best  adapted  to  corn  and 
to  such  forage  crops  as  kafir,  milo,  and  sorghum. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Canyon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

792,576 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Colby  series. — The  soils  are  ashy  gray  or  brownish  gray.  The  upper  subsoil 
is  of  similar  or  slightly  lighter  color  and  of  heavier  texture  and  compact  struc- 
ture and  is  2  to  8  inches  thick.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  a  light-yellowish  or  yellow- 
ish-brown silt  loam  of  mealy  consistency  and  friable  character.  The  members 
of  the  series  are  of  wind-laid  origin  and  are  derived  from  loessial  deposits.  The 
surface  portion,  comprising  the  soil  and  upper  subsoil  material,  has  been  con- 
siderably weathered.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  sharply  rolling. 
The  soils  are  well  drained  and  are  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops  with 
favorable  climate.    Wheat,  corn,  and  forage  crops  are  the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Colby  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  l2,  7 

16,079,424 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

2  The  part  of  the  area  not  covered  by  the  reconnoissance  survey. 

Derby  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  yellowish  brown  to  reddish  brown 
and  are  underlain  by  reddish-brown  subsoils,  which  in  the  lighter  members  are 
somewhat  heavier  and  more  compact  than  ttie  soil  material.  The  members  of 
the  series  are  of  wind-laid  origin  and  are  derived  from  loessial  deposits.  They 
occur  in  rolling  upland  prairie  regions  and  are  well  drained.  They  are  well 
adapted  to  grains  and  other  staple  farm  crops  of  the  region  in  which  they  occur, 
and  are  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  corn  and  wheat. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Derby  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Derby  loam 

20,416 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


422 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Finney  series. — The  soils  range  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet, 
and  vary  in  color  from  light  brown  to  nearly  black.  The  subsoils  are  lighter 
brown.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  rolling  and  rough,  and 
excepting  in  some  small,  depressed  areas  both  surface  and  underdrainage  are 
well  developed.  The  soils  are  sometimes  subject  to  erosion.  They  are  mainly 
of  wind-laid  origin  and  are  derived  from  loessial  material.  This  may  be  in  the 
form  in  which  it  was  originally  deposited  or  it  may  be  subsequently  modified 
by  eolian  action.  Locally  it  may  include  material  washed  from  higher  areas 
into  small  depressions.  The  heavier  soils  of  the  series  can  be  dry  farmed  to 
advantage  and  would  be  improved  by  irrigation.  They  are  utilized  mainly  for 
the  production  of  corn,  small  grains,  alfalfa,  and  clover.  The  lighter  soils  have 
a  broken  topography.  They  are  open  and  porous  and  are  easily  drifted.  They 
are  best  adapted  to  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Finney  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

6,272 
40,128 
11,008 

loam 

do... 

Total 

57,408 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Smithwick  series. — The  soils  of  the  Smithwick  series  are  light  brown  or 
grayish  brown  to  yellowish  brown.  The  subsoils  are  yellowish  brown.  The 
series  consists  of  wind-laid  material,  generally  blown  from  alluvial  soils  of 
light  texture  occupying  wide  sandy  bottoms  and  terraces  in  stream  valleys,  and 
derived  from  crystalline  rocks  with  some  admixture  of  material  from  sedi- 
mentary rocks  and  from  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  occupying  stream  out- 
wash  plains.  The  members  of  the  series  occupy  areas  of  undulating  to  hillocky 
or  dunelike  topography.  They  are  somewhat  subject  to  drifting  and  are  usually 
excessively  drained,  but  are  fairly  retentive  of  moisture,  and  are  adapted  to 
melons,  cantaloupes,  and  truck  crops.  Corn,  sorghum,  kafir,  and  vegetables  are 
the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Smithwick  serif-. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  arca.» 

Acres. 

Kansas  »i 

South  Dakota  3 

23,104 

60.120 

Total 

92,224 

l  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Valcnlint  \erie%. — The  Valentine  series  consists  of  brown  to  dark-brown  soils. 
In  the  loamier  members  the  soils  are  slightly  sticky.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown 
to  blown  and  usually  heavy.  Below  3  feet  they  grade  into  loose  sands.  The  mem- 
ben  of  this  series  consist  of  wind  laid  materia]  derived  mainly  from  the  Bandy 
strata  01  the  stream  outwaah  plain  deposits  of  Tertiary  age,  and  are  associated 
with  Dunesand.  They  occupy  level,  terracelike  areas  along  the  streams  and  val- 
leys and  basins  in  the  sand-hill  regions.  In  some  places  the  material  has  been 
modified  by  alluvial  agencies.  The  topography  ranges  from  almost  level  flats  to 
dune-shaped  hills.  The  members  of  the  series  are  usually  well  drained,  and  In 
outlying  areas  the  water  table  is  encountered  near  the  surface.  The  soils  are 
adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  truck,  forage,  and  hay  crops.  Small  grains  are  grown 
to  a  limited  extent. 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Valentine  series. 


423 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

154,368 
177, 408 
725,760 

do.   . 

do.. 

Total 

1,057,536 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 


Sand  Gbotjp. 

The  soils  of  the  sand  group  of  the  Wind-laid  province  have  been  recog- 
nized under  but  one  series.  The  surface  material  of  this  type  is  more  com- 
pact and  loamy  than  the  average  sands.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  incoherent  and  is 
not  retentive  of  moisture.  The  soil  is  subject  to  some  variation  in  topography 
and  drainage.  It  is  usually  well  drained,  and  in  higher  areas  of  undulating 
topography  drainage  is  excessive.  In  low-lying  depressions  surface  drainage  is 
poor  and  the  water  table  occurs  at  shallow  depths.  The  soil  occurs  in  regions 
of  light  rainfall,  and  exposed  areas  are  subject  to  wind  blowing. 

The  soil  is  generally  used  for  grazing  and  the  production  of  wild  hay,  which 
is  grown  in  the  lower  lying  areas,  where  drainage  is  poor.  It  is  naturally  adapted 
to  truck  crops,  melons,  etc.,  but  poor  drainage,  inadequate  moisture  supply,  and 
the  lack  of  transportation  facilities  and  markets  prohibit  its  use  for  these  pur- 
poses. Corn,  alfalfa,  and  other  general  farm  and  forage  crops  can  be  grown  in 
areas  where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable,  the  general  adaptability  of  the 
soil  to  agriculture  being  somewhat  higher  under  such  conditions  than  is  that 
of  the  sand  types  in  general. 

Valentine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  medium  to  fine  sand, 
which  usually  extends  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  light  brown 
in  color  and  similar  to  the  soil  in  texture,  becoming  yellowish  and  loose  and 
incoherent  below  36  inches.  The  soil  and  upper  subsoil  material  is  moderately 
sticky  when  wet.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  undulating,  and 
the  surface  is  occasionally  broken  by  small  ridges  or  dunes  of  wind-blown  sand. 
Level  flats,  which  have  the  appearance  of  terraces,  lie  between  the  sand  hills  and 
the  lower  lying  soil  areas.  The  material  is  derived  from  unconsolidated 
Tertiary  deposits  laid  down  as  outwash  plains  and  subsequently  modified  and 
transported  by  winds.  The  type  is  usually  well  drained,  but  in  lower  lying 
areas  the  water  table  is  near  the  surface.  The  soil  is  friable,  easily  tilled,  and 
is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  wild  hay.  Corn  is  grown  to  a  limited 
extent  with  fair  results,  and  with  sufficient  moisture  and  well-developed  sub- 
drainage  the  type  is  adapted  to  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Valentine  sand Nebraska  7 


154,368 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY    SAND    PHASE. 

The  loamy  sand  is  in  this  province  confined  to  a  single  soil  series.  It  differs 
from  the  sand  of  the  same  series  in  having  a  slightly  more  loamy  texture  and 
greater  water-holding  capacity.  Drainage  is  less  rapid  than  in  the  sands.  It 
occupies  low-lying  flats  or  depressed  areas.  The  soil  is  friable  and  requires  only 
a  light  farming  equipment.  It  is  superior  to  the  sand  of  the  province  for  farm- 
ing and  is  devoted  mainly  to  forage  crops  and  general  farming  and  to  the  pro- 
duction of  potatoes.    Poorly  drained  areas,  which  occur  locally,  are  devoted  to 


424  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

grazing  or  to  the  production  of  wild  hay.     With  good  markets  and  transporta- 
tion facilities  melons  and  early  truck  crops  could  be  produced  successfully. 

Valentine  loamy  sand. — The  soil  is  brown  to  dark  grayish  brown,  and  the 
subsoil  is  lighter  brown  in  color  and  of  somewhat  lighter  texture  and  more 
porous  structure,  becoming  loose  and  incoherent  in  the  deeper  section.  The 
type  is  derived  from  unconsolidated  or  loosely  consolidated  stream  outwash 
plain  deposits  of  the  Tertiary  formations,  subsequently  modified  and  transported 
by  winds.  It  occupies  depressed  basins  or  flats  in  the  sand-hill  districts,  or  com- 
paratively level  terracelike  areas  in  stream  valleys.  It  is  devoted  mainly  to  the 
production  of  corn,  forage  crops,  and  potatoes,  and  in  the  depressed  areas  is 
extensively  used  for  wild  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  sand. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


Valentine  loamy  sand Nebraska  7 


177,408 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sand  Group. 

The  fine  sand  of  the  Eolian  or  wind-laid  province  of  the  Great  Plains  region 
has  been  encountered  only  under  one  soil  series. 

In  this  case  the  topography  ranges  from  gently  undulating  to  hillocky  and 
wind  blown.  The  soil  and  subsoil  are  loose,  porous,  and  leachy,  and  are  nat- 
urally deficient  in  moisture-holding  capacity.  When  cultivated  or  denuded  of 
native  vegetation  the  type  is  subject  to  destructive  drifting.  The  soil  is  easily 
maintained  in  good  tilth,  and  where  protected  from  winds  and  intensively 
cultivated  is  moderately  retentive  of  moisture.  Areas  of  good  location  and 
sufficient  rainfall  are  devoted  to  some  extent  to  the  production  of  corn,  kafir. 
sorghum,  and  vegetables,  the  yields  usually  being  light.  The  type  requires  but 
light  farming  equipment.  Where  supplied  with  sufficient  moisture  and  capable 
of  irrigation,  and  with  good  markets  and  transportation  facilities,  melons,  canta- 
loupes, and  early  truck  crops  can  be  profitably  grown.  The  type  has  a  lower 
agricultural  value  than  the  loamy  sands  of  the  province. 

Smithivick  fine  sand. — The  Smithwick  fine  sand  is  a  gray  to  brownish-gray 
or  light-brown  fine  sand.  8  to  15  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  brown  or 
yellow  fine  sand,  extending  to  depths  of  from  3  to  several  feet.  The  topog- 
raphy is  undulating  to  hillocky  and  dunelike,  the  materal  having  been  trans- 
ported and  left  in  its  present  condition  by  winds.  The  soil  is  derived  mainly 
from  stream  outwash  plain  or  alluvial  soils  of  light  texture,  occupying  stream 
valleys,  and  derived  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks,  but  to  some  extent  from 
sedimentary  rocks.  When  not  protected  by  vegetation  the  type  is  subject  to 
blowing,  so  that  great  care  is  necessary  in  its  cultivation.  Drainage  is  ex- 
cessive, though  where  a  surface  mulch  is  maintained  the  soils  hold  sufficient 
moisture  for  the  production  of  light  yields  of  corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  vegeta- 
bles.   The  type  is  probably  best  suited  to  vegetables,  melons,  cantaloupes,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

Kansas  C 

23,104 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  sandy  loam  soils  derived  from  wind-laid  material  in  the  Great  Plains 
region  have  been  encountered  under  two  soil  series. 

There  is  some  variation  between  these  two  member!  of  the  group  In  topog- 
raph- and  in  the  underlying  material    in  genera]  the  topography  is  undulating 

or  rolling,  but   in  places  the  surface  1s  quite  billy.     Dunelike  undulations  com- 


GEEAT  PLAINS   EEGION.  425 

monly  occur.  The  surface  material  is  loamy  and  fairly  retentive  of  moisture, 
and  it  does  not  drift  to  any  great  extent  under  judicious  management,  except  in 
more  exposed  situations.     Drainage  is  well  established. 

The  soils  are  devoted  mainly  to  grazing  and  to  the  cultivation  of  corn,  wheat, 
oats,  sorghum,  and  alfalfa.  They  are  superior  to  the  lighter-textured  soils  of 
the  province  for  general  farming,  but  with  ample  moisture  supply,  favorable 
transportation  conditions,  and  good  markets  they  are  somewhat  better  adapted 
to  melons,  potatoes,  early  tomatoes,  and  other  early  truck  crops  than  to  the  gen- 
eral farm  crops.  They  require  but  a  light  and  inexpensive  farming  equipment, 
and  are  mellow  and  friable  under  cultivation. 

Finney  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  medium  to  fine 
sandy  loam,  ranging  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet.  This  is  always 
underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  brown  silt  loam,  which  is  sometimes  quite  heavy 
and  usually  extends  to  a  great  depth.  The  type  is  formed  largely  of  wind- 
blown sandy  material  overlying  loessial  deposits  or  the  Plains  marl  of  unconsoli- 
dated Tertiary  deposits.  The  superficial  material  is  derived  from  drif ting-sand 
areas  or  from  sandy  Tertiary  deposits.  The  same  form  of  weathering  has 
affected  the  texture  of  the  soil,  which  contains  a  high  percentage  of  clay  and 
silt.  It  is  free  from  alkali,  but  the  subsoil  contains  a  large  amount  of  lime. 
The  surface  is  generally  rolling,  especially  in  upland  areas.  Drainage  is  well 
developed,  and  by  reason  of  the  heavy  subsoil  it  is  retentive  of  moisture.  Sor- 
ghum and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops.  A  great  part  of  the  type  is  used  for 
grazing. 

Smithwick  sandy  loam, — This  soil  to  a  depth  of  8  to  12  inches  is  a  brown 
sandy  loam  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  yellowish-brown  sandy  loam  having 
a  slightly  reddish  tinge.  Below  24  to  30  inches  the  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color 
and  in  texture  and  consists  of  a  loamy  sand.  Enough  silt  and  clay  are  present 
to  give  the  soil  a  loamy  character.  This  fine  material  renders  the  soil  coherent, 
so  that  the  material  will  stand  as  firmly  in  banks  as  heavier  soils.  It  is  derived 
from  wind-blown  material,  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks,  but  includes  some 
material  from  sedimentary  rocks,  transported  along  stream  bottoms  in  broad 
river  valleys.  This  material  has  not  usually  been  moved  far  by  winds.  The 
surface  is  rolling  to  hilly  and  in  most  cases  dunelike.  Corn,  wheat,  and  oats 
are  grown,  and  fair  yields  are  secured.  It  is  a  good  truck  and  melon  soil,  and 
tomatoes,  watermelons,  and  potatoes  have  been  grown  with  much  success. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Smithwick  sandy  loam 

South  Dakota  3 

69,120 
6,272 

75,392 

Finnp.y  sandy  lnam       . 

Kansas  3 

Total 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  of  this  province  have  been  recognized  under  two  soil 
series. 

These  two  members  differ  widely  in  topography  and  in  drainage.  One  has 
a  rough,  broken,  and  eroded  topography  with  excessive  drainage,  while  in  the 
other  the  surface  is  comparatively  flat  to  gently  rolling  and  eroded  only  in  the 
vicinity  of  stream  channels. 

The  soil  and  subsoil  readily  absorb  surface  waters,  and  where  drainage  is 
not  excessive  they  are  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation.  The  rougher 
and  more  excessively  drained  and  easily  eroded  areas  are  not  suitable  for  agri- 
culture and  are  best  adapted  to  grazing.  With  suitable  topography  and  mod- 
erate drainage  the  fine  sandy  loams  are  slightly  superior  to  the  sandy  loam 
soils  for  general  farming.  The  soil  is,  however,  best  adapted  to  a  rather  light 
type  of  farming  and  is  also  suited  to  the  production  of  moderately  early  truck 
crops.     Corn,  potatoes,  small  grains,  and  forage  crops  are  the  principal  products. 

Finney  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  very  light  brown  to  grayish- 
brown  fine  sandy  loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  has  practically 
the  same  texture,  but  a  lower  humus  content,  which  gives  it  a  lighter  color. 


426  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

The  type  occupies  bluffs  and  areas  of  rough,  broken  ^opography  which,  with  the 
loose,  porous  structure  of  the  material,  permits  thorough  drainage.  It  is  of 
wind-laid  origin,  is  derived  from  loess  deposits,  and  erodes  readily.  The  type 
occurs  mainly  as  grass-covered  prairie  and  is  used  for  pasture,  being  too 
droughty  for  extensive  agriculture. 

Valentine  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  fine  sandy  loam  with 
an  average  depth  of  14  inches.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  brown  in  color  and  usu- 
ally a  sandy  loam  in  texture.  The  type  occupies  comparatively  level  to  gently 
rolling  areas,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  streams  the  soil  bodies  are  frequently  dis- 
sected and  eroded.  The  more  level  areas  occur  along  terracelike  flats  in  stream 
valleys.  The  material  is  derived  from  unconsolidated,  sandy  Tertiary  deposits 
distributed  as  stream  outwash  plain  material  which  has* been  subsequently 
wind  blown.  It  is  composed  mainly  of  feldspnr  and  other  minerals  from  crys- 
talline rocks  which  have  been  modified  subsequent  to  their  deposition  by  weath- 
ering in  place.  The  type  is  productive,  readily  absorbs  surface  waters,  and  is 
well  adapted  to  vegetables  and  truck.  Corn,  potatoes,  and  forage  crops  are  the 
principal  products.    Wheat  and  oats  are  grown  to  some  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Valentine  fine  sandy  loam 

Nebraska  7 

725,760 
40,128 

Nebraska  4 

Total 

765,888 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  loam  group  predominate  in  the  comparatively  inextensive 
Wind-laid  province  of  the  Great  Plains  region.  They  have  been  mapped  under 
three  soil  series. 

Two  members  of  the  group  occupy  areas  of  comparatively  level  or  gently 
rolling  topography  and  are  underlain  by  moderately  heavy,  but  not  impervious, 
subsoila  They  are  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation,  but  naturally 
somewhat  droughty,  owing  to  light  rainfall.  Drainage  is  well  established  and 
but  few  areas  are  subject  to  erosion.  The  other  member  of  the  group  has  a 
hilly  and  eroded  topography.  Surface  drainage  is  excessive  and  the  rainfall  is 
inadequate. 

The  areas  of  rough  topography  and  deficient  moisture  supply  are  utilized 
mainly  for  grazing,  although  corn  and  the  more  drought-resistant  crops,  such 
as  kafir.  milo,  and  sorghum,  are  grown  with  fair  success  in  favorable  seasons 
on  local  areas  suitable  for  cultivation.  The  more  typical  areas,  where  favorably 
ed  with  respect  to  climate  and  topography,  are  devoted  mainly  to  the  pro- 
duction of  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  hay. 

The  soil  is  friable  and  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation.  It  is  best 
adapted  to  a  moderately  heavy  type  of  general  farming  and  requires  a  rather 
heavy  terming  equipment  for  efficient  and  economical  management. 

The  group  .is  a  whole  is  superior  to  the  soils  of  the  preceding  groups  of  the 
province  In  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  in  adaptability  to  general  farming. 

Canyon  loam. — The  typical  soil  is  ;in  ashy-brown  loam  of  silty  texture  carry- 
ing a  high  percentage  of  fine  Band.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  more  than  36 
inches  is  a  yellowish-gray  silt  loam.  Fragments  of  the  calcareous  conglomerate, 
known  as  Mortar  Beds,  are  scattered  through  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The 
topography  Is  always  bUly  and  the  greater  part  of  the  type  is  too  rough  to 
farm.  The  material  is  derived  mainly  from  wind-laid  loessial  deposits,  but 
both  soil  and  subsoil  Include  residual  material  from  the  soft  calcareous  con- 
glomerates, sands,  and  finer  Tertiary  deposits.  The  type  is  used  mainly  for 
pasture    Corn,  kaflr,  and  milo  are  the  most  profitable  crops. 

jhrbij  loam.  This  type  Is  a  mellow,  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-brown  silty 
loam  10  Inches  dorp,  grading  almost  Imperceptibly  Into  a  reddish-brown  heavy 
and  compad  Bilty  loam  subsoil.  The  type  is  of  wind  laid  origin  and  derived 
fron     oessial  material,     it  occupies  rolling  upland  prairie  and  is  well  drained. 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION, 


427 


Corn  and  wheat  are  the  principal  crops,  corn  yielding  about  25  bushels  and 
wheat  18  bushels  per  acre. 

Finney  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  brown  loam  of  silty  or  very  fine  sandy 
texture  with  an  average  depth  of  14  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  grayish-brown  or 
yellowish-brown  to  chocolate  colored  heavy  silty  loam  or  light  clay  loam,  be- 
coming lighter  in  texture  at  depths  of  24  to  30  inches.  The  type  is  locally 
known  as  "  hard  land."  It  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  uplands.  Drainage 
is  well  established,  and  the  type  generally  free  from  erosion.  The  material 
is  of  wind-laid  origin  and  derived  from  loess.  A  heavy  growth  of  grasses  has 
provided  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter,  making  the  soil  very  productive 
and  well  adapted  to  a  large  variety  of  crops.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  alfalfa,  clover, 
broom  grass,  and  fescue  do  well,  although  the  crops  are  frequently  injured  by 
droughts.    Corn  and  wheat  are  the  principal  crops  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Canyon  loam 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

Kansas  11 

792,576 

20,416 
11,008 

Nebraska  4 

Total 

824,000 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  silt  loam  group  in  this  province  has  been  recognized  under  but  one  soil 
series,  which  is  represented  only  by  the  silt  loam  type.  It  is,  however,  of  wide- 
spread and  extensive  occurrence  in  the  central  part  of  the  Great  Plains  region. 

The  soil  is  rather  compact  and  slightly  inclined  to  puddle  when  wet  and  to 
bake  when  exposed  during  dry  periods.  It  is  friable  under  cultivation  and  is 
readily  maintained  in  a  mellow  condition.  A  rather  heavy  farming  equipment 
is  required  for  its  effective  cultivation.  The  topography  and  drainage  vary 
somewhat,  but  the  surface  contour  is  generally  such  as  to  permit  the  use  of 
farm  machinery. 

The  soil  is  not  subject  to  wind  drifting  and  is  retentive  of  moisture.  It  is 
adapted  to  a  rather  heavy  type  of  general  farming  where  moisture  conditions 
are  favorable.  Rainfall  is  usually  deficient  in  the  more  western  areas.  Corn, 
wheat,  and  forage  crops,  including  sorghum,  kafir,  and  related  products,  are  the 
principal  crops.  Under  similar  conditions  of  climate  and  topography  the  soil 
is  closely  allied  with  members  of  the  loam  group  in  its  relation  to  agriculture, 
but  it  is  somewhat  better  adapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming. 

Colby  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  an  ashy-gray  to  brownish-gray  silt  loam  with  a 
small  content  of  fine  sand  and  clay,  ranging  in  depth  from  6  to  24  inches.  It 
has  a  compact  structure,  and  under  favorable  moisture  conditions  the  type  is 
friable  and  easily  cultivated.  The  upper  layer  of  the  subsoil,  varying  from  2 
to  8  inches  in  thickness,  is  a  compact  silty  clay  loam  or  clay.  This  is  underlain 
to  a  depth  of  more  than  3  feet  by  a  light-yellow  or  yellowish-brown  silt  loam 
having  a  smooth  mealy  feel  characteristic  of  the  unweathered  loess.  The 
topography  ranges  from  almost  level  to  sharply  rolling.  The  type  is  of  wind- 
laid  origin  and  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  loess,  and  the  thickness  of 
the  two  upper  zones  represent  the  extent  of  this  process.  The  lower  subsoil 
is  loess  which  is  but  little  altered.  The  type  is  retentive  of  moisture  and  is 
adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops.  Wheat,  corn,  sorghum,  kafir,  and  other 
forage  crops  are  extensively  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colby  silt  loam. 

16,679,424 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


428  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

ALLUVIAL  FAN  AND  VALLEY  FILLING  MATERIAL. 

The  alluvial  fan  and  valley-filling  soils  have  been  derived  from  the  great 
areas  of  Tertiary  deposits,  with  those  less  extensive  areas  of  local  alluvial 
fan  and  foot-slope  material.  These  deposits  are  typically  unconsolidated,  but 
include  certain  zones  or  belts  of  material  which  is  usually  calcareous  and 
more  or  less  indurated  or  cemented. 

A  large  part  of  the  Tertiary  deposits  is  composed  predominantly  of  frag- 
ments of  quartz  and  feldspar  which  have  in  places  undergone  weathering. 
The  feldspar  often  imparts  a  reddish  tint  to  the  soil  and  subsoil.  In  many 
cases  these  have  been  washed  into  and  concentrated  in  the  subsoil  material, 
giving  rise  to  a  group  of  soils  marked  by  subsoils  of  higher  clay  content  and 
more  compact  structure  than  the  surface  material.  The  lower  portions  of  the 
Tertiary  deposits  are  often  highly  calcareous,  and  some  of  the  soil  types  are 
marked  by  the  presence  of  this  calcareous  material  in  the  subsoil. 

The  soils  derived  from  the  deeper  deposits  of  the  quartz-bearing  crystalline 
rocks  are  represented  in  the  Colorado  and  Pratt  series,  which  occur  extensively 
in  the  western  parts  of  the  Great  Plains.  Those  soils  which  are  derived  from 
calcareous  deposits  or  are  underlain  at  shallow  depths  by  calcareous  beds  are 
included  in  the  Fowler,  Greensburg,  and  Richfield  series.  Some  of  the  weath- 
ered deposits  of  the  Tertiary  beds  are  loose  and  porous,  and  where  encountered 
within  the  soil  section  have  given  rise  to  porous,  leachy  subsoils  such  as  those 
of  the  Albion  series. 

Small  areas  of  soil  encountered  in  the  east-central  part  of  the  Great 
Plains  region,  outside  the  region  of  Tertiary  deposits,  consist  of  local  alluvial 
fan  or  foot-slope  material.  These  soils  are  associated  in  origin  with  the  soils 
already  mentioned.  Some  are  characterized  by  a  substratum  of  granitic  bed- 
rock, the  subsoil  being  in  part  residual,  and  are  included  under  the  Tishomingo 
series.  Others  are  distinguished  by  the  occurrence  of  chert  fragments  and  by  a 
hardpan  substratum,  and  are  represented  by  the  soils  of  the  Lebanon  series. 

Some  of  the  soils  of  the  outwash  plain  province  include  material  derived 
from  both  quartz-bearing  crystalline  and  from  sedimentary  rocks,  the  material 
of  the  sedimentary  rocks  usually  predominating.  Material  of  this  character 
is  represented  in  several  series  of  soils,  including  the  Rosebud,  Zapata,  Amu- 
rillo,  and  Orella. 

In  other  areas  of  the  plains  the  soil  materia]  is  apparently  derived  from 
sedimentary  rocks  only  slightly  modified  by  material  from  other  sources.  Some 
of  the  soils  are  derived  from  shale  and  sandstone,  and  are  represented  by  the 
Sedgwick  and  Dawes  series:  others  are  from  sandstone  and  limestone,  and  are 
Included  In  the  Ashland  series:  while  others  of  recent  formation  are  derived 
from  shale  alone,  and  are  classed  in  the  Onnan  series. 

There  are  also  included  within  this  province  local  areas  of  soils  that  consist 
of  recent  fan  and  foot-slope  deposits  derived  from  erosion  of  wind-laid  dej>osits. 
These  .-ire  represented  by  the  Gannett  series. 

The  soils  of  the  Outwash  Plain  province  are  generally  well  drained,  of  good 
depth,  and  have  a  gently  undulating  to  sloping  or  nearly  level  topography 
which  is  favorable  to  the  extensive  use  of  farming  machinery.  In  the  larger 
areas,  however,  crop  yields  are  dependent  upon  an  uncertain  and  often  poorly 
distributed  moisture  supply.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  rainfall  the  soils 
are  productive  and  well  adapted  to  fanning,  and  where  capable  of  irrigation 
they  can  be  used  for  ;i  wide  range  of  general  farm  crops  and  intensively  Culti- 
vated   products. 

By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  soil  areas,  however,  can  not  he  extensively 
Irrigated,  owing  to  limited  water  supply.  Extensive  areas  in  the  more  arid 
districts  are  profitably  utilized  for  grazing  in  connection  with  stock  raising,  and 

BOO f  the  soils  capable  of  being  utilized  for  farming  are  more  profitably  used 

for  gracing,  owing  t<>  lacs  of  facilities  for  shipping  farm  products. 

BJPTION  Of   I'm:  son.  sr.nn.s. 

Mhion  series,     i  re  brown  i"  dark  brown,  with  dark  reddish  brown 

subsoils.    Tin'  -  related  to  the  Pratt,  differing  principally  in  the  larger 

amount  of  gravel  in  the  subsoils,  which  tends  to  make  the  soils  porous,  leachy. 

and  droughty.  The  soil  material  of  this  series  is  derived  from  the  more 
eiiy  phases  of  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  consisting  mainly  of 
kalline  rocki  •  buted  as  outwash  plain  or  extensive  alluvial  foot 


GREAT   PLAINS   EEGIOX. 


429 


slopes  by  shifting  aggrading  streams.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  rolling, 
and  the  soils  are  well  drained.  Their  agricultural  value  is  somewhat  lower 
than  that  of  the  Pratt  soils.  Corn,  forage  crops,  wheat,  and  alfalfa  are  the 
principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Albion  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Albion  loamy  coarse  sand . 

sandy  loam 

loam 


Kansas  I 
....do.. 
....do.. 


Total 150, 336 


11,968 
89,984 
48,384 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Amarillo  series. — The  Amarillo  series  includes  chocolate-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  soils  with  brown  to  reddish-brown  subsoils.  The  subsoil  grades  into  a 
substratum  of  white  or  pinkish-white  calcareous  material  usually  within  3  feet 
of  the  surface,  which  constitutes  a  characteristic  feature  of  the  series.  The 
topography  ranges  from  nearly  level  or  undulating  to  rolling  and  sometimes 
broken.  The  soils  are  formed  from  unconsolidated  Tertiary  and  Quaternary 
deposits  derived  from  sandstone,  shale,  limestone,  and  crystalline  rocks,  and 
distributed  by  former  aggrading  streams  as  mountain  foot  slope,  alluvial  fan, 
or  stream  outwash  plains  material.  The  sandy  members  have  subsequently 
been  modified  by  wind  action.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  these  soils 
are  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Amarillo  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Amarillo  loam 

silty  clay  loam  . . 
undifferentiated. 


Total 


Texas  22 1,294,848 

Texas  22  2 6, 324, 480 

Kansas  10;  Texas  22 4, 140, 288 

11,759,616 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

2  Includes  some  small  areas  of  Randall  clay. 

Ashland  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown,  and  are  underlain 
by  yellowish-brown  to  dark-brown  subsoils,  frequently  marked  by  streaks  or 
mottlings  of  calcareous  material.  The  soil  material  consists  of  local  alluvial 
outwash  deposits,  derived  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  rocks  of  Tertiary 
age,  and  distributed  as  alluvial  fan  or  alluvial  slope  deposits  by  intermittent 
streams  or  surface  sheet  waters.  The  soils  occupy  terracelike  areas  in  valleys 
formed  in  part  by  the  removal  of  the  underlying  material  by  solution.  The 
soils  are  usually  well  drained  and  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  of  the 
region.     Wheat,  corn,  and  forage  crops  are  the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ashland  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.t 

Acres. 

Ashland  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

13,824 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Colorado  series. — The  soils  are  of  gray  to  reddish-brown  color  and  contain 
fine  quartz  and  feldspar  fragments.  The  subsoils  are  reddish  brown  and  simi- 
lar to  the  soil  in  mineral  characteristics.  They  are  generally  heavier  than  the 
overlying  material  and  noticeably  more  compact,  becoming  sticky  when  wet. 
The  series  is  derived  from  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits,  which  were  derived 
from  Pre-Cambrian  crystalline  granite  rocks  and  distributed  as  low,  broad  foot 


430 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


slopes  and  alluvia]  fan  by  aggrading,  shifting  streams.  These  deposits  were 
subsequently  weathered  in  place,  and  the  decomposition  of  the  feldspathic  mate- 
rial has  given  rise  to  sticky,  compact  subsoils.  In  some  areas  a  substratum  of 
sedimentary  rock  occurs,  but  at  depths  of  6  to  many  feet.  The  members  of  the 
series  occupy  remnants  of  the  High  Plains  or  uneroded,  gently  sloping,  plateau- 
like areas  interrupted  by  the  low,  broad  valleys  of  the  larger  rivers  or  by  the 
deep,  narrow  valleys  of  intermittent  streams.  They  are  treeless,  usually  well 
drained,  and  retentive  of  moisture.  The  lighter  members  are  wind  blown. 
Where  capable  of  irrigation  the  soils  are  adapted  to  vegetables,  tree  fruits, 
alfalfa,  melons,  and  some  of  the  members  to  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Colorado  series. 


Sou  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  sand 

Colorado  2,  3. 
Colorado  3 

128,576 

150,096 

33,408 

832 

sandy  loam 

pravellv  loam 

Colorado  2 

clay  loam 

Total 

318,912 

• 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dawes  series. — The  soils  are  ashy  gray  to  light  brown  in  color,  with  white  to 
pinkish-white  subsoils.  The  material  is  derived  from  alluvial  fan  or  outwash 
plain  deposits  formed  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  Tertiary  sandstone  and 
shale.     The  topography  is  moderately  rolling  to  sloping. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Dawes  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Dawes  undifferentiated 

Nebraska  7 

317,952 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fowler  series. — The  series  has  dark-brown  to  black  soils  and  brown  subsoils 
showing  white  mottlings  in  the  lower  section,  caused  by  the  presence  of  cal- 
careous material.  The  topography  is  nearly  level,  and  surface  drainage  is 
poor,  while  percolation  and  subdrainage  is  arrested  by  the  relatively  impervious 
subsoils.  The  members  of  the  series  are  derived  from  unconsolidated  Tertiary 
deposits,  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  distributed 
as  broad  alluvial  foot  slopes  and  outwash  plain  deposits  by  aggrading  streams. 
The  material  has  in  this  series  been  locally  modified  by  later  alluvial  material. 
The  series  occupies  depressed  basins  or  valleys  formed  by  the  solution  of  deeper- 
seated  salt  or  gypsum  beds.  The  soils  are  supplied  with  moisture  from  subsur- 
face waters,  and  are  generally  productive.  Alfalfa  is  the  principal  crop.  Corn, 
wheat,  and  forage  crops  are  grown  to  some  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Fowler  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

41,472 

1  For  krv  to  DUmb  r  m  tin-  column  MA  p.  733. 

Gannett  leriet,  The  soile  are  light  brown,  with  yellowish  Band  to  light  Bandy 
loam  subsoils  extending  bo  a  depth  of  80  inches.  The  series  consists  of  local 
alluvia]  outwash  material  derived  from  wind-laid  Bands  and  sand  hills  and  de- 
posited bj  surface  waters,  it  is  associated  in  occurrence  with  the  sand  hills  in 
ralley  bottoms  along  the  sandy  bluffs.    The  topography  is  generally  level,  with 

a  gradual  slope  toward  the  ralleys.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established.  The 
scries  is  seldom  cultivated,  most  of  it  being  utilised  as  pasture,  but  under 
favorable  moisture  condition!  it  is  adapted  to  vegetables. 


GREAT   PLAINS  REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Gannett  series. 


431 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

783,360 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Greensburg  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  dark  brown  in  color  and  the  sub- 
soils brown  to  yellowish  brown.  The  soils  are  derived  mainly  from  the 
Plains  Marl  or  calcareous  unconsolidated  material  of  the  Tertiary  deposits, 
formed  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks  and  modified  by  some  material 
from  sedimentary  rocks,  distributed  by  shifting  aggrading  streams  and  winds. 
The  soils  occupy  level  to  rolling  upland  plains,  are  usually  treeless,  and  are 
related  to  the  soils  of  the  Richfield  and  the  Pratt  series.  They  differ  from  the 
Pratt  soils  in  the  absence  of  the  red  color  and  from  the  Richfield  series  in  a 
lower  lime  content  and  the  absence  of  calcareous  mottlings  in  the  subsoils. 
They  are  well  drained  and  retentive  of  moisture.  Under  favorable  climatic  con- 
ditions the  members  are  productive  and  adapted  to  staple  farm  crops  of  the 
region  in  which  they  occur.  Wheat,  corn,  and  forage  crops,  consisting  mainly 
of  kafir  and  sorghum,  are  the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Greensburg  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  10 

76,032 
698, 112 

do 

Total 

774, 144 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lebanon  series. — The  Lebanon  soils  are  gray  to  brownish  gray,  and  usually 
contain  a  high  percentage  of  silt.  In  local  areas  of  poor  surface  drainage  the 
soils  are  nearly  black  and  the  subsoils  mottled  with  brown,  yellow,  red,  and 
gray.  Typically  the  upper  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  silty  clay  loam,  grading  into  a 
deeper  subsoil  of  plastic,  tough,  impervious  clay  of  yellowish-brown  to  chocolate- 
brown  color,  which  in  turn  grades  into  a  more  friable  layer  of  somewhat  lighter 
textured  material  of  mottled  yellow,  gray,  and  drab  color.  A  so-called  hardpan 
of  reddish  and  gray  chert  fragments,  often  firmly  cemented,  is  usually  encoun- 
tered within  the  3-foot  section.  Where  erosion  has  been  active,  fragments  from 
an  underlying  chert  formation  have  been  distributed  over  the  surface  and 
throughout  the  soil.  The  topography  is  typically  flat  to  undulating,  the  series 
being  developed  over  the  smooth,  higher  parts  of  divides  in  the  Ozark  region. 
The  soil  is  derived  from  a  surficial  chert-free  layer  of  clays  covering  this  high, 
smooth  country,  and  consisting  probably  of  stream  outwash  material  apparently 
derived  from  crystalline,  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  rocks.  The  chert  frag- 
ments and  the  "  hardpan  "  consist  of  a  cherty  limestone  formation  underlying 
the  surficial  strata.  These  soils  were  originally  prairie,  with  only  an  occasional 
clump  of  blackjack  oaks.  Blackjack  is  now  abundant  over  unused  areas.  In 
agricultural  value  these  solis  do  not  rank  high,  but  they  can  be  improved  by 
good  management.    They  are  best  adapted  to  grain,  grass,  and  clover. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lebanon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Missouri  11 

6,272 

Missouri  8, 11 

102,080 

Total 

108,352 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


432 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Orella  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown  to  yellowish  brown  and  of  vari- 
able depth.  The  subsoils  are  greenish  gray  to  red  or  yellow.  The  series  is 
marked  by  the  highly  colored  subsoils.  The  soil  material  in  the  heavier  mem- 
bers is  compact  and  is  tilled  with  some  difficulty.  The  soils  are  derived  from 
unconsolidated  sandy  clay  of  the  Tertiary  formations,  mainly  from  shale  and 
sandstone,  but  with  some  material  from  granite  rocks,  and  distributed  by 
aggrading  streams  as  alluvial  outwash  plain,  foot  slope,  or  fan  deposits.  They 
occur  upon  comparatively  level  or  undulating  plains,  which  in  the  vicinity  of 
streams  frequently  become  eroded  or  dissected.  Where  the  climate  is  favorable 
the  soils  are  adapted  to  small  grains,  corn,  and  forage  crops.  Small  grain,  corn, 
and  potatoes  constitute  the  leading  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Orella  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7 

18,432 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Orman  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown  to  dark  brown,  and  generally  of 
compact  structure,  with  grayish-brown  to  drab  subsoils  similar  in  texture  and 
structure  to  the  soils.  The  members  of  the  series  occupy  poorly  drained,  flat 
valley  bottoms  and  gentle  hill  slopes.  They  consist  of  alluvial  stream  outwash 
or  alluvial  surface  wash  deposits  derived  from  shales,  some  of  the  material 
having  been  deposited  in  shallow  waters  of  temporary  lakes.  Alkali  salts  are 
frequently  present  in  injurious  quantities.  The  soils  are  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing,  but  if  properly  drained  and  irrigated  they  are  well  adapted  to  alfalfa 
and  cereals. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Orman  series. 


Soil  name. 


Orman  clay South  Dakota  3 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


327,163 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Pratt  series. — The  soils  are  brown,  with  dark  reddish  brown,  rather  compact 
and  sticky  subsoils,  which  usually  range  in  texture  from  loam  to  clay  loam  and 
contain  small  amounts  of  gravel.  They  are  derived  from  the  weathering  of  the 
more  or  less  sandy  and  gravelly  unconsolidated  Tertiary  material  of  the  west- 
ern prairies  and  plains,  derived  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks  and  dis- 
tributed as  broad  alluvial  mountain  foot  slope  or  outwash  plain  deposits  by 
aggrading  streams.  The  mineral  particles  consist  largely  of  fragments  of  feld- 
spar. The  topography  is  rolling  to  undulating,  with  occasional  hummocks  due 
to  wind  action.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Under  favorable  textural  and 
climatic  conditions  the  soils  are  quite  productive,  and  good  yields  of  corn,  kafir, 
sorghum,  and  wheat  are  obtained.  The  sandy  members  hold  large  supplies  of 
water,  and  crop  yields  are  more  certain  than  upon  most  sandy  soils  in  other 
sections  of  the  country. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Pratt  series. 


Soil  name. 


Prutt  loamy  Band 

loamy  lino  sand 

ndy  loam 

tin''  Bandy  loam 

very  Qni    in 

loam 

ndy  cl:iy  loam 

.silty  day  loam 

undifferentiated 


State  or 


10 

Kansas  in,  M  . .. 

6,  10,  11. 

..  .do.. 
Kansas  10 


Acres. 


400,896 
483 .888 

123,073 

964,960 
1,408 

23,424 
449,280 


1,833,152 


'  For  key  to  numbers  In  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GKEAT   PLAINS  KEGION. 


433 


Richfield  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown  with  grayish-brown  calcareous 
subsoils.  The  members  are  derived  from  unconsolidated  or  partially  consoli- 
dated calcareous  Tertiary  deposits,  derived  predominantly  from  the  feldspar- 
bearing,  crystalline  rocks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  distributed  by  earlier 
aggrading  streams  as  low,  broad  alluvial  foot-slope  or  stream  outwash  plain 
deposits.  The  soils  are  related  to  those  of  the  Pratt  series,  from  which  they  are 
distinguished  by  the  absence  of  the  reddish  color.  They  occupy  comparatively 
level  to  sharply  rolling  areas,  are  generally  well  drained,  and  are  retentive  of 
moisture.  With  good  climate  they  are  adapted  to  staple  farm  crops,  and  cer- 
tain of  the  members  to  melons  and  truck  crops.  Wheat,  corn,  alfalfa,  and 
forage  crops  are  the  principal  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Richfield  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Richfield  sand 

Kansas  3 

10,944 

743,744 

239,616 

3,369,088 

1,161,216 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Nebraska  7 

Kansas  10 

do 

silty  clay  loam 

undifferentiated 

Kansas  10;  Texas  22 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

2,518,848 

Total 

8,043,456 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Rosebud  series. — The  surface  soils  are  dark-gray  or  brown.  The  subsoils  are 
light  colored,  almost  white,  and  very  calcareous.  A  characteristic  feature  of 
this  series  is  the  white  or  pale  color  of  the  deeper  subsoil.  These  soils  are 
derived  from  light-colored,  very  calcareous,  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits 
derived  mainly  from  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shale  rocks,  but  including  some 
material  from  crystalline  rocks  and  distributed  as  alluvial  fan  or  mountain 
foot  slopes  by  aggrading  streams.  The  topography  ranges  from  undulating  to 
steeply  rolling.  In  places  the  surface  is  excessively  eroded  or  dissected,  forming 
areas  of  "bad  land."  The  soils  easily  erode,  the  more  hilly  areas  especially 
being  dotted  with  bare  white  spots. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Rosebud  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Rosebud  loamy  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

101,376 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

1,389,312 

do                            

3,919,104 
205,056 

undifferentiated 

South  Dakota  3 

Total  

5,614,848 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Sedgwick  series. — The  soils  are  black  and  have  bluish-gray,  compact,  heavy 
subsoils.  The  series  occupies  depressed  areas  of  deficient  drainage  in  upland 
prairies  or  at  the  base  of  hill  slopes.  The  soils  consist  of  alluvial  material  from 
the  erosion  of  slopes  of  shale  and  sandstone  soils,  deposited  as  alluvial  slope  or 
fan  material  by  sheet  surface  waters  or  by  small  intermittent  streams.  The 
deeper  su'  soils  are  sometimes  residual  from  underlying  shale,  sandstone,  and 
limestone.  nhe  soils  cover  extensive  areas  and  are  generally  used  for  grazing, 
but  under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  climate  are  well  adapted  to  corn, 
wheat,  and  other  cereals. 


79619—13- 


-28 


434  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Sedgwick  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Selgwick  clay  loam 

Kansas  11;  Missouri  3 

8,064 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tishomingo  scries. — The  soils  are  brown  and  usually  contain  a  variable 
quantity  of  small  fragments  of  granitic  rock.  The  subsoils  also  contain  granitic 
fragments,  are  of  heavy  texture,  and  red  to  drab  in  color.  At  a  depth  of 
about  3  feet  a  substratum  of  partially  disintegrated  bedrock  is  sometimes 
encountered.  The  soil  material  consists  mainly  of  granitic  material  distributed 
by  surface  wash  or  minor  streams  as  outwash  plain  material  or  alluvial  fan 
deposits.  The  subsoil  is  in  part  residual  from  granitic  rocks.  The  topography 
varies  from  comparatively  level  to  rolling.  The  members  of  the  series  are  not 
extensively  utilized  except  for  grazing  or  for  the  production  of  wild  hay,  and 
are  not  of  great  agricultural  importance.  The  more  rolling  areas  usually 
support  a  growth  of  scrub  oak.    Cotton  and  corn  give  fair  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tishomingo  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Tishomingo  gravelly  sandy  loam Oklahoma  2. 


29,696 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Zapata  series. — The  Zapata  series  consists  of  gray  calcareous  soils  with 
subsoils  of  similar  color  and  texture  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  limestone  or 
occasionally  sandstone  at  depths  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  3  or  4  feet.  The 
topography  is  rolling  to  hilly.  This  feature,  together  with  the  nearness  of  the 
underlying  bedrock,  distinguishes  this  series  from  the  associated  Brennan  soils. 
The  soils  have  been  derived  from  a  thin  surface  mantle  of  gray  to  slightly 
yellowish,  sandy  alluvial  outwash,  representing  the  weathered  product  of  shale 
and  sandstone  rocks,  and  distributed  by  surface  sheet  waters  or  by  shifting 
aggrading  and  intermittent  streams  over  the  limestone  and  sandstone  rocks. 
Drainage  is  well  established.  Owing  to  the  hilly  topography,  nearness  of  the 
underlying  rock,  and  light  rainfall,  the  soils  of  this  series  have  a  very  low  value 
for  agriculture.  They  are  generally  utilized  for  grazing,  to  which  purpose  they 
are  best  adapted. 

1  /  ( a  and  ilistribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Zapata  series. 


Soil  name. 

tear  area.1 

\rn  B. 

Texas  27 

688,  208 

do 

:<V»ti() 

s  28 

292,608 

885,878 

1  For  m-v  to  Humbert  Is  I  bii  column  see  i>.  733. 

Till:   SOIL    TYPES  AND  Til  El  K  USE. 

Band  Group. 

The  soils  <>f  the  sand  group,  representing  the  alluvial  fan  or  unconsolidated 
stream  and  outwash  plain  material  <>f  Tertiary  age  in  the  Greaf  Plains  region, 
been  encountered   under  two  s«»ii  series.    They  an-  <>f  widespread  and 
extensive  occurrence  in  the  middle  eastern  part  <>f  the  region. 

The  surf;«-<'  is  usually  Undulating,  but  typically  windblown,  and  often  marked 

by   dunelike  hillocks  and   Intervening  depressions.     The  soil   is  deficient  in 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION.  435 

orgauic  matter  and  loose  and  porous,  although  sometimes  coherent  when  moist. 
Drainage  is  excessive,  and  the  soils  drift  when  dry  if  disturbed  or  where  unpro- 
tected by  native  vegetation. 

The  soils  occur  in  regions  of  pronounced  semiarid  climate  and  are  not  usually 
capable  of  being  irrigated.  They  are  generally  used  only  for  grazing.  Small 
local  areas  are  sometimes  devoted  to  the  culture  of  sorghum  and  other  forage 
crops  where  moisture  conditions  are  exceptionally  good. 

Except  where  capable  of  irrigation  the  soils  are  not  adapted  to  agriculture. 
With  the  application  of  irrigation  water  and  where  protected  from  injurious 
winds,  they  are  well  adapted  to  early  stone  fruits,  small  fruits,  melons,  and 
truck  crops. 

Colorado  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  yellowish  or  reddish 
brown,  medium  to  rather  tine  sand  usually  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  The  struc- 
ture varies  from  loose  and  porous  over  unprotected  areas,  subject  to  wind 
drifting,  to  sticky  and  compact  in  areas  where  the  weathering  of  the  under- 
lying material  is  more  advanced.  Gravel  is  ordinarily  present.  Rock  out- 
crops are  of  frequent  occurrence.  Micaceous  and  feldspathic  material  is  also 
encountered  in  large  quantities.  The  type  occurs  on  sloping  or  rolling  plains 
and  dome-like  elevations  and  ridges.  It  consists  mainly  of  ancient  stream-borne 
material  deposited  over  extensive  foot  slopes  and  derived  from  the  harder 
rocks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  modified  in  places  by  residual  material  from  the 
underlying  sandstone.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  soil  free  from 
alkali.  The  type  is  adapted  to  fruit  and  truck  crops  where  not  too  loose  and 
leachy.    It  generally  lies  too  high  for  irrigation. 

Richfield  sand. — The  soil  is  light-brown  to  grayish-brown  porous  sand.  The 
subsoil  is  of  practically  the  same  material,  with  no  change  in  color.  The 
topography  is  gently  rolling,  and  leveling  is  necessary  in  preparing  the  soil 
for  irrigation.  The  type  is  derived  from  more  or  less  unconsolidated  Tertiary 
deposits  distributed  by  earlier  streams  as  extensive  alluvial  fan  or  foot-slope 
material  and  derived  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks.  These  deposits 
have  been  subsequently  modified  by  wind-blown  material  derived  from  allu- 
vial soils  occupying  stream  valleys.  The  surface  is  loose  in  texture  and  drifts 
readily  when  disturbed  by  cultivation.  The  type  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing. 
Small  amounts  of  sorghum  or  other  forage  crops  are  grown  locally. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  2,  3 

128,576 
10,944 

Total 

139, 520 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY   COARSE  SAND  PB 

This  phase  includes  sandy  soils  of  coarse  texture  and  of  distinctly  loamy 
character,  becoming  noticeably  coherent  when  wet  and  resembling  the  sandy 
loams  in  field  characteristics.  Such  soils  are  of  somewhat  unusual  occurrence 
and  in  this  province  have  been  encountered  under  only  one  soil  series. 

The  texture  of  the  soil  material  is  such  as  to  render  it  less  susceptible  to 
wind  drifting  than  are  the  soils  of  the  sand  group.  The  subsoil,  however,  is  of 
gravelly  texture  and  open,  porous  structure,  which,  with  the  prevailing  undulat- 
ing to  rolling  topography,  renders  drainage  thorough  and  often  excessive  and 
the  soil  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Crops  often  suffer  during 
periods  of  drought. 

Under  similar  climatic  conditions  this  series  would  probably  not  depart  essen- 
tially in  agricultural  importance  from  the  members  of  the  sand  group  of  this 
province.  The  rainfall,  however,  is  somewhat  heavier  than  that  of  the  sands. 
Corn,  small  grains,  alfalfa,  and  forage  crops  are  grown  with  fair  success.  The 
average  yields  are  low,  and  the  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming. 
Where  capable  of  irrigation  the  soils  should  prove  well  suited  to  the  production 
of  early  stone  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 


436  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Albion  loamy  coarse  8and. — This  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  loamy  coarse  sand 
about  12  inches  deep,  underlain  to  36  inches  or  more  by  a  brown  to  reddish- 
brown  subsoil  containing  somewhat  more  fine  gravel  and  coarse  sand  than  the 
soil.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  slightly  rolling.  Surface  drainage 
is  always  good,  although  the  presence  of  gravel  in  the  subsoil  often  makes 
underdrainage  excessive  and  the  soil  droughty.  The  type  is  derived  from  the 
somewhat  gravelly  phases  of  the  unconsolidated  Tertiary  material  formed  pre- 
dominantly from  crystalline  rocks  and  distributed  as  broad  alluvial  outwash 
plains  material  by  aggrading  streams.  Corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  some  wheat 
and  alfalfa  are  grown,  though  yields  are  rather  low,  especially  in  dry  seasons. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Albion  loarav  coarse  sand 

Kansas  6 

11,968 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY   SAND   PHASE. 

The  loamy  sand  in  this  province,  like  the  coarse  loamy  sand,  has  been  recog- 
nized under  but  one  soil  series. 

The  soil  and  subsoil  material  is  of  somewhat  finer  texture  than  that  of  the 
coarse  loamy  sand.  When  dry,  the  surface  material  is  incoherent  and  subject 
to  wind  blowing  in  exposed  localities.  When  moist,  it  is  slightly  sticky.  The 
subsoil  is  more  loamy  in  texture  and  of  compact  structure,  and  possesses  well- 
developed  moisture-retaining  properties.  Drainage  is  usually  thorough,  but  the 
soil  is  of  mellow  and  friable  structure,  and  is  easily  maintained  in  a  condition 
of  tilth  favorable  to  the  conservation  of  moisture. 

Only  a  light  farming  equipment  is  required,  but  careful  management  is  neces- 
sary to  prevent  wind  drifting  and  undue  loss  of  moisture  from  evaporation. 
The  normal  rainfall  is  light,  and  in  dry  seasons  is  not  sufficient  to  render  crop 
yields  certain. 

In  general  agricultural  value  and  adaptation  to  crops  this  type  is  more  closely 
related  to  the  sandy  loams  than  to  the  soils  of  the  sand  groups.  It  is  best 
adapted  to  a  rather  light  type  of  farming,  and  where  the  water  supply  is  ade- 
quate it  is  well  suited  to  early  fruits,  melons,  cantaloupes,  tomatoes,  or  other 
earlier  or  lighter  truck  crops.  It  is  devoted  mainly  to  the  production  of  corn, 
sorghum,  and  wheat. 

Pratt  loamy  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish  or  yellowish  brown,  rather 
loose,  loamy  sand  about  18  inches  deep,  grading  into  a  reddish  loamy  sand, 
whose  slightly  heavier  texture  is  due  to  a  small  content  of  sticky  clay.  The  Bur- 
face  soil  is  Incoherent  when  dry.  and  if  worked  while  too  loose  is  likely  to  drift. 
The  topography  varies  from  level  to  rolling,  and  sand  dunes  are  numerous.  The 
material  composing  this  type  has  been  derived  from  the  sandy  strata  of  the  un- 
consolidated Tertiary  material,  reworked  by  the  wind  and  more  or  less  weath- 
ered In  its  present  position.  The  parent  material  is  derived  predominantly 
from  crystalline  rocks  and  has  been  distributed  as  broad,  alluvial  mountain 
fool-slope  or  out  wash  plains  by  aggrading  streams.  The  minerals  present  include 
an  abundance  of  fe'dsjaihie  fragments.  The  type  is  well  drained,  but  retentive 
of  moisture.     Can.  sorghum,  and  wheat  are  the  principal  CrODS.     With  sntficient 

rainfall  tin'  soil  is  very  productive. 

Area  "ml  distribution  of  tin  loamy  sand. 


Pmtl  loam  • 


10. 


400, K9U 


1  For  key  to  Dumber  In  tins  ooiumn  w 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  437 

Fixe  Sand  Group. 

The  fine-sand  group  of  this  province,  in  so  far  as  mapped,  embraces  only  a 
single  member.  The  soil  is  loose  and  incoherent,  and  is  underlain  by  a  porous 
subsoil.  The  rainfall  is  usually  too  light  for  extensive  cultivation  without  irri- 
gation, and  the  type  is  generally  so  situated  that  irrigation  is  not  practicable. 
Drainage  is  well  established,  and  the  type  is  not  retentive  of  moisture.  Where 
capable  of  irrigation  or  favored  by  sufficient  rainfall,  the  type  is  well  adapted  to 
tomatoes,  melons,  and  other  early  crops.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  pasture,  and 
in  agricultural  importance  ranks  with  the  soils  of  the  sand  group  of  the  prov- 
ince. It  is  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  but  if  frequently  and  thor- 
oughly irrigated  fair  yields  of  alfalfa  could  probably  be  grown. 

Gannett  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown,  fine  or  loamy  fine  sand  to  a 
depth  of  8  to  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  fine  sand  to  light  fine  sandy 
loam  or  sandy  loam  30  inches  deep.  The  type  occurs  in  valley  bottoms  along 
bluffs  in  the  sandhill  regions,  and  owes  its  formation  to  local  alluvial  wash 
from  this  material  transported  by  rains  and  minor  intermittent  streams.  The 
topography  is  generally  level,  with  a  gradual  slope  toward  the  valleys,  and  the 
type  is  well  drained.  It  is  seldom  cultivated,  most  of  it  being  used  for  pasture. 
Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  it  is  well  adapted  to  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

•  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gannett  fine  snnri        

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

783,360 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY  FINE  SAND  PHASE. 

The  loamy  fine  sand  of  the  alluvial  outwash  or  foot-slope  plain  province  in 
the  Great  Plains  region  has  been  recognized  only  under  one  soil  series. 

The  soil  and  subsoil  material  is  usually  friable  and  porous,  although  notice- 
ably sticky  when  wet  and  having  to  a  moderate  degree  the  physical  properties 
of  a  fine  sandy  loam.  When  dry  the  surface  material  is  quite  incoherent  and  in 
exposed  localities  is  sometimes  wind  blown.  The  soil  is  readily  permeated  by 
surface  waters,  little  moisture  being  lost  by  run-off.  The  maintenance  of  a  dust 
mulch  is  the  best  means  of  checking  evaporation  and  surface  loss  of  moisture. 
The  type  is  superior  in  agricultural  value  to  the  normal  fine  sand  of  the 
province.  The  rainfall  is  generally  limited,  and  irrigation  is  possible  only  on 
a  few  favorably  situated  areas.  Fair  crops  are  produced  under  intensive 
cultivation.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to  the  production  of  corn,  wheat, 
sorghum,  kafir,  and  similar  drought-resistant  forage  crops.  Where  capable  of 
irrigation  the  soil  should  be  well  suited  to  the  production  of  early  small  fruits, 
tree  fruits,  and  vegetables.  In  its  utilizatiou  and  agricultural  possibilities  it 
is  associated  with  the  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  and  fine  sandy  loam  groups.  It 
requires  but  a  light  farming  equipment. 

Pratt  loamy  fine  sand. — The  type  includes  a  dark-brown  to  grayish-brown 
loamy  fine  sand  underlain  at  a  depth  of  12  to  18  inches  by  a  reddish-brown, 
rather  fine  sand.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  undulating,  with  occasional 
dunes  caused  by  drifting  sand.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  unconsolidated 
Tertiary  material  originating  from  crystalline  rocks,  containing  a  large  amount 
of  feldspar  fragments,  and  distributed  as  low,  broad  extensive  foot-slope  or  out- 
wash  plain  deposits  by  aggrading  streams,  subsequently  more  or  less  modified 
by  wind  action.  Drainage  is  well  established,  but  owing  to  the  porous  structure 
of  the  type  there  is  very  little  run-off  of  surface  waters.  With  intelligent  meth- 
ods of  cultivation,  fair  supplies  of  moisture  are  conserved  for  crop  use  and  fair 
yields  of  corn,  sorghum,  kafir.  and  wheat  are  produced. 

Rosebud  loamy  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray,  pervious  loamy 
fine  sand.  The  subsoil  resembles  the  soil,  but  has  a  slightly  lighter  color  and 
is  more  incoherent.  The  topography  ranges  from  undulating  to  hilly  and 
broken,  the  greater  part  of  the  type  being  too  rough  for  cultivation.  The  soil 
is  derived  from  the  indurated  or  sandstonelike  material  of  the  Arickaree  forma- 
tion of  the  Tertiary  deposits  in  the  Great  Plains.     It  is  porous  and  leachy,  of 


438 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


rather  low  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and  is  generally  utilized  for  grazing. 
It  supports  a  good  growth  of  native  grasses,  and  is  on  the  whole  best  suited  to 
this  purpose. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

e  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Rosebud  loamy  fine  .-^and 

Nebraska  7 

101,376 

Pratt  loamy  fine  san  1 

55,360 

Total 

156,736 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Sandy  Loam  Group. 


The  sandy  loams  in  this  province  are  of  frequent  occurrence,  particularly  in 
the  central  and  west-central  sections  of  the  Great  Plains  region.  They  have 
been  recognized  under  four  important  series  of  soils  and  cover  extensive  areas. 

The  soil  is  friable  and  easily  maintained  in  a  mellow  structural  condition. 
The  subsoils  are  heavier  than  the  surface  soil,  and  their  rather  compact  struc- 
ture retards  excessive  underdrainage.  They  are  of  high  moisture-holding 
capacity.  The  principal  soil  areas  are  subject  to  a  light  rainfall  and  in  the 
western  districts  the  practice  of  agriculture  without  irrigation  is  hazardous. 
The  topography  is  usually  sloping  or  nearly  level  to  rolling,  but  the  surface  is 
sometimes  broken  by  wind-blown  undulations,  stream  valleys,  or  outcropping 
ledges  of  rock.  Drainage  is  well  established,  except  in  local  depressions  sub- 
ject to  accumulations  of  surface  flood  waters  or  of  seepage  waters  from 
irrigation. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation  and 
require  only  a  light  farming  equipment.  In  districts  where  the  rainfall  is 
sufficient  to  maintain  agriculture  without  irrigation  they  constitute  good  soils 
for  general  purposes,  well  adapted  to  a  rather  light  typo  of  general  funning 
and  to  vegetables  and  other  special  crops.  They  are  in  favorable  seasons  supe- 
rior to  the  soils  of  heavier  texture  for  the  production  of  general  farm  crops, 
because  their  physical  structure  is  more  favorable  to  the  conservation  of 
moisture.  Corn,  wheat,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  niilo  are  the  crops  most  extensively 
grown.  Alfalfa  is  an  important  product  in  the  Irrigated  districts  and  is  .mown 
locally,  where  the  natural  moisture  supply  is  sufficient,  without  Irrigation. 
Tree  fruits  and  vegetables  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  and  melons,  canta- 
loupes, and  sugar  beets  constitute  important  products  in  the  western  Irrigated 
s.  Owing  to  the  dominant  heavy,  moisture-retaining  subsoils,  the  sandy 
Loams  of  the  province  are  better  adapted  to  general  farming  than  are  mos  ot 
the  sandy  loam  groups  of  this  or  other  regions. 

Mbion  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  rather  coarse  sandy  loam  from 
8  to  1  1  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  red  to  reddish -brown  sandy  clay 
carrying  Larger  quantities  of  coarse  sand  and  tine  gravel.  While  there  is  com- 
paratively little  silt  or  very  fine  sand  in  the  subsoil,  the  amount  of  clay  is  BUffl- 
cicnt  to  make  it  sticky  and  retentive  of  moisture.  The  type  is  formed  from  the 
sandy  ami  tine  gravelly  phases  of  the  unconsolidated  Tertiary  material,  de- 
rived predominantly  from  crystalline  POCkS  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  occurs 
as  broad,  extensive  alluvial  mountain   Coot-Slope  or  outwash  plain  deposits  built 

by  aggrading  streams.    The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling.    Corn, 

Kafir,  wheat,  SOrghum,  and  alfalfa  give  fair  yields,  and  the  type  as  a  whole 
hafl  a  high  agricultural  value.      Some  tree  and  small  fruits  are  also  grown.     The 

type  is  well  adapted  i<>  vegetables. 

Colorado  tOndy  loam.  The  soil  is  a  reddish  or  yellowish  brown  sandy  loam 
of  medium  to  tine  texture  and  rather  compact  structure,  hut  friable  under 
cultivation      It    Varies  from    l    tO  •'!  feet    in  depth  and   is  underlain  hy  a  compact, 

.sticky,  reddish-brown  or  yellowish-brown  Loam  or  sandy  Loam  of  adobe  struc- 
ture. The  type  varies  in  texture  and  structure,  however,  being  modified  in  some 
areas  by  wash   from  other  soils,     n    is  typically  developed  <>n  the  semiarld 

slopes  of  the  Greal    Plains.      It    is   frequently  marked   hy   gravel  strewn  bluff  or 

terrace  dues  and  outcropping  Ledges  ot  shales,  sandstones,  or  limestones.    The 

Soil  often  carries  a  small  quantity  of  tine  gravel.  The  type  is  derived  from 
ancient   foot  slope  material  from  granitic  rocks,  modified  hy  later  stream  erosion, 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


439 


alluvial  deposition,  and  by  residual  and  wind-blown  material.  It  is  usually- 
well  drained,  free  from  alkali,  easily  cultivated,  and  retentive  of  moisture. 
Alfalfa,  melons,  sugar  beets,  fruits,  and  vegetables  give  good  results  on  favorably 
situated  areas  capable  of  irrigation. 

Greensburg  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  sandy 
loam,  with  an  average  depth  of  18  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  brown  silt 
loam,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.  The  typical  heavy  subsoil  and  the  ab- 
sence of  the  red  color  distinguishes  it  from  the  soils  of  the  Pratt  series.  The 
topography  is  rolling.  The  type  probably  represents  a  mixture  of  material 
resulting  from  unconsolidated  silty  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Plains  Marl  and 
wind-blown  material  subsequently  well  weathered  in  its  present  position.  It  is 
a  good  general-purpose  soil  and  a  variety  of  crops  are  grown.  Wheat,  corn, 
and  kafir  are  the  principal  crops. 

Pratt  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  a  reddish-brown  or  brown  medium  to  fine 
sandy  loam  from  20  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  lighter  reddish-brown 
subsoil,  which  is  slightly  more  sandy  but  somewhat  sticky  and  compact,  owing 
to  its  clay  content.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  sandy  uncon- 
solidated Tertiary  material,  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks,  and  consisting  to  a 
large  extent  of  feldspar  particles,  distributed  as  alluvial  mountain  foot-slope  and 
outwash  plain  deposits  by  aggrading  streams.  The  topography  varies  from 
nearly  level  to  dunelike  hills,  and  the  surface  material  is  sometimes  wind 
blown.  Drainage  is  well  established,  and  the  type  is  retentive  of  moisture. 
Wheat,  corn,  and  kafir  are  the  principal  crops,  yields  being  good  in  favorable 
seasons. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  10,  11 

493,888 
156,096 

Colorado  sandy  loam 

Colorado  3 

Kansas  6 

89,984 

Kansas  10. . . 

76,032 

Total 

816,000 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

GRAVELLY    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  sandy  loam  in  this  province  has  been  recognized  under  but  one 
soil  series,  which  is  represented  by  the  gravelly  sandy  loam  member. 

The  gravel  content  usually  becomes  more  marked  in  the  subsoil,  the  soil  mass 
often  being  underlain  at  shallow  depths  by  granite  bedrock.  The  topography 
varies  from  comparatively  level  to  broken.  Cotton  and  corn  are  the  principal 
products,  but  the  type  is  not  extensively  developed  to  agriculture.  It  is  defi- 
cient in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  crops  suffer  from  drought.  The  soil  is 
of  little  value  for  general  farming,  and  in  agricultural  importance  is  much  infe- 
rior to  the  sandy  loam  soils  of  this  province. 

Tishomingo  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  sandy  loam  containing 
a  variable  quantity  of  small  gravel  and  has  an  average  depth  of  10  inches.  The 
subsoil  is  a  red  to  drab  gravelly  clay,  the  gravel  content  being  usually  greater 
than  that  of  the  soil.  In  some  places  the  gravel  increases  rapidly,  and  at  a 
depth  of  3  feet  a  substratum  consisting  of  a  mass  of  disintegrated  rock  frag- 
ments is  encountered.  The  type  occupies  nearly  level  to  rough,  rolling  areas. 
The  surface  material  consists  mainly  of  stream  outwash  or  alluvial  slope  mate- 
rial. The  subsoil  is  in  part  residual  and  derived  from  the  Tishomingo  granite. 
The  more  level  areas  of  the  type  form  prairies  covered  with  wild  grasses,  which 
furnish  good  grazing  and  a  fair  grade  of  hay.  A  growth  of  scrub  oak  is  gen- 
erally found  over  rolling  areas.  Cotton  and  corn  give  fair  yields,  but  the  type 
is  not  extensively  utilized.     Its  value  for  general  farm  crops  is  low. 


440  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Tishomingo  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Oklahoma  2 

29,606 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  soils  of  the  province  are  widely  distributed  throughout 
the  northern,  central,  and  southern  sections  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  where 
they  are  recognized  under  three  soil  series.  They  are  less  extensive  and  im- 
portant, however,  than  the  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  group,  and  are  subject  to 
much  wider  range  in  topography,  character  of  underlying  material,  and  in  crop 
adaptation.  The  subsoils  are  prevailingly  heavier  than  the  surface  soils.  The 
topography  is  predominantly  undulating  or  rolling,  and  in  some  of  the  members 
the  surface  is  frequently  eroded  or  dissected.  In  the  rougher  districts  the 
soils  are  shallow  and  sometimes  stony. 

The  member  occurring  under  the  Pratt  series  is  retentive  of  moisture  under 
cultivation,  friable,  and  moderately  tenacious  when  wet.  and  constitutes  a  fair 
soil  for  the  general  farm  crops  and  vegetables.  Kafir,  broom  corn,  wheat,  and 
alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops  grown. 

The  other  members  of  the  group  are  less  extensively  utilized  and  moisture 
conditions  are  less  favorable  for  agriculture.  Where  of  sufficient  depth  and 
favorable  topography,  the  more  northern  areas  are  better  adapted  to  corn, 
potatoes,  and  other  intertilled  crops  than  to  small  grains.  In  the  southwestern 
semiarid  areas,  occupied  by  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  Zapata  series,  the  soil 
is  generally  shallow  and  hilly.  It  is  insufficiently  supplied  wuth  moisture  to 
insure  crop  returns  and  is  better  adapted  to  grazing. 

Pratt  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark  grayish  brown  to  dark- 
brown  fine  sandy  loam  from  10  to  18  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  some- 
what lighter  brown  or  reddish-brown,  heavier,  and  more  compact  subsoil.  The 
surface  clods  to  some  extent,  though  as  a  rule  good  tilth  is  easily  maintained. 
The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  undulating,  though  in  some  areas  its  dunes 
are  formed  by  wind  action.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The  typo  is  de- 
rived from  the  unconsolidated  sandy  material  of  the  Tertiary  formations  de- 
rived from  crystalline  rocks  and  distributed  by  aggrading  streams  as  low, 
broad  mountain  foot  slopes  or  alluvial  outwash-plain  deposits.  It  contains  a 
large  amount  of  feldspathic  mineral  fragments  and  holds  moisture  fairly 
well.  Kafir,  broom  corn,  wheat,  and  alfalfa  give  fair  yields  under  favorable 
conditions.    The  soil  is  also  adapted  to  vegetables  and  truck  crops  and  to  fruit. 

Richfield  tint'  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  about  12  inches  in  depth  is  light 
la-own  or  gray  and  bus  a  fine,  silty  texture  and  loose,  porous  structure.  The 
subsoil  is  generally  similar  to  the  soil  material  in  color  and  character.  The 
topography  is  gently  rolling  or  undulating,  the  steeper  slopes  being  sometimes 
eroded  and  rough  or  broken.  In  certain  localities  the  surface  is  marked  by 
wind-blown  mounds  or  knolls.  The  type  is  derived  From  Tertiary  deposits  In 
varying  degrees  of  consolidation,  subsequently  modified  by  eollan  agencies. 
Drainage  is  usually  well  established.  The  rougher  areas  are  utilised  mainly 
for  grazing.    The  type  Is  generally  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation,  and 

With  favorable  topography  and  BUfficienI  rainfall  is  adapted  to  general  farming. 
Torn  and  BOrghum  are  the  principal  crops.  Small  grains  are  grown  to  some 
lit.  but  yields  are  low  on  account  of  the  light  rainfall. 
Rosebud  finr  sandy  hmm. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  brown  fine 
sandy  loam  from  12  tO  L8  inches  deep,  containing  a  high  percentage  Of  silt. 
The  BUbSOil  is  lighter  ID  COlor,  often  being  almost  white  in  the  lower  depths, 
and  is  calcareous.  The  typo  is  derived  from  the  weathering  of  Unconsolidated 
Tertiary  deposits,  modified  to  some  extent  by  wind  -blown  sand.  The  parent 
material  of  the  Tertiary  deposits  consists  of  extensive  alluvial  fan  or  mountain 
foot  slope  materials,  derived  largely  from  sandstone,  Shale,  and  limestone  rocks. 

hut  Including  some  granitic  material  transported  and  distributed  by  aggrading 
streams.    The  surface  is  gently  undulating  to  steeply  roiling,  with  broken  areas 

and   formations  resembling  DUtteS,      Very   little  Of  the  type   is  at    present    under 
Cultivation.      Where   not    too    sandy    it    is   adapted    to    general    farming.      Corn, 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


441 


potatoes,  and  vegetables  could  probably  be  more  successfully  grown  than  small 
grains. 

Zapata  fine  sandy  loam. — To  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches  the  soil  consists  of  a 
gray  to  grayish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  underlain  by  a  hard,  compact,  heavy 
fine  sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay  similar  to  or  lighter  in  color  than  the  surface  ma- 
terial. At  depths  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  3  or  4  feet  a  substratum  of 
bedrock  consisting  of  limestone  and  occasionally  sandstone  is  encountered. 
Outcrops  frequently  occur  and  give  the  soil  the  character  of  a  stony  loam. 
The  type  has  been  formed  from  a  thin  mantle  of  gray  sandy  loam  or  sandy 
clay  consisting  of  alluvial  out  wash  deposits  derived  mainly  from  sandstone 
and  shale  rocks  and  deposited  over  the  bedrock.  The  topography  varies  from 
rolling  to  hilly  and  in  some  places  is  quite  broken.  This  is  distinctly  a  grazing 
type  and  should  be  devoted  to  this  purpose.  Much  of  it  is  so  hilly  and  stony 
or  has  the  limestone  so  near  the  surface  that  it  can  never  be  used  for  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Rosebud  fine  sandy  loam 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3. . 
Nebraska  7 

1,389,312 

743,744 

Richfield  fine  sandy  loam 

Zapata  fine  sandy  loam 

Texas  27 

638, 208 

Pratt  fine  sandy  loam 

Kansas  6 

123,072 

Total 

2,894,336 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


VERY  FINE    SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  very  fine  phase  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  is  confined  to  a  single  soil 
series  occurring  in  the  middle  of  the  Great  Plains  region. 

The  surface  material  is  finer,  more  compact,  and  somewhat  more  sticky  when 
wet  than  is  the  soil  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series.  It  requires  more 
careful  management  than  the  lighter-textured  soils  of  the  province.  If  culti- 
vated when  too  wet,  it  clods  to  some  extent.  With  favorable  moisture  conditions 
the  soil  is  friable  and  readily  maintained  in  good  tilth.  Only  a  moderately 
heavy  farming  equipment  is  necessary.  The  type  retains  moisture,  and  where 
the  climate  is  favorable  it  constitutes  a  good  general-purpose  soil.  Kafir, 
sorghum,  wheat,  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  products.  The  soil  is  somewhat 
better  adapted  to  general  or  heavy  farming  than  the  fine  sandy  loam  member 
of  the  same  series,  and  in  general  adaptation  to  crops  it  occupies  a  position 
intermediate  between  the  soils  occurring  under  the  same  series  in  the  fine  sandy 
loam  and  the  loam  groups. 

Pratt  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  or  light-brown 
rather  sticky  very  fine  sandy  loam  from  12  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a 
reddish  or  yellowish-brown  compact  and  sticky  heavy  loam  or  silty  clay  loam. 
The  surface  soil  clods  to  some  extent,  especially  if  cultivated  under  unfavorable 
conditions  of  moisture.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  to  gently  undulating. 
Occasional  small  depressed  areas  show  traces  of  alkali.  Drainage  is,  however, 
usually  well  established  and  the  soil  fairly  retentive  of  moisture.  The  soil 
owes  its  origin  to  the  unconsolidated  material  of  the  Feldspar  formations, 
derived  mainly  from  crystalline  feldspar-bearing  rocks,  and  deposited  by  aggrad- 
ing streams  as  alluvial  outwash  plains  or  mountain  foot-slope  deposits.  It  has 
been  modified  to  a  slight  extent  by  material  of  the  same  character  which  has 
been  transported  by  winds.  It  is  a  good  agricultural  soil  and  produces  fair  to 
good  yields  of  kafir,  sorghum,  wheat,  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  6 

20,864 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


442  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Loam  Group. 

The  loam  soils  of  this  province  are  of  extensive  occurrence  throughout  the 
middle  and  southern  portions  of  the  Great  Plains  region. 

The  soils  vary  widely  in  rainfall,  topography,  depth,  character  of  underlying 
material,  and  agricultural  importance.  Although  the  members  of  the  group  are 
usually  subject  to  a  light  rainfall,  they  are  generally  retentive  of  moisture 
under  cultivation  where  carefully  and  judiciously  managed.  The  subsoil  is 
usually  moderately  heavy  to  heavy  and  of  high  water-holding  capacity,  though 
one  of  the  members  is  marked  by  a  porous  subsoil  and  by  somewhat  excessive 
underdrainage;  bin  this  type  is  favored  by  a  more  generous  rainfall  than  the 
areae  •  overed  by  the  other  soils  of  the  loam  group.  The  topography  is  generally 
undulating  to  gently  rolling,  but  is  sometimes  eroded  or  rough  and  broken. 
Drainage  as  a  rule  is  well  established. 

A  large  part  of  the  areas  covered  by  the  soils  of  the  loam  group  is  as  yet 
undeveloped  to  agriculture  and  is  used  extensively  for  grazing  purposes.  When 
devoted  to  agriculture,  corn,  wheat,  alfalfa,  and  kafir,  sorghum,  inilo.  broom 
corn,  and  similar  drought-resistant  forage  crops  are  the  principal  products,  the 
latter  being  most  extensively  grown  in  the  western  and  southwestern  portions 
of  the  districts  covered.     Some  cotton  is  grown  in  the  southern  districts. 

The  soils  are  usually  sticky  when  wet  and  require  somewhat  more  careful 
management  to  prevent  puddling  and  an  unfavorable  structure  than  is  the  case 
with  the  groups  of  lighter  texture.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  they 
are  easily  worked. 

The  loam  of  the  Zapata  series,  occurring  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the 
Plains  region  under  pronounced  conditions  of  aridity,  is  predominantly 
shallow  and  often  of  rough  topography.  It  is  best  adapted  to  grazing  pur- 
poses. The  other  members  of  the  group  can  generally  be  used  for  crops  and 
constitute  important  general-farming  soils.  They  are  adapted  to  a  rather  heavy 
of  agriculture  and  require  a  heavy  and  complete  farm  equipment  for 
efficient  and  economical  utilization. 

Albion,  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  rather  heavy  loam 
from  10  to  14  inches  deep,  becoming  nearly  black  when  wet.  It  is  underlain  by 
a  reddish-brown  to  brownish-red  clay,  which  contains  a  considerable  amount  of 
coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  Fine  chert  particles  occur  in  the  subsoil.  The  soil 
contains  enough  clay  to  make  it  somewhat  sticky  when  wet,  and  unless  worked 
under  favorable  moisture  conditions,  is  inclined  to  clod.  The  topography  is 
undulating  to  rolling.  Surface  drainage  is  usually  good.  Underdrainage  is 
-ive  on  account  of  the  gravel  in  the  subsoil.  The  type,  however,  is  not  so 
droughty  as  some  of  the  coarse  textured  members  of  the  series,  and  where 
intelligently  farmed  gives  good  yields  of  corn,  wheat,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  alfalfa. 
The  type  is  derived  from  unconsolidated  sandy  and  gravelly  material  of  the 
Tertiary  formation  composed  mainly  of  crystalline  rocks,  distributed  by  aggrad- 
ing streams  as  extensive  broad  alluvial  foot  slopes  or  stream-out  wash  plain 
deposits. 

Amartilo  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  or  occasionally  a 
reddish-brown  heavy  sandy  loam  to  loam  ranging  in  depth  from  8  to  14  inches. 
Tin-  8  ibsoi]  Is  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  heavy  sandy  loam  or  heavy  loam.  A 
whit.  0U8  Clay  is  encountered  under  the  subsoil  at  depths  ranging  from 

30   inches.     The  topography   varies  from  gently   undulating   to   rolling  or 
sometimes  broken.     Drainage  is  ordinarily  well  established.     This  soil  has  been 
formed  from  the  weathering  of  unconsolidated  Tertiary  and  Quaternary  deposits 
•d    from    sedimentary   and   crystalline   rocks  and   distributed   by   aggrading 

as  as  alluvial  tan,  outwasfa  plain,  or  mountain  foot-slope  material.    The 

type  18  well  suited  to  dry  farming  methods,  is  a  productive  soil  well  adapted 
arge  number  of  crops,  is  easily  cultivated,  and  does  not  suffer  from  exten- 
Blve  wind  drifting.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  and  for  the  production  of 
Wheat,  Forage  crops,  and.  to  a  limited  extent,  for  corn,  cotton,  alfalfa,  potatoes, 
and      egef    Mes. 

Pratt  loam.     The  soil  is  a  brown,  friable  silt  loam  to  an  average  depth  Ol    IS 

Inches.  The  subsoil  to  86  Inches  is  a  reddish-brown  sticky,  rather  compact 
sands  loam,  the  red  color  becoming  more  pronounced  with  depth.  The  topog- 
raphy is  generally  rolling,  and  drainage  is  well  established.  The  type  is  derived 
from  the  weathering  of  a  sandy  stratum  in  the  unconsolidated  Tertiary  material 
originating  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks,  containing  a  large  amount  of  feld- 
spar fragments,  and  deposited  by  aggrading  streams  as  broad  alluvial  foot- 
slope  and  out  wash  plain  deposits.  It  is  a  good  wheat  soil  and  Is  adapted  to  kafir 
and    com. 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


443 


Richfield  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  to  brown  loam.  The  subsoil  is 
grayish  brown  or  yellowish  brown  in  color,  and  extends  to  a  depth  of  more  than 
36  inches.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  undulating  or  rolling.  The 
soil  is  derived  from  unconsolidated  or  partially  cemented,  calcareous  Tertiary 
deposits  laid  down  by  aggrading  streams  as  extensive  mountain  foot  slopes  or 
alluvial  fans  and  derived  mainly  from  material  from  crystalline  rocks.  Some 
of  the  areas  have  subsequently  been  modified  by  weathering  in  place  or  by  eolian 
or  alluvial  agencies.  Wheat,  com,  and  alfalfa  are  grown  to  some  extent,  but 
the  sorghums  are  more  profitable. 

Zapata  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  grayish-brown  loam  from 
6  to  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  slightly  heavier  gray  to  yellowish-gray  or 
slightly  pinkish  loam.  Sandstone  or  limestone  bedrock  substratum  is  usually 
encountered  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  and  outcrops  sometimes  occur  on  the  steeper 
slopes.  The  type  is  very  low  in  humus,  but  contains  a  large  percentage  of  lime. 
The  soil  is  formed  from  thin  deposits  of  alluvial  stream  or  sheet  water  outwash 
material,  derived  mainly  from  sandstone  and  shale  rocks  and  deposited  over  the 
bedrock,  which  has  apparently  had  some  influence  upon  the  character  of  the 
soil.  The  surface  is  usually  rolling  to  hilly.  None  of  the  type  is  cultivated,  and 
owing  to  its  position  is  best  left  for  pasture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Texas  22 

1, 294, 848 

Kansas  6,  10,  11 

264,960 

Karsas  10. . . 

239, 616 

Kansas  6 

48,384 

Texas  27 

34,560 

Total 

1,882,368 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  loam  has  been  recognized  in  this  province  under  but  one  soil  series, 
and  is  not  extensively  developed  or  of  great  agricultural  importance. 

The  stone  content  is  usually  sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation,  and  the 
topography  over  a  large  part  of  the  area  is  such  as  to  prohibit  the  extensive  use 
of  farm  machinery.  The  soil  is  more  open  and  porous  than  that  of  the  loams 
in  the  province.  A  hardpan,  consisting  of  chert  fragments  and  finer  inter- 
stitial soil  material  cemented  by  lime  or  by  iron  salts,  commonly  occurs  in  the 
subsoil  material.  The  soil  is  not  extensively  utilized  and  its  agricultural  possi- 
bilities are  restricted.  When  improved  by  the  removal  of  stones,  some  of  the 
less  hilly  and  broken  areas  could  be  used  for  shallow-rooted  grains  and  grass 
crops. 

The  soil  of  this  phase  departs  widely  from  the  soils  of  the  loam  group  in  this 
province,  and  is  far  less  valuable  for  agriculture. 

Lebanon  stony  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  G  or  7  inches  is  a  gray  to  brown- 
ish-gray friable  silt  loam  containing  little  organic  matter  and  carrying  from  20 
to  30  per  cent  of  chert  fragments,  varying  in  size  up  to  12  inches  in  diameter. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  a  brown  or  yellowish-brown  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay 
underlain  by  a  tough,  plastic  yellowish-brown  clay.  The  subsoil  carries  about 
the  same  amount  of  chert  fragments  as  the  soil.  Chert  gravel  and  larger  frag- 
ments are  encountered  at  depths  varying  from  12  to  16  inches.  Underlying  the 
tough  clay,  which  usually  extends  from  18  to  22  inches,  there  is  generally  a  thin 
stratum,  4  or  5  inches  thick,  of  friable  silty  clay  or  silty  clay  loam  mottled  with 
yellow,  drab,  and  gray.  A  "  hardpan,"  consisting  of  angular  chert  fragments 
cemented  by  iron  or  lime,  is  encountered  within  the  3-foot  section.  The  surface 
soil  is  "derived  from  the  superficial  material  covering  the  higher  plateaus  of  the 
region,  consisting  probably  of  stream  or  sheet  flood  outwash  deposits  from  a 
variety  of  rocks.  The  cherty  subsoils  are  derived  from  the  cherty  limestone 
formation  underlying  this  stratum.  The  fragments  have  been  disseminated 
throughout  the  soil  by  erosion  and  the  translocating  action  of  frosts  and  thaws. 
The  type  occupies  a  topographic  position  Intermediate  between  the  Lebanon  silt 
loam  and  the  Clarksville  soils  which  are  derived  wholly  from  the  cherty  lime- 


444  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

stone.  The  area  covered  was  originally  prairie,  but  now  supports  a  growth 
of  blackjack  oak.  with  some  post  and  black  oak.  Little  of  tbis  type  is  used  for 
agricultural  purposes.  By  removing  the  stones  the  smoother  areas  could  be 
used  for  shallow-rooted  grain  and  grass  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lebanon  stony  loam 

6,272 

1  Fcr  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  is  represented  by  one  soil  type 
occurring  under  the  Colorado  series.  It  is  not  extensive  and  has  been  found 
only  along  the  western  edge  of  the  Great  Plains  region. 

Owing  to  the  gravel  content  and  the  dominant  sloping  and  frequently  eroded 
and  dissected  topography,  drainage  is  rather  excessive.  The  rainfall  is  generally 
insufficient  for  crop  production  without  irrigation  and  a  great  part  of  the  area 
covered  by  the  gravelly  loam  occupied  is  so  elevated  that  irrigation  is  imprac- 
ticable. 

The  soil  is  friable  under  cultivation,  and  where  capable  of  irrigation  it  is 
adapted  to  the  production  of  apples  and  other  tree  fruits,  cereals,  alfalfa,  and 
sugar  beets.  It  is  better  adapted  to  fruits  and  possesses  a  somewhat  wider  range 
in  crop  adaptation  than  the  soils  of  the  loam  group  so  far  as  they  have  been  en- 
countered.    It  is  rather  inferior  to  the  loams  for  heavy  general  farming. 

Colorado  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  of  this  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark- 
colored  heavy,  silty  fine  sandy  loam  or  loam,  generally  6  feet  or  more  in  depth. 
It  carries  a  large  amount  of  gravel,  which  consists  of  fragments  of  granite,  shale. 
or  sandstone  ranging  in  size  from  5  or  6  inches  in  diameter,  and  increasing  In 
quantity  as  the  mountains  are  approached.  The  soil  erodes  easily,  and  in 
arroyos  or  cuts  the  subsoil  often  has  a  compact,  adobelike  structure.  The  type 
is  formed  largely  of  colluvial  material.  It  occurs  along  mountain  footslopos, 
and  frequently  as  pronounced  hills  and  ridges.  It  usually  occupies  elevations 
above  the  limits  of  irrigation.    The  soil  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  2 

;W,408 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  silt  loam  gr<  up  are  represented  under  a  number  of  soil  Beries 
and  vary  widely  in  ideation,  extent,  climate,  topography,  and  crop  adaptation. 

Soni<>  of  the  members  arc  frequently  eroded  and  dissected  and  their  topog- 
raphy is  rough  and  broken,  in  one  of  the  soils  of  the  group  a  hanipan.  im- 
penetrable lo  plant  roots,  OCCUrS  at  shallow  depths,  so  that  the  type  is  not  well 
adapted  to  other  than  shallow-rooted  crops.  In  general,  the  topography  is  com- 
paratively level  to  rolling,  the  soil  and  subsoil  material  of  good  depth,  and  the 
soil  well  adapted  to  agriculture  with  favorable  moisture  supply.  The  rainfall 
is  usually   light,  hut    the  soil-,   while  somewhat    sticky   when  wet.   are  of   friable 

structure  and  air  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation.     Drainage  is  well 

established,  hut  seldom  and  the  character  of  the  surface  is  such  as  to 

favor  the  use  of  farm  machinery. 

a  -rent  pari  of  the  areai  ol  extensively  utilized  for  agriculture 

and  Is  devoted  mainly  t<>  grazing.     Wheat,  corn,  kaflr,  SOrghum,  and  flax  are  the 

principal  crops  of  cultivated    in 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION.  445 

In  general,  where  the  climate  is  favorable,  the  silt  loams  are  well  adapted  to 
general  farming.  They  require  a  rather  heavy  farming  equipment  and  in 
adaptation  to  crops  do  not  depart  greatly  from  the  soils  of  the  loam  group. 

Ashland  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light  to  dark  brown  friable  silt  loam 
with  an  average  depth  of  12  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  brown  to  dark 
brown  silty  clay  loam,  which  becomes  more  compact  with  depth  and  shows  occa- 
sional streaks  of  calcareous  material  below  a  depth  of  2  feet.  The  type  occupies 
terraces  in  valleys  which  have  probably  been  formed  in  part  by  the  subsidence 
of  the  underlying  rocks,  owing  to  removal  of  overlying  material  by  solution. 
The  soil  is  derived  mainly  from  local  alluvial  slope  or  outwash  material  distrib- 
uted by  surface  waters  and  by  minor  streams  and  derived  from  the  sandstone, 
shale,  and  limestone  rocks  of  the  Tertiary  formations.  Drainage  is  well  estab- 
lished. The  type  is  a  good  soil  for  general  farming,  wheat,  corn,  and  kafir  being 
the  principal  crops. 

Lebanon  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brownish-gray  to  grayish-brown 
friable  silt  loam  from  6  to  10  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  brownish 
yellow  silty  clay  loam,  which  grades  quickly  into  a  plastic,  tough  clay  of  a 
yellowish-brown  to  chocolate-brown  color.  This  in  turn  is  underlain  at  an 
average  depth  of  24  inches  by  a  more  friable  layer  of  mottled  gray  and  yellow 
or  bluish  gray  and  pale  yellow  silty  clay  loam. 

A  tough  "  hardpan,"  consisting  chiefly  of  angular  chert  fragments,  often 
firmly  cemented  with  lime  or  iron  and  having  a  mottled  red  and  grayish  appear- 
ance, is  usually  reached  within  the  3-foot  section,  generally  at  about  30  inches. 
The  upper  section  of  the  subsoil  is  not  everywhere  present,  but  the  tough,  plastic 
clay  stratum  is  always  encountered.  This  clay  when  worked  in  wet  condition 
hardens  on  drying  into  an  impervious,  intractable  mass.  Chert  fragments  are 
practically  absent  to  a  depth  of  22  to  28  inches.  The  topography  is  flat  to 
undulating,  the  type  standing  above  the  soils  of  associated  series.  The  soil, 
excepting  the  lower  cherty  hardpan  portion,  is  derived  from  a  chert-free  layer 
of  material,  whose  origin  is  obscure,  but  which  consists  probably  of  outwash 
deposits  of  streams  or  of  sheet  surface  waters,  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks, 
the  crystalline  probably  predominating.  Where  erosion  has  removed  this  surfi- 
cial  layer  the  cherty  soils  derived  from  underlying  cherty  limestone  are  encoun- 
tered, the  "hardpan"  substratum  sometimes  being  near  the  surface.  This  type 
is  best  suited  to  shallow-rooted  crops  such  as  grass  and  grain  and  is  of  fair 
agricultural  value.  It  is  readily  improved  by  the  addition  of  organic  matter  and 
a  rotation  of  crops  to  include  the  legumes.  Phosphatic  fertilizers  also  give  good 
results.  The  soil  was  originally  prairie,  except  for  a  scattered  growth  of 
blackjack  oak,  but  with  the  discontinuance  of  burning  over  the  land  for  grazing 
the  unused  areas  have  become  covered  with  trees. 

Richfield  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  or  dark-brown  silt  loam, 
with  an  average  depth  of  12  inches  and  containing  some  fine  sand  in  the  first 
8  or  10  inches.  The  upper  subsoil  is  a  brown  silty  clay  loam  from  0  to  14  inches 
thick  and  is  underlain  by  a  grayish-yellow,  calcareous,  more  silty  loam,  which 
extends  to  more  than  3  feet.  The  topography  ranges  from  almost  level  to 
sharply  rolling.  The  type  represents  the  weathered  product  of  the  unconsoli- 
dated or  slightly  cemented  calcareous  Tertiary  material  known  as  Plains  Marl, 
derived  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  dis- 
tributed by  aggrading  streams  as  alluvial-fan  or  foot-slope  material  modified  by 
winds.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The  soil  is  productive  under  favorable 
conditions.     Wheat,  kafir,  and  some  corn  are  grown. 

Rosebud  silt  loam. — The  surface  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  inches  con- 
sists of  a  loose,  friable,  light  silt  loam  ranging  in  color  from  light  ashy  gray  to 
dark  brown.  The  color  of  the  soil  is  largely  influenced  in  its  darker  shades 
by  the  content  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  brown 
silt  loam  about  2  feet  deep,  the  day  content  being  ordinarily  greater  than  in 
the  surface  soil.  This  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a  white,  light  pink,  or  buff  colored, 
calcareous,  silty  loam,  which  continues  to  a  depth  of  several  feet.  Drainage 
is  well  established  and  the  material  is  easily  eroded.  White  eroded  spots  and 
incipient  "bad  lands"  occur  on  slopes  and  hillsides.  This  type  is  derived  from 
the  unconsolidated,  very  calcareous  Tertiary  deposits  formed  mainly  from  sand 
stone  and  shale  rocks,  with  some  granitic-  material  distributed  as  extensive 
alluvial-fan  or  foot-slope  deposits  by  aggrading  streams.  The  surface  varies 
from  almost  level  plains  to  rough  hills  and  brokeu  country  approaching  the 
"bad  lands."  Very  little  of  this  type  has  been  placed  under  cultivation,  hut 
where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  it  should  prove  an  excellent  soil  for 
general  farming.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  and  for  the  production  of 
corn,  small  grains,  and  flax. 


446 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

3,919,104 

Richfield  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

3.369,088 

Lebanon  silt  loam 

Missouri  8,11 

102,080 

Ashland  silt  loam 

Kansas  10 

13,824 

Total 

7,404,0% 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  in  this  province  are  not  of  extensive  or 
frequent  occurrence  and  have  been  recognized  under  two  soil  series  only. 

They  have  heavy,  compact  subsoils,  the  material  of  the  deeper  section  being 
In  part  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  underlying  shales,  sandstones,  and 
limestones.  They  are  confined  to  local  flats,  basinlike  depressions  in  upland 
plains  or  prairies,  or  the  base  of  adjacent  hill  slopes.  Drainage  is  usually  poor, 
and  in  many  cases  the  reclamation  of  the  land  is  impracticable  within  a  reason- 
able limit  of  expense.  In  the  more  western  semiarid  areas  alkali  salts  are  some- 
times present  in  injurious  amounts  in  the  more  poorly  drained  areas. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  utilized  mainly  for  pasture,  and  in  agricultural 
importance  are  inferior  to  the  loams  and  silt  loams.  Artificial  drainage  is 
usually  required  and  careful  management  is  necessary  before  they  can  be 
brought  into  a  favorable  condition  of  tilth.  With  good  drainage  and  proper 
cultivation  they  arc  adapted  to  heavy  general  farming,  including  the  production 
of  cereals,  sorghum  and  other  forage  crops,  alfalfa,  and  grass  crops. 

Colorado  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark  reddish  brown,  compact, 
tenacious  clay  ioam  of  adobe  structure,  generally  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  The 
type  occupies  depressions  and  lower  slopes  of  local  closed  drainage  basins  in 
elevated  treeless  plains.  The  material  consists  of  finer  Tertiary  foot-slope 
deposits,  modified  by  further  weathering  and  alluvial  wash  or  sedimentation. 
Small  flakes  or  granules  of  gypsum  are  frequently  encountered.  The  topography 
is  nearly  level  and  unmarked  by  terrace  or  bluff  lines  or  rock  outcrop  and  the 
surface  is  free  of  gravel.  The  soil  is  generally  poorly  drained  and  shows  traces 
of  alkali. 

Sedgwick  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine-grained  silty  loam,  12  to  IS  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  bluish-gray  to  drab,  tough,  heavy,  and  compact  clay. 
extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  The  type  occupies  flat  or  depressed 
areas  on  upland  prairies  or  occurs  at  the  base  of  footslopes.  It  is  poorly 
drained.  The  material  represents  alluvial  depositions  by  minor  streams  or 
sheet  floods  from  the  surrounding  soils  and  laid  down  as  alluvial  fan  or  slope 
material.  The  deeper  subsoils  are  in  places  residual  from  sandstone,  shale,  and 
limestone  material.  The  type  is  generally  us<vl  tor  pasturage,  although  with 
thorough  drainage  it  should  be  well  adapted  to  wheal  and  corn. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


Stale  or  area. 


\.  i. 


,.  clay  loam  . 

loam. 


Tol  d. 


<    lorado  :>, 


8,064 


s.  8M 


'  For  k-\  to  Dumbera  la  tins oolumn  see  p.  7;t:<. 
sil/i  Y    <  i  \Y     t  o\  M     PHASE. 

The  sandy  clay-1  i  are  ool  of  frequenl  occurrence  in  this  province 

and  have  hem  recognized  only  under  the  Pratt  series,  the  normal  day-loan) 
member  of  which  bae  uol  as  yet  been  encountered 


GEE  AT   PLAINS   REGION.  447 

In  this  soil  the  sand  content  is  sufficiently  high  to  alter  the  structure  and  tex- 
ture of  the  soil,  the  material  being  somewhat  more  friable  than  the  clay  loams. 
With  favorable  moisture  content  the  soil  resembles  sandy  loams  in  texture.  It 
is,  however,  sticky  when  wet  and  is  retentive  of  moisture.  The  subsoil  is  com- 
pact and,  unlike  the  clay  loams,  the  soils  usually  have  good  drainage.  The  soil 
is  well  adapted  to  general  farming.  It  does  not  demand  as  heavy  farming  equip- 
ment as  the  soils  of  clay-loam  texture,  and  is  superior  to  those  soils  in  the 
Province  in  general  agricultural  importance  and  adaptability  to  farm  crops. 

Pratt  sandy  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  sandy  clay  loam 
from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  overlying  a  subsoil  of  dark-brown  or  dark  reddish 
brown  compact  sandy  clay  or  sandy  clay  loam.  When  worked  under  favorable 
conditions  of  moisture  the  texture  is  similar  to  that  of  a  sandy  loam,  yet  the 
content  of  clay  is  nearly  high  enough  to  make  the  soil  a  clay  loam.  The  topog- 
raphy is  rolling  to  undulating,  and  drainage  ordinarily  well  established.  The 
type  is  derived  from  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  originating  mainly  from 
feldspar-bearing  crystalline  rocks  and  distributed  by  aggrading  streams  as  broad 
alluvial  mountain  footslope  or  alluvial  plain  deposits.  A  proper  moisture 
supply  is  easily  maintained,  and  crop  yields  are  good. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Kansas  6 

1,408 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  soils  of  the  silty  clay  loam  phase  in  this  province  are  much  more  ex- 
tensive and  of  greater  agricultural  importance  than  the  normal  clay  loams. 
They  have  been  encountered  under  four  important  soil  series  which  are  widely 
developed  in  the  middle  western  and  southwestern  sections  of  the  Great  Plains 
region.  In  none  of  these  series  in  which  the  silty  clay  loam  appears  has  the 
clay-loam  member  been  recognized,  the  soil-forming  agencies  having  apparently 
favored  the  accumulation  of  a  large  amount  of  silt  particles  with  the  clay  and 
sandy  material. 

The  soil  is  rather  heavy  and  tenacious  when  wet,  with  a  tendency  to  puddle 
and  became  intractable  if  cultivated  while  too  wet.  Where  well  drained  and 
carefully  cultivated  it  is  mellow  and  friable.  The  subsoil  is  rather  compact, 
often  calcareous,  and  possesses  pronounced  water-holding  power,  rendering  the 
soil  retentive  of  moisture  and  well  adapted  to  agriculture,  eveu  with  the  pre- 
vailing light  rainfall,  if  judiciously  managed.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently 
undulating  and  favorable  to  the  extensive  use  of  farm  machinery.  Drainage  is 
ordinarily  well  established,  but  in  places  deficient. 

The  silty  clay  loams  are  adapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming,  except 
in  areas  where  the  climate  may  be  entirely  unsuitable.  They  are  utilized  mainly 
for  grazing  and  for  the  production  of  small  grains,  corn,  alfalfa,  kafir,  sorghum, 
milo,  and  similar  crops.    A  heavy  farming  equipment  is  required. 

Amarillo  silty  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  from  2  to  8  inches  deep,  and 
consists  of  a  brown  or  chocolate-brown  silty  clay  loam  which,  in  many  places, 
has  a  slightly  reddish  tinge.  It  is  underlain  by  a  compact  reddish-brown  silty 
clay  loam,  which  extends  to  a  depth  of  18  to  24  inches  and  rests  upon  a  white, 
calcareous  material,  which  merges  into  a  white,  calcareous  substratum  at  a 
depth  of  4  or  5  feet.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating  to  rolling.  The  type 
has  been  formed  by  the  weathering  of  the  heavier  unconsolidated  Tertiary 
deposits  derived  from  both  sedimentary  and  crystalline  rocks  and  deposited  as 
broad  alluvial  outwash  plain  or  fan  material  by  former  aggrading  streams. 
The  red  color  is  probably  due  to  an  admixture  of  material  from  the  Permian  Red 
Beds.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to  sorghum,  kaffir,  milo,  wheat,  and  oars.  It 
is  a  strong,  productive  soil,  but  yields  are  largely  dependent  on  climate.  It  is 
utilized  principally  for  grazing  and  the  production  of  forage  crops  and  small 
grains. 

Fowler  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy 
silty  loam  from  12  to  16  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown 
silty  clay  loam  to  a  depth  of  30  inches,  below  which  a  white  or  mottled  calca- 


448  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

reous  material  is  encountered.  The  surface  is  nearly  level  and  drainage  is 
rather  poor,  owing  to  insufficient  slope  and  an  impervious  subsoil.  The  type 
occupies  basins  or  valleys  formed  by  subsidence  resulting  from  the  removal  of 
underlying  gypsum  or  salt-bearing  rock  by  solution.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
the  Tertiary  deposits  consisting  mainly  of  wash  from  crystalline  rocks  with 
some  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shale  laid  down  as  outwash-plain  material  and 
locally  modified  by  the  addition  of  alluvium  from  streams.  The  type  is  sub- 
irrigated  and  produces  good  crops,  of  which  alfalfa  is  the  most  valuable.  Corn, 
whear.  and  the  sorghums  are  also  grown. 

Pratt  silty  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-brown  silty  clay  loam  about 
10  inches  in  depth,  and  is  underlain  by  a  dark-brown  to  reddish-brown  heavy 
silty  clay  loam  or  clay  which  is  sticky  when  wet  but  under  favorable  moisture 
conditions  works  readily  into  a  good  tilth.  The  topography  is  rolling  to  undu- 
lating, and  the  type  has  fair  to  good  drainage.  The  soil  is  derived  through  the 
weathering  of  the  finer-textured  material  of  the  unconsolidated  Tertiary  forma- 
tions derived  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks  and  deposited  as  extensive  areas  of 
mountain  footslopes  or  alluvial  fans  by  aggrading  streams.  The  soil  is  very 
productive,  and  with  sufficient  rainfall  good  yields  of  sorghum,  kafir,  milo, 
wheat,  oats,  etc.,  can  be  secured. 

Richfield  silty  clay  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark,  grayish-brown  to 
nearly  black  silty  clay  loam  from  8  to  16  inches  deep,  and  of  compact  structure 
but  friable  under  cultivation.  The  subsoil  is  a  light  or  grayish-brown  silty  clay 
loam  or  silty  clay  of  rather  compact  structure,  at  a  depth  of  2  to  3  feet  becoming 
lighter  in  color  and  strongly  calcareous.  The  topography  is  nearly  level  or 
gently  undulating,  but  the  type  is  usually  fairly  well  drained.  It  has  been 
formed  by  the  weathering*  of  unconsolidated  or  partially  cemented  Tertiary 
material  derived  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks  and  deposited  as  extensive  areas 
of  mountain  foot-slope  or  alluvial  fan  material  by  aggrading  streams.  The 
soil  is  very  productive  and  with  sufficient  rainfall  good  yields  of  sorghum, 
kafir.  milo,  wheat,  oats,  etc.,  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


AmarOlo  silty  clav  loam Texas  22 

Richlickl  siltv  clav  loam Kansas  10;  Texas  22. 

Fowler  silty  clav  loam Kansas  10 

Pratt  siliy  'clay  loam Kansas  6 


6,324,480 

1,161,216 

41,472 

23,424 


Total. 


7,550,592 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Group. 

one  soil   type  has  been  encountered  under  the  clay  group  within  this 
province. 

This  soil  is  extremely  tenacious  and  refractory,  becoming  sticky  when  wet 
and  baking  and  checking  upon  subsequent  exposure.  The  texture  and  structure 
of  bote  soil  and  subsoil  and  the  predominant   topography  are  unfavorable  to 

drainage,  and  alkali  salts  are  often  present   in  injurious  amounts. 

The  type  is  inextensive  and  rather  local  In  occurrence  and  Is  not  utilised 
to  any  extent,  except  for  pasture,  it  occurs  Id  semiarid  regions,  and  If  prop- 
erly drained  and  Irrigated  could  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  grain  and 

hay  cropa      li    is  adapted  Only  to  B   heavy  type  Of  general  fanning  and  requires 

the  heaviest  of  forming  equipment  and  extremely  careful  management 

Orman  clay.  The  soil  Is  a  grayish-brown  to  dark-brown,  extremely  heavy, 
tenacious,  and  compad  day.  it  is  refractory  In  structure,  readily  puddled, 
and  bakes  and  cracks  upon  drying.    The  subsoil  is  grayish-brown  to  drab  and 

similar    to    the    Soil    in    texture    and    structure.       It    occupies    tlats    and    gently 

inclined  hill  slopes  and  is  poorly  drained,  it  consists  of  One  material  derived 
from  shales,  deposited  as  alluvial  slope  oi  fan  material  by  sheet  wash  or  Inter- 
mittent Streams,  Some  Of  Which  has  been  deposited  In  shallow  waters  of  tem- 
porary lakes.  Alkali  is  generally  present  throughout  the  soil  In  considerable 
quantities.     The  type  is  oot   at   present   Utilised   for  agricultural   purposes  to  any 

extent,  except  for  grazing.    Under  favorable  Irrigation  and  drainage  conditions 

the  tyi  ■•  is  adapted  to  small  grains  and  alfalfa. 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  449 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Orman  clay 

South  Dakota  3 

327, 168 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
RIVER  FLOOD  PLAIN  MATERIAL. 

The  alluvial  deposits  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  and  Terraces  are  widely 
distributed  in  the  Great  Plains  region.  They  frequently  occur  along  the  numer- 
ous drainage  courses  in  the  more  humid  middle  and  southeastern  parts  of  the 
region,  but  are  most  extensive  and  typically  developed  in  the  wide,  shallow 
valleys  of  the  larger  streams  having  their  sources  in  the  Rocky  Mountains 
and  traversing  the  region  in  an  easterly  and  southeasterly  direction.  The 
more  important  areas  include  the  valleys  of  the  Missouri,  the  Platte,  the 
Arkansas,  the  Canadian,  and  the  Rio  Grande  Rivers  and  their  tributaries. 

The  transportation  and  deposition  of  large  amounts  of  alluvial  material  from 
running  water  are  particularly  significant  factors  here  in  soil  formation.  They 
result  from  the  seasonal  fluctuations  in  stream  flow,  the  pronounced  decrease 
in  volume  of  flow  from  seepage,  the  susceptibility  of  the  rocks  encountered  in 
the  course  of  the  stream  tributaries  to  erosion,  and  in  the  sudden  violent 
storms  of  the  regions  adjoining  the  Rocky  Mountains  where  the  streams  head. 

Most  of  the  soils  of  the  province  include  material  derived,  from  both  the 
quartz-bearing  crystalline  rocks,  transported  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  or 
represented  in  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Plains,  and  from  the 
sandstones,  shales,  and  limestones  of  the  plains  and  prairies.  This  dominant 
soil  group  is  represented  by  the  Laurel,  Arkansas,  Cheyenne,  Lancaster,  and 
related  series.  They  usually  vary  widely  in  drainage  conditions,  frequency 
of  overflow,  and  in  character  of  underlying  material.  Some  of  the  soils  are 
poorly  drained,  as  is  the  case  with  the  Bassett  series.  Others,  such  as  those 
of  the  Arkansas  series,  are  marked  by  the  occurrence  of  a  porous  substratum  of 
gravels  and  sands  within  the  usual  depth  of  the  soil  section. 

In  some  cases,  particularly  along  streams  tributary  to  the  larger  rivers  and 
heading  in  areas  of  sedimentary  rocks  of  the  prairies  and  plains,  the  mate- 
rial is  derived  wholly  or  predominantly  from  sedimentary  rocks.  This  is  rep- 
resented by  the  soils  of  the  Wade  series,  which  consist  mainly  of  shale  and 
sandstone  material. 

Other  areas  of  alluvial  soils  which  are  rather  local  in  extent  occur  along 
minor  streams  traversing  the  areas  of  loessial  deposits  within  the  Great  Plains 
region.  These  are  represented  by  the  soils  of  the  Osgood  series,  whose  constit- 
uent sediments  have  been  derived  from  the  erosion  of  loessial  deposits. 

The  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  and  River  Terrace  materials  in  the  Great 
Plains  region  cover  much  less  extensive  areas  than  do  those  derived  from  the 
Residual  and  Outwash  Plain  materials.  They  are,  however,  better  watered 
and  are  more  conveniently  situated  with  regard  to  water  supply  for  irrigation. 
Moreover,  the  stream  valleys  are  in  many  cases  followed  by  the  railways  because 
of  their  natural  low  grades,  so  that  transportation  is  convenient,  and  the  larger 
towns  and  cities  of  the  Great  Plains  region  are  located  within  these  areas, 
where  the  bulk  of  the  intensively  cultivated  products  of  high  market  value 
are  grown. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Arkansas  Series. — The  series  includes  grayish-brown  or  dark-brown  soils  with 
yellow  and  yellowish-brown  subsoils,  resting  upon  a  deep  substratum  of  gravels 
and  sands  extending  to  a  depth  of  many  feet.  The  substratum  is  sometimes 
so  near  to  the  surface  as  to  cause  the  soils  to  be  deficient  in  moisture-retaining 
capacity  and  somewhat  droughty,  though  on  the  other  hand  this  reservoir  of 
sands  and  gravels  is  generally  subirrigated  by  seepage  waters  from  streams. 
The  soils  are  alluvial  in  origin,  having  been  deposited  by  the  larger  streams  in 
the  central  prairie  region,  and  are  derived  from  material  of  crystalline  rocks  of 
Tertiary  age  transported  from  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  in  part  from  shales, 
sandstones,  and  limestones  of  the  Plains  region.     The  surface  is  level  to  undu- 

79619—13 29 


450 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


lating.  Drainage  is  generally  fair,  but  is  deficient  locally,  or  the  soils  may  be 
subject  to  overflow.  The  soils  are  generally  productive.  Wheat,  corn,  forage 
crops,  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Arkansas  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arkansas  sand 

Kansas  11 

19,392 

fine  sand 

Kansas  6.  7,  11. . . 

22,336 

fine  sandv  loam 

Kansas  6,  7.  10;  Missouri  1 

Kansas  6,  11 

132.800 

loam ". 

69, 6% 

silt  loam 

17,600 

clay  loam 

11.072 

..  do.... 

1.152 

326. 528 

Total 

600,576 

1  For  kev  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

8  Part  of  Grand  Island  area  outside  the  reconnoissance  survey. 

Bassett  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray  to  brown,  with  gray  or  lighter  brown, 
rather  heavy  and  compact  subsoils.  At  a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet  a  light  ashy-gray 
or  white  impervious  clay  is  encountered.  The  members  of  the  series  are  of 
alluvial  origin,  derived  from  crystalline,  shale,  and  sandstone  rocks  and  depos- 
ited by  streams  over  river  flood  plains  and  terraces.  They  occupy  level  or 
depressed  areas  and  are  poorly  drained.  They  produce  wild  hay  of  good  quality, 
and  owing  to  their  poor  drainage  are  best  adapted  to  this  purpose. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bassett  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7 

64.512 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Cheyenne  series. — The  soils  are  brown,  with  lighter  brown  or  yellow  subsoils, 
underlain  by  a  substratum  of  porous  sands  and  gravels.  The  soils  of  this 
series  consist  of  alluvial  stream  deposits  occupying  high  valley  terraces,  laid  down 
in  Pleistocene  times,  while  the  streams  were  choked  by  glacial  Ice.  They  are 
usually  well  drained,  and  where  the  underlying  gravel  does  not  too  closely 
approach  the  surface  they  are  productive  and  adapted  to  grazing,  small  grains, 
corn,  and  potatoes.  Under  irrigation  they  are  also  adapted  to  alfalfa,  fruits, 
and  the  lighter  members  to  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cheyenne  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Smith  Dakota  3. 

311,040 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


IjUu  '!  he  SOlla  Ol  this  Series  are  dark  gray  1<>  brown.     The  subsoils 

are  usually  lighter  in  COlOI  and  are  generally  underlain  by  a  porous  gravel  sub- 
stratum. As  a  rule,  the  onderdralnage  is  good.  On  the  beavlei  types  the  sur- 
face drainage  Is  In  places  deficient    The  topography  Is  flal  to  gently  undulating. 

The   scries  occurs   in   the   river   valleys  as   recent    and   older  alluvial   or   terrace 

deposit!  along  streams.  Lower  lying  bodies  are  sometimes  subject  to  overflow. 
The  soils  are  utilize.!  for  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  corn,  small  grains, 
forage,  melons,  cantaloupes,  and  vegetables  and  BUgar  beets. 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Laurel  series. 


451 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.] 

Acres. 

Colorado  3;  Nebraska  5 

11,392 

Colorado  2;  Montana  1 

42,624 

fine  sandy  loam 

5,760 

37.760 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

720,960 

Total 

818,496 

J  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lincoln  series. — The  soils  are  similar  to  those  of  the  Arkansas  series,  being 
dark-brown  to  dark-gray  or  nearly  black.  The  subsoils  are  somewhat  heavier 
and  more  compact  than  those  of  the  Arkansas  series,  particularly  in  the  deeper 
areas.  They  are  dark-gray  to  brown,  and  the  underlying  beds  of  gravel  are 
usually  absent.  They  are  therefore,  as  a  rule,  more  retentive  of  moisture  and 
less  likely  to  be  droughty  than  the  Arkansas  soils.  Drainage  is  usually  well 
established.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin  and  are  confined  to  the  bottoms 
and  terraces  of  small  tributary  streams  in  the  central-western  prairie  region. 
They  are  derived  mainly  from  unconsolidated  or  soft,  partially  cemented  Ter- 
tiary deposits,  representing  mainly  crystalline  rocks,  shales,  sandstones,  and 
limestones.  Corn,  forage  crops,  small  grains,  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lincoln  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  fi                                            ...... 

1,600 
6,272 
16,320 
5,120 
2,560 
1,536 
2,271,744 

do 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

very  fine  sandy  loam. . 

do 

loam " 

do 

clav  loam 

do 

undifferentiated 

Kansas  10;  Nebraska  7 

Total 

2,305,152 

]  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Osgood  series. — The  soils  are  light-brown  to  brown  and  range  in  depth  from 
12  to  18  inches.  The  subsoils  consist  of  grayish-yellow,  friable,  fine  sandy  loam 
of  silty  texture.  The  series  occupies  low  second  terraces  in  stream  valleys. 
The  topography  is  nearly  level,  but  the  soils  are  not  subject  to  overflow  and 
are  usually  well  drained.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  from 
near-by  loessial  soils.  They  are  generally  free  from  alkali  salts  and  are  de- 
voted to  corn,  small  grains,  alfalfa,  and  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Osgood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Osgood  fine  sandy  loam 

Nebraska  4.. 

16,320 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tripp  scries. — The  surface  soils  are  brown  to  light  gray,  the  surface  frequently 
having  an  ashy  gray  appearance.  The  subsoils  are  light  gray  to  white.  The 
series  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  terraces.  It  is 
derived  from  crystalline,  sandstone,  shale,  and  probably  calcareous  rocks,  modi- 
fied in  places  by  wind-laid  material.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level 
and  erosion  is  active.  Drainage  is  usually  fairly  well  established.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  series  are  generally  irrigable  and  with  favorable  Climate  they  are 
adapted  to  corn,  wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  vegetables,  etc. 


452  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Tripp  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.t 

Acres. 

Tripp  loamy  fine  sand 

Nebraska  7 

82,944 

very  fine  sandy  loam . . . 

do 

304,128 

loam 

do 

87,552 

silt  loam 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

142,848 

Total 

617,472 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Vale  series. — The  soils  are  reddish-brown.  The  subsoils  are  usually  similar 
to  the  soils,  but  are  sometimes  compact  and  vary  from  dark  to  light  reddish- 
brown  with  yellowish  brown  streaks.  The  series  occupies  benches  or  terraces 
and  slopes  and  stream  bottoms.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  de- 
rived from  crystalline  rocks,  including  granite,  gneiss,  and  schist,  and  from  shales 
and  sandstones,  the  latter  comprising  the  red  gypsum-bearing  rocks  of  the  Per- 
mian Red  Beds.  The  soils  often  contain  large  quantities  of  organic  matter  and 
are  generally  free  from  alkali.  The  surface  varies  from  gently  sloping  or  level  to 
rough  and  broken  or  dissected.  The  members  of  the  series  are  usually  well 
drained  and  free  from  overflow.  They  are  used  for  grains,  alfalfa,  corn,  and 
tree  fruits,  both  with  and  without  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Vale  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Vale  gravelly  sandy  loam . 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 


South  Dakota  1 

do 

do 


2.304 

23,936 

3,520 


Total. 


29,760 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wade  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  dark  gray,  drab,  or  dark  brown.  In 
the  northern  areas  the  immediate  surface  carries  large  amounts  of  organic 
matter  and  is  often  black  when  moist.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown,  brown, 
or  gray  to  dark  drab,  rather  heavy  and  compact,  and  frequently  calcareous. 
They  occupy  bottoms  and  terraces  of  stream  valleys.  They  are  of  alluvial 
origin  and  derived  from  the  erosion  of  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shales.  The 
surface  varies  from  level  to  sloping,  and  some  of  the  members  are  poorly  drained 
and  subject  to  occasional  overflow  or  to  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  A  growth 
of  cottonwood,  box  elder,  ash,  and  elm  is  often  found  in  the  vicinity  of  stream 
courses.  The  soils  are  well  adapted  to  general  farming  under  irrigation  or 
with  sufficient  rainfall.  The  principal  crops  are  corn,  small  grain,  flax,  potatoes, 
and,  where  well  drained,  alfalfa.  In  the  irrigated  districts  sugar  beets  are  an 
important  product. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Wade  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wade  fine  sandy  loam 

240  fx',4 

Colorado  2;  North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 

■ 

11,778 

Colorado  2;  North  Dakota  6,  7 

52,384 

26,944 

:•>  :;•  Montana  1:  North  Dakoti 

2<>,  440 

Total 

714,112 

For  key  to  Dumbttl  in  this  ootui 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION.  453 

THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND    THEIR   USE. 

Sand  Gboup. 

The  sand  group  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  in  the  Great  Plains  region 
includes  but  one  member,  which  has  been  recognized  under  the  Arkansas  series. 

The  subsoil  is  coarse  and  porous,  and  underdrainage  is  somewhat  excessive. 
The  topography  is  level  to  somewhat  irregular  and  broken  by  dunes,  resulting 
from  drifting  soil.  There  is  moderate  rainfall  and  the  location  of  the  type  is 
favorable  to  subirrigation  from  adjacent  streams.  Owing  to  these  modifying 
factors,  the  soil  is  superior  in  productiveness  and  in  adaptation  to  general 
farm  crops  to  the  ordinary  soils  of  the  sand  group.  Corn,  alfalfa,  and  forage 
crops  are  grown  with  good  results,  and  where  transportation  facilities  and  mar- 
kets are  good  melons,  early  fruits,  and  truck  crops  can  be  profitably  grown. 

Arkansas  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  or  14  inches  consists  of  a  yellowish- 
brown,  porous  medium  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow,  rather  loose 
sand,  coarser  than  the  soil  and  largely  composed  of  fragments  of  feldspar  and 
quartz.  A  substratum  of  gravel  and  sand  is  frequently  encountered  at  4  to  6 
feet.  The  type  occurs  upon  stream  terraces  and  bottoms.  Drainage  is  usually 
well  established.  The  surface  configuration  in  many  places  is  interrupted 
by  dunelike  hillocks  of  wind-blown  sand,  varying  in  height  from  2  to  5  feet- 
This  is  an  alluvial  soil  containing  considerable  material  from  the  eastern 
slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  derived  from  crystalline  rocks  and  from 
unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits,  with  an  admixture  of  materials  from  sand- 
stone, shales,  and  limestones.  Corn,  alfalfa,  and  fruit  give  good  results,  and  the 
type  is  well  adapted  to  melons  and  early  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arkansas  sand 

Kansas  11 

19,392 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sand  Gboup. 

The  fine  sands  of  the  Alluvial  Flood  Plain  and  Terrace  soils  in  the  Great 
Plains  region  are  represented  in  two  important  soil  series. 

The  soil  areas  usually  occur  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  stream  channels,  and 
the  surface  is  frequently  wind-blown,  marked  by  remnants  of  former  stream 
channels,  or  dissected  by  erosion.  A  heavy  growth  of  timber  and  willows  or 
other  undergrowth  is  a  general  characteristic. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  generally  underlain  by  a  porous  gravelly  sub- 
stratum, making  underdrainage  excessive  except  in  low-lying  areas  subject  to 
the  occurrence  of  a  high  water  table.  These  lower  lying  bodies  are  also  fre- 
quently overflowed  during  periods  of  flood.  The  soils  of  the  group  are  not  ex- 
tensively cultivated,  but  where  free  from  overflow  and  capable  of  irrigation,  or 
where  natural  moisture  conditions  are  favorable,  they  are  devoted  to  some  ex- 
tent to  the  production  of  corn,  alfalfa,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  to  peaches,  apples, 
and  other  fruits,  melons,  and  truck  crops.  They  require  but  a  light  farming 
equipment,  but  must  be  carefully  cultivated,  owing  to  their  low  moisture-retain- 
ing power  and  to  the  tendency  of  the  soil  to  drift  where  not  protected  by  wind- 
breaks or  vegetation. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  slightly  superior  for  general  purposes  to  the  sand 
group  of  the  province  under  similar  conditions  of  moisture  supply.  Where 
wind-blown  but  free  from  overflow,  and  where  the  water  table  is  not  too  near 
the  surface,  they  are  best  utilized  for  alfalfa  or  similar  cover  crops.  Under 
favorable  conditions  of  moisture  and  drainage,  and  where  protected  from  over- 
flow and  wind  drifting,  they  are  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  stone 
fruits,  small  fruits,  melons,  and  truck  crops.  In  adaptation  to  the  general  farm 
crops  they  are  inferior  to  the  heavier  soils. 

Arkansas  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  light-brown  fine 
sand  from  12  to  18  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  yellowish-brown 
fine  sand  continuing  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  or  more,  where  a  substratum  of 


454 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


porous  sand  and  gravel  is  encountered.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly- 
level  to  irregular  and  broken  by  dunes,  and  drainage  is  excessive.  The  type  is 
formed  by  sediments  recently  deposited  by  streams,  and  some  of  it  is  but 
slightly  elevated  above  the  stream  channel  and  subject  to  overflow  during  floods. 
It  drifts  badly  in  heavy  winds  if  not  protected  by  breaks.  Where  it  can  be 
protected  from  overflow  and  winds,  corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  melons,  truck  crops, 
and  peaches,  apples,  and  other  fruits  are  grown  to  some  extent. 

Laurel  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  micaceous  fine  sand  of  light-gray  to  reddish- 
brown  color  and  loose,  porous  structure.  It  varies  from  1  to  6  feet  or  more  in 
depth  and  is  underlain  by  coarser  river  sands  and  gravels  or  sometimes  by 
heavier  alluvial  deposits.  The  type  frequently  occurs  in  long,  narrow  bodies 
covering  river  flood  plains  and  lower  stream  terraces.  It  is  often  cut  by 
sloughs,  stream  channels,  or  depressions  and  slight  ridges,  and  is  subject  to 
overflow.  The  soil  consists  of  recent  stream  deposits,  and  generally  varies 
widely  in  texture  and  structure.  It  supports  a  strong  growth  of  willows  and 
Cottonwood.     The  type  is  sometimes  used  for  alfalfa  and  truck  crops. 

Lincoln  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  light-brown  fine 
sand  from  12  to  15  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  or  brown  fine  sand. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  rather  incoherent  and  the  surface  is  more  or  less  sub- 
ject to  drifting.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  occurs  along  comparatively 
small  streams  where  it  is  subject  to  occasional  overflow.  The  topography  is 
level  to  gently  undulating.  In  some  areas  small  dunes  have  been  formed  by 
wind  action.  On  account  of  the  natural  porosity  of  the  subsoil  the  underdrain- 
age  is  good.  The  type  is  rather  low  in  agricultural  value,  producing  moderate 
yields  of  corn,  kafir,  and  sorghum.  It  is  also  well  adapted  to  such  truck  crops 
as  melons,  cantaloupes,  and  berries. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kansas  6,  7, 11 

22,336 
11,392 

Laurel  fine  sand 

Colorado  3;  Nebraska  5 

Lincoln  fine  sand 

Kansas  6 

1,600 

Total 

35,328 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p   FS3 
LOAMT    FINE    SAND    PHASE. 


The  loamy  fine  sand  has  been  encountered  under  but  one  soil  series  in  this 
province. 

Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  open  and  porous,  but  noticeably  coherent  when  moist 
and  of  distinctly  loamy  texture.  The  soil  is  subject  to  semiarld  conditions,  is 
low  in  organic  matter,  well  drained,  and  not  very  retentive  of  moisture. 

Where  capable  of  irrigation,  however,  or  where  the  rainfall  is  sufficient,  it  is 
utilized  for  the  production  of  cereals,  potatoes,  and  alfalfa.  Where  not  culti- 
vated it  is  used  for  grazing.  Under  similar  conditions  of  moisture  find  drain- 
age, exposure,  etc.,  it  is  slightly  better  adapted  to  general  farming,  fruit,  and 
truck  'Tops  than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sand  group.  It  is  best  used  for  cover  crops, 
owing  to  danger  from  wind  drifting. 

Tripp  loamy  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  open  sand  which  drifts 
badly  under  cultivation.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure 
to  the  soil.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  with  occasional  irregu- 
larities, and  is  generally  well  suited  to  Irrigation.    The  type  La  of  residual  origin 

and  derived  from  crystalline  shah4  and  sandstone  rock,  much  of  which  has  been 
transported  long  distances  from  mountain  areas  or  from  areas  of  unconsolidated 
Tertiary  deposits  covering  portions  Of  the  Great  Plains.  It  occupies  old  stream 
terraces  lying  wHl  above  the  present   Hood  plains,  and  has  been  largely  modified 

by  winds,    it  is  low  in  organic  matter.    The  type  is  utilised  for  grafting  and  for 

the  production  Of  small  grains,  alfalfa,  potato*-  \   ft]    i  lapted  to 

Intertilled  frops  >wing  to  danger  from  wind  drlf 


GREAT  PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  fine  sand. 


455 


Soil  name. 


Tripp  loamy  fine  sand Nebraska  7. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


82,944 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  3ee  p.  733. 
SANDY   LOAM    GROUP. 

The  sandy  loams  of  this  province  are  not  extensive,  but  are  quite  widely  dis- 
tributed.   They  have  been  recognized  under  two  soil  series. 

One  of  the  members  is  marked  by  the  occurrence  of  a  porous  gravelly  sub- 
stratum, the  other  by  a  subsoil  which  is  usually  heavier  and  more  compact  than 
the  surface  material.  The  two  soils  vary  in  climate,  drainage,  possibilities  of 
irrigation,  and  crop  adaptation.  The  soils  are  utilized  mainly  for  the  produc- 
tion of  corn,  kafir,  sorghum,  and  other  forage  crops,  and  to  some  extent  for 
cereals  and  vegetables.  They  are  better  suited  to  general  farming  than  the  soils 
of  the  groups  in  this  province  described  above,  but  are  most  suitable  for  a 
rather  light  type  of  farming  and  for  the  culture  of  truck  crops.  They  are  usually 
deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  like  the  lighter  soils  of  the  province  require 
frequent  applications  of  organic  manures  for  the  maintenance  of  productiveness. 
They  require  only  a  light  farming  equipment. 

Laurel  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-yellow  to  black  alluvial  sandy  loam, 
from  2  to  6  feet  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  water-worn  gravel  and  sand.  The 
surface  is  usually  level  and  marked  by  sloughs,  old  river  channels,  and  swampy 
areas  due  to  seepage  from  irrigation  ditches.  Except  where  affected  by  alkali 
the  soil  is  excellent  for  vegetables  and  fruits. 

Lincoln  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  dark-brown  to  dark-gray  sandy  loam  about 
12  inches  in  depth.  It  is  loose  and  slightly  incoherent  in  structure  and  is 
underlain  by  a  loamy  sand  or  heavy  sandy  loam,  more  or  less  mottled  with  gray 
and  yellow.  The  topography  is  level  to  slightly  sloping,  the  type  occurring  in 
small  stream  valleys  where  the  material  has  been  deposited  by  stream  action 
during  periods  of  flood.  It  is  derived  mainly  from  Tertiary  deposits  of  the 
Great  Plains,  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks.  Some  material  from  shale, 
sandstone,  and  limestone  formations  is  included  in  the  soil  mass.  Drainage  is 
well  established.  The  type  is  utilized  for  corn,  kafir,  and  sorghum,  and  occa- 
sionally for  other  staple  farm  crops,  although  owing  to  its  light  texture  yields 
are  usually  low. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Laurel  sandy  loam 

42,624 
6,272 

Lincoln  sandy  loam 

Total 

48,896 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY  SANDY   LOAM   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  in  this  province  is 
represented  by  a  single  member. 

It  occurs  as  stream  terraces  of  uneven  surface  and  on  slopes  and  local 
elevations.  The  high  content  of  gravel  renders  the  soil  open  and  porous  in 
structure,  while  owing  to  its  physiographic  position  drainage  is  thorough  and 
usually  excessive.  Much  of  the  type  has  a  rough  topography.  The  rainfall  is 
light,  and  the  soil  is  deficient  in  moisture- retaining  capacity.  It  is  generally 
utilized  for  grazing,  but  where  irrigated  and  favored  by  local  climate  and 
topography  would  probably  be  suitable  for  the  production  of  early  tree  fruits. 

It  has  been  recognized  only  in  small  areas,  and  constitutes  an  unimportant 
phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group.  It  is  inferior  to  the  sandy  loams  in  agricultural 
possibilities,  and  departs  widely  from  them  in  adaptation  to  crops. 


456  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED    STATES. 

Vale  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  reddish-brown  coarse 
sandy  loam  or  fine  sandy  loam,  which  contains  varying  quantities  of  water- 
worn  gravel,  ranging  in  size  to  4  or  5  inches  in  diameter,  the  quantity  usually 
increasing  with  depth.  The  sandy  surface  material  is  usually  underlain  at 
depths  below  3  feet  by  a  reddish-brown  subsoil  of  finer  and  more  compact 
material.  It  is  found  on  old  river  terraces  marking  former  stream  flood  plains, 
and  has  an  uneven  surface  and  frequently  precipitous  terrace  margin.  The 
type  was  formed  by  material  brought  down  by  the  streams  and  derived  from 
granite,  gneiss,  and  schist,  with  an  admixture  of  material  derived  from  red 
shales  and  sandstones.  Except  for  pasture  this  soil  is  not  extensively  utilized 
because  of  its  uneven  topography  and  low  moisture-retaining  power.  Under 
irrigation  and  with  favorable  climate  it  is  adapted  to  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Vale  gravelly  sandy  loam 

2,304 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam   Group. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  constitute  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  important 
soil  groups  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  in  the  Great  Plains  region. 
The  members  of  this  group  have  been  recognized  under  a  number  of  important 
soil  series  and  are  widely  distributed  over  the  northern,  middle,  and  western 
sections  of  the  region. 

They  are  subject  to  a  wide  range  with  regard  to  drainage,  overflow,  and 
possibilities  of  irrigation.  The  character  of  underlying  material  is  also  subject 
to  some  variation.  In  the  eastern  part  of  the  region  the  average  annual 
rainfall  is  generally  sufficient  for  agriculture,  but  in  the  western  areas  irriga- 
tion is  generally  necessary  except  in  lower  lying  soils  which  receive  moisture 
by  subirrigation  from  streams. 

In  the  river  bottoms  and  on  the  lower  terraces  the  soils  are  frequently  over- 
flowed, but  for  the  most  part  they  are  free  from  overflow  :ind  are  well  drained. 
The  soil  material  is  usually  rather  porous  and  friable,  rarely  paddles,  and 
readily  becomes  mellow  and  friable  under  cultivation.  It  is  less  porous  and 
leachy  than  the  soils  of  lighter  texture,  is  superior  in  moisture-holding  prop- 
erties under  cultivation,  and  is  rarely  disturbed  to  any  serious  extent  by  winds. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  are  good  general-purpose  soils  and  i>osscss  a  wider  range 
for  producing  profitable  yields  of  both  general  farm  crops  and  special  intensely 
cultivated  products  than  do  most  of  the  soils  of  the  other  groups.  They  are 
utilized  for  a  variety  of  products,  including  wheat  and  other  small  grains,  corn, 
sorghum,  kafir,  millet  and  similar  forage  crops,  alfalfa,  melons,  cantaloupes 
and  truck  crops,  including  particularly  cucumbers,  cabbage,  etc.,  potatoes,  and 
sugar  beets.  Tree  fruits,  consisting  of  apples,  cherries,  plums,  i>oaehes,  etc., 
are  grown  to  some  extent,  but  their  production  does  not  constitute  an  important 
industry.     Spelts,  millet,  and  tlax  are  grown  extensively  in  the  northern  areas. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  require  only  a  moderately  expensive  or  heavy  farming 
equipment,  and  when  devoted  to  Intensively  cultivated  products  may  he  economi- 
cally utilized  in  small  tracts  and  brought  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation  capable 
of  supporting  thickly  settled  rural  communities.  They  are  slightly  loss  produc- 
tive than  the  soils  of  heavier  texture  when  devoted  to  heavy  farming  unless 
subject   to  a  particularly  effective  adjustment  of  moisture  supply.     They  are  best 

adapted  to  a  rather  light  type  of  general  farming.     Vegetables  and  fruits  do 

better  than  upon  the  soils  of  lighter  texture,  hut  the  lighter  soil  groups  are 
■omewbal  better  adapted  to  early  stone  fruits  and  vegetables.  Sugar  beets 
yield  well  where  the  moislure  supply  is  favorable,  and  the  sugar  content  is 
usually  high.  Heavier  average  yields  are  generally  obtained  from  soils  of 
heavier  grade,  though  the  sugar  content   is  frequently   lower. 

Arkansas  five  samhj  loam.  The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  or  yellowish  -gray,  por- 
ous, and  frequently  siiiy  One  sandy  loam  from  10  to  18  Inches  deep,  it  is  under- 
lain by  B  yellOW  Or  yellowish  brown  One  sand  or  silt,  which  extends  to  a  depth 
<  '  more  than  '■■>  feet  Scattered  gravel  occurs  in  both  soil  and  subsoil,  the  quan- 
tity Increasing  with  depth.    The  typ    li  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  sand  and 


GREAT   PLAINS   REGION. 


457 


river-iaid  gravels,  which  is  not  always  encountered  within  the  depth  of  6  feet. 
The  type  is  purely  alluvial  in  origin,  having  been  built  up  by  stream  deposits. 
It  is  derived  from  crystalline  rock  of  the  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits,  or 
transported  by  present  streams  from  the  Rocky  Mountains,  modified  by  material 
from  the  sedimentary  rocks  of  the  Plains.  It  occupies  valley  bottoms  and  ter- 
races. The  surface  is  occasionally  interrupted  by  low,  wind-blown  mounds  and 
ridges.  The  type  is  usually  well  drained  and  but  seldom  subject  to  overflow. 
It  is  nearly  all  cultivated,  and  yields  are  good.  Small  grains,  corn,  melons, 
vegetables,  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops.  Snbirrigation  tends  to  check 
loss  from  drought,  which  is  not  so  severe  as  on  the  upland  soils.  The  type  is 
well  adapted  to  truck  crops. 

Laurel  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  brown  fine  sandy 
loam  varying  in  depth  to  15  inches  and  resting  on  a  lighter  colored  material 
which  is  slightly  more  sandy  than  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  low,  flat  areas 
bordering  streams,  and  is  purely  alluvial  in  origin.  In  places  it  is  subject  to 
overflow.  It  is  generally  well  drained.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  potatoes,  melons, 
cucumbers,  cabbage,  forage  crops,  corn,  and  alfalfa.  Crops  sometimes  suffer 
from  drought,  owing  to  the  loose,  porous  nature  of  the  soil. 

Lincoln  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  is  a  somewhat  variable,  dark-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  about  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  brown  to  yellowish-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  or  sandy  clay  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  or  more.  The  substratum  of 
sands  and  gravels  is  lacking  in  this  type.  It  occupies  high  first  bottoms  along 
small  streams  in  the  western  prairie  section,  and  is  more  or  less  subject  to 
inundation.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  was  formed  principally  from 
unconsolidated,  granitic  Tertiary  material.  Where  the  soil  can  be  protected 
from  overflow,  or  after  the  floods  have  subsided,  it  is  well  adapted  to  general 
farm  crops  and  to  vegetables. 

Osgood  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown,  silty  fine  sandy 
loam  from  12  to  18  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  consists 
of  a  grayish-yellow  very  fine  sandy  loam  or  silt  loam.  The  type  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  and  consists  of  eroded  loessial  material  which  has  been  washed  into  the 
valleys,  forming  low,  second-bottom  terraces,  with  nearly  level  topography  and 
well-developed  drainage.  Only  in  a  few  places  does  alkali  occur  in  quantities 
injurious  to  crops.  Corn,  wheat,  oats,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  brome  grass,  and 
fescue  are  important  crops.  Speltz  is  also  grown  to  some  extent.  The  type  is 
particularly  well  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  sugar  beets. 

Vale  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam.  The  sub- 
soil is  light  to  dark  reddish  brown,  and  usually  similar  to  the  soil  in  texture, 
but  in  places  it  is  a  clay  loam  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  It  frequently  con- 
tains thin  layers  of  lighter  material,  usually  a  sandy  loam.  The  type  occupies 
high  level  benches,  uniform  slopes,  and  lowlands.  It  is  an  alluvial  soil  and 
owes  its  origin  to  deposition  of  red  shale  and  sandstone  material  carried  by 
streams  draining  the  Black  Hills.  The  soil  is  practically  free  from  alkali.  Dry 
farming  and  irrigation  are  both  practiced,  though  irrigation  gives  more  certain 
results.     Alfalfa,  corn,  oats,  wheat,  and  fruits  do  well. 

Wade  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  dark-brown  to  drab  fine  sandy 
loam,  high  in  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  in  texture  and 
structure,  but  is  lighter  brown  in  color.  The  type  occupies  stream  flood  plains 
and  terraces,  and  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  mainly  from  sandstones  and 
shales.  It  is  sometimes  subject  to  overflow,  but  drainage  is  usually  well  de- 
veloped. It  is  utilized  for  grazing  and  for  the  production  of  oats,  flax,  millet, 
corn,  and,  to  a  less  extent,  for  wheat.  It  is  an  excellent  truck  soil,  and  would- 
probably  produce  good  yields  of  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wade  fine  sandy  loam 

Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam 

Montana  1;  North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3. .               

249,664 

Kansas  6,  7, 10;  Missouri,  1.                                                    

132,800 

South  Dakota  1 

23,936 

Osgood  fine  sandy  loam 

Lincoln  fine  sandy  loam 

Laurel  fine  sandy  loam 

16,320 

Total 

444,800 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


458 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


VERY   FINE   SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  very  fine  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group,  so  far  as 
recognized,  embraces  only  two  members. 

The  surface  topography  is  level  to  gently  sloping  and  well  adapted  to  irriga- 
tion. Drainage  is  generally  well  established.  The  soil  material  includes  ;i 
greater  amount  of  very  fine  sand  than  do  the  normal  fine  sandy  loams  of  the 
province,  which  renders  the  soil  slightly  more  coherent  when  moist  and  in- 
creases its  moisture-holding  power.  The  material  of  the  deeper  subsoil  is 
lighter  and  more  porous  than  the  soil,  and  affords  good  underdrainage.  The 
soil  puddles  if  cultivated  when  too  wet,  but  under  favorable  moisture  conditions 
it  is  friable  and  mellow  and  requires  only  a  moderate  farming  equipment  in 
cultivation.  The  very  fine  sandy  loams  are  better  adapted  to  a  moderately 
heavy  type  of  general  farming,  and  are  slightly  better  suited  to  grains  and  hay 
or  other  general  farm  crops  than  are  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  province. 
They  are,  however,  much  less  extensive  than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam 
group,  and  are  not  so  well  adapted  to  early  truck  crops.  They  are  devoted 
mainly  to  general  farm  crops,  including  alfalfa,  wheat,  and  other  small  grains, 
corn,  and  potatoes. 

Lincoln  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown,  very  fine  sandy  loam 
from  12  to  20  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  brown  or  yellowish  very  fine 
sandy  loam,  which  grades  into  fine  sand  at  a  depth  of  30  inches.  The  type  is 
developed  in  small  stream  valleys  in  the  central  western  prairie  States.  It  is 
alluvial  in  origin  and  represents  stream  deposits  derived  mainly  from  the  erosion 
of  unconsolidated  or  partially  cemented  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Great  Plains 
region,  originating  predominantly  from  crystalline  rocks.  Some  material  derived 
from  sedimentary  rocks  is  probably  included  with  the  soil  material.  Drainage 
Is  usually  well  established.  The  type  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  wheat, 
and  corn. 

Tripp  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  very  fine  sandy  loam. 
The  subsoil  is  slightly  lighter  in  texture  than  the  soil  material  and  of  yellowish 
color.  The  surface  varies  from  nearly  level  to  rolling  and  is  usually  well  adapted 
to  irrigation.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established.  The  type  is  of  alluvial 
origin  and  derived  from  crystalline  rocks,  shnles,  and  sandstones.  Part  of  this 
material  has  been  transported  long  distances  from  mountain  regions  or  from 
areas  of  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  in  the  Great  Plains.  It  has  been 
subsequently  modified  by  the  addition  of  wind-laid  or  alluvial  stream  outwash 
from  adjacent  sources.  The  type  is  adapted  to  small  grains,  and  particularly 
to  potatoes  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Tripp  very  fine  vsandy  loam. . 
Lincoln  very  fine  sandy  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Nebraska  7. 
Kansas  6... 


Acres. 


304, 12« 
5,128 


30V24X 


'  Kor  it  >y  i  >  oumbert  In  thi*  oolomn  iee  p.  788. 

Loam  Group. 


The  loam  soils  of  the  Alluvial   Flood  Plains  and  Terraces  in  the  Great   Plains 

region  are  represented  under  a  number  of  soil  series  and  constitute  one  of  the 
most  Importanl  soil  groups  of  the  region,  rhey  are  extensively  developed  and 
widely  distributed. 

Like    the    tine    sandy     loams,    the    individual    members    v;iry    in    topographic 
pOBitlOD  and   in   relation   U)  drainage  and   Irrigation,   In  character  Of  underlying 

material  and  climate.  Some  of  the  members  of  the  group  are  frequently 
subject  to  overflow  or  to  poor  drainage,  while  others  are  tree  from  overflow 
and  thoroughly  drained,    some  receive  adequate  rainfall,  while  others  can  be 

Used  Only  under  Irrigation.  In  certain  localities  the  production  of  intensively 
Cultivated  Crops,  such  as  BUgar  beets,  is  favored  by  soil  and  climate,  hnl  owing 
to  lack  of  transportation  facilities  or  poor  markets  or  to  difficulty  in  procuring 

labor,  the  soil  can  he  economically  utilised  only  for  grating,  stock  raism^,  or 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION.  459 

general  farming.     Some  of  the  soils  of  the  group  are  underlain  by  compact, 
impervious  subsoils,  others  by  a  porous,  gravelly  substratum. 

The  loams  are  utilized  mainly  for  general  farming  and  for  grazing.  Wheat, 
oats,  and  other  cereals,  sorghum,  kafir,  and  related  crops,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and 
corn  are  the  principal  crops.  In  the  western  areas  flax  is  grown  to  some  extent, 
and  in  the  irrigated  districts  sugar  beets  constitute  an  important  product  upon 
the  loams  of  the  Laurel  and  of  the  Wade  series. 

The  soils  are  rather  heavy  and  generally  sticky  when  wet.  They  puddle 
and  bake  if  cultivated  while  too  wet,  and  require  more  careful  management  and 
more  thorough  cultivation  than  the  soils  of  lighter  texture.  With  sufficient 
moisture  and  careful  cultivation  they  are  friable  and  easily  worked,  and  are 
retentive  of  moisture.  They  require  a  somewhat  heavier  farming  equipment 
than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  and  are  not  adapted  to  as  wide  a 
range  of  crops.    ■ 

They  are  suited  to  general  farm  crops  and  to  the  production  of  grains,  alfalfa, 
forage  crops,  and  sugar  beets.  Cantaloupes  and  vegetables,  excluding  those 
intended  for  early  market,  may  be  grown  commercially.  In  the  production  of 
watermelons  and  early  truck  crops  these  soils  are  inferior  to  those  of  lighter 
texture. 

Arkansas  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  loam  which  becomes  almost  black 
when  wet,  and  contains  more  or  less  fine  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  compact 
loam  or  clay  loam,  resting  upon  beds  of  loose,  yellowish  sand  and  fine  gravel, 
which  occur  at  depths  varying  from  26  inches  to  a  few  feet  and  extend  down- 
ward many  feet.  The  presence  of  these  beds  of  gravel  sometimes  causes  the 
soils  to  be  droughty,  though  in  places  they  serve  as  reservoirs  for  water  which 
has  moved  laterally  from  the  channels  of  streams,  and  constitutes  a  source  of 
supply  for  the  use  of  crops.  The  topography  is  level  to  slightly  undulating, 
the  type  occurring  upon  terraces,  where  the  material  has  been  deposited  by 
streams  during  periods  of  flood.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established,  but  low- 
lying  areas  are  sometimes  subject  to  overflow.  The  material  is  derived  mainly 
from  crystalline  rocks  and  transported  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  or  from  areas 
occupied  by  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  with 
an  admixture  of  material  derived  from  shale,  sandstone  and  limestone  rocks 
of  the  plains.  The  type  is  productive  and  is  extensively  cultivated  to  staple 
farm  crops,  particularly  kafir,  sorghum,  and  cowpeas.  Wheat,  alfalfa,  potatoes, 
and  truck  crops  are  also  grown  to  some  extent. 

Laurel  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  or  reddish-brown  to  dark-gray,  rather 
heavy  loam  varying  considerably  in  texture.  The  color  usually  becomes  lighter 
with  depth.  Water-worn  gravel  or  sand,  frequently  interstratified  with  layers 
of  yellowish-gray  or  mottled  sandy  loam  and  silt  loam,  is  usually  encountered 
at  3  to  6  feet.  Underdrainage  is  sometimes  excessive.  The  type  occurs  in 
long,  narrow  strips  covering  stream  bottoms  or  lower  stream  terraces.  When 
well  drained  and  not  subject  to  overflow  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sug  ir  beets, 
grains,  cantaloupes,  sorghums,  kafir  and  other  forage  crops,  potatoes,  and  the 
later  vegetables. 

Lincoln  loam. — This  type  is  a  dark-brown  loam,  which  becomes  nearly  black 
when  wet.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown,  compact  loam  to  clay  loam,  and  extends 
to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  Small  spots  of  alkali  occur  at  the  surface  in  places 
where  the  topography  is  so  level  that  drainage  is  obstructed.  The  type  is 
developed  in  small  stream  valleys  in  the  central-western  prairie  States.  The 
material  represents  deposits  by  streams  draining  areas  of  unconsolidated  or 
partially  cemented  Tertiary  deposits,  derived  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks  It 
differs  from  the  Arkansas  loam  mainly  in  the  absence  of  the  sandy  and 
gravelly  substratum  which  occurs  in  that  type.  The  soil  produces  good  yields 
of  corn,  wheat,  alfalfa,  kafir.  and  some  of  the  heavier  types  of  vegetables,  such 
as  cabbage  and  onions. 

Tripp  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown,  friable  loam,  underlain  by  a 
subsoil  of  similar  texture  but  somewhat  lighter  brown  or  yellowish  color.  The 
topography  is  undulating  and  the  type  is  well  drained.  The  surface  features 
are  well  adapted  to  irrigation.  The  type  occupies  valley  terraces.  It  is  of 
alluvial  origin  and  is  derived  from  crystalline  shale  and  sandstone  materials, 
some  of  which  have  been  transported  long  distances  from  the  Rocky  Mountain 
region  or  from  areas  of  the  Great  Plains  region  occupied  by  Tertiary  deposits. 
The  material  has  in  places  been  subsequently  modified  by  the  addition  of  wind 
blown  material.  The  type  is  not  retentive  of  moisture,  but  under  irrigation  it 
is  adapted  to  wheat,  oats,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and  vegetables. 


460 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Vale  loam.— The  surface  soil  consists  of  12  to  ?>0  inches  of  reddish-brown 
loam.  The  subsoil  is  also  reddish  brown,  but  heavier  than  the  soil.  The  type 
occupies  slopes  along  streams  and  is  generally  well  drained.  It  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  and  deposited  as  stream  flood  plain  material  derived  from  granite, 
gneiss,  and  schist,  with  an  admixture  of  red  shale  and  sandstone  material. 
Part  of  the  type  is  irrigated  and  produces  good  crops  of  alfalfa  and  small 
grains.    Fruit  does  well  with  favorable  climate  or  where  properly  irrigated. 

am.— The  soil  to  about  8  Inches  consists  of  a  light' to  dark-brown 
or  dark-gray  loam  which  is  high  in  silt  content.  The  subsoil  is  lighter  iu  color 
than  the  soil.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  is  derived  from  shale  and 
sandstone  rocks.  It  occupies  lower  stream  terraces  and  is  subject  to  overflow 
in  depressed  areas.  The  topography  is  either  level  or  gently  sloping,  and  drain- 
age is  nearly  always  adequate  for  farming  purposes.  There  are  occasional 
accumulations  of  alkali  in  the  lower  flats  in  the  more  western  areas.  This  is  a 
very  desirable  bottom-land  soil  and  is  adapted  to  general  farming  and  stock 
raising.  Wheat,  flax,  oats,  and  sugar  beets  are  the  principal  crops.  Some  corn 
and  millet  are  grown  for  stock  feeding.  Where  underdrainage  is  good  the  type 
is  adapted  to  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Wade  loam 

Colorado  2;  North  Dakota  7;  South  Dakota  3 

285,568 
87,552 
69,696 

Tripp  loam 

Nebraska  7 

Arkansas  loam 

Kansas  6, 11 

Laurel  loam 

Colorado  3 

37,760 
3,520 
2,560 

Vale  loam 

South  Dakota  1 

Lincoln  loam 

Kansas  6 

Total 

486,656 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY   LOAM   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  is  not  extensively  developed  in 
this  province. 

The  soil  is  less  compact,  more  easily  tilled,  and  less  retentive  of  moisture 
than  the  normal  loams.    The  gravel  content  insures  good  underdrainage. 

Where  the  climate,  topographic  position  and  regional  drainage  are  favorable 
the  gravelly  loams  are  better  adapted  to  most  of  the  fruits  than  the  loams,  but 
are  usually  less  valuable  for  general  farming. 

Wade  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  loam  less  than  IS  inches  in  depth. 
This  is  underlain  by  a  loam  or  light  clay  loam  about  3  feet  deep  resting  upon 
beds  of  water-worn  gravel.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  gravel.  The  type 
occupies  terraces  which  were  formerly  river  banks.  It  is  free  from  alkali  and 
well  drained.  The  areas  occurring  on  plateaus,  where  the  gravel  content  is  not 
sive,  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  grain  and  alfalfa,  apples,  and  sugar  beets, 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Wade  pravt  lly  loam . .  Montana  1 


State  01 


J  |o  unmix  r  bO  thr  < ■oluiiin  M  p.  733. 
Sn  i-Loam   GBOUF. 


ti.«  I  this  province  are  ot  common  occurrence  In  the  northern. 

middle,  and  western  parts  <»f  the  Great  Plains  region,  but  are  less  extensive 
the  loami  or  fine  sandy  loams 

The  SOill  vary  widely  In  topography,  drainage,  character  of  underlying  mate- 
rial, and  regional  climate.  Ixiwer-lying  bodies  are  sometimes  overflowed  or 
poorly  drained,  t>ut  In  general  the  group  is  free  from  overflow  and  fairly  well 


GREAT  PLAINS  REGION.  461 

drained.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  region  the  winters  are  particularly  severe. 
In  the  western  areas  the  rainfall  is  usually  inadequate  for  agriculture  without 
irrigation.  In  certain  sparsely  settled  districts  stock  raising  constitutes  the 
principal  industry.  Wheat,  oats,  barley,  corn,  alfalfa,  and  potatoes  are  the 
principal  crops.  Flax  is  an  important  crop  in  the  northern  areas.  In  the  middle 
western  arid  districts,  where  dry  farming  is  practiced,  the  more  drought- resistant 
crops,  such  as  millet,  sorghum,  kafir,  etc.,  are  grown.  Sugar  beets  are  produced 
extensively  in  some  of  the  irrigated  districts.  Vegetables,  small  fruits,  and  tree 
fruits,  consisting  of  apples,  peaches,  berries,  and  grapes,  are  grown  locally  to  a 
limited  extent. 

The  soil  material  is  moderately  sticky,  and  in  some  cases  shows  a  pronounced 
tendency  to  puddle  and  bake  if  cultivated  when  wet.  Where  properly  supplied 
with  moisture,  drained,  and  cultivated,  the  soil  is  usually  friable  and  retentive 
of  moisture.  The  silt  loams  require  somewhat  more  careful  management  and 
thorough  cultivation  in  order  to  maintain  good  tilth  than  the  soils  of  the  loam 
group,  and  demand  a  heavier  farming  equipment.  They  are  best  adapted  to  a 
moderately  heavy  type  of  farming,  including  the  production  of  grain  and  hay, 
forage  crops,  and  sugar  beets.  Stock  raising  and  dairying  are  important  indus- 
tries. Cantaloupes  and  late  vegetables  can  be  produced  commercially  where 
drainage  and  moisture  conditions  are  favorable.  These  soils  are  better  than  the 
loams  for  grass  crops  and  other  heavy  farm  products. 

Arkansas  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish-brown  or  brown  friable  silt  loam. 
This  is  underlain  by  a  gray  or  yellowish-brown  subsoil.  The  yellowish  gravel 
and  sand  substratum,  which  is  typical  of  this  series,  does  not  usually  occur 
within  the  6-foot  soil  section.  The  topography  is  generally  level  or  gently 
sloping,  but  the  surface  is  sometimes  eroded  and  rendered  irregular  by  over- 
flow waters  or  by  wind  action.  Surface  and  subdrainage  are  usualiy  well 
established.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  from  crystalline  and 
sedimentary  materials,  transported  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  from  areas  of 
unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  sandstone,  limestone,  and  shale  rocks  in  the 
Great  Plains  region.  The  type  occupies  river  terraces  and  is  subject  to  overflow 
only  at  infrequent  intervals.  It  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including 
corn,  alfalfa,  small  grains,  forage  crops,  potatoes,  tree  and  small  fruits,  and 
vegetables.  Corn,  alfalfa,  and  potatoes  are  the  principal  products.  The  type 
generally  supports  a  growth  of  timber  in  the  vicinity  of  stream  courses. 

Tripp  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brown  to  light-gray  very  silty  loam 
underlain  by  material  similar  in  texture  to  the  soil  but  slightly  lighter  in  color. 
It  consists  of  alluvial  material  eroded  from  areas  of  soils  derived  from  crystal- 
line, shale,  and  sandstone  rocks.  It  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  terraces  and 
the  surface  is  comparatively  level.  The  type  is  fairly  well  drained.  It  is  but 
inextensively  utilized,  but  where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  it  should 
produce  good  yields  of  the  general  farm  crops  adapted  to  the  section  in  which 
it  is  found,  including  corn,  wheat,  potatoes,  and  vegetables. 

Wade  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  6  to  18  inches  of  gray  to  nearly  black 
silt  loam,  containing  a  high  percentage  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a 
brownish-yellow  loam  or  sandy  loam  to  silt  loam  or  silty  clay.  When  wet  the 
material  becomes  plastic.  It  is  an  alluvial  soil  and  occupies  valley  bottoms  and 
terraces.  It  is  derived  from  shale  and  sandstone  materials.  With  the  exception 
of  small,  poorly  drained  areas  and  small  areas  in  which  alkali  occurs,  this  type 
is  very  productive.  It  produces  good  crops  of  wheat,  oats,  flax,  barley,  corn, 
millet,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  sugar  beets,  and  some  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

142,848 

Colorado  2;  North  Dakota  6,  7 

32,384 

Kansas  7 

17,600 

Total . 

192,832 



1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


462  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Clay  Loam  Group. 


The  clay  loams  are  widely  distributed  in  the  Great  Plains  region,  but  are 
less  frequently  ebcountered  in  the  River  Flood  Plain  province  than  the  soils  of 
lighter  texture. 

They  have  been  recognized  under  four  important  soil  series,  and,  like  the 
soils  of  the  preceding  group,  are  subject  to  wide  variation  in  drainage,  character 
of  subsoil  or  underlying  material,  temperature,  rainfall,  and  irrigation. 

Drainage  is  much  more  frequently  inadequate  than  with  the  other  soil  groups 
of  the  province.  The  members  sometimes  occupy  depressions  which  are  subject  to 
overflow  or  to  the  accumulation  of  drainage  or  seepage  waters  and,  in  the  semi- 
arid  districts',  of  alkali  salts.  The  soil  is  refractory,  becomes  sticky  when  wet, 
is  readily  puddled  if  tilled  when  in  a  wet  condition,  and  bakes  upon  subsequent 
exposure.  It  has  a  high  water-holding  capacity,  and  if  judiciously  managed, 
frequently  cultivated,  and  properly  drained  a  good  tilth  may  be  maintained 
and  the  soil  made  to  retain  moisture  during  periods  of  drought.  It  requires  a 
heavy  farming  equipment  to  be  utilized  economically  and  efficiently. 

A  large  part  of  the  area  mapped  is  used  for  pasture,  owing  to  poor  drain- 
age. Where  well  drained  and  capable  of  irrigation  or  favored  by  natural 
moisture  supply  small  grains,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  and  grass  crops  are  pro- 
duced. Potatoes,  garden  vegetables,  and  apples  are  successfully  grown,  mainly 
locally  for  home  use. 

The  clay  loams  are  not  adapted  to  the  commercial  production  of  truck  crops 
and  are  best  suited  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming  with  the  production  of 
grains,  grass,  sugar  beets,  live  stock,  and  dairy  products. 

Arkansas  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  clay  loam  from  6  to 
12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark-brown  or  grayish-brown  heavy,  compact, 
and  impervious  clay.  The  surface  is  commonly  marked  by  the  presence  of 
alkali  incrustations  and  is  often  bare  of  vegetation.  The  type  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  and  derived  from  crystalline  rock  material  of  the  Rocky  Mountain 
region  or  of  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Great  Plains,  modified  by 
material  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  limestone  rocks.  It  occupies  stream  bot- 
toms and  terraces.  Drainage  is  rather  poor,  and  on  account  of  the  heavy  alkali 
content  the  soil  has  little  agricultural  value  unless  reclaimed  by  proper  drainage. 

Lincoln  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  clay  loam  about  12  inches  deep 
and  is  underlain  by  a  dark-brown  or  grayish,  compact,  and  impervious  heavy 
clay.  Where  surface  drainage  is  obstructed,  alkali  incrustations  are  fre- 
quently noticeable,  and  the  soil  is  barren.  The  type  is  developed  in  the  valleys  of 
some  of  the  principal  tributaries  of  the  rivers  of  western  prairie  States,  where  it 
has  been  deposited  as  sediments  from  streams  in  periods  of  flood.  The  material 
is  derived  mainly  from  areas  of  unconsolidated  or  cemented  Tertiary  deposits 
coming  originally  from  granitic  rocks.  Some  material  from  sedimentary  rocks 
is  included.  On  account  of  the  heavy,  Impervious  characteristics  of  the  soil  and 
its  tendency  to  become  affected  with  alkali,  the  type  usually  has  little  agricul- 
tural value. 

Wade  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  black  clay  loam,  with  a  subsoil 
which  is  slightly  lighter  in  color  and  which  varies  in  texture  from  a  clay  loam 
to  day  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  usually  tenacious  and  compact.  The  deeper 
subsoil,  occurring  at  depths  of  2  to  6  feet,  is  somewhat  variable,  and  ranges 
from  ;i  s;indy  loam  to  sand  or  sand  and  gravel.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin 
and  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  terraces.  The  topography  is  generally  level 
or  gently  sloping.  Remnants  of  abandoned  stream  channels  and  gullios  and 
local  poorly  drained  depressions  or  marshy  areas  are  of  occasional  occurrence. 
The  water  table  lies  near  the  surface  in  the  vicinity  of  some  of  the  lower  depres- 
sions, hut  surface  drainage  and  robdralnage  are  usually  well  established.    The 

soil   is  derived   mainly   from  shales  and  sandstones,  hut    in  places  it    includes  mi 

admixture  of  material  derived  from  both  quartz-bearing  and  quarts-free  igneous 

or  metamorphiC  rocks.  The  type  generally  lies  well  above  the  present  stream 
channels  and  Is  not  often  subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  is  refractory  and  re- 
quires thorough  cultivation  and  careful  management   in  order  to  maintain  good 

tilth.  Where  properly  cultivated,  drained,  ami  Irrigated  or  supplied  by  ade- 
quate rainfall  it  is  productive  and  adapted  to  general  farming.  Sugar  beets, 
alfalfa,  wheat,  oats,  and  other  grain  and  hay  crops  do  well.  Potatoes,  garden 
Vegetables,  and  apples  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent. 


GREAT  PLAINS   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


468 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1                                             Acres. 

"Wade  clay  loam 

Colorado  2;  Montana  1 . . 

26,944 

11,072 

1,536 

Arkansas  clay  loam 

Kansas  6 

Lincoln  clay  loam 

do 

Total 

39,553 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay   Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  group  of  this  province  are  not  extensively  developed. 
They  have  been  recognized  in  the  northern  and  middle  sections  of  the  Great 
Plains  region. 

They  generally  occupy  low-lying  positions  and  are  ordinarily  subject  to  over* 
flow  or  to  the  accumulation  of  drainage  and  seepage  waters,  and,  in  the  western 
areas,  to  injurious  amounts  of  alkali  salts.  The  soils  are  intractable  and  are 
tenacious  when  wet,  readily  puddled,  and  bake  upon  exposure  during  dry  periods, 
Artificial  drainage  is  usually  necessary  and  judicious  management  and  thorough 
tillage  are  required.  Favorable  tilth  is  maintained  with  difficulty  under  average 
field  conditions.  A  heavy  farming  equipment  is  needed  in  the  profitable  utiliza- 
tion of  the  soils  for  cultivated  crops.  They  are  restricted  to  narrow  limits  in 
crop  adaptation,  and  are  best  suited  to  grass  and  forage  crops.  Over  a  large 
part  of  the  areas  covered  drainage  operations  are  not  justified  by  present  land 
values,  and  the  best  use  of  the  soils  is  for  pasture. 

The  clays  should  be  selected  only  for  the  heaviest  type  of  general  farming  in 
connection  with  dairying  and  stock  raising.  In  this  province  they  are  inferior 
in  agricultural  importance  and  in  adaptation  to  crops  to  the  clay  loams. 

Arkansas  clay. — The  type  is  a  dark-gray  or  dark-brown  to  almost  black, 
heavy,  tenacious  clay,  underlain  at  depths  of  8  to  12  inches  by  a  darker  gray 
or  drab,  tenacious  clay  which  is  frequently  mottled  with  lighter  gray.  At  about 
3  feet  interstratified  sand  and  gravel  is  usually  encountered.  The  soil  is  very 
heavy  if  plowed  under  unfavorable  moisture  conditions.  The  type  occupies  stream 
bottoms  and  terraces.  The  topography  is  almost  level  and  the  type  sometimes 
occupies  even  basin-shaped  depressions.  Surface  drainage  is  deficient,  and 
unless  the  underlying  gravel  lies  within  2  feet  of  the  surface  water  is  likely  to 
stand  for  long  periods.  Underdrainage,  however,  may  in  many  places  be  effected 
by  boring  into  the  porous  substratum.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin.  It  is 
formed  of  materials  from  crystalline  rocks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  or  from  areas 
of  unconsolidated  Tertiary  deposits  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  with  an  admix- 
ture of  material  from  sedimeutary  rocks.  Some  areas  of  this  type  are  influenced 
by  the  presence  of  alkali  salts  in  amounts  injurious  to  the  growth  of  plants. 
Where  well  drained  and  properly  cultivated,  the  greater  part  of  the  type  is 
adapted  to  the  production  of  grasses,  sorghum,  kafir,  and  grains. 

Wade  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  clay,  varying  in  color  from  gray  to  black, 
resting  upon  a  subsoil  of  heavy  clay,  somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil 
and  sometimes  underlain  by  a  deeper  subsoil  of  sand  and  silt.  The  soil  is  com- 
pact, and  bakes  and  cracks  badly  upon  exposure  during  dry  periods.  Th6 
material  is  alluvial  and  is  derived  from  the  erosion  of  shales  and  sandstones. 
The  type  occupies  stream  valley  bottoms  and  terraces.  The  surface  is  nearly 
fiat  and  drainage  is  poor.  The  type  is  frequently  subject  to  injurious  accumu- 
lations of  alkali  salts.  It  is  largely  devoted  to  pasture,  though  it  is  a  productive 
soil  and  would  produce  grass  crops  and  forage  plants  if  properly  drained  and 
cultivated. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  3;  Montana  1 ;  North  Dakota  6,  7 

29,440 

1,152 

Total 

30,592 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


464 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


SILTY    CLAY    PHA.SE. 

The  silty  clay  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  in  the  Great  Plains 
region  are  represented  by  only  a  single  member,  which  is  of  comparatively 
inextensive  occurrence. 

Both  surface  and  subdrainage  are  poor,  and  the  soil  is  utilized  mainly  for 
the  production  of  hay.  It  is  not  well  adapted  to  other  crops  without  artificial 
drainage. 

The  type  constitutes  an  unimportant  phase  of  the  clay  group,  from  which  it 
does  not  depart  widely  in  agricultural  importance  or  crop  adaptation.  Under 
prevailing  conditions  of  drainage  the  soil  is  somewhat  more  easily  worked 
than  the  normal  clays  of  the  province,  and  is  slightly  better  adapted  to  farming. 
It  is  suited  only  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming  or  to  dairying  and  stock 
raising,  and  requires  heavy  farming  equipment. 

Bassett  silty  clay. — The  soil  is  dark  gray  to  brown,  and  ranges  in  depth  from 
B  to  12  inches.  The  upper  subsoil  is  gray  or  lighter  brown  in  color  and  heavier 
and  more  compact  than  the  soil.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  compact  clay  of 
light  ashen  gray  or  white  color,  and  usually  occurs  at  a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet. 
The  type  occupies  level  or  somewhat  depressed  areas  of  stream  valley  flood 
plains  and  terraces.  Surface  drainage  is  poor,  and  percolation  and  subdrainage 
are  retarded  by  the  heavy  subsoil.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived 
from  crystalline  sandstone  and  shale,  and  probably  includes  some  material 
from  calcareous  rocks.  It  is  devoted  mainly  to  the  production  of  wild  hay,  to 
which  it  is  best  adapted. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Bassett  silty  clay Nebraska  7 


64,512 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 


Dunesand 

Rough  broken  land, 
Rough  stony  land. . 


Bad  hinds 

\lluvial    soils    undifferenti- 
ated. 

B  vi  hinds  basins 

iliwrwash 

Sands  and  Peat 

Peat  and  Muck 

Rock  outcrop 

Swamp 


Total. 


State  or  i 


Colorado  3;  Kansas  6,  10;  Nebraska  7;  South  Dakota  3 

Nebraska  7;  Texas  22 

Kansas  1,  7,  11;  Missouri  2,  3;  Oklahoma  1.  2;  South  Dakota  3; 

Texas  2.  11,  28;  Wisconsin  5,  7. 

North  Dakota  10;  South  Dakota  3 

Kansas  6;  Nebraska  7;  North   Dakota  10;  South  Dakota  3; 

Texas  22. 

South  Dakota  3 

Colorado  3;  Nebraska  7 

Wisconsin  7 

Wisconsin  7 

Kansas  1,  4;  Texas  2,  26,  31 

Colorado  3 


Acres. 


13,016,119 

3,262,464 
3,046,643 

2,896,128 
2,679,434 

292,608 
128,000 
101,696 
39, 616 
31,664 
640 


2,5.524.825 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


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SOILS  OF  THE  EOCKY  MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 
DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   REGION. 

The  Rocky  Mountain  and  Plateau  region  as  recognized  by  the  soil  survey  cov- 
ers the  areas  of  elevated  mountains  and  plateaus  extending  from  the  Dominion 
of  Canada  upon  the  north  southward  to  the  lower  lying,  arid,  treeless  plains 
and  isolated  ranges  of  the  Southwestern  Arid  region  in  New  Mexico  and  Ari- 
zona, and  from  the  Great  Plains  upon  the  east  to  the  less  elevated  desert  plains, 
valleys,  and  ranges  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  and  the  Great  Basin 
regions  upon  the  west.  In  the  extreme  northern  part  its  western  boundary  is 
for  a  short  distance  formed  by  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region 
where  the  two  merge  in  the  Okanogan  Highlands  in  north-central  Washington. 
Upon  the  east  and  north  in  the  extreme  northern  portion  it  touches  the  plains 
and  prairies  of  the  Glacial  and  Loessial  province.  The  Black  Hills  uplift  and 
several  other  outlying  ranges  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  system,  some  of  which  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  region  extend  across  south-central  New  Mexico  and 
into  western  Texas,  are  also  included. 

As  thus  defined,  the  region  embraces  western  Montana,  northern  and  central 
Idaho,  the  northeastern  part  of  Washington,  the  western  half  of  Wyoming  and 
Colorado,  more  than  half  of  Utah  and  Arizona,  and  about  one-half  of  New 
Mexico,  in  addition  to  small  areas  in  eastern  Wyoming  and  in  South  Dakota 
and  Texas. 

The  region  falls  into  two  distinct  and  characteristic  physiographic  provinces, 
consisting  of  the  Cordilleran.  or  mountain  portion,  extending  with  a  general 
northwesterly  and  southeasterly  trend  across  the  entire  area  covered  by  the 
region  and  including  isolated  outliers:  and  of  the  Plateau  districts  of  the  cen- 
tral and  southwestern  sections  of  the  region. 

The  Cordilleran  portion  of  the  region,  with  its  outliers,  includes  the  elevated 
and  rugged  ranges,  ridges,  and  domes  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  system,  with  in- 
closed intermountain  valleys  and  parks.  In  Montana  and  Idaho  it  embraces 
the  districts  covered  by  the  main  range  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  constituting 
the  Continental  Divide,  and  by  the  Little  Belt,  Big  Belt,  Bridger,  Gallatin, 
White  Fish,  Mission,  Cabinet.  Bitter  Root,  Salmon  River,  Coeur  d'Alene,  and 
detached  minor  ranges.  In  Wyoming  it  includes  the  elevated  plateaus,  ranges, 
and  peaks  of  the  Yellowstone  Park  and  adjacent  districts,  and  the  Shoshone, 
Wind  River.  Green,  Big  Horn,  and  Laramie  ranges  and  the  outlying  uplifts 
of  the  Black  Hills  extending  into  South  Dakota.  It  embraces  in  northwestern 
and  north-central  Utah,  with  the  adjacent  portion  of  Idaho,  the  Wasatch  and 
Uinta  ranges,  and  in  Colorado  and  north-central  New  Mexico  the  Medicine 
Bow,  Park,  Front,  Seguache,  San  Juan,  Sangre  de  Cristo,  Culebra,  and  less 
elevated  and  extensive  ranges,  with  the  included  basins  and  valleys. 

Upon  the  south  the  principal  outlying  areas  include  the  elevated  regions 
covered  by  the  San  Francisco  Mountains  and  the  Mogollon  and  Black  Mesa 
regions  in  Arizona,  and  by  the  Sacramento  and  Guadalupe  ranges  in  New 
Mexico  and  Texas.  Upon  the  west  of  the  main  Cordilleran  Belt,  in  Colorado 
and  Utah  several  less  extensive  but  prominent  outlying  masses  occur,  including 
the  Henry  Mountains  in  Utah,  Grand  Mesa  in  Colorado,  and  others. 

The  region  embraced  within  this  mountain  portion  of  the  Rocky  Mountain 
and  Plateau  region  ranges  from  within  the  vicinity  of  3,000  to  more  than  14.000 
feet  in  elevation,  the  less  elevated  sections  occurring  in  northeastern  Washing 
ton,  southeastern  Arizona,  southern  New  Mexico,  and  western  Texas.  Much  of 
the  area  covered  lies  at  an  altitude  of  more  than  8,000  feet.  and.  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  included  structural  basins  and  the  comparatively  flat  tops  of  some 
of  the  elevated  mesas  or  plateaulike  masses,  is  usually  rugged. 

A  variety  of  rocks  are  represented,  the  most  of  which  nave  l>»»'ii  crushed, 
folded,  and  faulted. 

79619—13 30  466 


466  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

In  Montana  and  Idaho  they  include  granites  and  other  quartz-bearing,  as 
well  as  quartz-free,  intrusive  and  effusive  rocks,  limestones,  and  other  rocks  of 
sedimentary  origin,  and  various  metamorphic  rocks.  In  Washington  they  con- 
sist mainly  of  metamorphic  rocks  of  igneous  and  sedimentary  origin  and  of 
undetermined  age.  In  the  Yellowstone  Park  region  of  Wyoming  the  rocks  are 
mainly  of  effusive  origin,  while  in  the  more  central  and  southern  parts  and  in 
the  Black  Hills  districts  areas  of  Carboniferous,  Cretaceous,  Jurassic,  and 
later  sedimentary  and  metamorphic  and  of  the  ancient  gneisses  or  granitic 
rocks  are  more  extensively  developed.  In  the  Wasatch  and  Uinta  ranges  the 
rocks  are  prevailingly  of  sedimentary  and  metamorphic  character,  with  some 
areas  of  volcanic  origin.  In  Colorado,  New  Mexico,  and  Arizona  widespread 
exposures  of  volcanic  rocks  and  of  ancient  granites  and  less  extensive  areas  of 
stratified  rocks  of  Carboniferous  and  later  ages  occur. 

Extensive  areas  of  the  higher  and  more  northern  ranges  of  the  region  have 
neen  subject  to  modification  of  superficial  features  by  glaciers,  a  few  remnants 
of  which  still  remain. 

The  lower  and  more  southern  regions  are  of  arid  or  semiarid  character  and 
but  sparsely  timbered,  while  the  central  and  more  northern  or  more  elevated 
districts  are  subject  to  heavy  precipitation,  occurring  largely  as  snowfall. 
and  are  heavily  forested. 

Springs  and  perennial  streams  are  abundant  over  much  of  the  mountain 
portion  of  the  region,  and  the  more  elevated  and  more  northern  parts  are  suffi- 
ciently well  supplied  with  moisture  to  produce  crops  without  irrigation. 

However,  on  account  of  the  altitude,  severity  of  climatic  conditions,  rough. 
rocky  character,  and  the  frequently  inaccessible  locations,  the  mountain  areas 
are  inextensively  cultivated,  and  where  utilized  are  devoted  mainly  to  grazing. 
The  irrigable  soils  are  practically  confined  to  the  intermountain  valleys  and  topo- 
graphic basins,  some  of  which  occupy  protected  or  favored  locations,  and  have 
attained  a  high  state  of  development.  Among  these  inclosed  valleys  of  the 
province  are  included  the  San  Luis  Valley  in  south-central  Colorado  and  north- 
central  New  Mexico,  the  Gallatin,  Madison,  and  Jefferson  Valleys  in  south- 
central  Montana,  and  the  Bitter  Root  Valley  in  western  Montana. 

The  plateau  portion  of  the  region  covers  the  elevated,  desert-like,  flat  to 
sloping  plains  of  southwestern  Wyoming,  western  Colorado,  the  southeastern 
half  of  Utah,  northern  Arizona,  and  northwestern  New  Mexico,  the  most  of 
which  ranges  from  5,000  to  7,000  feet  in  altitude.  It  is  characterized  by  gently 
tilted  or  horizontal  rocks,  in  places  of  Carboniferous  but  generally  of  "  Jura- 
trias"  or  Cretaceous  age,  sandstones  and  shales  predominating,  occupying  an 
uplifted  elevated  position  and  usually  marked  by  frequent  fault  scarps,  which 
also  generally  separate  the  plateaus  from  adjacent  lower  lying  regions.  It  is 
traversed  by  infrequent  perennial  streams,  often  flowing  through  deep,  gorge- 
like canyons,  but  is  frequently  deeply  dissected  and  gullied  by  tributary  Streams 
of  intermittent  character.  In  the  areas  of  softer  rocks,  wide  valleys  have  been 
eroded  along  stream  courses. 

The  northern  portions  of  the  plateau  province  occurring  in  the  Green  River 
and  Wind  River  Basins  in  WTyoming  are  partially  separated  from  the  more 
typically  developed  and  more  extensive  areas  upon  the  south  by  the  Uinta 
Mountains,  while  upon  the  west  the  plateau  portion  of  the  region  extends  to  the 
Great  Basin  region  of  interior  drainage.  Its  southern  boundary  is  less  definite 
and  is  formed  by  the  deserts  and  mountains  of  the  Southwest  Arid  region 
in  Arizona  and  New  Mexico.  Upon  the  east  it  extends  to  the  higher  rugged 
ranges  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  of  Colorado  and  New  Mexico  and  to  the  valley 
of  the  Bio  Grande,  Within  this  great  extent  of  territory  occur  occasional  vol- 
canic  mountain  masses  or  uplifts  of  the  older  sedimentary  or  altered  rocks 
referred  to  the  mountain  province  of  the  region. 

Only  the  more  elevated  mountain  ridges  and  plateaus  Included  within  the  are:i 
of  th«-  plateau  province  support  timber  or  forest  growth,  which  usually  consists 
of  stunted  cedars  or  pine*,  hot   occasionally  small   areas  of  timber  of  economic 

Importance  are  encountered.    The  plains  are  dominated  by  arid  or  semiarid 

conditions  of  climate,  accompanied  by  long-continued  periods  of  sunshine  and 
by  excessive  and  rapid  radiation.  The  summers  are  usually  warm  or  hot.  ami. 
Considering  the  altitude,  are  accompanied  by  a  long  growing  season.  The  win- 
ters an-  mild  and  conducive  to  the  ranging  of  stock.  The  soils  are  productive 
under  irrigation  and  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops.  They  are  not  generally 
adapted  to  the  production  of  dry-farmed  crops,  and  many  of  the  streams,  owing 
to  inconstant  Mow  or  topographic  jK.sition.  are  unsuited  as  a  source  of  supply  for 


KOCKY    MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  467 

irrigation,  and  much  of  the  region  is  relatively  inaccessible  to  markets  and 
unutilized  for  agriculture  or  devoted  only  to  a  grazing  industry. 

The  soils  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  and  plateau  region  vary  widely  in  character, 
owing  to  wide  latitude  in  character  of  material  from  which  they  are  derived  and 
in  the  agencies  active  in  their  formation.  They  are  further  subject  to  wide 
variation  in  topography  and  in  conditions  of  environment  as  related  to  climatic 
influences,  dry  farming,  irrigation,  and  market  and  transportation  facilities.  The 
natural  agencies  dominant  in  their  formation  have  given  rise  to  several  distinct 
provinces  of  soil  material.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  only  a  few  of  the  more 
densely  settled  and  more  highly  developed  agricultural  districts  of  the  region 
have  as  yet  been  covered  by  the  soil  survey,  only  a  comparatively  small  number 
of  soil  series  representing  the  various  provinces  of  soil  material  have  been 
recognized. 

Weathering  of  the  consolidated  rocks  in  place  has  given  rise  to  extensive 
areas  of  residual  soijs.  Upon  the  mountain  slopes  much  of  the  weathered 
material  finds  its  way,  mainly  by  gravity,  to  the  lower  slopes,  constituting  areas 
of  colluvial  soils.  The  soils  of  the  mountain  areas  of  the  region  are  prevail- 
ingly of  residual  and  colluvial  origin.  In  the  plateau  districts  also,  where  not 
removed  or  superficially  covered  with  other  material  by  transporting  agencies, 
the  soils  are  predominantly  of  residual  character.  Little  of  the  strictly  col- 
luvial soils  of  the  region  has  as  yet  been  encountered,  but  those  of  the  residual 
province  have  been  encountered  to  some  extent  in  parts  of  the  areas  surveyed. 

About  the  base  of  the  mountains,  mesas,  plateau  escarpments,  and  bluffs  and 
cliffs  of  the  river  valleys  occur  extensive  accumulations  of  alluvial  material 
deposited  by  streams  debouching  from  the  adjacent  valley  barriers  or  washed 
from  the  adjacent  slopes.  These  streams  traverse  areas  of  high  gradient  and 
are  usually  of  intermittent,  shifting  character,  and  during  periods  of  flood 
deposit  their  load  of  debris  below  the  point  at  which  they  emerge  from  their 
canyon  mouths  or  ravine  or  gully  courses,  building  up  deposits  of  stream  out- 
wash  as  alluvial  fans  and  detrital-filled  valley  plains.  The  soils  derived  from 
these  deposits  are  included  under  the  soil  province  designated  as  the  soils  of  the 
alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling  material. 

In  some  of  the  intermountain  basins  or  valleys  extensive  deposits  of  sedi- 
ments laid  down  in  the  waters  of  former  lakes  have  been  accumulated,  giving 
rise  to  the  soils  of  the  lacustrine  or  lake-laid  province  which  are  represented 
by  the  Manhattan  series. 

Along  the  flood  plains  and  terraces  of  the  stream  valleys  several  series  of 
alluvial  soils  of  variable  character  have  been  accumulated,  representing  mate- 
rial transported  and  deposited  by  the  waters  of  the  streams,  or,  in  the  case  of 
the  coarser  material,  pushed  and  rolled  along  the  stream  channel.  This  class 
of  material  has  given  rise  to  the  soils  of  the  river  flood  plain  province. 

While  the  soils  of  the  more  northern  intermountain  basins  and  valleys  are 
devoted  mainly  to  an  extensive  system  of  farming,  conditions  are  usually  favor- 
able to  the  development  of  a  more  intensive  and  profitable  system  of  agriculture. 
In  the  mountain  districts  local  areas  of  valley  lands  and  of  the  more  gentle 
slopes  now  unutilized  will  eventually  be  devoted  to  agricultural  purposes.  In 
the  southern  plateau  districts  and  valleys  of  the  central  and  southern  portions 
of  the  region  the  extension  of  agriculture  is  in  the  main  contingent  upon  the 
further  development  of  irrigation  facilities.  That  prevailing  climatic  and  soil 
conditions  are  favorable  to  agriculture  under  irrigation  is  evidenced  in  a 
striking  manner  by  the  high  degree  of  success  attained  in  some  of  the  irrigated 
areas  devoted  to  general  farming  and  to  intensively  cultivated  fruit  and  other 
special  products,  often  under  unusual  conditions  of  altitude,  which  in  some  of 
the  important  agricultural  districts  ranges  from  5,000  to  more  than  7.000  feet 

The  following  areas  of  the  different  soil  provinces  of  the  Kocky  Mountain 
region  have  been  surveyed : 


Soil  province. 


Acres. 


Residual  material 

Alluvial  fan  and  valley  rilling  material . 

Lake-laid  material 

River  flood  plain  material 

Miscellaneous  material 

Total  for  region 


132,  736 
420,  992 

53,  824 
512,192 

42, 170 


101,920 


468  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

RESIDUAL  MATERIAL. 

The  residual  soils  are  of  extensive  occurrence  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region. 
Those  derived  from  sedimentary  deposits  are,  however,  more  favorably  situated 
with  regard  to  climate,  irrigation  facilities,  transportation,  and  markets,  and 
have  been  much  more  extensively  developed  to  agriculture.  Since  the  areas 
covered  by  the  soil  surveys  have  been  confined  mainly  to  the  longer  settled  and 
more  extensively  developed  agricultural  districts,  the  soils  of  the  residual 
province  have  not  been  surveyed  to  an  extent  comparable  with  their  regional 
distribution. 

The  residual  soils  of  the  mountainous  portions  of  the  region  are  mainly  of 
too  rough  topography  to  be  adapted  to  agriculture.  They  are  usually  of  a 
thin,  rocky  character,  and  in  the  more  elevated  or  more  northern  districts  are 
subject  to  severe  climatic  conditions.  They  are  derived  from  a  variety  of 
rocks.  None  of  the  residual  soils  of  the  mountainous  portions  of  the  region 
have  as  yet  been  mapped.  Those  of  the  plateau  portions  of  the  region,  where 
uneroded,  are  of  comparatively  level  or  gently  sloping  or  undulating  surface, 
favorable  to  the  distribution  of  irrigation  waters.  Extensive  areas  of  dis- 
sected or  eroded  surface  occur,  however,  which  are  totally  unadapted  to  irriga- 
tion or  in  which  the  distribution  of  irrigation  waters  is  dependent  upon  the 
construction  of  costly  engineering  works  and  upon  expensive  leveling  in  pre- 
paring the  land  for  irrigation  practice.  Water  supply  for  irrigation  purposes 
is  here  limited. 

Transportation  facilities  are  inadequate,  and  the  greater  portion  of  the 
residual  soils  of  the  plateau  plains  are  of  value  only  for  grazing.  The  soil 
areas  more  favorably  situated  with  regard  to  climatic  conditions  are  capable 
of  producing  drought-resistant  crops  without  irrigation,  but  such  areas  are 
infrequent  and  of  limited  extent.  The  soils  support  a  scanty  growth  of  native 
\egetation  suitable  for  grazing  purposes.  Certain  irrigated  areas  bordering 
stream  valleys  are  devoted  to  the  production  of  general  farm  crops;  and 
fruits,  truck  products,  and  other  intensively  cultivated  crops  are  grown  under 
favorable  local  circumstances. 

The  residual  soils  of  the  plateau  plains  are  derived  mainly  from  shales  and 
sandstones,  often  of  calcareous  character.  They  are  thin,  and  those  derived 
from  shales  are  impregnated  with  alkali  salts.  Surface  drainage  is  usually 
well  established,  but  subdrainage  is  imperfect,  and  the  soils  of  the  slopes  are 
marked  by  the  occurrence  of  seepage  zones  or  alkaline  springs. 

In  so  far  as  encountered,  the  soils  are  recognized  under  the  Albany,  Bent, 
Chipeta,  and  Shavano  series.  None  of  these  have  been  recognized  under 
conditions  of  wide  distribution  or  extensive  agricultural  development.  The  more 
important  soils  occur  under  the  Chipeta  series. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   SOIL  SERIES. 

Albany  scrie*.— The  soils  of  the  Albany  series  are  of  red  color.  The  subsoils 
usually  resemble  the  soil  material  in  color,  texture,  and  structure,  and  are 
frequently  underlain  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6  feet  by  a  bedrock  stratum  which 
contains  large  amounts  of  gypsuin  and  other  alkali  salts.  The  members  of  the 
series  OCCtipy  sloping  to  rolling  or  dissected,  treeless  plains.  The  soils  are  of 
resiflual  origin  and  are  derived  from  soft  red  sandstone  and  shales  of  the  Per- 
mian and  Triassir  Red  Beds  formation.  They  carry  excessive  amounts  of 
alkali  suits  and  are  well  drained.  They  are  not  favorably  situated  for  irriga- 
tion and  an'  utilized  mainly  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Albany  * 


Boll 


Albany  One  i  rody  Loam. 


■ 


Wyoming  I . 


42,  624 


i  number  In  tbia  ooiumn 

Bent  leriet.  -The  soils  of  the  Bent  series  are  light  brown  or  yellowish  brown. 
The  subsoils  are  of  n  somewhat  Lighter  brown  tint  than  the  surface  material 
and  generally  of  compart   structure,    crystals  of  gypsum  and  other  mineral 


KOCKY   MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU   KEGION. 


469 


salts  are  present,  particularly  in  the  subsoil.  The  members  of  the  series  occupy 
treeless  plains  of  flat,  depressed,  and  gently  sloping,  rolling,  or  eroded  and 
broken  character.  The  soils  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  mainly  from 
shales,  in  many  places  calcareous.  Small  granitic  fragments  and  water-worn 
pebbles  derived  from  adjacent  Tertiary  or  early  alluvial  deposits  sometimes 
occur.  The  higher-lying  bodies  are  well  drained,  but  the  more  numerous  lower 
slopes,  depressions,  and  lakelike  basins  are  subject  to  accumulation  of  surface 
or  subsurface  waters.  The  soils  are  retentive  of  moisture  and,  when  favorably 
situated  with  respect  to  climate,  topography,  and  irrigation  facilities,  are 
capable  of  producing  general  farm  crops.     They  are  utilized  mainly  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bent  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.] 

Acres. 

Bent  clay 

Wyoming  1 

16,064 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Chipeta  series. — The  soils  are  of  light  to  dark-gray  or  grayish-brown  color, 
and  are  underlain  by  soft  weathered  shales  at  shallow  depths.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  are  marked  by  the  occurrence  of  flat  fragments  and  angular  chips  of 
shale  rock.  The  subsoils  are  compact  and  impervious.  The  Chipeta  soils  are 
of  residual  origin,  derived  from  gray  to  dark-brown  or  black  Cretaceous  shales. 
These  shales  are  usually  of  fissile  character  and  carry  local  thin  beds  of  lime- 
stone and  sometimes  sandstone,  accompanied  by  thin  coal  seams.  The  joints 
and  checks  contain  gypsum,  calcite,  and  saline  deposits,  the  latter  forming  a 
prominent  source  of  the  alkali  salts  which  occur  in  the  members  of  the  series. 
The  soils  occupy  gentle  to  precipitous  slopes  of  scanty  vegetation,  are  eroded 
into  bad-land  forms  of  topography,  and  are  marked  by  outlying  buttes  and 
hills  isolated  from  the  plateau  or  mesa  surfaces  by  erosion.  Although  the 
surface  is  sloping,  the  members  of  the  series  are  subject  to  seepage,  local  con- 
ditions of  poor  drainage,  and  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts.  The  soils  are 
of  a  refractory,  tenacious  character  when  wet,  are  readily  puddled,  and  often 
bake  upon  subsequent  exposure.  The  series  is  not  adapted  to  dry  farming  or 
to  fruit  culture,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation,  cultivation,  and 
drainage  is  suited  to  grains,  and  the  deeper  phases  to  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chipeta  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  5 

960 

Colorado  1,5 

64,128 

Total 

65,088 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Shavano  series. — The  soils  are  of  pinkish-red  or  reddish-gray  color,  of  shallow 
character,  and  are  marked  by  outcrops  of  the  underlying  parent  rock.  Small 
amounts  of  residuary  water-worn  gravel,  representing  remnants  of  eroded 
Neocene  deposits  or  old-stream  terrace  deposits,  are  present,  giving  rise  to  the 
soils  of  the  Mesa  series.  They  cover  elevated,  sloping  to  hilly,  and  dissected 
areas  of  plateau  and  mesa  lands.  The  soils  are  derived  from  the  weathering 
in  place  of  a  reddish  or  reddish-gray  Cretaceous  sandstone  of  fine  texture.  They 
are  of  low  water-holding  capacity.  The  soils  are  treeless  and  undeveloped, 
except  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  location,  where  the  deeper 
bodies  are  adapted  to  fruits  and  general  farm  crops. 


470  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Shavano  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Shiivann  fine  sanriy  Inam 

Colorado  5 

8,960 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL    TYPES    AND   THEIR    USE. 

Three  of  the  four  series  recognized  under  the  province  of  residual  soils  in  the 
Rocky  Mountain  region  are  represented  only  by  single  soil  types.  Under  the 
other  series  two  types  have  been  encountered. 

The  lighter  textured  soils  of  the  province  are  derived  predominately  from  fine- 
grained sandstones  and  include  only  types  of  fine  sandy  loam  texture  occurring 
under  the  Albany  and  the  Shavano  series.  The  soils  of  the  sand,  fine  sand,  and 
sandy  loam  groups  have  not  as  yet  been  encountered  in  this  province.  The 
soils  of  heavy  texture  are  derived  from  shales  and  are  represented  by  the  clay 
loam  and  clay  types  occurring  under  the  Bent  and  the  Chipeta  series. 

The  soils  of  the  Albany,  Bent,  and  Shavano  series,  where  mapped,  are  con- 
fined to  single  areas  surveyed.  Those  of  the  Chipeta  series  are  represented  in 
both  the  Grand  Junction  and  the  Uncompahgre  area,  Colorado.  Some  of  the 
areas  covered  by  these  soils,  particularly  those  of  the  Albany  and  Bent  series, 
embrace  undifferentiated  types  of  soils  which  would  in  more  detailed  surveys 
be  recognized  as  material  of  other  soil  series  and  provinces. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  are  of  shallow  depth  and  cover  areas  of  eroded,  rough 
topography.  The  general  surface  is  gently  sloping  and  favorable  to  irrigation 
and  the  use  of  farm  machinery.  Most  of  the  areas  lie  above  sources  of  water 
supply  for  irrigation  and  the  soils  are  inextensively  utilized  except  for  grazing 
purposes.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The  soil  is  distinctly  loamy  when 
moist  and  is  friable  and  easily  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth  under 
cultivation.  Where  capable  of  irrigation,  the  areas  of  deeper  soil  and  favorable 
topography  can  be  utilized  for  the  culture  of  vegetables,  peaches,  cherries,  and 
other  stone  and  small  fruits,  while  the  shallow  areas  are  best  suited  to  grains 
or  other  shallow-rooted  crops. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  Albany  series  is  the  most  extensively  developed 
of  the  two  members  representing  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group,  both 
of  which  are,  however,  of  but  little  agricultural  importance. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  are  represented  only  by  the  clay  loam 
member  of  the  Chipeta  series.  The  topography  is  undulating  to  moderately 
rolling,  but  the  surface  is  sometimes  badly  gullied  and  irregular.  The  soil  is 
of  sufficient  depth  to  permit  root  development  of  all  but  the  deeper-rooted  crops. 
Surface  drainage  is  well  established,  but  subdrainage  is  retarded  by  the  com- 
pad  and  impervious  nature  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  and  the  underlying  shales. 
The  subsoils  contain  injurious  amounts  of  alkali  salts  which  accumulate  In 
local  areas  of  poor  drainage  or  along  slopes  where  underground  seepage  waters 
reach  the  surface.  The  soil  is  of  tenacious,  refractory  character,  is  deficient 
in  organic  matter,  and  is  readily  puddled  and  rendered  intractable  under  in- 
judicious methods  of  management  It  demands  a  heavy  fanning  equipment 
and   thorough   and  careful   cultivation.     It  is  not   suited   to   the  commercial 

culture    of    fruit    or    vegetables,    hut    under    favorable    conditions    of    irrigation, 

drainage,  and  culture  is  adapted  to  heavy  general  farming  purposes,     in  the 

better-drained  Localities  of  good  depth  the  clay  loams  are  also  well  suited  to 
alfalfa,   and    where   sufficiently    friable   to   potatoes:      Alfalfa,    oats,    wheat,   and 

potatoes  are  the  principal  products. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  group,  under  the  Kent  and  the  Chipeta  series,  are  of 
more    compact,    refractory    Structure    than    the    clay    loam.      They    are    poorly 

drained  and  subject  to  the  occurrence  of  seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts.  The 
topography  varies  widely.  Some  of  the  areas  Included  are  rough  or  eroded, 
the  surface  drainage  being  excessively  developed.     Subdrainage  is,  however, 

restricted  and  Seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts  appear  along  sloi.es.  The  lower- 
lying  ;,,.,.;,  jeutlj  sloping  to  flat,  and  are  poorly  drained  and  subject 

to  ;m  extensive  BCCUmulatiOD  of  alkali   salts. 

The  days  require  a  heavy  farming  equipment  and  careful  management. 
Thej   are  maintained  In    i   favorable  condition  of  tilth  with  greater  difficulty 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  471 

than  the  clay  loam  of  the  province  and  are  more  limited  in  adaptability  to 
crops.  The  lower  lying,  poorly  drained  areas  can  be  improved  by  artificial 
drainage.  Where  so  improved  or  where  natural  drainage  conditions  are 
favorable,  if  carefully  and  thoroughly  tilled  and  capable  of  irrigation  the 
soils  are  fairly  well  adapted  to  heavy  farming  purposes.  The  clay  of  the 
Bent  series  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing.  That  of  the  Chipeta  series  occurs 
under  somewhat  more  favorable  conditions  of  drainage,  but  is  not  extensively 
used.  Where  capable  of  irrigation,  however,  it  can  by  judicious  management  be 
utilized  for  the  culture  of  grains,  alfalfa,  and  probably  sugar  beets,  though 
it  is  not  as  well  suited  to  the  latter  as  the  soils  of  more  friable  structure. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam   Group. 

Albany  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  red  color  and  friable  structure.  The 
subsoil  is  quite  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil  material.  It 
is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6  feet  by  a  substratum  of  sandstone  and 
shale.  The  soil  and  subsoil  contain  limestone  fragments,  and  in  places  mate- 
rial derived  from  limestone  rocks.  The  type  occurs  as  well  drained,  sloping  to 
eroded,  treeless  plains,  usually  not  suited  to  irrigation.  It  is  not  extensively 
utilized  for  any  agricultural  purpose  except  grazing. 

Shavano  fine  sandy  loam. — The  Shavano  fine  sandy  loam  to  a  depth  of  15 
inches  to  4  feet  is  of  reddish-gray  color  and  rather  heavy  texture.  It  is  under- 
lain by  a  reddish-gray  sandstone  of  fine  texture,  from  which  the  type  is  derived. 
A  small  amount  of  gravel  occurs,  due  to  an  admixture  of  remnants  of  Eocene 
or  old  stream  terrace  deposits  which  have  been  removed  by  erosion.  The  soil 
is  rather  sticky  when  wet  and  resembles  a  loam  in  general  appearance.  It  is 
usually  free  from  alkali  and  well  drained,  but  is  dissected  by  gulches  and 
ravines  traversed  by  intermittent  streams.  It  occupies  elevated  positions  on 
sloping  mesas  or  plateaus  and  supports  a  scant  growth  of  native  vegetation. 
The  soil  is  shallow  and  possesses  a  low  water-holding  capacity.  It  is  rather 
deficient  in  orgnnic  matter  and  is  not  adapted  to  deep-rooted  crops.  Under 
irrigation,  however,  the  deeper  areas  are  suitable  for  the  production  of  peaches, 
cherries,  small  fruits,  and  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Albany  fine  sandy  loam. . 
Shavano  fine  sandy  loam. 

Total 


Wyoming  1 , 
Colorado  5.. 


42,624 
8,960 


51,584 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Loam  Group. 

Chipeta  clay  loam. — This  is  a  light  grayish-brown  soil,  extending  to  a  depth 
of  from  24  inches  to  6  feet,  underlain  by  a  grayish-brown  shale  of  undetermined 
depth.  Its  generally  uniform  texture  varies  somewhat  with  the  character  of 
the  underlying  parent  shale.  The  type  occupies  gently  undulating  to  moderately 
rolling  areas.  It  is  marked  by  accumulations  of  small  shale  rock  fragments  of 
coarse  granular  appearance,  which  break  down  into  soil  upon  application  of 
water  in  considerable  quantities.  The  soil  is  gullied  by  intermittent  streams  or 
heavy  rains,  and,  owing  to  its  compact  structure  and  heavy  character,  con- 
siderable care  must  be  exercised  in  cultural  operations  in  order  to  prevent 
puddling  and  insure  good  tilth.  It  is  locally  subject  to  injurious  accumulations 
of  alkali  salts  or  to  seepage,  and  is  rather  deficient  in  organic  matter  content. 
When  properly  managed  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and  potatoes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  urea.1 

900 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


472 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


CLAY    GROUP. 

Bent  clay. — The  soil  is  of  yellowish  or  yellowish-brown  to  brown  color  and 
of  heavy,  compact  character.  It  becomes  sticky  when  wet,  puddles  readily,  and 
upon  subsequent  exposure  bakes  and  becomes  impervious  to  water.  The  sub- 
soil is  of  similar  color,  texture,  and  structure,  and  contains  gypsum  and  lime. 
A  bedrock  substratum  occurs  in  the  shallower  areas  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6 
feet.  The  type  occupies  lower  slopes  and  depressions,  but  some  abrupt  slopes 
with  outcropping  ledges  of  parent  rock  occur.  It  is  of  residual  origin  and  de- 
rived mainly  from  calcareous  shales.  The  soil  is  poorly  drained  and  of  re- 
fractory character  under  irrigation.  It  contains  injurious  amounts  of  alkali 
salts,  and,  owing  to  the  expense  and  difficulty  of  drainage,  is  utilized  mainly 
for  grazing. 

Chipeta  clay. — The  soil  is  a  light  to  dark-gray  or  slaty-brown  clay,  from  18 
to  48  inches  in  depth,  sometimes  underlain  by  a  silty  clay  subsoil,  overlying 
shale.  The  color  and  texture  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  vary  with  the  character 
of  the  parent  material.  The  soil  is  subject  to  erosion  and  puddles  readily  if 
cultivated  while  too  wet  or  otherwise  improperly  handled.  It  occurs  in  ex- 
tensive areas  of  gently  undulating  or  rough,  rolling,  dissected  topography.  It  is 
well  drained,  except  in  low-lying  depressions  or  where  subject  to  seepage  from 
shale  hills  or  more  elevated  soils.  In  these  local  areas  injurious  amounts  of 
alkali  salts  and  excess  seepage  waters  may  occur.  Much  of  the  type  is  of  too 
uneven  and  irregular  surface  character  to  be  well  adapted  to  irrigation.  The 
soil  is  treeless,  supporting  only  a  growth  of  desert  shrubs.  It  is  not  well  suited 
to  fruit  culture,  but  the  more  level  areas  suitable  for  irrigation  are  adapted  to 
grains,  sugar  beets,  and  alfalfa,  although  not  utilized  to  any  extent  at  present. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Chipeta  clay 

Colorado  1.5 

64, 128 

Bent  clay 

Wyoming  1 

ir..ot>4 

Total 

80,192 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


ALLUVIAL  FAN  AND  VALLEY  FILLING  MATERIAL. 


The  soils  derived  from  the  alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling  material  are  of  wide- 
spread occurrence  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region.  They  are  represented  in 
nearly  all  the  areas  covered  by  the  soil  survey  and  form  a  large  portion  of  the 
total  area  of  soils  mapped  in  the  region. 

They  occupy  areas  of  gentle  to  rather  pronounced  slope.  The  surface  is 
locally  gullied  or  eroded  or  wind  blown,  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  talus 
or  colluvial  mountain  slopes  is  of  stony  or  rocky  character,  but  the  general  con- 
tour is  favorable  to  the  economical  use  of  farming  implements  and  to  the  prac- 
tice of  irrigation.  The  higher  lying  and  more  extensive  areas  are  well  drained, 
but  some  of  the  lower  lying  soil  bodies  are  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  seep- 
age waters  and,  in  the  more  arid  districts,  to  injurious  concentrations  of  alkali 
salts.  Water  supply  for  irrigation  is  limited,  and  extensive  areas  of  the  soils 
occurring  under  the  province  lie  above  the  gravity-distributed  irrigation  sys- 
tems. In  certain  of  the  areas,  however,  there  are  attractive  possibilities  of 
extending  Irrigation  by  means  of  storage,  while  in  the  more  northern  are^s,  and 
to  a  limited  extent  in  those  of  more  restricted  rainfall,  the  production  of  grains 
without  Irrigation  is  successfully  accomplished.  Irrigation  is,  however,  es- 
sential to  an  intensive  and  highly  developed  system  of  agriculture.  The  condi- 
tions of  transportation  and  market!  and  local  climatic  influences  vary  widely 
and  closely  limit  and  determine  the  present  Utilisation  of  the  soils  of  the 
province. 

The  soils  of  this  province  h;»\o  been  recognized  under  five  series,  the  more 
extensive  and  typical  of  which  are  the  Rridger,  Fruita.  and  San  Luis  series. 
While  the  members  of  some  of  the  series  occur  extensively  in  areas  in  which 
they  have  been  mapped,  ench  of  the  series  recognized  under  this  soil  province 
Yms  been  recognised  only  in  a  single  locality  or  area  surveyed. 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN    AND   PLATEAU    REGION.  473 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Alamosa  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black.  They  usually  contain  a 
considerable  amount  of  organic  matter  and  carry  water-worn  pebbles  or  gravel. 
The  subsoils  are  gray  to  brown,  of  a  gravelly,  porous  character,  and  are  under- 
lain by  a  porous  stratum  of  water-worn  gravels  and  sands.  The  series  is  of 
alluvial  origin,  derived  mainly  from  volcanic  rocks,  and  occupies  bottoms  and 
lower  stream  terraces. 

The  surface  is  smooth  and  suited  to  irrigation.  Drainage  is  deficient,  and 
the  soils  are  subject  to  surface  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  The  poorly 
drained  areas  are  devoted  to  native  hay  or  to  grazing.  Under  favorable  condi* 
tions  of  drainage,  irrigation,  and  climate,  the  soils  are  adapted  to  alfalfa, 
Canada  field  peas,  grains,  forage  crops,  and  hardy  small  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  0/  the  soils  of  the  Alamosa  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  4 

do 

35.776 

clav  loam 

23.104 

Total 

5*     Wsf! 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bridger  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black,  and  are  underlain  by 
sticky,  compact,  and  often  calcareous  subsoils  of  light-gray  or  yellow  color. 
The  soils  and  subsoils  contain  gravel,  which  varies  from  fine,  angular  chips 
to  large,  well-rounded,  or  angular  blocks  and  cobbles.  The  type  occurs  upon 
mountain  and  lower  foothill  slopes,  high  or  sloping  plains,  mesa  lands,  and 
alluvial  fans.  It  occupies  small,  irregular  to  broad,  extensive  areas.  The  soils 
consist  of  alluvial  fan  and  alluvial  slope  deposits,  distributed  by  streams  or 
by  surface  wash.  The  higher  lying  areas  are  marked  by  rock  outcrop  or 
bowlders  and  are  deeply  cut  by  stream  channels.  The  soils  are  treeless  or 
sparsely  timbered,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  The  members  of  the 
series  are  derived  from  granitic  rocks,  gneiss,  or  basalt,  andesite,  or  other  vol- 
canic rocks,  with  an  admixture  of  materials  derived  from  sedimentary  rocks. 
The  soils  are  well  drained,  retentive  of  moisture,  and  extensively  utilized  for 
the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains,  including  wheat,  oats,  and  barley,  although 
irrigation  is  sometimes  necessary  for  producing  these  crops.  Under  irrigation 
alfalfa,  clover,  and  timothy  are  also  produced  to  a  limited  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bridger  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1  Acres. 


Bridger  gravelly  loam, 
clay  loam 


Montana  2 12.544 

....do 1.472 


Total. 


14,011 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Cedaredge  series. — The  soils  are  dark  or  black  and  carry  much  organic  mat- 
ter. The  subsoils  are  of  mottled  gray,  yellow  or  drab  color,  and  are  underlain 
by  gravel  at  less  than  6  feet  in  depth.  The  type  consists  of  recent  alluvial 
fan  or  alluvial  foot-slope  deposits,  with  some  colluvial  material  derived  mainly 
from  more  elevated  soils,  mainly  of  the  Mesa  series,  and  deposited  in  depressions 
of  local  stream  valleys  under  conditions  of  restricted  drainage.  The  soils  are 
poorly  drained,  but  with  favorable  irrigation  and  drainage  facilities  are  adapted 
to  truck,  small  fruits,  and  general  farm  crops. 


474  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cedaredge  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Cedaredge  clay  loam 

576 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fruita  series. — The  soils  are  light  reddish  gray  or  grayish  brown  with  a 
reddish  tint.  The  subsoils  are  generally  similar  to  the  surface  material,  but 
are  sometimes  of  darker  color,  and  include  stratified  loams,  fine  sandy  loams, 
and  sands.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  of  somewhat  compact  structure,  but  are 
friable  under  cultivation.  The  series  occupies  alluvial  fan  and  stream  terrace 
slopes,  lying  at  an  average  elevation  of  10  feet  above  alluvial  flood  plains. 
Drainage  is  deficient  along  lower  slopes  and  the  soils  are  subject  to  the  accumu- 
lation of  alkali  salts  and  seepage  waters  from  irrigation.  The  soils  are  adapted 
to  the  production  of  fruits  and  sugar  beets.  Apples  and  pears  are  profitably 
grown  upon  the  better  drained  areas,  but  the  soils  are  principally  utilized  for 
the  production  of  alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fruita  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  1 

3,986 

do 

512 

Total 

4.480 

•  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

San  Luis  series. — The  soils  are  of  reddish-brown  color  and  porous  structure, 
and  are  underlain  by  sands  and  coarse  rounded  gravel.  They  occupy  filled  val- 
leys, as  broad,  nearly  level  or  gently  sloping  arid  plains,  the  surface  being  broken 
only  by  small  mounds  or  ridges  generally  produced  by  wind  drifting.  The 
series  occurs  over  small,  irregular  to  broad,  extensive  areas.  The  soils  consist 
of  water-laid  material  transported  by  intermittent,  torrential  mountain  and 
foothill  streams,  deposited  as  alluvial  fan  or  detrital  cone  material,  containing 
medium  to  fine  gravel.  They  are  derived  mainly  from  volcanic  rocks,  princi- 
pally andesites,  rhyolites,  and  trachytes.  The  lower  lying  areas  are  subject  to 
injury  by  the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts  from  irrigation 
upon  more  elevated  slopes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  San  Luis  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  4 

136,960 

do 

196,992 

loam . . 

.do 

1,088 

Total . .    . 

343,040 

For  k>>y  to  number  in  Hils  column  see  p  733. 


THE    SOIL   TYPES    AND    THEIR    USE. 


The  soils  derived  from  the  Alluvial  Fan  and  Valley  Filling  Material  as  recog- 
nized Include  a  number  of  types,  ranging  In  texture  from  Band  to  clay  loam. 
Under  each  of  the  soil  aeries,  however,  only  a  comparatively  few  types  have  as 
.••i  been  encountered. 

The  soils  of  the  Brldger  series  are  confined  to  the  Gallatin  Valley  in  Montana, 

While   those  of   the   Alamosa    and    San    Luis  series  OCCUr   only    in    the   San    Luis 


Valley  in  < Jolorado.     in  hoth  thest 


[ties  the  climatic  conditions  are  rather 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN    AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  475 

severe,  the  soils  occurring  at  a  high  altitude  and  being  subject  to  a  short  grow- 
ing season.  Grain,  hay,  and  forage  crops  are  the  principal  products.  Condi- 
tions are  usually  prohibitive  of  successful  fruit  culture,  and  only  the  hardier 
of  the  small  fruits  and  vegetables  are  grown.  The  soils  of  the  Fruita  and  the 
Cedaredge  series  in  the  Grand  Junction  and  Uncompahgre  areas,  Colorado, 
occur  under  much  more  favorable  conditions  of  climate  and  are  adapted  not 
only  to  general  farming  purposes  but  to  intensively  cultivated  special  products. 
The  soils  of  the  Fruita  series  contribute  extensively  to  the  production  of  fruit, 
sugar  beets,  and  vegetables  in  the  Grand  Valley,  which  constitutes  one  of  the 
most  intensively  cultivated  and  highly  developed  agricultural  districts  of  the 
Western  States.  The  Cedaredge  series  is  represented  by  a  single  soil  type  of 
local  occurrence.  It  is  not  extensively  utilized,  but  with  improvement  in  local 
drainage  conditions  and  shipping  facilities  is  adapted  to  the  culture  of  both 
general  farm  and  intensively  cultivated  products. 

The  sand  group  of  the  province  is  represented  by  the  sand  of  the  San  Luis 
series,  no  material  of  this  texture  having  been  encountered  under  the  other 
series  of  soils  recognized  within  the  province.  The  soil  is  of  loose,  porous 
structure  and  is  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  porous  gravel.  The  surface  is  wind 
blown,  and  much  labor  is  necessary  in  leveling  and  preparing  the  land  for  culti- 
vation. The  soil  occurs  in  areas  of  gentle  slopes,  but  subdrainage  is  excessive, 
except  in  lower  lying  districts  subject  to  a  high  water  table.  The  soil  is  defi- 
cient in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  subject  to  drought,  except  under  con- 
ditions of  frequent  and  abundant  irrigation.  Much  of  the  lower  lying  areas 
are  not  suitable  for  farming  purposes,  owing  to  the  accumulation  of  seepage 
waters  and  alkali  salts  from  excessive  irrigation  upon  the  higher  lying  slopes. 
The  type  is  utilized  for  the  production  of  small  grains,  principally  wheat  and 
oats,  and  for  the  culture  of  Canada  field  peas.  It  is  not  as  well  suited  to  gen- 
eral farming  as  the  soil  groups  of  heavier  texture.  Small  fruits  and  vegetables 
may  be  grown  for  home  use.  but  climatic  conditions  are  unfavorable  to  the 
commercial  production  of  any  but  the  more  hardy  vegetables  and  fruits. 

The  sandy  loam  group  of  soils  covers  extensive  areas  and  is  represented  in 
the  Alamosa  and  San  Luis  series,  both  of  which  are  confined  to  the  San  Luis 
Valley  in  Colorado.  The  sandy  loam  of  the  San  Luis  series  covers  the  most 
extensive  areas. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  of  porous  character  and  like  the  representative 
of  the  sand  group,  are  underlain  by  a  porous  gravelly  stratum.  The  soil  is 
moderately  coherent  when  moist  and  is  friable  under  cultivation  and  easily 
maintained  in  a  mellow  condition  of  structure.  It  requires  only  a  comparatively 
light  farming  equipment.  The  surface  is  sometimes  wind  blown  and  requires 
leveling  in  preparing  the  land  for  irrigation,  but  it  is  generally  of  more  regular 
character  than  that  of  the  sand  occurring  in  the  province.  Subdrainage  is 
good  under  favorable  conditions  of  slope,  but  surface  drainage  is  deficient  over 
the  areas  of  sandy  loams,  where  the  water  table  is  encountered  at  shallow 
depth.  Alkali  salts  occur  in  concentrations  injurious  to  crops.  Drainage  is  more 
unfavorable  to  utilization  of  the  soils  than  in  the  sand  group  of  soils  in  this 
province,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  the  soils 
are  more  retentive  of  moisture,  require  less  excessive  and  less  frequent  applica- 
tions of  water,  and  are  better  adapted  to  farming  purposes.  Small  grains, 
potatoes,  Canada  field  peas  and  other  forage  crops,  and  sugar  beets  are  the 
principal  products.  The  poorly  drained  areas,  where  free  from  injurious  accu- 
mulations of  alkali  salts,  are  devoted  to  the  production  of  wild  hay.  The  sandy 
loams  are  also  suited  to  the  production  of  such  hardy  small  fruits  and  vege- 
tables as  may  be  grown  in  the  locality  in  which  these  soils  occur. 

Soil  of  fine  sandy  loam  texture  has  not  been  extensively  encountered  in  this 
province.  It  has  been  recognized  only  in  areas  of  limited  extent,  occurring 
under  the  Fruita  series  in  the  Grand  Junction  area,  Colorado.  The  surface  is 
gently  sloping  or  nearly  level,  and,  aside  from  the  occurrence  of  occasional 
deeply  eroded  gullies  or  stream  channels,  is  of  smooth  contour  and  easily  pre- 
pared for  the  distribution  and  application  of  irrigation  water.  Surface  and  sub- 
soil drainage  are  only  moderately  developed,  and  in  places  injurious  accumula- 
tions of  seepage  waters  from  irrigation,  accompanied  by  excessive  quantities  of 
alkali  salts,  occur.  The  soil  is  sticky  when  wet,  but  is  readily  maintained  in 
a  favorable  condition  of  tilth  under  conditions  of  adequate  drainage  and  proper 
cultivation.  It  requires  a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment.  Climatic  con- 
ditions in  the  locality  in  which  the  soil  has  been  mapped  aro  favorable  to  the 
culture  of  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  and  intensively  cultivated  products, 
and  under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  the  soil  constitutes  a  highly  esteemed 


476  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

type  of  wide  adaptation.  It  is  not  so  well  suited  to  early  stone  fruits  or  early 
vegetables  as  soils  of  lighter  texture  and  of  more  pervious  character,  but  is 
better  adapted  to  general  farming  purposes  and  to  apples,  pears,  the  later  stone 
fruits,  and  staple  vegetables.  Apples,  pears,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  wheat,  and 
oats  are  the  principal  products  grown. 

Soils  of  the  loam  group  have  been  encountered  under  the  San  Luis  and  the 
Fruita  series.  Those  of  the  latter  series  are  inextensive  and  those  of  the  San 
Luis  series  occur  in  but  moderately  extensive  areas.  The  soil  material  is  of 
rather  compact  structure,  is  distinctly  tenacious  when  wet,  and  assumes  an 
intractable,  puddled  condition  under  unfavorable  drainage  and  cultivation.  A 
heavy  farming  equipment  is  required  for  effective  utilization.  The  surface  is 
generally  smooth,  comparatively  level,  and  well  suited  to  the  practice  of 
irrigation.  Drainage  is  poorly  developed  and  much  of  the  areas  covered  by  the 
loams  are  subject  to  injury  from  excess  of  underground  or  seepage  waters  and 
from  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  The  soils  are  limited  to  a  narrower  zone 
in  adaptation  to  crops  than  is  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  province,  but  under 
favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  are  suited  to  the  culture  of 
alfalfa,  grass  crops,  small  grains,  and  sugar  beets. 

A  gravelly  phase  of  the  loam  group  of  soils  occurs  in  the  gravelly  loam  member 
of  the  Bridger  series,  encountered  in  the  Gallatin  Valley,  Mont.  This  phase 
departs  widely  from  the  normal  loams  of  the  province  in  features  of  structure, 
topography,  and  drainage.  It  occupies  debris  aprons  and  alluvial  fans  of 
good  slope.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  frequently  excessive,  and  the  soil 
is  free  from  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts.  It  is  of  more  porous  structure 
than  the  normal  loams  and  is  of  friable  character,  but  is  generally  underlain  by 
a  rather  heavy,  compact  subsoil  and  is  moderately  retentive  of  moisture  under 
cultivation.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  grains  without  irrigation. 
Alfalfa  is  grown  under  irrigation  to  a  limited  extent.  The  soil  is  well  suited  to 
general  farm  crops  under  favorable  conditions  of  moisture,  but,  owing  to  its 
porous,  gravelly  character,  it  is  less  well  suited  to  dry  farming  during  seasons 
of  deficient  rainfall  than  are  soils  of  less  pervious  structure.  Hardy  fruits, 
small  fruits,  and  vegetables  should  succeed  in  districts  where  the  local  climatic 
conditions  are  less  severe. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  occur  under  the  Alamosa,  Bridger.  and  the 
Cedaredge  series,  the  last  mentioned  being  represented  only  by  this  type.  Con- 
ditions of  topography,  drainage,  climate,  the  character  of  the  substratum,  and 
the  relation  of  soils  to  agriculture  vary  widely  in  the  three  members  of  this 
soil  group.  The  soils  contain  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter.  They  are 
tenacious  when  wet  and,  under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation, 
tend  to  puddle  and  bake  and  assume  a  refractory  structure.  They  require  a 
heavy  farming  equipment  for  economical  and  effective  cultivation,  and  careful 
management  and  thorough  tillage  is  necessary  to  maintain  a  favorable  condition 
of  tilth. 

The  clay  loams  of  this  province  are  generally  well  adapted  to  irrigation.  In 
the  member  of  the  group  occurring  under  the  Bridger  series,  surface  drainage 
is  well  established.  The  subsoil  is  of  heavy,  compact  character,  which  prevents 
rapid  subdrainage  and  renders  the  soil  retentive  of  moisture.  In  the  Cedaredge 
and  Alamosa  series  the  clay  loams  are  characterized  by  poorly  developed  surface 
drainage,  and  generally  by  a  high  water  table.  Artificial  drainage  is  essential  to 
the  effective  development  and  utilization  of  the  soils  in  lower  lying  areas. 
Where  favored  by  conditions  of  drainage  and  irrigation,  the  soils  are  adapted  to 
general  farm  products,  including  alfalfa,  clover,  grass  crops,  and  grains.  Sugar 
beets  may  be  successfully  grown  where  local  climatic  conditions  permit  complete 
development  and  maturing  of  the  crop  and  where  the  product  may  bo  handled 
economically.  Late  vegetables  and  small  fruits  could  be  grown,  except  in  the 
localities  of  more  severe  climatic  conditions.  Grains  and  native  bay  arc  the 
principal   products,  but    in  general   the  clay   loam  group  Of  soils  is   restricted   to 

rather  narrow  limits  In  adaptation  to  crops  and  is  best  suited  to  heavy  general 
farming  purposes. 

Sand  GbOTJT. 

8am  Luis  §amd. — The  soil  is  a  coarse  to  medium,  Incoherent,  Loose,  reddish- 
brown  sand  containing  a  large  proportion  of  gravel  and  underlain  at  a  depth 

of  from  '1  to  1  feet  by  B  coarser  material  which  can  not  be  penetrated  with  the 
SUger.  The  BOil  is  composed  of  minute  fragments  of  volcanic  rock  and  is  light 
and  easily  shifted  by  the  wind.  The  generally  level  surface  is  crossed  by  minor 
ridges,  and  dm  I  to  «  feet  high  occur.     These  irregularities  are  a  great 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   REGION. 


477 


hindrance  to  cultivation  and  irrigation.  The  drainage  is  excessive,  and  con- 
stant irrigation  is  necessary.  This  has  swamped  some  areas  and  brought  about 
the  rise  of  alkali  over  large  tracts  of  the  type.  Areas  which  were  originally 
productive  have  been  abandoned  for  this  reason.  Fair  crops  of  the  small  grains 
are  grown.  The  yields  per  acre  of  wheat  range  from  15  to  30  bushels;  of  oats, 
from  20  to  40.     Field  peas  are  grown  for  pasture  and  for  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Luis  sand 

Colorado  4 

136,980 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Alamosa  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  brown  to  black  and  of  porous,  friable 
structure.  The  subsoil  is  of  dark-gray  to  dark-brown  color  and  is  underlain, 
usually  at  a  depth  of  about  2  feet,  by  a  stratum  of  water-worn  gravels  and  sand. 
The  type  occupies  flat  or  gently  sloping  river  plains  and  lower  terraces  along 
streams  traversing  low,  broad  alluvial  fans.  The  surface  material  is  derived 
predominantly  from  volcanic  rocks.  The  members  of  the  series  are  devoted, 
mainly  to  native  hay  and  potatoes,  but  under  favorable  climatic,  drainage,  and 
irrigation  conditions  are  adapted  to  alfalfa,  potatoes,  grains,  forage  crops,  and 
vegetables. 

San  Luis  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  coarse,  gravelly,  reddish-brown  sandy 
loam  from  18  inches  to  3  feet  deep,  with  a  subsoil  of  gravel  and  sand  which 
extends  to  indeterminate  depths.  Near  the  mountains  the  surface  soil  is  shal- 
lower, more  sticky,  and  the  gravel  larger  and  more  water  worn.  Heavier 
phases  of  the  soil  are  known  locally  as  "  adobe."  The  type  occupies  imper- 
ceptibly sloping  plains,  the  surface  of  which  is  broken  by  many  knolls  and 
ridges  from  8  inches  to  not  more  than  2  feet  in  height.  Near  the  mountains  the 
soil  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  but  the  lower  areas  are  filled  with 
alkali.  Nearly  all  the  cultivated  areas  are  sown  to  cereals  and  peas.  The  soil 
is  well  adapted  to  these  crops  and  to  potatoes  and  truck. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Luis  sandy  loam 

Colorado  4 

196,992 

Alamosa  sandy  loam 

do 

35,776 

Total 

232,768 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Fruita  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam,  6  feet 
or  more  in  depth,  interstratified  with  layers  of  sand  and  loam.  It  is  of  a  friable, 
porous  structure  and  has  a  slightly  sloping  or  nearly  level,  smooth  surface,  cut 
by  washes  formed  by  intermittent  streams.  The  type  consists  mainly  of  alluvial 
material  derived  from  wash  from  sandstones  and  higher  lying  mesa  lands, 
deposited  over  intermittent  stream-formed  fans.  It  is  subject  to  considerable 
damage  from  alkali  and  seepage  waters,  but  when  well  drained  and  free  from 
alkali  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  fruit,  and  truck  crops 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Fruita  fine  sandy  loam. 


State  or  area.1 


Colorado  1 . 


Acres. 


J,  968 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p .  733 . 


478 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Loam  Groit. 

Fruita  loam. — This  type  is  similar  in  color,  topographic  and  drainage  features, 
origin,  and  mode  of  formation,  to  the  Fruita  fine  sandy  loam.  It  consists  of  a 
sticky  loam  of  compact,  adobe  structure,  from  1  to  3  feet  in  depth,  resting  upon 
silt  loam.  The  soil  possesses  marked  puddling  tendencies  and  bakes  upon 
exposure.  The  type  occurs  in  local  depressions  or  upon  lower  slopes.  It  is 
generally  poorly  drained  and  filled  with  alkali,  but  when  well  drained  and  free 
from  alkali  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and  general  farm  crops. 

8am  Luis  loam. — The  soil  is  a  plastic  and  sticky  reddish-brown  loam,  contain- 
ing some  gravel.  24  to  36  inches  deep,  with  a  subsoil  of  sand  or  sandy  loam, 
beneath  which  sand  and  gravel  occur.  The  surface  is  level  and  uniform  and 
adapted  to  irrigation.  The  soil  contains  alkali  and  is  not  at  present  extensively 
cultivated.  When  irrigated  it  produces  good  crops  of  wild  hay  and  is  adapted 
to  the  grain  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Lu  is  loam 

9.088 
512 

Fruita  loam 

Total 

9,600 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 


Bridger  gravelly  loam. — This  consists  of  a  rather  fine  sandy  loam  or  loam, 
from  1  to  3  feet  deep,  carrying  coarse,  sandy  material  composed  of  fine  angular 
rock  fragments,  giving  it  a  somewhat  loose,  porous  structure.  The  soil  has  a 
sticky,  compact  subsoil  of  fine  texture  and  lighter  color,  although  in  the  vicinity 
of  canyon  streams  it  is  sometimes  underlain  by  gravel  and  bowlders.  The  type 
occurs  as  small,  local  to  broad,  extensive  areas  covering  mountain  footslopes 
and  alluvial  cones  and  fans.  The  surface  is  dissected  by  minor  streams,  broken 
by  rock  outcrop  or  marked  by  glacial  debris  and  bowlders.  The  soil  and  subsoil 
are  generally  gravelly,  the  gravel  consisting  of  angular  to  partially  rounded 
fragments.  The  soil  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  but  is  somewhat 
deficient  in  organic  matter.  It  is  dry  farmed  to  grains  and  when  irrigated 
produces  grain,  alfalfa,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Bridger  gravelly  loam Montana  2 


12,544 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Ci.ay    Loam   (J  hot  p. 


AtaiiK.su  cloy  loam.— The  soil  is  dark  brown  to  black  nod  carries  B  high 
content  of  organic  matter.  It  is  very  sticky  when  wet,  is  readily  puddled,  and 
bakes  and  checks  upon  exposure  during  dry  periods.  The  upper  subsoil  is  similar 
in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil  material,  hut  is  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  2  to  0  feet  by  a  porous  stratum  of  rounded  gravels  and  river-laid 
sands.  The  BOil  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  occurs  upon  level  or  very  gently 
sloping  areai  <•!  bottomi  and  lower  terraces  of  streams  traversing  low,  broad 
allUTlal   COneS.      It    is  derived   mainly    from    volcanic   rocks.      Drainage   is  poorly 

established  and  the  type  is  utilized  Cor  pasture  ami  for  the  production  of  wild 

hay.  When  favored  by  drainage  and  climatic  conditions  it  is.  under  efficient 
Cultivation,  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets,  and  hardy  vegetables  suited 
to   rich,   he;  \  \    - 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN    AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  479 

Bridger  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-colored  to  black,  tenacious  clay  loam, 
from  1  to  3  feet  in  depth,  of  a  fine  »lty  texture,  and  of  compact,  adobelike 
structure,  carrying  considerable  fine,  angular  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  tenacious 
silty  clay  loam  of  light-yellow  to  gray  color,  carrying  large  quantities  of  lime. 
The  type  occurs  as  irregular  areas  covering  parts  of  sloping  terraces  adjoining 
mountain  ranges,  foothills,  and  foot  slopes.  The  soil  is  retentive  of  moisture 
and  is  productive  either  when  dry  farmed  or  irrigated. 

Cedaredge  clay  loam. — The  boU  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam  of  silty 
character,  from  12  inches  to  3  feet  in  depth,  carrying  a  large  amount  of  organic 
matter  and  underlain  by  a  mottled  gray,  yellow,  and  drab  silty  clay  loam 
which  extends  to  a  depth  of  from  3  to  5  feet,  where  it  rests  upon  gravel. 
Gravel  and  bowlders  occur  upon  the  surface  or  in  the  soil  or  subsoil.  The  type 
is  rather  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  a  high  water  table.  It  is  of  inextensive 
occurrence  and  occupies  gentle  slopes  or  nearly  flat  local  depressions  in  local 
stream  valleys.  It  is  friable  under  cultivation  and  supports  a  good  growth  of 
native  grasses  throughout  the  summer  season.  When  drained  and  irrigated  it 
is  adapted  to  the  production  of  truck,  small  fruits,  and  general  farm  crops.  It 
is  free  from  alkali  but  is  not  extensively  utilized. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam*. 

Soil  name.  State  or  area.1  Acre?. 


Alamosa  clay  loam Colorado  4. 

Bridger  clay  loam Montana  2 . 

Cedaredge  clay  loam I  Colorado  5 . 


23.104 

1.472 

576 


Total 25.152 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LAKE-LAID   MATERIAL. 

Soils  derived  from  the  lake-laid  material  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region 
have  been  recognized  only  in  the  silt  loam  member  of  the  Manhattan  series,  no 
other  type  under  this  series  having  as  yet  been  encountered.  This,  in  so  far  as 
mapped,  occurs  only  in  the  Gallatin  Valley,  Mont.,  where  it  covers  extensive 
areas  of  comparatively  level  plains  traversed  by  deeply  intrenched  valleys  of 
the  perennial  streams  and  by  deep,  narrow  ravines,  valleys,  and  gullies  trav* 
ersed  by  intermittent  stream  courses.  Drainage  is  generally  well  established. 
The  material  from  which  the  soil  is  formed  consists  of  sedimentary  deposits 
in  extinct  lakes,  derived  from  erosion  of  areas  covered  by  a  variety  of  rocks 
of  sedimentary  and  igneous  origin,  and  including  volcanic  ash  deposited  di- 
rectly in  the  waters  or  eroded  from  subaerial  accumulations.  The  surface 
contour  is  generally  favorable  to  irrigation,  but  owing  to  the  occurrence  of 
narrow,  deeply  cut  recent  valleys  and  ravines,  irrigation  through  gravity  sys- 
tems is  difficult.  It  is  necessary  in  constructing  irrigation  canals  and  ditches 
to  follow  sinuous,  meandering  courses  or  to  build  expensive  flumes  or  siphons 
crossing  intrenched  valleys.  The  soil  of  this  province  is  extensively  utilized. 
both  with  and  without  irrigation,  but  the  results  obtained  under  irrigation  are 
more  certain  and  profitable.  Climatic  conditions  are  prohibitive  of  the  com- 
mercial culture  of  any  but  the  hardier  intensively  cultivated  crops,  but  both 
soil  and  climate  are  favorable  to  the  production  of  grain  and  hay  products. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    SOIL    SERIES. 

Manhattan  series. — The  soils  of  the  Manhattan  series  are  light  brown  to 
brown.  The  upper  portion  of  the  subsoil,  occurring  at  a  depth  of  5  to  12 
inches,  is  of  brown  color  and  compact  structure.  The  lower  subsoil  is  of 
light-brown  or  gray  color,  silty  texture,  and  is  calcareous,  of  friable  structure. 
and  easily  eroded.     The  types  occupy  sloping,  well-drained,  plateaulike  plains. 

y  eroded  by  stream  valleys  and  by  intermittent  stream  courses.  The 
members  of  the  series  are  derived  from  water-laid  deposits  r.f  extinct  lakes. 

-ring  of  sediments  eroded  from  areas  of  crystalline  sedimentary  and 
eruptive  and  metamorphic  rocks,  with  an  admixture  of  volcanic  ash  depositee* 


480  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

directly  in  the  lake  waters  or  eroded  from  adjacent  land  areas.  The  soils  are 
adapted  to  grains,  and  under  irrigation  to  alfalfa  and  sugar  beets.  Under 
favorable  climatic  conditions  they  are  suited  to  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Manhattan  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Manhattan  silt  loam  .  . 

Montana  2. . . 

53,824 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL   TYPES    AND    THEIR   USE. 

The  silt  loam  of  the  Manhattan  series  is  the  sole  representative  of  the  soils 
of  the  Lake-laid  province  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region.  It  is  a  well-drained 
soil  type,  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation,  and  is  suited  to  the  practice 
of  both  dry  farming  and  irrigation.  It  is  sticky  when  moist  and  has  a  tend- 
ency to  puddle  and  bake  if  tilled  when  wet,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of 
drainage  and  culture  is  capable  of  being  maintained  in  a  mellow,  friable  con- 
dition of  tilth.  It  requires  a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment.  It  is  some- 
what subject  to  erosion  along  the  more  pronounced  slopes  during  heavy  rains 
or  excessive  irrigation  when  unprotected  by  native  sod  or  by  cover  crops  or 
where  traversed  by  irrigation  ditches  of  high  gradient. 

The  character  of  the  soil  is  such  as  to  render  it  suitable  to  a  wide  range  of 
purposes,  but  climatic  conditions  limit  its  utilization.  It  is  adapted  to  general 
farming  of  a  rather  heavy  type,  and  is  one  of  the  most  productive  and  im- 
portant soils  of  the  region  for  such  purpose.  Wheat,  oats,  and  barley  are  the 
principal  products.  Alfalfa  is  grown  to  some  extent  under  irrigation,  and  clover, 
timothy,  forage  crops,  and  hardy  root  crops  can  be  grown  under  suitable  local 
drainage  and  irrigation  conditions.  The  more  hardy  vegetables  and  small 
fruits  can  be  grown  locally  where  provision  is  made  for  natural  or  artificial 
protection  from  frosts,  but  climatic  conditions  are  not  favorable  to  the  extensive 
development  of  fruit-producing  or  truckiug  industries. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

Manhattan  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  of  light-brown  to  buff  color  and  of  friable 
character,  although  sticky  when  wet.  The  upper  subsoil  is  a  light-brown,  com- 
pact material,  which  gives  way  to  a  friable,  calcareous  deeper  subsoil  of  lighter 
brown  or  gray  color.  Water-worn  gravels  occur  in  the  vicinity  of  terrace  lines. 
The  type  occupies  sloping  to  eroded  broad  benches  or  plateaulike  plains,  deeply 
cut  with  ravines  and  marked  by  terraces.  It  is  derived  from  early  lake  sedi- 
ments from  sedimentary,  crystalline,  and  eruptive  rocks  and  from  volcanic  ash 
dei>osits.  The  soil  is  well  drained  and  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation, 
but  deficient  in  organic  matter  content  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  produc- 
tion of  grains,  but  under  irrigation  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  clover,  forage,  and 
root  crops,  including  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  Hit  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Montana  2 

53,824 

I  For  key  to  number  in  this  rnlumn  B66  p.  733. 

RIVER  FLOOD  PLAIN   MATERIAL. 

The  total  area  of  the  soils  of  the  River  Wood  Plain  province  Id  the  Rocky 
Mountain  region  is  comparatively  Inextenslve.  [n  the  limited  number  of  areas 
covered  by  tin*  soil  lurvey,  which  has  i»«><mi  confined  to  the  older  or  more  highly 
Leveloped  agricultural  districts,  those  soils  occupy  a  prominent  position  and 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU  REGION.  481 

constitute  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  important  soil  provinces  of  the  region. 
They  are  more  conveniently  situated  with  regard  to  water  supply  for  irrigation 
than  are  the  soils  of  the  other  provinces,  and  the  character  of  the  surface  is 
such  as  to  favor  the  distribution  of  irrigation  water.  Some  of  the  soil  series 
occupy  elevated  terraces  and  are  characteristically  well  drained  and  free  from 
overflow,  while  other  series  are  poorly  drained  or  subject  to  overflow  and  some- 
times contain  injurious  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  The  lower  lying  soil 
areas  often  support  a  growth  of  timber  and  brush,  while  those  occupying  the 
more  elevated  terraces  are  usually  destitute  of  trees  and  characterized  by  desert 
vegetation. 

Owing  to  convenient  water  supply  for  live  stock,  domestic  use,  and  irrigation 
purposes,  to  the  frequent  occurrence  of  timber  available  for  fuel  and  building 
purposes,  and  to  native  grasses  suitable  for  pasture,  the  soils  cf  the  alluvial 
flood  plains  and  terraces  were  generally  among  the  first  of  the  region  to  be 
settled  and  developed  to  agriculture. 

In  certain  areas  the  regional  and  local  climatic  conditions  have  proven  favor- 
able to  the  culture  of  fruit,  truck,  or  other  special  products.  In  much  of  the 
region  the  stream  valleys  form  the  most  practicable  routes  in  the  construction 
of  railway  lines,  and  with  the  development  of  transportation  facilities  stock 
raising  and  the  practice  of  general  farming  have  been  to  a  great  degree  dis- 
placed by  an  intensive  system  of  agriculture. 

The  soils  of  the  province,  as  recognized,  occur  under  a  number  of  soil  series 
varying  widely  in  character  of  the  parent  material  from  which  the  sediments 
are  derived.  The  exact  source  of  material  is  in  many  cases  difficult  to  deter- 
mine, but,  where  not  apparent  from  inspection  of  the  mineral  particles  of  the 
soil  material  in  the  field,  can  generally  be  inferred  with  a  reasonable  degree  of 
certainty  from  a  general  knowledge  of  the  geological  character  of  drainage 
basins  and  of  the  areas  traversed  by  the  streams.  The  soil  series  of  the  prov- 
ince are  also  subject  to  a  diversity  of  conditions  with  respect  to  climate,  drain- 
age, character  of  subsoils  or  other  underlying  material,  relation  to  irrigation, 
and  to  other  influences  which  correspondingly  affect  or  determine  the  present 
status  of  agriculture  and  the  purposes  for  which  the  soils  may  be  profitably 
utilized. 

Some  of  the  series  have  been  encountered  only  in  single  areas  surveyed,  while 
others  are  more  widely  distributed.  The  soils  of  the  more  northern  areas 
occurring  under  the  Gallatin,  Laramie,  and  Bozeman  series  are  subject  to  re- 
stricted limitations,  owing  to  prevailing  climatic  conditions  or  to  limited  water 
supply  for  irrigation  purposes.  They  are  utilized  for  the  production  of  live 
stock  and  of  general  farm  crops.  The  soils  of  the  more  southern  areas  occur- 
ring under  the  Grand,  Mesa,  Billings,  and  Uncompahgre  series  are  devoted  to 
a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  general  farm  products,  fruits,  melons,  and 
sugar  beets,  and  embrace  much  of  the  highly  developed  and  intensively  culti- 
vated portions  of  the  areas  in  which  they  occur. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Billings  series. — The  soils  of  the  Billings  series  are  gray  to  drab.  The  sub- 
soils resemble  the  soils  in  color,  structure,  and  texture,  but  sometimes  rest  upon 
a  deeper  stratum  of  stratified  fine  sandy  deposits.  The  series  is  derived  mainly 
from  shales  and  sandstones  and  consists  typically  of  stream-laid  deposits 
occupying  lower  stream  terraces.  It  includes,  however,  some  alluvial  surface 
deposits  derived  by  surface  wash  from  slopes  occupied  by  shales  or  shale- 
formed  soils.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established.  The  heavier  types  of  the 
series  are  of  compact,  impervious  character,  in  which  case  subdrainage  is 
restricted,  and  some  of  the  lower-lying  bodies  are  subject  to  excess  seepage 
waters  from  irrigation  and  to  alkali  salts.  The  soils  are  rarely  subject  to  over- 
flow. The  surface  is  frequently  eroded  or  gullied,  but  otherwise  favorable  to 
irrigation  and  cultivation,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation,  drain- 
age, and  climate  the  series  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  crops, 
sugar  beets,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

79619—13 31 


482 


SOILS   OF    THE   TJXITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Billings  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Billings  fine  sand  v  loam 

26,944 
5  632 

silt  loam 

do 

clay  loam 

4,544 
3  200 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 

3  200 

silty  clav 

52,480 

Total 

96,000 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bozeman  series. — The  Bozeman  soils  are  brown  to  nearly  black,  the  subsoils 
being  dark  brown  in  color.  The  subsoils  seem  to  have  a  stratified  structure  and 
may  be  heavier  or  lighter  than  the  soil,  depending  somewhat  on  the  type.  The 
deep  substratum  is  gravelly.  The  topography  is  that  of  a  lowland  plain,  some 
portions  of  which  are  thoroughly  and  others  but  slightly  dissected.  The  material 
is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks.  The  subsoils  are 
generally  calcareous. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bozeman  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

76,608 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Gallatin  series. — The  members  of  this  series  occur  as  small,  irregular  to 
broad,  extensive  areas.  The  lighter  members  are  of  a  light-gray  color  and 
porous  structure  and  contain  gravel,  consisting  of  well-rounded  pebbles.  The 
heavier  members  are  grayish-blue  or  brown  to  black  in  color,  compact  in  struc- 
ture, usually  poorly  drained,  sticky  when  wet,  and  have  a  tendency  to  puddle. 
The  surface  soils  are  underlain  by  light-gray  or  yellowish,  ashy  to  dark  sub- 
soils of  a  compact,  adobelike  structure.  Beds  of  gravel  and  cobbles  partially 
cemented  by  lime  occur  at  a  depth  of  from  a  few  inches  to  a  few  feet.  The 
series  occupies  low,  nearly  level  or  slightly  sloping  stream  terraces  or  alluvial 
river  bottoms  bordering  stream  channels.  The  areas  are  marked  by  shallow 
beds  or  channels  of  meandering  streams,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  streams  are 
timbered  or  covered  with  willow  or  brush  thickets.  The  soils  are  formed  by 
recent  flood-plain  deposits.  The  members  of  this  series  are  derived  mainly 
from  basaltic,  andesitic,  or  other  volcanic  rocks,  with  an  admixture  of  material 
derived  from  granite,  gneiss,  sedimentary,  or  altered  sedimentary  rocks.  They 
are  generally  rich  in  organic  matter  and  of  a  mucky  consistency,  except  in  the 
lighter,  higher  lying  members.  The  areas  are  subject  to  overflow,  and  the  soils 
contain  accumulations  of  alkali.  They  are  devoted  to  hay,  grains,  vegetables, 
and  pasture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  (hillatin  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Montana  2 

6,464 

do 

32,676 

do 

23,808 

do 

896 

Total 

63,744 

1  For  key  to  number  In  toil  ootamn  soe  p.  733. 

Grand  scries.-  The  soils  of  the  Grand  series  :ire  of  dark-gray  to  brown  color, 
becoming  nearly  black  When  wet.  where  considerable  quantities  of  organic  mat- 
ter are  present.     Some  of  the  members  are  of  reddish-brown  tint.     The  sub- 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU  REGION. 


483 


soils  are  of  gray  to  brown  color,  and  of  lighter  tint  than  the  surface  material. 
A  substratum  of  rounded  gravel  with  interstitial  sand  of  fine  to  coarse  texture 
occurs  at  a  depth  of  from  2  to  6  feet.  The  series  occupies  stream  bottoms  and 
lower  terraces.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  derived  predominantly  from 
quartz-bearing  crystalline  rocks,  but  is  subject  to  some  admixture  of  other  mate- 
rial, principally  from  shales  and  sandstones.  The  surface  is  level  or  slightly 
sloping  and  is  marked  by  slight  ridges  or  by  sloughs,  remnants  of  former  stream 
channels  of  the  flood  plain,  or  gullied  by  minor  intermittent  streams.  Drain- 
age is  generally  well  established,  except  over  lower  lying  bodies  which  are 
poorly  drained  or  subject  to  overflow  and  to  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts. 
Where  well  drained  and  free  from  overflow  the  soils  of  the  series  are  produc- 
tive under  favorable  climatic  conditions  and  under  irrigation.  The  Grand  series 
constitutes  an  important  group  of  soils  which  are  devoted  to  the  production  of 
grains,  potatoes,  vegetables,  and  sugar  beets.  Where  sufficiently  drained,  the 
soils  are  also  adapted  to  tree  fruits  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Grand  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Colorado  1 

3,008 

Colorado  1 ;  Wyoming  1 

32,512 
4,416 
6,464 

Colorado  5. ". T 

Total 

46,400 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Laramie  series. — The  soils  of  the  Laramie  series  are  light  brown  or  grayish 
brown,  with  a  slight  reddish  cast.  The  subsoils  are  lighter  gray  or  more  red- 
dish, sometimes  becoming  yellowish  gray,  and  are  generally  heavier  in  texture 
and  more  compact  in  structure  than  the  surface  material.  At  a  depth  of  from 
2  to  6  feet  or  more  the  subsoil  is  underlain  by  deposits  of  sand  or  sandy  loam 
with  gravel,  which  often  directly  underlie  the  surface  soil.  Subangular  to 
rounded  pebbles,  gravel,  and  small  bowlders  occur  in  variable  quantities  in  the 
soil  and  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  fragments  are  mainly  of  hard,  fine- 
grained sandstone  or  of  light-colored  siliceous  rocks,  and  are  coated  with  lime, 
but  the  finer  fragments  include  some  granitic  or  feldspathic  material.  The 
series  is  derived  from  old  alluvial  terrace  stream  deposits  of  Pleistocene  to 
relatively  recent  age,  and  occurs  upon  broad,  sloping  to  elevated,  rolling,  treeless 
plains,  dissected  by  minor  stream  courses,  occasionally  eroded,  and  broken  by 
outcrops  of  a  substratum  of  sedimentary  rocks. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Laramie  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

19,200 
86,272 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Total 

105,472 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Mesa  series. — The  soils  are  pinkish  red  or  reddish  gray  to  light  reddish  brown. 
The  subsoils  are  of  lighter  reddish-gray  or  gray  color  and  generally  of  heavier 
texture  and  more  compact  structure  than  the  surface  material.  The  deeper 
subsoils  are  calcareous  and  contain  noticeable  amounts  of  gypsum.  They  are 
underlain,  at  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more  by  stratified  beds  of  water-worn  gravel 
with  light-colored  interstitial  material,  which  is  calcareous  and  of  rather  coarse 
sandy  nature.  The  gravel  substratum  immediately  underlies  the  surface  soil, 
locally  approaching  the  surface.  The  pebbles  appearing  in  the  soil  material  or 
scattered  over  the  surface  are  derived  from  a  variety  of  the  harder  rocks.  The 
gravel  substratum  is  underlain  by  light-colored  Cretaceous  shales  or  sandstone, 
but  these  do  not  usually  occur  within  6  feet  of  the  surface.     The  series  is  well 


484 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


drained,  except  where  the  underlying  shales  closely  approach  the  surface  or 
where  locally  affected  by  seepage  waters  from  irrigation.  It  occupies  extensive, 
comparatively  flat  or  gently  sloping  to  dissected  mesa  lands  or  remnants  of 
early  water-laid  stream  terrace  deposits.  The  soils  are  of  arid,  treeless  char- 
acter, and  where  capable  of  irrigation  are  extensively  devoted  to  fruits  and  to 
alfalfa  and  other  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Mesa  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Mesa  fine  sandy  loam 

34,432 

6  528 

gravelly  loam 

do - 

18. 112 

clay  loam . 

Colorado  1,  5 

61,440 

Total 

120,512 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Uncompahgre  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  gray  to  reddish  brown  and  under- 
lain by  brown  or  reddish-brown,  frequently  calcareous  subsoils,  resting  upon 
river  sands  and  gravels  at  depths  of  less  than  6  feet.  They  occupy  rather  low 
lying,  flat  to  gently  sloping  flood  plains  of  rivers  or  of  narrow  valleystraversed  by 
minor  tributary  creeks,  and  are  occasionally  subject  to  overflow  or  to  the  accu- 
mulation of  seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts.  The  soils  are  of  recent  alluvial 
origin,  derived  principally  from  shale  and  sandstone  material.  They  usually 
support  a  growth  of  greasewood  or  other  desert  shrubs,  and  under  favorable 
conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  are  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  and  sugar 
beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Uncompahgre  series. 


Soil  name. 


Uncompahgre  loam 

gravelly  loam. 


Total 


State  or  area.1 


Colorado  5. 
do.... 


Acres. 


2,880 
576 


3,456 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 


Fine  Sand  Group. 


The  fine  sand  group  of  soils  in  this  province  is  represented  by  the  fine  land 
of  the  Grand  series. 

This  has  been  recognized  as  bodies  of  limited  extent  occurring  in  but  a  single 
area  surveyed.  The  soil  is  of  pervious  structure,  is  underlain  by  a  porous 
stratum,  and  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  It  occupies  low  ter- 
races or  stream  flood  plains,  where  it  is  subject  to  overflow  or  to  a  high  water 
table.  The  surface  is  irregular  and  supports  some  timber  growth,  but  the 
expense  of  clearing  and  preparing  for  irrigation  is  moderate.  The  soil  is 
easily  maintained  In  a  mellow  condition  and  requires  only  light  and  inexpensive 
farm  machinery  and  draft  stock  for  economical  utilization.  Lower  lying 
areas,  in  which  underground  water  is  encountered  at  shallow  depths,  are  not 
adapted  lo  tree  fruits,  alfalfa,  or  other  deep-rooted  crops  unless  improved  by 
drainage.  The  soil  Is  not  rotted  to  heavy  farming.  It  is  adapted  to  melons, 
e;trly  trial;  crops,  and,  in  well-drained  areas,  to  early  stone  fruits.  It  is  not  so 
well  adapted  to  apples  and  peart  as  the  heavier  textured  soils,  although  the 
pear  will  succeed  better  where  drainage  is  poor  and  alkali  salts  occur  than  the 
apple  or  the  stone  frnits.     Trnck  crops  are  the  principal  products, 

(Irand  fine  sand. — The  Grand  line  Band  is  reddish  hrown.  The  subsoil  is  simi- 
lar in  color  and  texture  to  the  surface  soil,  hut  is  underlain  at  from  1  to  <!  feet 
by  a  substratum  of  rounded  gravel  with  interstitial  sand.     The  type  is  of  loose, 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU  EEGION.  485 

open,  porous  structure,  is  readily  permeated  by  water,  and  easily  cultivated. 
It  is,  however,  less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  heavier  members  of  the  series, 
but  more  frequently  occupies  a  low-lying  position,  where  it  is  subject  to  over- 
flow during  periods  of  flood,  to  poor  drainage,  owing  to  a  natural  high  water 
table,  or  to  seepage  from  the  irrigation  of  higher  lying  soils.  The  type  occupies 
stream  bottoms  and  lower  terraces.  The  soil  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  is  derived 
mainly  from  quartz-bearing  crystalline  rocks  with  an  admixture  of  material 
from  sedimentary  rocks.  The  surface  is  slightly  irregular  or  marked  by  aban- 
doned stream  channels,  but  is  capable  of  being  readily  prepared  for  irrigation. 
The  soil  material  is  deficient  in  organic  matter.  Under  favorable  conditions  of 
irrigation  and  drainage  the  type  is  utilized  principally  for  the  production  of 
truck  crops.  Where  the  water  table  is  not  too  high  tree  fruits  and  alfalfa 
can  also  be  grown.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  early  truck  crops  and,  where 
favored  by  subdrainage.  to  early  stone  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Grand  fine  sand Colorado  1. 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Sandy  Loam  Geoup. 

Like  the  fine  sand  group,  the  sandy  loam  group  of  soils  is  represented  by  a 
single  member  occurring  under  the  Grand  series.  This  covers  comparatively 
inextensive  areas  of  the  river  flood  plains  and  terraces,  but  is  more  widely  dis- 
tributed than  most  soils  of  the  province.  It  has  been  encountered  in  the  Grand 
Junction  area,  Colorado,  and  in  the  Laramie  area,  Wyoming,  under  widely 
divergent  conditions  of  climate,  drainage,  economic  environment,  and  agricul- 
tural utilization. 

The  surface  is  slightly  irregular  or  marked  by  former  stream-channel  rem- 
nants and  supports  a  native  growth  of  brush  or  timber,  but  is  well  suited  to 
irrigation  practice  and  is  capable  of  being  prepared  for  cultivation  and  irriga- 
tion without  great  expense.  The  soil  is  of  friable  structure  and  is  easily  main- 
tained in  a  good  condition  of  tilth  by  the  use  of  a  light  farming  equipment.  It 
is  of  porous  character  and  the  higher  lying  bodies  are  excessively  drained.  The 
lower  lying  bodies  and  most  of  the  areas  covered  by  the  sandy  loam  in  the 
Laramie  area,  Wyoming,  are  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  accumulation 
of  seepage  or  drainage  waters  and  alkali  salts  or  to  overflow  from  adjacent 
streams.  The  soil  is  somewhat  more  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation 
than  the  fine  sand  of  the  province  occurring  under  the  same  series.  It  is  better 
adapted  to  general  farming  and  is  capable  of  utilization  for  a  wider  range  of 
products.  In  the  Laramie  area,  Wyoming,  it  is  devoted  mainly  to  the  production 
of  native  hay  and  small  grains,  but,  where  not  too  poorly  drained,  is  adapted  to 
potatoes  and  such  hardy  vegetables  as  may  be  grown  under  the  prevailing 
climatic  conditions.  In  the  Grand  Valley,  Colo.,  it  is  used  for  the  production 
of  truck  crops,  sugar  beets,  berries,  and  tree  fruits. 

When  occurring  under  favorable  local  climatic,  drainage,  and  irrigation  con- 
ditions the  soil  is  suited  to  general  truck  crops,  including  cantaloupes,  tomatoes, 
etc.,  and  to  early  apples  and  pears,  stone  fruits,  sugar  beets,  small  fruits,  alfalfa, 
and  forage  crops.  Only  the  better  drained  areas  are  suitable  for  the  culture  of 
tree  fruits  and  alfalfa,  owing  to  the  occurrence  of  underground  water  at  shal- 
low depths  in  much  of  the  lower  lying  areas.  The  sandy  loam  is  not  so  well 
adapted  to  grains  or  to  grass  crops,  except  in  the  more  poorly  drained  areas,  as 
are  the  soils  of  heavier  texture. 

Grand  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  to  dark  gray  or  black,  being  subject  to 
considerable  variation  in  color  owing  to  range  in  organic-matter  content,  and  its 
structure  is  loose  and  porous.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and 
structure  to  the  soil  material,  but  is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  from  2  to  6  feet 
by  sand  and  water-worn  gravel.  Where  the  gravel  does  not  appear  within  a 
depth  of  6  feet,  the  deeper  subsoil  is  of  sand.  The  type  occupies  stream  bottoms 
and  lower  terraces.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  derived  predominantly  from 
crystalline  quartz-bearing  rocks,  although  an  admixture  of  material  from  sedi- 
mentary and  other  rocks  occurs.     The  surface  is  slightly  uneven  or  marked  by 


486  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

sloughs  or  remnants  of  former  stream  channels.  The  land  is,  however,  quite 
easily  prepared  for  irrigation.  Where  occupying  a  favorable  position  the  type 
is  well  drained  and  rather  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Owing  to 
the  low-lying  position,  however,  it  is  frequently  subject  to  an  accumulation  of 
seepage  waters  and  to  a  resulting  high  water  table  and  poor  subdraiuage. 
Alkali  salts  in  injurious  quantities  appear  in  the  poorly  drained  areas.  The 
soil  is  friable  and  easily  maintained  in  a  good  state  of  tilth.  It  is  adapted  to 
the  production  of  truck  crops,  berries,  and  other  small  fruits.  In  the  Northern 
States  the  type  is  utilized  for  the  production  of  hay,  although  grains,  potatoes, 
and  garden  vegetables  are  grown  to  some  extent.  The  more  southern  areas  are 
devoted  to  truck  crops,  small  fruits,  and  sugar  beets.  Pears,  peaches,  apples, 
and  alfalfa  are  also  grown  in  areas  favored  by  good  subdrainage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Grand  sandy  loam 

Colorado  1 ;  Wyoming  1 

32.512 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  columu  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  of  soils  in  so  far  as 
recognized  embraces  but  a  single  member  mapped  under  the  Laramie  series  of 
soils  and  encountered  only  in  the  Laramie  area,  Wyoming.  This  phase  of  the 
sandy  loam  group  occurs  as  elevated  alluvial  terrace  deposits,  lying  well  above 
recent  stream-laid  sediments.  It  is  of  open,  porous  character,  requires  an 
abundance  of  water  for  irrigation,  is  deficient  in  moisture- retaining  capacity, 
and  is  not  well  suited  to  dry  farming.  Climatic  conditions  prohibit  the  culture 
of  any  but  the  more  hardy  fruits  or  vegetables.  Only  inextensive  portions  of  the 
area  are  capable  of  being  irrigated,  and  owing  to  this  restriction  and  to  the 
porous,  leachy  character  of  the  soil  it  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  purposes. 
In  the  irrigated  districts  some  of  the  lower-lying  areas  are  subject  to  the  occur- 
rence of  excess  seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts.  Native  hay,  timothy,  and  grass 
crops  are  grown  to  some  extent  in  local  poorly  drained  areas.  Alfalfa  and 
grains  may  be  grown  under  frequent  and  copious  irrigation,  but  the  soil  is  not 
well  suited  to  general  farming.  It  covers  quite  extensive  areas,  but  is  of  minor 
agricultural  importance. 

Laramie  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  sandy  loam  texture  and  carries 
a  large  quantity  of  gravel,  varying  in.  size  from  small  pebbles  to  cobbles,  with 
some  small  bowlders.  It  is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  from  2  to  3  feet  by  a 
lighter  sandy  loam  or  sand  with  gravel,  the  gravel  usually  increasing  in  size 
with  depth.  The  soils  and  subsoils  are  shallow  and  shale  and  limestone  forma- 
tions occur  at  depths  of  less  than  6  feet,  particularly  in  the  vicinity  of  local 
depressions  occurring  over  plains  and  occupied  by  lakes.  The  type  occupies 
higher  areas  of  the  older  terrace  deposits  of  Pleistocene  age.  The  topography 
Taries  from  relatively  level  to  broken  and  hilly  and  is  marked  by  bluffs  of 
shales  and  Limestones.  The  soil  is  of  porous  structure,  is  deficient  in  moisture- 
retaining  capacity,  and  is  not  adapted  to  farming  without  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

iiiu:  1 

19.200 

1  foi  lay 1  >  ii  unber  In  this  ooloxnn  see  p.  733. 
Fink   Baxtdt    Loam   Gaour. 

The  fmo  sandy  Loam  group  of  soils  includes  a  Dumber  of  members  occurring 
um\i'r  the  Billings,  Gallatin,  Laramie,  and  Mesa  scries.  These  various  mem- 
bers of  the  group  nave  been  mapped  in  widely  separated  areas  under  a  diversity 
;,f  conditions  of  topography,   drainage,  climate,   and    Irrigation   and  agricul- 


KOCKY   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  487 

tural  development.  The  soils  cover  extensive  areas  of  the  river  flood  plains 
and  terraces.  Those  of  the  Laramie,  Gallatin,  and  Mesa  series  are  confined  to 
the  older  alluvial  terraces  or  elevated  terraced  valley  plains.  That  member 
occurring  under  the  Billings  series  occupies  a  somewhat  lower  lying  position, 
but  occurs  upon  terraces  and  valley  slopes  lying  well  above  present  flood  plains, 
and  areas  of  importance  are  rarely  subject  to  overflow.  Drainage  is  well 
established,  but  lower-lying  slopes  or  flats  are  subject  to  the  accumulation  of 
seepage  waters  from  irrigation  and  in  the  more  arid  districts  to  injurious  con- 
centrations of  alkali  salts.  The  character  of  the  surface  is  rather  variable,  but 
is  favorable  to  the  distribution  and  application  of  irrigation  waters. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  are  of  more  compact  character  than  the  sandy  loam 
occurring  in  the  province,  and  are  more  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation. 
They  are  usually  friable  when  cultivated  and  are  quite  readily  maintained  in 
a  good  condition  of  tilth  by  the  use  of  moderate  farming  equipment.  Under 
favorable  conditions  of  irrigation,  drainage,  and  culture  they  are  well  suited  to 
general  farming,  and,  where  climatic  conditions  and  marketing  facilities  are 
suitable,  to  the  commercial  production  of  apples,  pears,  cantaloupes,  late 
peaches  and  other  stone  fruits,  cucumbers  and  other  staple  vegetables  for  the 
late  market  or  for  preserving,  and  to  sugar  beets.  The  more  northern  areas 
are  limited  by  climatic  conditions  mainly  to  the  culture  of  general  farm  prod- 
ucts, principally  wheat,  oats,  and  barley,  while  alfalfa,  clover,  grass  crops, 
and  potatoes  are  grown  to  some  extent.  Quite  extensive  areas  occupied  by 
the  soils  of  this  group  are  incapable  of  irrigation  from  gravity  systems  and 
are  either  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains,  or  utilized  for  grazing.  Without 
irrigation  yields  are  rather  light.  The  higher-lying  soils,  being  underlain  by  a 
porous  substratum,  are  less  retentive  of  moisture  and  less  well  suited  to  dry 
farming  than  the  soils  of  heavier  texture  or  those  occupying  a  lower-lying 
position  and  subject  to  conditions  of  more  moderate  surface  and  subdrainage. 

Billings  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  light  gray  to  brown,  about  1  foot  deep, 
and  is  underlain  by  light-colored  fine  sandy  loam,  sand,  or  gravel,  imperfectly 
stratified.  The  soil  sometimes  extends  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more,  but  with 
little  change  in  texture  or  structure.  It  has  a  compact  structure  but  is  friable 
under  cultivation.  The  type  occurs  upon  gently  sloping  valley  plains  in  the 
vicinity  of  bluff  lines  or  rock  outcrop  and  is  cut  by  arroyos  or  gullies  with  per- 
pendicular walls.  It  consists  of  old  alluvial  deposits  modified  by  colluvial  and 
alluvial  wash  from  sandstone  and  shale  material  and  from  more  elevated  soil 
bodies.  It  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali  and  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar 
beets,  fruits,  vegetables,  and  general  farm  crops. 

Gallatin  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  light-gray 
fine  sandy  loam,  rather  light  in  texture,  grading  to  a  fine  sand.  The  soil  has  a 
loose,  friable  structure  to  a  depth  of  from  1  to  6  feet,  and  is  underlain  by  a  gray 
or  light-colored  fine  sandy  or  silty  subsoil,  containing  small,  well-rounded  gravel, 
which  grades  into  beds  of  river  sands  and  gravel.  The  sand  and  gravel  beds 
sometimes  underlie  the  soil  directly.  The  type  occurs  in  small,  irregular  to 
broad,  extensive  areas  covering  valley  plains  and  low,  nearly  level  to  slightly 
elevated  and  sloping  stream  terraces.  The  surface  is  smooth,  except  in  the 
vicinity  of  bluff  or  terrace  lines  or  where  cut  by  stream  channels,  and  is  treeless. 
The  soil  is  often  strewn  with  water- worn  gravel  or  slightly  drifted  by  winds. 
It  is  seldom  subject  to  overflow,  and  is  generally  well  drained  and  free  from 
alkali,  except  when  subject  to  seepage  from  more  elevated  soils.  The  soil  is 
deficient  in  organic  matter.  Under  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa, 
and  clover,  and  to  hardy  truck,  small  fruit,  or  fruit  products. 

Laramie  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  as  mapped  is  subject  to  considerable 
variation  in  texture,  but  consists  predominantly  of  a  fine  sandy  loam  in  which  a 
noticeable  amount  of  coarse  sand  and  small  to  fine  gravel  appears.  These  are 
prevailingly  of  quartz,  but  include  some  limestone  and  feldspathic  fragments. 
In  depth  the  soil  ranges  from  2  to  6  feet  or  more,  the  texture  becoming  heavier 
with  increasing  depth.  The  subsoil  is  a  sand  or  sandy  loam  of  light  grayish- 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-brown  color,  carrying  comparatively  large 
quantities  of  gravel,  although  the  underlying  shales  and  limestones  or  heavy 
residual  materials  derived  therefrom  sometimes  appear.  The  type  occurs  as 
comparatively  level  plains  of  wide,  shallow  stream  valleys  of  recent  date  to 
rolling  elevated  alluvial  plains  of  Pleistocene  age.  Numerous  small  to  extensive 
basins  without  drainage  occur,  many  of  which  are  occupied  by  lakes  and  covered 
by  heavy  soils  of  residual  origin,  some  of  which  have  not  been  differentiated 
from  the  type  in  mapping.  The  type  also  includes  limited  areas  of  undifferen- 
tiated gravelly  and  sandy  loams,  loams,  and  heavy  loams  of  the  Laramie  series. 
Drainage  is  good  except  in  the  vicinity  of  local  flats  or  dep:  which,  are 


488 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


subject  to  accumulation  of  seepage  water  from  irrigation  or  to  concentration  of 
alkali  salts.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  the  soil  is 
adapted  to  spring  wheat,  oats,  barley,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and  hardy  vegetables. 

Mesa  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish  to  chocolate-brown  fine  sandy 
loam,  of  light,  friable  character  and  porous,  leachy  structure,  extending  to  a 
depth  of  from  4  to  20  feet  or  more,  and  underlain  by  shale  and  sandstone. 
The  type  occurs  as  elevated,  level  to  broken  and  hilly  mesa  lands,  often  marked 
by  gravel-strewn  bluff  lines.  It  consists  of  old  flood-plain  deposits  derived 
from  sedimentary,  granitic,  and  volcanic  rocks  and  modified  by  subsequent 
erosion  and  aeolian  agencies.  The  soil,  when  within  the  reach  of  irrigation, 
is  adapted  to  fruits  and  tilled  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wyoming  l. 

Colorado  1... 

86, 272 

34,432 

do 

26.944 

Montana  2 

6,464 

Total 

154,112 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 


The  soils  of  the  loam  group  in  this  province  are  of  more  restricted  occurrence 
than  the  fine  sandy  loams.  They  have  not  as  yet  been  encountered  in  the  more 
northern  areas  of  the  region,  and  prevailing  climatic  conditions  are  favorable  to 
the  culture  of  a  wide  range  of  fruits  and  vegetables.  That  member  of  the  group 
occurring  under  the  Mesa  series  occupies  extensive  elevated  remnants  of  early 
terraces  and  is  well  drained,  except  where  locally  subject  to  the  occurrence  of 
seepage  waters  from  irrigation.  The  other  members  of  the  group  occupy 
stream  bottoms  and  low  terraces,  in  which  surface  and  subdrainage  is  poorly 
developed. 

The  soil  is  of  moderately  heavy  character,  is  tenacious  when  wet,  and  has  a 
tendency  to  puddle  and  bake  when  poorly  drained  and  improperly  managed. 
Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation,  it  is  of  friable  structure 
and  may  be  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth,  but  it  requires  a  somewhat 
heavier  farming  equipment  and  more  careful  management  than  the  fine  sandy 
loams.  The  loams  are  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  fine  sandy  loams,  but 
prevailing  climatic  features  do  not  favor  the  practice  of  agriculture  without 
irrigation.  They  constitute  a  valuable  group  of  soils  for  general  purposes,  and 
are  utilized  for  a  diversity  of  products.  Where  drainage  and  irrigation  condi- 
tions are  suitable  they  are  very  well  adapted  to  general  farming  and  to  the 
production  of  the  later  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables.  The  lower  lying 
area!  are  utilized  for  the  production  of  sugar  beets,  grains,  and  vegetables, 
consisting  mainly  of  potatoes,  onions,  lettuce,  carrots,  peas,  etc.  Strawberries 
and  bush  iruits  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent.  Areas  in  which  the  water  table 
closely  approaches  the  surface  are  not  suited  to  the  culture  of  alfalfa  or  tree 
fruits  The  higher  lying  and  more  thoroughly  drained  areas  are  devoted  to 
the  production  of  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  oats,  potatoes,  apples,  peaches,  and 
cherries. 

The  loams  are  adapted  to  the  stone  fruits  where  drainage  is  adequate.  Under 
similar  conditions  of  drainage  and  irrigation  they  are  not  so  well  adapted  to 
early  fruit  or  vegetable  products  as  the  soils  of  Lighter  texture,  hut  produce 
heavier  yields  ;iu<i  are  profitably  utilized  for  staple  fruits  and  vegetables  for 
the  later  market  or  for  preserving  purposes. 

Grand  loam.  The  soil  of  the  Grand  loam  is  of  dark  grayish-brown  color  and 
of  rather  light  loam  texture  and  friable  structure.    The  subsoil  resembles  the 

Soil  In  OOlor,  texture,  and  structure,  and  is  underlain  usually  :it  a  depth  of 
from  2  to  <;  feet  by  ■  Stratum  Of  rounded  gravels  with  Interstitial  sandy  ma- 
terial. The  type  OCCUpiea  B  lOW-lying  position  over  recent  bottoms  and  lower 
Stream  terraces.  The  soil  Is  Of  alluvial  Origin  and  is  derived  mainly  from 
quartz-bearing  Crystalline  rocks,  with  an  admixture  Of  some  material  from 
sedimentary  and  other  rooks.     The  surface  is  level   to  slightly  sloping.     Owing 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN   AND  PLATEAU  KEGION.  489 

to  a  high  water  table,  the  subsurface  drainage  is  poor.  The  soil  is  usually  well 
supplied  with  humus.  It  is  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation,  and  requires 
less  water  in  irrigation  than  the  lighter  members  of  the  series.  It  is  utilized 
for  the  production  of  potatoes,  sugar  beets,  and  truck  crops,  including  onions, 
cabbage,  lettuce,  carrots,  peas,  and  beans.  Strawberries  and  bush  fruits  are 
also  grown  to  some  extent.  Alfalfa  and  tree  fruits,  consisting  of  apples,  pears, 
and  peaches,  can  be  grown  in  the  better-drained  areas. 

Mesa  loam. — The  soil  is  a  pinkish-red  or  pinkish-gray  to  light  reddish-brown 
friable  loam  of  light  texture,  becoming  heavier  with  increasing  depth,  and 
extending  to  a  depth  of  3  to  6  feet  or  more.  It  is  underlain  by  grayish-brown 
gravel  or  gravelly  sandy  loam  The  lower  portion  of  the  subsurface  soil  con- 
tains gypsum  or  calcium  carbonate,  which  imparts  a  lighter  color  to  the  soil 
material.  Small  quantities  of  gravel  occur  throughout  the  6-foot  section.  The 
type  occupies  gently  sloping,  treeless  areas.  Drainage  is  good,  except  in  local 
areas,  where  seepage  waters  accumulate.  The  soil  is  easily  maintained  in  a  fri- 
able condition  of  tilth  and  is  retentive  of  moisture.  It  is  adapted  to  truck  crops, 
potatoes,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  grains,  and  fruits,  particularly  apples,  peaches, 
and  cherries. 

Uncompahgre  loam. — This  is  a  reddish-brown  to  reddish-gray  loam  extending 
to  a  depth  of  2  to  6  feet  or  more,  underlain  by  river  gravel.  Small  seams  of 
sand  occur  throughout  the  soil  section,  but  otherwise  the  texture  is  uniform, 
and  but  little  variation  in  color  occurs  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  type 
occupies  narrow  valleys  traversed  by  intermittent  stream  channels  with  per- 
pendicular bluffs  crossing  elevated  Mesa  lands.  It  is  subject  to  the  occurrence 
of  seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts,  and  is  capable  of  being  greatly  improved  by 
artificial  drainage.  The  native  vegetation  consists  principally  of  grease  wood,  and 
but  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation.  Where  well  drained, 
properly  tilled,  and  free  from  alkali  the  soil  is  productive  and  adapted  to  sugar 
beets,  grains,  and  alfalfa.  Owing  to  a  high  water  table  and  an  unusual  alkali 
content,  it  is  not  well  suited  to  tree  fruits,  but  certain  bush  fruits  may  be 
successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

6,528 
4,416 
2,880 

do... 

do 

Total... 

13, 824 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  of  soils  includes  soils  recognized 
under  three  series.  One  of  these  occurs  in  the  Gallatin  Valley,  Mont.,  where  it 
constitutes  an  extensive  soil  type  utilized  mainly  for  pasture  and  for  the  pro- 
duction of  grains  and  hay.  The  other  members  of  the  group  have  been  en- 
countered in  the  Uncompahgre  Valley,  Colo.,  and  are  not  of  extensive  occur- 
rence or  highly  developed  to  agriculture. 

The  surface  of  the  higher-lying  bodies  of  the  gravelly  loams  is  irregular  or 
broken  and  poorly  adapted  to  cultivation  or  irrigation.  That  of  the  lower  lying 
bodies  is  usually  comparatively  level,  but  sometimes  broken  by  stream  channels, 
low  terraces,  or  by  other  irregularities.  The  soils  are  cobble  strewn  and  con- 
tain sufficient  cobbles  and  gravel  to  render  the  soil  material  of  much  more 
porous  character  than  the  normal  loams  of  the  province.  The  more  elevated 
soil  areas  are  excessively  drained  and  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity, 
and  require  frequent  applications  of  water  in  irrigation. 

The  gravelly  loams  are  thin  and  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  cobbles  and  gravels 
with  but  little  interstitial  material.  The  gravel  content  of  the  soil  material  is 
sometimes  sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  soil  is  of  friable  char- 
acter under  cultivation  and  where  not  too  gravelly  or  stony  can  be  effectively 
cultivated  by  the  use  of  a  moderate  farming  equipment.  These  soils  are  not  as 
well  suited  to  general  farming  or  to  intensive  agriculture  as  the  loams,  but 
where  they  are  of  sufficient  depth,  adequately  irrigated,  and  favored  by  climatic 


490  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

conditions,  they  are  utilized  to  some  extent  for  the  production  of  alfalfa,  wheat, 
oats,  sugar  beets,  potatoes,  and  fruits.  They  are  not  so  well  suited  to  hay  and 
grain  crops  or  to  sugar  beets  as  the  normal  loams  of  the  province,  but  under 
favorable  local  conditions  of  topography  and  irrigation  are  better  adapted  to 
early  fruit  products  and  more  frequently  occupy  slopes  favorable  to  air  drain- 
age and  protection  from  frosts. 

Gallatin  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  rather  compact,  moderately  heavy  and 
sticky  loam  of  dark-gray  to  dark-brown  color,  varying  from  a  few  inches  to  3 
feet  in  depth  and  carrying  a  large  quantity  of  flattened  or  rounded  gravel, 
chiefly  of  basaltic  or  other  volcanic  rocks,  from  a  fraction  of  an  inch  in  diame- 
ter to  the  size  of  cobbles.  The  surface  is  often  strewn  with  cobbles  and  gravel. 
The  soil  is  underlain  by  a  sticky,  gravelly  loam  of  fine  texture  and  light-gray 
color,  grading  to  gravel  beds,  or  frequently  underlain  directly  by  beds  of  river 
sands  and  reworked  pebbles  and  cobbles,  partially  cemented  by  lime.  The  type 
occurs  as  extensive  areas  covering  nearly  level  or  slightly  sloping  stream-flood 
plains  or  valley  bottoms.  The  surface  is  broken  by  shallow  stream  channels 
or  minor  stream-formed  terraces,  and  supports  heavy  thickets  of  willow  and 
light  timber.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  except  in  the  level  areas,  which  are  sub- 
ject to  overflow.  It  is  too  shallow  and  gravelly  for  profitable  cultivation,  but 
the  favorably  situated  areas  are  adapted  to  grains  and  hay. 

Mesa  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  of  rather  shallow  character  and  carries 
varying  amounts  of  water-worn  gravel  of  medium  size  throughout  the  entire 
soil  section.  It  is  of  pinkish-red  to  pinkish-gray  color  and  is  underlain  by  a 
bed  of  gravel  with  finer  interstitial  material  at  from  6  inches  to  3  feet  below 
the  surface.  The  lower  portion  of  the  soil  and  the  upper  portion  of  the  under- 
lying gravel  contain  an  excessive  amount  of  lime.  The  type  is  well  drained 
and  free  from  alkali,  except  where  the  underlying  shale  closely  approaches  the 
surface  or  where  locally  affected  by  seepage  waters.  It  is  of  treeless  character 
and  occurs  as  narrow  bodies  bordering  the  edge  of  elevated  mesa  lands.  It  is 
somewhat  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  properties,  and  its  dissected  or  broken 
character  renders  tillage  difficult.  The  soil  is  not  extensively  utilized,  but 
where  free  from  alkali  and  seepage  waters  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and 
fruits. 

Uncompahgre  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  inches  is  of  reddish- 
brown  to  pinkish  color,  of  medium  texture,  and  is  underlain  by  grayish  loam 
or  gravel,  which  rests  upon  a  bed  of  gravel  at  a  depth  of  2  to  6  feet.  Con- 
siderable gravel  occurs  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  grayish  color  of  the 
subsurface  soil  overlying  the  gravel  is  due  to  the  presence  of  a  high  content  of 
lime.  Tillage  is  difficult,  owing  to  excessive  quantities  of  gravel.  The  type  is 
well  drained  and  free  from  alkali.  It  is  of  rather  inextensive  occurrence,  but 
is  suited  to  fruits,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  potatoes,  and  grains  under  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.i 


Acres. 


( Jallatin  gravelly  loam 

Mesa  gravelly  loam 

Uncompahgre  gravelly  loam. 


Montana  2. 
Colorado  5. 
do 


32, 576 

IS, 112 

576 


Total. 


si,  a  '4 


t  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Gboup. 

The  soils  of  the  silt  loam  group  have  been  recognized  under  three  soil  series. 
Two  members  of  the  group  occur  In  the  Gallatin  Valley,  Montana,  under  climatic 
conditions  must  favorable  to  the  production  of  hardy  general  farm  crone.  The 
other  member  of  the  group  is  confined  to  the  Orand  Valley  Id  western  Colorado, 
where  the  climate  is  favorable  to  the  culture  of  a  wide  range  of  staple  and 
special  products. 

The   soils   are   of   distinctly    t  maciOUi   Character   when    moist,    and    with    poor 

drainage  and  Improper  culture  tend  to  puddle  and  assume  a  refractory  structure. 
Under  such  circumstances  a  condition  of  good  tilth  is  maintained  with  diffi- 
culty, hut  under  judicious  management  and  adequate  drainage  the  soils  can  he 

kept   in   :i    mellow,  friable  condition   under  Cultivation.     They  demand  a   rather 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN  AND  PLATEAU   REGION.  491 

heavy  farming  equipment  for  economical  and  effective  cultivation.  Both  sur- 
face and  subsurface  drainage  conditions  are  poorly  developed  in  the  lower  lying 
areas.  The  silt  loams  are  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  soils  of  lighter 
texture  and  are  more  economically  irrigated  and  better  adapted  to  dry  farming. 

These  soils  are  restricted  to  a  somewhat  narrower  range  in  adaptation  to 
crops  than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  and  loam  groups  of  the  province. 
They  are  best  suited  to  general  farming,  but  under  favorable  climatic,  drainage, 
irrigation,  and  economic  conditions  are  adapted  to  sugar  beets  and  to  late  fruit 
and  vegetable  products.  In  the  northern  areas  they  are  utilized  for  the  pro- 
duction of  grains,  timothy,  clover,  and  wild  hay,  and  for  pasture.  In  the  more 
southern  localities  they  are  used  mainly  for  the  culture  of  alfalfa,  sugar  beets, 
grains,  and  to  some  extent  for  potatoes,  apples,  and  pears.  They  are  not 
adapted  to  early  truck  crops  or  to  stone  fruits  or  early  small  fruits. 

Billings  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  dark-brown  silt  loam,  generally 
3  feet  or  more  in  depth,  underlain  by  lighter  or  heavier  subsoils,  varying  from 
sands  to  clays,  which  in  turn  are  underlain  by  gravel.  The  soil  is  of  compact, 
adobelike  structure,  is  very  sticky  when  wet,  puddles  readily,  and  bakes  and 
checks  upon  exposure.  It  is  friable  under  proper  cultivation.  The  type  occurs 
as  a  second-bottom  soil  along  lower  valley  plains  and  adjacent  to  recent  stream 
deposits.  The  surface  is  level,  except  for  minor  terrace  lines,  arroyos,  and 
other  old  or  intermittent  stream  channels.  The  lower  lying  bodies  are  often 
poorly  drained  and  contain  alkali,  but  otherwise  the  soil  is  adapted  to  sugar 
beets,  grains,  and  alfalfa. 

Bozeman  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  nearly  black,  heavy,  sticky  silt 
loam  of  compact  structure  about  1  foot  in  depth.  When  poorly  drained  a 
refractory  adobelike  structure  prevails,  and  small  puddled  and  barren  spots 
occur.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  sticky,  silty  loam  or  clay  loam 
of  adobelike  structure,  underlain  at  3  feet  by  stream  gravel  or  by  a  light-yellow 
to  light-gray  silt  loam  of  ashy  texture.  Medium  fine  to  coarse  rounded  gravel 
and  cobbles  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  irregular  and 
extensive  areas  of  treeless  footslopes,  elevated  sloping  plains,  and  sloping  to 
nearly  level  valley  plains.  The  lower-lying  bodies  are  deficient  in  drainage 
and  contain  alkali. 

Gallatin  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  brown  to  black,  heavy,  sticky 
silt  loam  containing  gravel.  It  has  a  compact  structure,  but  is  friable  under 
cultivation.  The  soil  is  from  10  to  36  inches  deep,  and  is  underlain  by  a  dark- 
gray  or  black  to  light-colored,  heavy,  sticky  silty  loam  of  rather  compact  adobe- 
like structure,  which  extends  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more  and  is  in  turn  under- 
lain by  rounded  river  gravels.  The  type  occupies  small  to  extensive  areas 
covering  nearly  level  valley  depressions,  river  flood  plains,  and  stream  bottoms. 
The  areas  are  marked  by  willow  thickets  or  small  timber  and  are  cut  by 
meandering  stream  channels.  The  type  is  composed  of  stream  sediments  de- 
rived from  mountain  rocks  and  formed  by  the  degradation  and  reworking  of 
earlier  lake  beds.  The  soil  is  often  subject  to  overflow,  is  poorly  drained, 
and  contains  alkali.  It  is  rich  in  organic  matter  and  is  frequently  of  a  mucky 
consistency.     It  is  devoted  to  pasture,  hay,  grains,  vegetables,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bozeman  silt  loam 

76,608 
23,808 
5,632 

Gallatin  silt  loam 

do  .. 

Billings  silt  loam 

Total 

100,048 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Loam  Group. 

The  clay  loam  group  of  soils  of  the  river  flood  plains  and  r  □   the 

Rocky   Mountain   region    is   represented    in    the   Billings.    Gallatin,    and 
series.     The  clay  loam  of  the  Gallatin  series  is  confined  to  the  Gallatin  Valley, 
Montana,   that  of  the  other  series  occurring  in  the  Unconi  id   Grand 

Valleys,  Colorado. 


492 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


The  surface  contour  is  favorable  to  the  practice  of  irrigation  where  water 
supply  is  available  for  such  purposes,  but  in  the  lower  lying  bodies  drainage  is 
poorly  developed  and  the  soils  are  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  excess  seepage 
waters  and  alkali  salts. 

The  soils  are  of  rather  heavy,  compact  character,  become  sticky  when  wet. 
and  assume  a  refractory  condition  of  structure  under  conditions  of  inadequate 
drainage  or  inefficient  tillage.  Where  well  drained  and  thoroughly  cultivated 
they  generally  acquire  a  friable  structure  and  may  be  maintained  in  good  tilth, 
but  they  require  a  rather  heavy  farming  equipment.  The  type  is  retentive  of 
moisture.  It  is  adapted  to  general  farming  and  the  production  of  grain  and 
grass  crops,  forage  plants,  root  crops,  and,  where  favored  by  irrigation  and 
drainage,  alfalfa.  The  better  drained  and  more  friable  soils  of  the  clay  loam 
group  are  also  valuable  for  fruit  culture.  In  the  Uncompahgre  and  Grand 
Valleys,  Colorado,  they  are  extensively  utilized  for  the  production  of  choice 
apples  and  pears.  Under  similar  conditions  of  drainage,  irrigation,  climate, 
and  tillage  they  do  not  differ  greatly  in  adaptation  to  crops  from  the  soils  of 
the  silt  loam  group. 

Billings  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  dark-brown  or  black,  plastic  clay 
loam,  from  1  to  6  feet  in  depth,  of  heavy,  compact  structure,  puddling  when  wet, 
and  baking  upon  exposure.  Where  less  than  6  feet  deep  it  is  underlain  by  clay 
and  in  the  lower  part  of  the  section  by  coarse  sandy  loam,  loam,  or  gravel.  The 
subsoil  is  dark  gray  to  black.  The  type  occurs  upon  old  stream-formed  terraces 
and  low.  nearly  level  valley  plains,  and  is  marked  by  slough  or  stream  channels, 
gullies,  or  swampy  depressions.  Small  gravelly  ridges  occur  in  the  vicinity  of 
stream  channels.  The  soil  consists  of  shale  and  sandstone  material,  and  is 
formed  by  old  stream  deposits  and  by  alluvial  wash  from  bluffs  and  higher  lying 
soil  bodies.  With  the  exception  of  poorly  drained  and  alkaline  depressions  and 
lower  slopes,  the  soil  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets,  and  sometimes 
to  fruits,  potatoes,  and  late  vegetables. 

Gallatin  clay  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark  chocolate  brown,  heavy, 
sticky  clay  loam  of  compact,  adobelike  structure,  about  3  feet  in  depth,  and  un- 
derlain by  a  heavy,  silty  clay  loam  subsoil  of  lighter  color,  or  by  water-worn 
gravel.  The  soil  puddles  readily,  bakes  and  cracks  upon  exposure,  and  carries 
small  angular  rock  fragments.  The  type  occurs  as  small  bodies  occupying  local 
depressions  in  the  vicinity  of  the  valley  trough  and  is  poorly  drained.  It  is 
composed  of  heavy  stream  alluvium,  partially  derived  from  the  reworkings  of 
earlier  lake  beds.     The  soil  is  devoted  to  grains  and  hay. 

Mesa  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  stiff,  plastic,  refractory,  and  compact 
reddish  to  chocolate-brown  clay  loam,  from  4  to  6  feet  in  depth,  and  underlain 
by  sandy  and  gravelly  material  grading  to  shale  and  sandstone.  The  type 
occurs  in  depressions  and  is  formed  largely  of  the  finer  wash  from  the  Mesa 
fine  sandy  loam.  It  is  free  from  alkali,  productive,  and  adapted  to  alfalfa, 
sugar  beets,  and  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Mesa  clay  loam 

liillinps  clay  loam. 
(JallatJu  clay  loam . 


Colorado  1,  5. 

do 

Montana  2... 


61,440 
4,644 


Total. 


66,880 


i>.  numbers  in  this  column  sco  p.  733. 
SILTY   CLAY   LOAM   PIIA8E. 


in  so  Car  as  recognized  in  this  province,  are  confined 
to  the  Uncompahgre  Valley,  Colo. 

wet  lying  position   than   the  norma]  loams  and  are  of 

•t.    They  are  subject  to  deficient  drainage,  with  the  occur- 

n   and   alkali   salts,  and   to  overflow.     The  surface  is 

gullied  and   in   the  vicinity  <»f  Stream  channels  a    growth  <»f  brush  and  timber 

occurs.    The  cost  i  f  clearing  and  preparing  the  land  for  Irrigation  is  greater 

D     ;is<    of  the  :i<  vinal  clay  loams  and  the  soils  demand  B  somewhat   heavier 

farmii  pment,    more    thorough    tillage,   and    more  careful   management. 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN   AND   PLATEAU   REGION.  493 

Where  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  are  established  a  good  condition  of 
tilth  may  be  maintained  by  judicious  tillage,  and  the  soils  are  suited  to  heavy 
general  farming  purposes,  to  the  intensive  culture  of  sugar  beets,  and  to  late 
or  heavy  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  onions,  and  late  potatoes.  They  are 
utilized  for  the  production  of  sugar  beets,  alfalfa,  wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  onions, 
and  cabbage.  Only  the  better  drained  areas  are  adapted  to  alfalfa.  The  silty 
clay  loams  are  not  utilized  to  any  extent  for  the  production  of  fruits  and  are 
not  well  adapted  to  this  purpose.  They  are  restricted  to  a  much  narrower 
range  in  crop  adaptation  than  are  the  normal  clay  loams  of  the  province. 

Billings  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  compact  silty  clay  loam  of  light 
grayish-brown  color  and  uniform  texture,  extending  to  6  feet  or  more,  and 
underlain  at  from  1  to  6  feet  by  a  clay  loam.  It  is  of  rather  compact  structure 
and  is  readily  puddled  if  cultivated  when  wet.  The  type  is  traversed  by  deep, 
narrow  gullies  and  eroded  by  intermittent  streams.  It  occupies  moderare 
slopes  below  Cretaceous  shale  bluffs  and  hills.  The  surface  is  smooth  and 
adapted  to  irrigation  with  but  little  leveling.  The  soil  is  composed  largely  of 
alluvial  fan  material  and  is  derived  from  shales,  wirh  an  admixture  of  material 
from  soils  of  the  Mesa  series.  It  carries  excessive  quantities  of  alkali  salts, 
and  is  locally  subject  to  deficient  drainage  where  affected  by  seepage  waters. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  principally  of  greasewood  and  "  shad  scale." 
Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  irrigation,  and  where  free  from 
alkali,  the  soil  is  adapted  to  sugar  beets,  grains,  potatoes,  and  alfalfa. 

Grand  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  silty  clay  loam,  the  silt 
content  generally  increasing  downward  to  a  depth  of  3  to  6  feet,  where  river 
gravels  are  encountered.  The  type  is  subject  to  a  high  water  table,  deficient 
drainage,  and  to  overflow  during  periods  of  flood.  The  soil  is  friable  under 
favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  tillage,  but  contains  alkali.  The  native 
vegetation  consists  principally  of  sage,  greasewood,  cottonwood,  willows,  and 
other  underbrush,  which  render  clearing  somewhat  expensive.  The  type  is  pro- 
ductive and  adapted  to  sugar  beets,  wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  onions,  alfalfa,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Grand  silty  clay  loam . . . 

Colorado  5 

6,464 
3,200 

Billings  silty  clay  loam - - - 

do 

Total 

9,664 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 

The  clay  group  of  soils  in  this  province  is  represented  only  by  the  clay  of  the 
Billings  series,  which  has  been  encountered  in  the  Grand  and  Uncompahgre 
Valleys,  Colo. 

The  soil  occupies  the  lower  lying  flats  and  depressions  of  river  terraces  and 
is  deficiently  drained  and  characterized  by  injurious  accumulations  of  seepage 
waters  and  alkali  salts.  Artificial  drainage  is  generally  necessary  in  any  extensive 
utilization  of  the  land,  and  most  of  the  soil  areas  are  capable  of  improvement  by 
such  means.  When  so  improved  the  soil  is  adapted  to  heavy  farming  and  the 
production  of  grasses,  grains,  sugar  beets,  and,  in  the  better  drained  localities, 
alfalfa.     The  poorly  drained  areas  are  used  for  pasture. 

Owing  to  its  compact,  refractory  structure,  the  soil  demands  a  heavy  farming 
equipment,  deep  plowing,  and  thorough  preparation  of  the  land  in  planting,  with 
frequent  subsequent  cultivation  in  order  to  maintain  a  condition  of  tilth  favor- 
able to  the  development  of  crops.  It  is  limited  to  a  comparatively  narrow  range 
in  adaptation  to  crops  and  is  not  suitable  for  the  commercial  production  of  fruit 
or  truck  products. 

Billings  clay. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  black  clay,  generally  extending 
to  a  depth  of  4  to  6  feet  or  more,  but  sometimes  underlain  at  less  depth  by 
strata  of  dark-gray  to  black  clay  loam  or  loam,  or  by  sand  and  gravel.  It  is  of 
compact,  refractory,  adobelike  structure,  puddles  readily,  bakee  an  I  checks  upon 
exposure,  lias  an  impervious  nature,  and  is  tenacious  when  wet.  The  type 
occurs  upon  old  stream  terraces  and  lower  valley  plains  and  in  depressions 
marking  swampy  areas,  former  lagoons,  or  slough  beds.     The  surface  is  nearly 


494  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

level  or  only  slightly  sloping  and  is  unmarked  by  gravel,  except  in  the  vicinity 
of  upland  bluff  lines,  where  fragments  of  shales  or  sandstone  may  occur.  The 
soil  is  rich  in  organic  matter,  but  is  poorly  drained  and  alkaline.  In  origin  and 
mode  of  formation  it  is  similar  to  the  Billings  clay  loam.  It  is  adapted  to 
pasturage,  hay,  grains,  and  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Billings  clay 

3,200 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  T33. 
SILTY  CLAY  PHASE. 

The  silty  clay  phase  of  the  soils  of  the  clay  group  is  represented  by  a  single 
member  occurring  under  the  Billings  series.  This  has  been  encountered  only  in 
the  Uncompahgre  Valley,  Colo. 

The  surface  is  gently  sloping  and  adapted  to  the  distribution  of  irrigation 
water,  but  is  sometimes  badly  gullied.  The  soil  is  of  compact  character,  sticky 
when  wet,  and  puddles  and  bakes  under  unfavorable  conditions  of  drainage  and 
culture.  Drainage  is,  however,  more  thoroughly  developed  than  in  the  normal 
clay  of  the  same  series,  and  the  maintenance  of  a  favorable  condition  of  tilth 
is  somewhat  less  difficult.  Alkali  salts  in  injurious  concentrations  are  of  com- 
mon occurrence. 

Where  well  drained,  thoroughly  tilled,  and  free  from  injurious  quantities  of 
alkali  the  silty  clay  loam  is  adapted  to  heavy  general  farming  and,  in  the  more 
favorably  located  areas,  to  the  culture  of  sugar  beets  and  late  or  heavy  vegetables, 
such  as  cabbage,  onions,  cauliflower,  carrots,  etc.  It  is  not  so  well  suited  to 
potatoes  as  are  soils  of  lighter  texture.  Sugar  beets,  alfalfa,  wheat,  and  oats 
are  the  principal  products. 

Billings  silty  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-grayish  or  grayish-brown 
silty  clay,  extending  to  a  depth  of  from  1  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  subsoil  is  a 
grayish  or  grayish-brown  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam,  underlain  by  Cretaceous 
shales.  The  soil  and  subsoil  contain  considerable  quantities  of  gypsum  and 
alkali  salts.  Owing  to  its  heavy,  compact  character,  the  soil  puddles  if  culti- 
vated when  too  wet,  and  is  tilled  with  some  difficulty,  but  under  favorable 
conditions  of  tilth  and  moisture  it  is  of  friable  character.  The  type  is  of  ex- 
tensive occurrence,  occupying  nearly  level  to  gently  sloping  and  undulating 
areas.  The  surface  is  smooth,  but  marked  by  gullies,  and  is  sometimes  quite 
badly  dissected.  It  is,  however,  easily  prepared  for  irrigation.  The  type  is 
derived  mainly  from  shales  or  soils  of  the  Chipeta  series.  It  is  treeless,  but 
generally  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  desert  shrubs.  It  is  poorly  drained,  owing 
to  the  effects  of  seepage  waters  and  to  a  high  water  table.  Under  favorable 
conditions  of  irrigation  and  when  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  the  soil  is 
well  adapted  to  grains  and  leguminous  crops  and  to  certain  truck  crops  suited 
lo  the  heavier  BOiitt,  particularly  cabbage  and  related  products.  It  is  less  well 
adapted  to  fruits  and  potatoes  than  the  lighter  members  of  this  series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay. 


Boil  name.  State  or  aira.1 


BflllngB  .silty  clay Colorado  5 


Acres. 


52,480 


'V  to  number  in  ti  . 


ROCKY   MOUNTAIN    AND   PLATEAU   REGION. 

MISCELLANEOUS   MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


495 


Soil  name. 


State  or 


Acres. 


Rough  broken  land . 

Swamp 

River  wash 

Gypsum 


Colorado  5 

Montana  1 

Colorado  5;  Wyoming  1. 
Wyoming  1 


Total. 


34.432 
3,008 
2,432 
2,304 

42,176 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


i  98,    Buthu  Of  BoUi,    U.    8.    D»pt. 


I  find* ton*        Shulfl   Shilc   Oran. 


Hn 


I  I        Red-     and       to         brown 

rJc-    u,rk      dl.h      ,h,l-    blnok    soil 


Laxajslo     |       Billing" 


SOILS  OF  THE  NORTHWESTERN  INTERMOUNTAIN  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  REGION. 

The  northwestern  intermountain  region  as  denned  in  this  report  includes 
that  portion  of  the  Northwestern  States  lying  within  the  inclosure  bounded  by 
the  Pacific  Coast  region  on  the  west,  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  on  the  north 
and  east,  and  the  Great  Basin  region  on  the  south. 

In  Washington,  the  region  covers  the  whole  southwestern  portion  of  the 
State  and  embraces  nearly  one-half  its  area.  In  Oregon,  it  includes  the  north- 
eastern and  eastern  parts  with  an  arm  extending  into  the  south-central  part  and 
northern  California.  It  also  covers  nearly  the  entire  southern  part  of  Idaho 
and  less  extensive  areas  in  the  western  part  of  that  State,  northeastern  Nevada, 
and  northwestern  Utah. 

Its  northern  boundary  in  Washington  is  formed  by  the  Okanogan  Highlands 
and  the  Colville  Mountains,  extending  eastward  through  this  State  to  the  lower 
foothills  and  outlying  ridges  of  the  Coeur  d'Alene  and  Clearwater  Mountains  of 
Idaho. 

In  northeastern  Oregon  it  extends  to  the  Grand  Canyon  of  the  Snake  River. 
In  southern  Idaho  its  northern  boundary  is  formed  by  the  lower  mountains  and 
foothills  and  it  extends  eastward  to  the  Port  Neuf,  Blackfoot,  Snake  River  and 
contiguous  ranges,  all  of  which  are  embraced  within  the  Rocky  Mountain  re- 
gion. To  the  south  it  is  separated  from  the  Great  Basin  province  by  usually 
inconspicuous  and  often  arbitrarily  located  boundaries  marking  the  Snake  and 
Columbia  River  watersheds  from  that  of  the  Interior  Basin.  Its  western 
boundary  in  Oregon  and  Washington  is  formed  by  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Cascade  Range  extending  north  and  south  and  merging  into  the  Sierra  Nevada 
in  the  vicinity  of  Lassens  Peak  in  northern  California.  This  western  boundary 
is  conspicuous,  except  in  southern  Oregon  and  northern  California,  where  the 
Lassen  Peak  volcanic  ridge  and  adjacent  region  upon  the  north  included  within 
the  northwestern  intermountain  province,  merges  with  the  Sierra  Nevada,  Cas- 
cade, and  Klamath  Mountains. 

The  region  falls  into  three  topographic  subdivisions  which  may  be  designated 
as  the  Plateau  Plains,  the  Central  Upland  and  Mountain,  and  the  Klamath- 
Lassen  Peak  districts. 

The  Plateau  Plains  is  divided  by  the  Blue  Mountains  and  adjacent  ranges 
into  the  Columbia  River  and  Snake  River  plains.  The  Columbia  River  plains 
cover  the  greater  part  of  the  province  in  eastern  and  central  Washington  and 
north-central  Oregon.  The  Snake  River  Plains  embrace  the  larger  part  of  the 
province  in  eastern  Oregon  and  in  southern  Idaho.  The  altitude  of  these  two 
plains  in  their  various  subdivisions  covers  a  range  of  more  than  4,000  feet. 
The  Columbia  River  plains  lie  mainly  at  an  elevation  of  1.000  to  2.000  feet, 
while  the  Snake  River  plains  vary  in  elevation  from  an  average  of  approxi- 
mately 3,000  feet  in  the  western  part  to  5,000  or  6,000  feet  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  province. 

The  Plateau  Plains  have  a  flat  to  undulating  topography,  the  surface  being 
arid  and  treeless,  except  for  a  heavy  growth  of  sagebrush  where  not  too  rocky. 
Streams  are  of  infrequent  occurrence,  flowing  through  deep,  flat  valleys  with 
steep  rocky  walls.  Rocky  hills  or  low  broad  ridges  are  occasionally  encountered, 
and  in  places  recent  volcanic  cinder  cones  or  outcrops  of  effusive  lava  sheets 
which  underlie  the  plain  in  places  to  a  depth  of  several  thousand  feet. 

The  central  upland  portion  of  the  region  embraces  the  Bine  Mountains  and 
the  Powder  River,  Strawberry,  Burnt  River,  and  Cedar  ranges  in  eastern  and 
northeastern  Oregon  and  southeastern  Washington,  and  the  elevated,  dissected 
mountain  and  table  lands  extending  across  central  Oregon  from  the  Cascade 
Range.    Allied  with  this  district  and  included  within  the  northwestern  Inter- 

79619—13 32  497 


498  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

mountain  region  are  the  outlying  ranges,  foothills,  and  low  ridges  of  the  Cas- 
cades in  central  and  south-central  Washington  and  Oregon  and  the  marginal, 
rugged,  mountainous  areas  lying  adjacent  to  the  Snake  River  plains  in  southern 
Idaho. 

The  more  elevated  of  the  marginal  mountain  districts  in  southeastern  Idaho 
reach  an  elevation  of  7,000  to  9,000  feet  or  more.  In  Washington  and  Oregon 
the  Blue  Mountains  and  other  of  the  higher  ranges  reach  an  altitude  of  5,000 
to  7,000  feet.  In  the  latter  districts  and  in  north-central  Oregon  and  along  the 
eastern  slope  of  the  Cascades  in  Oregon  and  Washington,  a  heavy  forest  growth 
is  found  upon  the  higher  ranges.  Except  in  the  westernmost  part  the  lower 
lying  areas  and  the  ridges  of  the  plains  are  usually  rocky  and  barren.  The 
higher  mountains  are  deeply  eroded,  while  many  of  the  lower  desert  ridges  and 
masses  of  later  effusive  rock  show  like  weathering. 

The  southwestern  extremity  of  the  region  embraced  within  the  Klamath- 
Lassen  Peak  district  consists  of  desert  plains  of  filled  valleys,  broken  by  rocky 
ridges,  volcanic  cones  and  plains,  elevated  basaltic  plateaus,  and  occasional 
broad,  shallow  lake  basins.  These  lake  basins  often  contain  extensive  areas  of 
marsh  or  barren  salt-incrusted  plains.  The  elevated  portions  of  the  district 
are  usually  barren  of  forest  cover.  Many  of  the  lake  basins  have  no  outlet 
and  receive  the  drainage  of  the  surrounding  mountain  slopes.  They  are  thus 
much  like  the  Great  Basin  region  in  topography,  soil,  and  agricultural  condi- 
tions. The  boundary  between  the  Klamath-Lassen  Peak  district  and  the 
Pacific  Coast  region  upon  the  west  is  likewise  obscure.  Some  of  the  drainage 
of  the  former  at  times  of  heavy  precipitation  reaches  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

The  rocks  of  the  northwestern  intermountain  region  are  predominantly  effu- 
sive and  mainly  of  basic  or  basaltic  character.  In  the  plains  districts  they 
are  made  up  of  sheets  which  lie  nearly  or  quite  horizontal,  and  have  been  built 
up  by  successive  flows  of  highly  fluid  rock  probably  emanating  from  fissures  or 
vents  now  obliterated.  Fragmental  ejected  material  is  of  widespread  occurrence 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  cinder  cones  and  craters  of  recent  origin.  Andesitic  and 
rhyolitic  rocks  are  represented  in  certain  portions  of  the  region,  particularly  in 
the  fragmental  ejected  material  included  within  or  overlying  superficially  the 
lava  flows  or  other  material  of  the  plains  in  the  districts  adjacent  to  the  Cas- 
cades, and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Great  Basin  region.  Small  areas  of  sedi- 
mentary, metamorphic,  and  quartz-bearing  granitic  rocks  occur  in  the  Blue 
Mountains  and  in  that  part  of  southern  Idaho  included  within  the  region. 

The  climate  of  the  plains  region  is  marked  by  a  wet  and  a  dry  season  with 
a  limited  rainfall.  There  is  a  wide  range  in  seasonal  temperatures,  with  hot 
summers  and  cold  spoils  in  winters.  Clear  days  are  numerous,  the  humidity 
is  relatively  low,  and  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year  the  winds  are  excessive. 
The  more  elevated  upland  and  mountain  districts  are  subject  to  a  moderately 
heavy  rain  and  snow  fall,  are  better  adapted  to  grazing  than  the  Plateau  plains, 
and  are  frequently  forested. 

For  purposes  of  classification,  the  soils  of  the  region  are  arranged  in  several 
natural  groups  or  provinces  based  upon  mode  of  formation.  While  these 
provinces  are  generally  distinct,  the  soils  of  any  one  province  are  subject  to 
essential  modifications  owing  to  the  operation  of  natural  agencies  and  to 
various  degrees  of  Intergradation  with  the  associated  soils  of  other  provinces. 

The  weathering  in  place  of  the  exi>osed  rucks  lias  given  rise  to  a  superficial 
covering  of  soil  material  consisting  of  the  rock  product  mixed  with  a  varying 
content  of  organic  mat  tor  accumulated  through  development  ami  decay  of  plant 
growth.     Tins  group  of  soils  constitutes  the  residual  province. 

Certain  of  the  more  northern  or  more  elevated  portions  of  the  region  were 
at  the  termination  Of  the  glacial  period  covered  by  superficial  deposits  of  earth 

and  rock   Fragments  deposited  directly  from  ice,  or  from  debris-laden  waters 

of  st renins  derived   from   the  melting   Lee.     These  deposits  of  glacial   material 
have  given    rise  to  the  soils  of  the  Glacial   province  of  the  northwestern   inter- 

mountain  region. 

High  winds  Sweeping  across  Unprotected  portions  of  the  region  have  become 
;in  Important  agency  in  the  transportation  and  deposition  of  soil  material.  Ex- 
tensive areas  of  wind  laid  deposits  have  resulted,  giving  rise  to  a  province  of 
soils  derived  from  wind-laid  material.  They  are  most  extensively  and  typically 
developed  in  tireless  ;ire:is  nnd  ;ire  usually  of  rolling  to  undulating  topography. 
They  cover  extensive  areas  and  embrace  some  of  the  more  important  agricultural 

soils  of  the  region. 

Ahout   the  base  of  the  mountains,  ridges,  and  to  some  extent  of  the  bluffs 

or   slopes   inclosing   Stream    \:illeys  extensive   alluvial    fan    and    sloping   alluvial 


NOETHWESTEBN   INTEEMOUNTAIN   BEGION.  499 

plain  deposits  have  been  formed.  They  are  most  extensive  and  numerous  in  the 
desert  valleys  of  the  Klamath-Lassen  Peak  and  other  districts  adjacent  to  the 
Great  Basin  region,  where  they  consist  predominantly  of  deposits  laid  down  by 
intermittent  streams.  In  these  arid  desert  valleys  such  deposits  are  utilized  for 
agriculture  only  under  irrigation,  which  is  often  impracticable.  Where  encoun- 
tered by  the  soil  survey  the  soils  of  the  Alluvial  Fan  province  occur  under  pro- 
nounced arid  conditions  and  are  more  favorably  situated  for  irrigation.  They 
are  quite  extensively  utilized  for  irrigated  and  to  some  extent  for  dry-farmed 
crops. 

Certain  portions  of  the  valleys  and  plains  are  covered  by  extensive  deposits 
of  sediments  laid  down  in  the  waters  of  lakes  during  an  earlier  period.  The 
more  extensive  consist  of  alluvial  material  washed  from  adjacent  slopes  and 
in  many  cases  with  included  volcanic  ash  material  deposited  directly  in  the 
waters  of  the  lakes  by  wind  action  or  eroded  from  adjacent  uplands  and  carried 
to  the  lakes  by  streams.  Stratified  deposits  of  the  lake-laid  sediments  and  vol- 
canic ash  are  frequently  interstratified  with  or  buried  beneath  later  lava  sheets. 

The  older  lake-laid  material  is  frequently  separated  with  difficulty  from  the 
areas  of  wind-laid  and  residual  soils.  It  gives  rise  to  important  soil  types 
within  the  region,  which  are,  where  developed,  capable  of  producing  a  wide 
range  of  general  farm  and  intensively  cultivated  crops.  In  the  local  lake  basins 
of  interior  drainage,  found  throughout  the  desert  plains,  and  particularly  in 
the  Klamath-Lassen  Peak  district,  extensive  deposits  of  lake-laid  sediments  of 
recent  date  are  encountered.  They  are  often  marshy,  alkaline,  and  capable  of 
utilization  for  agricultural  purposes  only  when  drained.  Some  of  them  are  sub- 
ject to  periodical  submergence  by  waters  of  temporary  lakes.  While  lake-laid 
material  influences  to  some  extent  some  of  the  soils  encountered,  none  of  the 
types  derived  from  material  of  this  character  have  been  as  yet  recognized  in  the 
northwestern  intermountain  region  by  the  soil  survey. 

In  the  elevated  central  upland  and  marginal  mountain  districts  included 
within  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region  there  are  numerous  perennial 
streams,  often  of  considerable  volume,  some  of  which  are  fed  by  snow  fields  and 
glaciers  of  the  mountain  peaks.  Some  of  these  rise  in  the  adjacent  areas 
included  within  the  Pacific  Coast  and  the  Rocky  Mountain  region.  In  the 
desert  plain  portion  of  the  region  perennial  streams  are  infrequent.  The  areas 
are,  however,  traversed  by  the  Columbia  and  the  Snake  Rivers,  which  are  the 
principal  streams  of  the  region.  Both  rivers  carry  large  volumes  of  water  and 
have  their  headwaters  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  outside  the  region.  Some  of  the 
larger  streams,  rising  in  the  mountainous  areas,  traverse  the  desert  plains  for 
a  considerable  distance,  finally  reaching  the  main  streams  of  the  Columbia  and 
Snake  River  systems.  Others  of  less  stable  flow  lose  part  or  all  of  their  waters 
in  their  progress  across  the  desert  plains. 

The  larger  streams  of  the  region  are  subject  to  wide  range  in  volume  and 
during  certain  periods  of  the  year  to  heavy  floods,  which  favor  the  transporta- 
tion and  deposition  of  large  quantities  of  alluvial  sediments.  Among  many  of 
the  smaller  streams,  however,  or  of  those  of  high  gradient  traversing  the  moun- 
tainous district,  conditions  are  less  favorable  to  sedimentation,  and  only  limited 
areas  of  such  deposits  have  been  developed. 

These  sedimentary  deposits  of  the  flood  plains  and  terraces  of  the  stream 
valleys  have  given  rise  to  a  province  of  soils  derived  from  the  alluvial  deposits 
of  the  River  Flood  plains.  They  occupy  only  a  relatively  small  proportion  of  the 
area  included  within  the  region,  but  embrace  a  larger  portion  of  the  soils  of 
the  more  highly  developed  agricultural  districts. 

The  permanent  development  of  agriculture  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain 
region  is  being  encouraged  by  the  extension  of  irrigation.  Owing  to  the  fact 
that  the  more  easily  irrigated  districts  are  developed  first,  these  projects  are 
progressively  becoming  more  costly,  though  often  extensive,  and  must  be  met  by 
enhanced  valuation  of  the  soils  in  producing  crops  of  high  market  value. 


500  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

The  following  areas  of  the  different  soil  provinces  of  the  Northwestern  Inter- 
mountain  region  have  been  surveyed : 

Areas  of  different  soil  provinces  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region. 


Soil  province. 


Residual  material 

Glacial  material 

Wind-laid  material 

Alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling  material. 

River  flood  plain  material 

Miscellaneous  materia'. 

Total  for  region 


30,592 
168,640 

888,500 
79,4SS 

901,632 
91,280 


2,160,132 


RESIDUAL   MATERIAL. 

Residual  soils  occur  extensively  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region, 
but  are  most  typically  and  extensively  encountered  in  the  Upland  and  Moun- 
tain districts.  Immense  areas  of  the  plains,  even  where  covered  but  thinly 
by  soil  material,  are  practically  devoid  of  residual  soil  material,  owing  to  the 
fact  that  the  product  of  weathering  of  the  exposed  rocks  is  swept  away  by 
winds  as  rapidly  as  formed.  Where  conditions  favor  the  deposition  of  wind- 
laid  material  the  residual  material  is  buried  beneath  eolian  deposits. 

The  soils  of  the  Residual  province  are  of  minor  agricultural  importance, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  they  are  often  of  shallow  and  rocky  character  and  usually 
nonirrigable.  They  are  extensively  utilized  for  grazing,  while  some  of  the 
upland  districts,  with  sufficient  rainfall  and  of  such  character  as  to  permit  the 
use  of  farm  machinery,  are  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains.  The  more 
elevated  and  rugged  mountain  areas  are  adapted  only  to  grazing  or  to  forestry. 
The  largest  areas  of  residual  soils  are  found  outside  the  agricultural  districts 
and  have  been  included  only  to  a  limited  extent  within  the  areas  surveyed. 
In  so  far  as  mapped  they  are  represented  by  three  series  of  soils.  Although 
utilized  to  some  extent  for  grains  and  fruit  and  capable  of  further  development, 
none  of  these  soils  is  of  present  agricultural  importance.  They  are  derived 
prevailingly  from  basic  igneous  rocks. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  THE   SOIL  SERIES. 

Cohasset  series. — The  members  of  the  Cohasset  series  have  light,  reddish- 
brown  soils  and  subsoils  and  are  often  of  shallow  depth.  Water-worn  gravel  and 
bowlders  are  found  throughout  the  soil  section  and  outcrops  of  the  underlying 
basaltic  rock  are  of  frequent  occurrence. 

The  material  is  of  residual  origin  from  the  underlying  basaltic  rock,  modi- 
fied in  part  by  wind-blown  or  drifted  material  from  other  sources. 

The  types  are  generally  treeless,  occupying  elevated  situations,  with  a  sloping 
to  undulating  topography.  The  surface  is  often  broken  and  dissected  by  val- 
ley terraces  and  sometimes  wind  blown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Cohasset  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

A.0T68. 

■  :>,•'> 

4,416 

1  For  key  to  numb  »  In  I  bis  oolumn    •  ■  p 
Moscow  series.— These  soils  are  prevailingly  of  ;i  brown  color  and  underlain 

to  ;i  depth  of  L'  feel  by  light  brown  subsoils,  resting  upon  ;i  bedrock  substratum, 
Which  is  encountered  within  the  depth  of  6  feet  only  in  the  shallower  areas. 
The  soils  of  the  series  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  granitic  rocks. 
fragments  of  which  arc  occasionally  found  in  the  soil  profile.  They  occupy 
high   rolling  to  rough  hills  and  are  usually   well  forested.     The  rough  topog- 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN   REGION.  501 

raphy  renders  extensive  areas  unsuited  to  agriculture.  Under  favorable  condi- 
tions of  climate  they  are  adapted  to  grain  crops.  Fruits  can  be  grown  where 
the  soil  is  sufficiently  deep. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Moscow  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Moscow  loam 

Idaho,  3 

6,208 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Underwood  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  Underwood  series  are  of 
light  brown  to  grayish  brown  color,  and  carry  numerous  small,  soft  pellets  of 
weathered  basaltic  material  or  of  mineral  aggregates  formed  by  cementing  of 
the  mineral  particles  by  iron  solutions.  These  are  most  numerous  near  the 
surface  and  range  in  size  from  coarse  sand  to  one-half  inch  in  diameter.  Ba- 
saltic gravel  and  rounded  bowlders  are  of  frequent  occurrence  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil.  The  series  is  of  residual  origin.  Rock  outcrop  is  frequent  along  the 
steeper  slopes,  the  members  occupying  rolling  to  steep  and  hilly  foothill  dis- 
tricts and  mountain  slopes.  The  soils  are  well  drained  and  support  a  scrubby 
growth  of  fir  and  hemlock.  Where  favorably  located  they  can  be  utilized  for 
agricultural  purposes  to  some  extent  without  irrigation,  although  this  is  gen- 
erally necessary  for  effective  development. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Underwood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Underwood  loam 

Washington,  7 

19,968 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND   THEIR   U6E. 

Most  of  the  area  of  residual  soils  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region 
is  of  rough  and  broken  topography  and  unsuited  to  agriculture  The  soils 
are  therefore  outside  the  principal  agricultural  districts  and  have  not  been 
encountered  to  any  great  extent  during  the  progress  of  the  soil  survey  in  this 
region.  From  a  standpoint  of  crop  production  under  existing  conditions  they 
are  not  of  any  great  importance. 

In  the  areas  surveyed  they  have  been  recognized  under  three  soil  series,  each 
of  which  is  as  yet  represented  by  only  a  single  type.  One  of  these  is  a  silty 
sandy  loam  and  the  other  two  are  of  loam  texture.  They  are  not  at  present  ex- 
tensively utilized  for  agriculture  and  ordinarily  require  irrigation  and  other 
improvement  before  they  can  be  profitably  worked  on  any  extensive  scale.  The 
topography  is  frequently  rough  and  broken,  but  where  capable  of  irrigation 
these  soils  give  promise  of  development  for  fruit  growing.  The  general  farm 
crops  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent  without  irrigation. 

The  silty  sandy  loam  type,  recognized  under  the  Cohasset  series,  occupies 
arid,  treeless  areas.  It  is  not  used  for  farming  and  is  without  prospects  of 
immediate  irrigation  development.  The  deeper  areas  of  favorable  surface  con- 
tour .could,  when  irrigated,  be  used  for  apples  and  other  tree  fruits,  alfalfa, 
grains,  and  forage  crops.  The  type  can  be  readily  maintained  in  a  good  condi- 
tion of  tilth  and  seems  best  suited  to  fruit  culture. 

The  loam  members  of  the  province  occupy  rolling  to  hilly  and  mountainous 
districts.  They  generally  support  considerable  timber  or  forest  growth  and 
under  favorable  seasonable  climatic  conditions  cereals,  flax,  hay,  and  forage 
crops  are  grown  to  some  extent  without  irrigation.  The  soil  is  friable,  requires 
only  a  moderate  farming  equipment  after  once  cleared  or  prepared  fur  irriga- 
tion, and  where  of  good  depth  is  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation.  These 
types  include  rough  and  rocky  areas  of  thin  soil  not  adapted  to  agriculture. 
Apples,  cherries,  peaches,  and  other  fruits  can  be  grown  under  irrigation  on 


502 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


the  deeper  soils.  They  are  not  ordinarily  well  suited  to  general  farming  pur- 
poses except  in  small  tracts,  as  the  rough  topography  precludes  the  use  of  farm 
machinery. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

SILTY   SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

Cohasset  silty  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  light  reddish  brown  loam, 
about  10  inches  deep,  high  in  silt,  coarse  sand,  and  gravel,  with  some  clay  and 
medium  sand.  Angular  rock  fragments  and  rounded  or  subangular  bowlders 
are  found  in  the  surface  soil.  Under  field  conditions  this  type  approaches  a 
loam  with  a  heavy  content  of  coarse  sand.  The  subsoil  is  slightly  redder  than 
the  soil  and  heavier  in  texture.  It  is  generally  shallow  and  underlain  by  frag- 
ments of  basaltic  rock  at  a  depth  of  20  to  30  inches,  which  may  extend  to  a 
depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  The  type  is  residual,  occupying  elevated,  erosion  valley 
terraces  of  sloping  or  undulating  topography  and  often  dissected  by  deeply 
eroded,  narrow,  rocky  ravines.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  frequent  occurrence  and  the 
surface  is  somewhat  wind  blown.  Where  capable  of  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to 
fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  sandy  loam. 


1 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington,  6 

4,416 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam   Group. 


Moscow  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  brown  loam  about  24  inches 
deep,  underlain  by  a  light-brown  subsoil  which  rests  upon  a  bedrock  substratum 
encountered  at  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  There  are  numerous  shallow  areas 
throughout  the  type  where  the  bedrock  more  closely  approaches  the  surface. 
Rock  fragments  are  occasionally  found  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  type  is 
derived  from  crystalline  rock  and  is  of  residual  origin.  It  occupies  areas  ele- 
vated above  the  surrounding  country  and  of  rolling  to  rough  and  hilly  topog- 
raphy. The  type  is  usually  timbered  and  much  of  the  areas  mapped  is  too 
rough  to  be  used  for  agriculture.  Under  favorable  conditions  wheat,  oats,  and 
flax  can  be  grown.     The  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  fruit  crops. 

Underwood  loam. — The  soil  has  an  average  depth  of  18  inches  and  contains 
a  variable  amount  of  small  weathered  basaltic  fragments  or  soft  iron  pellets. 
These  are  usually  about  one-fourth  inch  in  diameter  and  are  mixed  with  the 
soil  and  scattered  over  the  surface  They  are  soft  and  easily  crushed  between 
the  fingers.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  loam  or  silt  loam  3  feet 
or  more  in  depth,  becoming  slightly  heavier  toward  the  lower  portion  of  the 
soil  section.  The  content  of  gravel  and  iron  pellets  decreases  with  depth,  only 
:i  comparatively  small  amount  of  coarse  material  being  found  at  3  feet.  Basaltic 
bedrock  is  not  usually  encountered  near  the  surface.  The  type  is  of  residual 
origin  and  derived  from  basaltic  rocks.  It  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  uplands. 
with  .-in  elevation  ranging  from  1,000  to  3,000  feet.  Limited  areas  of  gently 
undulating  topography  and  a  few  Steep  slopes  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of 
stream    courses.      The    soil    is   somewhat   deficient    in    organic   matter.      Under 

favorable  conditions  of  moisture  supply  and  cultivation,  it  is  adapted  to  fruits 

and  genera]  farm  crops. 

/  and  distribution  of  tin-  hxims. 


Soil  DUM, 

•  ■  or  :iri\i.' 

19,968 



1  

26,176 

i  For  key  to  lumben  In  this  OOlonUI  see  p.  733. 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN   REGION. 


503 


GLACIAL   MATERIAL. 

In  so  far  as  mapped  the  soils  of  glacial  origin  in  the  Northwestern  Inter- 
mountain  province  are  derived  wholly  from  stream-laid  or  glacial-outwash 
deposits.  They  have  been  recognized  only  in  areas  of  limited  extent  in  east- 
central  Washington,  but  they  probably  cover  a  much  greater  part  of  the  region 
in  northern  Washington  and  Idaho  than  would  appear  from  the  limited  areas 
surveyed. 

The  glacial  streams  giving  rise  to  the  deposits  followed  well  defined  but  now 
extinct  stream  channels,  and  probably  owed  their  origin  to  the  obstruction  of 
the  valleys  of  Columbia  River  or  of  other  streams  by  glacial  ice. 

Occasional  glacial  bowlders  probably  deposited  from  floating  ice  fragments 
are  of  rather  widespread  occurrence  in  the  transported  soils  of  certain  areas 
surveyed  in  the  region.  They  are  generally  found  as  extraneous  matter  of  minor 
importance  in  the  soil  forming  material. 

The  soils  of  the  region  as  mapped  are  derived  wholly  or  predominantly  from 
glacial  material  and  are  limited  to  one  type  series,  the  Ephrata  soils.  They 
occupy  terraced,  treeless,  desertlike  plains.  They  are  partially  utilized  for  the 
production  of  grains  and,  where  irrigated,  to  the  production  of  fruits.  Topo- 
graphic and  drainage  conditions  usually  favor  irrigation,  and  an  extension  of 
these  facilities  will  do  much  to  develop  intensive  agriculture  on  these  soils. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    SOIL    SERIES. 

Ephrata  series. — These  soils  are  of  light  grayish-brown  to  yellowish-brown 
color  and  carry  variable  amounts  of  water-worn  gravels.  They  are  often  strewn 
with  subangular  to  rounded  bowlders  and  have  been  subject  to  some  modification 
by  wind  action.  The  subsoils  are  porous  but  compact  and  consist  largely  of 
subangular  or  rounded  gravel  and  bowlders,  and  often  extend  to  great  depth. 
The  finer  interstitial  material  is  of  light-gray  color.  The  gravels  and  bowlders 
of  the  soil  and  subsoil  are  mainly  basaltic,  with  some  crystalline  rocks.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  series  occupy  terraced  desert  plains  of  level  to  undulating  or  irreg- 
ular surface  and  are  devoid  of  timber.  The  immediate  surface  is  sometimes 
slightly  wind  blown  and  the  successive  terraces  are  generally  bounded  by  steep, 
rocky,  and  eroded  slopes,  occasionally  traversed  by  broad  channels  of  old 
glacial  streams.  The  parent  material  of  both  soil  and  subsoil  is  derived  from 
glacial  outwash. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ephrata  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Ephrata  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

stony  fine  sandy  loam. 

Total 


Washington  i 

do 

....do 


36,032 
86.272 
46,336 


168, 640 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOH,  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 


The  soils  of  the  glacial  province  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region  of 
glacial  outwash  origin  are  confined  to  a  single  soil  series,  which  is  represented 
by  three  soil  types. 

These  three  members  have  a  sloping  to  undulating  topography.  The  surface 
is  often  wind  blown  and  dissected  by  deeply  eroded,  extinct  stream  valleys. 
The  soils  are  somewhat  compact  and  friable,  with  a  substratum  of  porous  gravel. 
Bowlders  and  cobbles  on  the  surface  often  interfere  with  cultivation  unless 
removed.  The  soils  occupy  treeless,  desert  plains,  are  excessively  drained,  and 
subject  to  drought  where  not  irrigated.  Large  areas  are  unutilized  or  are  de- 
voted to  grazing.  Grains  are  grown  quite  extensively  without  irrigation,  but 
low  yields  are  frequent  owing  to  deficient  rainfall. 

The  surface  contour  and  drainage  conditions  are  generally  favorable  to  the 
distribution  of  irrigation  waters.    Local  irrigated  districts  have  pro  veil  particu- 


504  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

larly  successful  in  the  production  of  apples,  peaches,  and  other  tree  fruits, 
grapes,  melons,  and  garden  vegetables.  With  further  development  in  this 
direction  the  soils  of  the  glacial  province  can  be  used  for  the  general  farm 
crops,  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 

The  sandy  loam  and  stony  fine  sandy  loam  should  prove  well  suited  to  early 
stone  fruits,  melons,  and  truck.  The  fine  sandy  loam  will  probably  prove  the 
most  suitable  soil  of  the  province  for  general  farm  crops.  Alfalfa,  forage  crops, 
and  grains  can  probably  be  successfully  grown  under  irrigation,  but  the  soils 
are  not  so  well  suited  to  grass  crops  or  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  farming. 
When  devoted  to  intensively  cultivated  products  under  irrigation  they  can  be 
economically  utilized  in  small  tracts,  and  with  favorable  market  and  transporta- 
tion facilities  will  become  capable  of  supporting  thickly  settled  rural  commu- 
nities. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Ephrata  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  compact,  friable  sandy  loam,  of  rather 
coarse  texture,  from  16  to  20  inches  deep,  carrying  some  fine  material  but  little 
of  the  medium  grades.  The  coarse  texture  is  particularly  noticeable  in  the  sur- 
face few  inches,  approximately  a  coarse  sand  or  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  consists 
largely  of  fine  gravel  with  finer  interstitial  material.  The  type  is  derived  from 
glacial  outwash  material  of  lacustrine  origin.  The  surface  is  broken  by  low, 
broad  ridges  or  mounds  of  irregular  occurrence.  Drainage  is  well  established 
and  the  type  droughty.    It  is  generally  well  adapted  to  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  6 

36,032 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Ephrata  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  friable  and  compact,  ranging 
in  depth  from  12  to  24  inches  or  more.  It  carries  a  rather  high  proportion  of 
very  fine  sand,  with  varying  quantities  of  gravel  and  a  few  small  bowlders  and 
cobbles  scattered  over  the  surface  and  in  the  soil.  The  subsoil  consists  of 
coarse,  well  rounded  material  sometimes  reaching  the  surface  in  shallower 
areas,  and  in  the  Quincy  area,  Washington,  extending  to  a  depth  of  100  feet  or 
more.  The  type  consists  of  glacial  outwash  material  derived  from  basaltic 
rocks.  The  gravel  and  bowlders  are  not  sufficiently  extensive  to  affect  cultiva- 
tion. Drainage  is  excessive  and  the  type  subject  to  drought  during  seasons  of 
deficient  rainfall.  Where  not  too  shallow  it  is  adapted  to  fruits  under  irri- 
gation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Suit  name. 

State  or  area.» 

Acres. 

Washington  6 

86,272 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
STONY   FINE    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


Ephrata  $Umy  fine  sandy  learn. — This  type  is  i  ome  sandy  loam  of  rather 
Bllty  texture  and  carrying  a  large  amount  of  gravel  and  small  bowlders.    Strata 

of  gravel  and  bowlders  arc  encountered  at  a  depth  <»f  »;  to  it  inches  and  in 

places  reach  the  inrface.     The  type  is  usually  characterized  hy  low  undulations 

or  mounds  with  Intervening  depressions.  The  type  is  derived  from  glacial  out- 
wash  material  of  basaltic  origin.  Drainage  is  good,  but  the  soil  is  deficient  in 
moisture-retaining  capacity  and  not  well  adapted  to  fanning  without  Irriga- 
tion.    Where  this  is  possible  it    lS  well  adapted  to  tree  fruits.     Ordinarily  it   is 

sary  t«>  remove  a  large  amount  of  stone  from  the  surface  before  the  land 

c.ni  he  Utilized  for  agricultural  purposes. 


NORTHWESTEKN   INTEKMOUNTAIN   REGION.  505 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ephrata  stony  fine  sandy  loam 

Washington  6 

46,336 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
WIND-LAID   MATERIAL. 


The  deposits  of  wind-laid  material  are  most  extensively  and  typically  de- 
veloped in  the  Columbia  River  and  Snake  River  plains  and  in  portions  of  the 
Klamath-Lassen  Peak  district. 

The  surface  is  usually  treeless  and  protected  only  by  a  scattering  growth  of 
desert  shrubs  from  the  high  winds  that  prevail  during  certain  periods  of  the 
year.  These  winds  transport  large  quantities  of  fine  material  during  the  pas- 
sage of  dust  storms.  In  protected  localities  the  deposition  may  be  augmented  by 
further  accretions  at  recurring  intervals.  The  area  thus  affected  is  largely  de- 
termined by  the  wind  velocity  and  the  natural  protection  offered  by  land  to- 
pography  and  vegetation.  The  heavier  mineral  particles  of  soil  are  rolled  along 
the  surface  until  lodged  in  some  protected  locality. 

The  wind-laid  soils  of  the  region  vary  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet  in 
depth.  They  are  derived  predominantly  from  basaltic  rock,  although  some  of 
the  types  include  conspicuous  fragments  of  quartz,  feldspar,  or  other  material 
derived  from  quartz-bearing  minerals.  Some  of  the  deposits  are  predominantly 
of  fine  texture  and  of  deep,  loess-like  character.  In  other  districts  coarser  sands 
prevail,  the  material  having  been  derived  from  less  distant  sources.  Most  of 
the  lighter  textured  soils  of  the  region  where  not  of  wind-laid  origin  have  been 
modified  to  some  extent  by  eolian  agencies. 

The  soils  of  the  Wind-laid  province  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  re- 
gion, in  so  far  as  encountered  in  the  soil  survey,  are  represented  by  the  Walla 
Walla,  Winchester,  and  Quincy  series.  The  topography  is  comparatively  flat 
to  undulating  or  rolling,  and  the  surface  in  some  of  the  soil  series  is  subject  to 
the  occurrence  of  wind-blown  mounds,  ridges,  or  dunes. 

Where  favored  by  conditions  of  ample  rainfall  the  soils  of  finer  texture,  such 
as  occur  in  the  Palouse  and  adjacent  districts  in  eastern  Washington,  western 
Idaho,  and  northeastern  Oregon,  are  retentive  of  moisture  and  are  extensively 
devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains  with  excellent  results.  The  arid  districts, 
when  irrigated,  are  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets, 
hops,  truck  and  fruit  crops,  according  to  soil  texture  and  structure,  local  cli- 
matic conditions,  and  other  modifying  conditions.  Owing,  however,  to  limited 
sources  of  water  for  irrigation  or  to  the  deeply  intrenched  position  of  the  main 
streams  extensive  irrigation  of  the  upland  wind-laid  soils  is  often  impossible 
or  can  only  be  secured  by  extensive  and  costly  engineering  operations. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Quincy  scries. — The  soils  of  the  Quincy  series  are  grayish  brown  and  usually 
of  loose,  porous  structure.  The  subsoils  are  similar  in  color  and  texture  to  the 
soil,  but  slightly  more  compact.  Large  amounts  of  quartz  fragments  and  dark- 
colored  basaltic  rock  particles,  as  well  as  noticeable  amounts  of  micaceous  ma- 
terial, appear  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  subsoils  are  underlain  by  a  sub- 
stratum of  calcareous  material,  resembling  a  hard  limestone  resting  upon 
rounded,  basaltic  cobbles,  gravels,  and  bowlders  underlain  in  turn  by  basaltic 
bedrock.  The  series  is  of  eolian  origin,  occupying  treeless,  undulating  plains. 
The  surface  is  often  strewn  with  chips  or  fragments  of  the  underlying  cal- 
careous material,  and  varies  in  configuration  from  moderately  smooth  to  wind 
drifted.  Crops  are  apt  to  suffer  somewhat  from  movement  of  the  surface  ma- 
terial by  winds.  The  members  of  the  series  cover  extensive  areas  and  often 
grade  imperceptibly  into  each  other  and  into  surrounding  soils  of  other  series. 


506  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Quincy  series. 


Soil 


Quincy  sand 

fine  sand. 


very  fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

silty  fine  sandy  loam, 
silt  loam 


Total. 


State  or 


Oregon  2;  Idaho  4. 
Washington  6,  9.. 

Washington  6 

Idaho  4  

Washington  6,  9.. 

Washington  6 

do 


Acres. 


42,944 
106, 676 

56,512 

29,760 
149,312 

62,976 
9,472 


457,652 


I  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Walla  Walla  series. — The  Walla  Walla  series  consists  of  sticky,  brown  to 
dark-brown  soils  about  3  feet  deep,  underlain  by  yellow  silt  loam  subsoils  which 
are  often  sticky  and  plastic.  They  are  derived  from  wind-laid  deposits  of 
basaltic  origin.  The  series  occupies  high,  rolling  hills,  often  of  steep  slope. 
The  soils  occur  under  subhumid  climatic  conditions  and  are  usually  treeless 
and  well  drained.  Wheat  and  barley  are  extensively  grown  with  good  results. 
Oats  are  also  grown  extensively  in  certain  districts,  and  flax,  vegetables,  apples, 
and  cherries  are  produced  to  a  limited  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Walla  Walla  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Walla  Walla  silt  loam 

Idaho  3;  Washington  8 

287,936 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Winchester  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  the  Winchester  series  are  dark 
gray  to  nearly  black  and  consist  mainly  of  dark-colored  angular  fragments  of 
basalt,  though  a  noticeable  proportion  of  quartz  also  occurs.  Basaltic  pebbles 
are  sometimes  found  in  the  soil  section  and  upon  the  surface  over  wind-swept 
areas.  As  mapped  in  the  Quincy  area,  Washington,  the  material  is  underlain 
at  great  depths  by  rounded  basaltic  glacial  outwash  bowlders  and  gravels.  The 
series  is  of  eolian  origin  and  occupies  undulating,  treeless  plains  or  plateaus. 
The  types  are  extensive  in  area,  grading  imperceptibly  into  the  surrounding 
soils.  The  surface  is  frequently  wind  drifted  or  marked  by  dunes.  The  native 
vegetation  is  typical  of  the  region,  and  the  soils  are  but  poorly  adapted  to  agri- 
culture without  irrigation 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Winchester  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area. l 

Acres. 

Idaho  1;  Washington  C> 

Washington  6 

50,752 

87,233 

..do 

4,928 

Total                               

142,912 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

Sand  Group. 

The  eolian  or  wind-laid  soils  of  the  sand  group  In  the  Northwestern  Enter* 
mountain  region  cover  extensive  areai  In  the  treeless  desert,  wind-swepl  plains 
of  Oregon,  Washington,  and  [daho.    They  have  been  recognised  under  two  son 

series,  differing  essentially  In  the  Color  of  the  SOU  and  subsoil  material  and  in 

the  character  <>f  rock  from  which  they  are  derived. 


NORTHWESTERN"   INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 


507 


The  surface  is  usually  undulating  and  wind  blown,  and  where  cleared  of 
native  vegetation  or  broken  by  cultivation  crops  often  suffer  from  the  soil  drift- 
ing where  not  protected  by  windbreaks.  Surface  drainage  is  generally  well 
established  and  underdrainage  excessive.  The  soil  material  is  loose  and  in- 
coherent and  surface  waters  are  to  a  large  extent  absorbed  by  the  soil.  The 
water-holding  capacity  is,  however,  low,  and  frequent  and  copious  irrigation 
ordinarily  a  necessity. 

Irrigation  is  not  at  present  extensively  practiced,  and  most  of  the  soil  areas 
are  unutilized  or  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  In  favorable  seasons  fair 
results  are  obtained,  but  the  soils  are  subject  to  drought  and  the  average  yields 
are  light.  The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  requires  but  a  light  farming  equip- 
ment, though  considerable  labor  in  leveling  and  preparing  the  land  for  irriga- 
tion is  frequently  necessary.  Owing  to  the  loose,  porous  character  of  the  sur- 
face material  upon  drying,  which  is  usually  aggravated  by  movement  of  the  soil 
grains  by  wind,  a  superficial  mulch  formed  through  natural  agencies  frequently 
helps  to  protect  it  from  loss  of  subsoil  moisture  by  evaporation  and  readers  the 
soils  more  retentive  of  moisture  than  is  usually  the  case  with  soils  of  sandy 
texture  and  porous  structure. 

Grains,  alfalfa,  and  potatoes  are  the  principal  products  on  the  irrigated  lands. 
The  sands  of  this  province  are,  however,  better  adapted  to  early  stone  fruits, 
small  fruits,  melons,  and  early  truck  crops  than  to  general  farm  crops.  This 
is  particularly  true  where  transportation  and  market  conditions  favor  intensive 
trucking  and  where  sufficient  protection  from  winds  is  afforded.  In  exposed 
areas,  where  intertilled  crops  suffer  from  winds,  the  soils  are  better  utilized 
for  alfalfa  or  some  other  permanent  cover  crop. 

The  soils  are  deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  the  systematic  use  of  green 
manures  or  of  well-decomposed  stable  manure  is  advisable.  They  should 
respond  quickly  to  fertilization,  but  more  frequent  applications  are  necessary 
than  is  the  case  with  the  soils  of  heavier  texture.  Mineral  fertilizers  are  rarely 
necessary.  The  sandy  soils  are  not  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay  crops,  with 
the  possible  exception  of  alfalfa,  while  the  general  farm  crops  do  better  on  the 
heavier  soils.  Under  irrigation,  however,  good  yields  can  be  secured  with  more 
regularity  than  is  possible  under  natural  conditions. 

Quincy  sand. — The  soil  is  yellowish  brown  to  reddish  brown  in  color  and  of 
loose,  porous  structure.  The  subsoil  is  somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil, 
but  similar  in  texture  and  structure  and  occasionally  underlain  by  a  stratum  of 
soft,  cemented  sandy  material.  The  soil  material  is  of  wind-blown  origin, 
derived  mainly  from  basaltic  rocks.  The  topography  is  slightly  undulating,  and 
the  surface  is  wind  blown.  The  type  occupies  comparatively  level  desert,  tree- 
less, valley  plains  and  is  well  drained.  Under  cultivation  it  drifts  badly  when 
not  protected  by  windbreaks  or  by  surface  vegetation,  but  where  irrigated  and 
protected  from  winds  it  produces  fair  crops  of  grain  and  alfalfa,  being  well 
adapted  to  the  latter  crop.  Potatoes  are  also  grown  to  a  limited  extent  with 
good  success. 

Winchester  sand. — The  Winchester  sand  contains  about  equal  amounts  of 
coarse,  medium,  and  fine  sand,  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  Below 
the  immediate  surface  the  material  is  slightly  compact,  continuing  to  a  depth 
of  nearly  2  feet,  where  the  structure  becomes  somewhat  porous.  The  topog- 
raphy is  undulating  with  low,  wind-blown  mounds  and  ridges,  with  intervening 
level  basins  or  flats.  When  cleared  of  native  desert  vegetation  the  surface  is 
subject  to  serious  wind  drifting.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  requires  leveling 
for  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area. l 

Acres. 

Idaho  1 ,  Washington  6 

Oregon  2,  Idaho  4 

50,752 

42,944 

Total.   .* 

93,6% 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


508  SOILS  OF   THE   17 SITED   STATES. 

COARSE    SAND   PHASE. 

The  coarse  sand  phase  of  the  sand  group  of  soils  is  represented  by  a  single 
member.  In  topography,  drainage,  and  adaptability  to  irrigation  and  suscepti- 
bility to  wind  drifting  it  resembles  the  normal  sand  member  of  the  same  series. 
The  soil  material  is  somewhat  coarser,  making  the  structure  more  porous  and 
leachy  and  more  sensitive  to  drought.  It  is  not  extensively  utilized  at  present 
and  is  inferior  to  the  normal  members  of  the  sand  group  in  general  agricultural 
value.  It  is  not  suited  to  the  production  of  general  farm  crops  and  is  limited 
to  a  more  narrow  range  of  possibilities  in  utilization  than  the  sand  of  the  same 
series  under  which  the  coarse  sand  occurs.  With  copious  and  frequent  irriga- 
tion, repeated  cultivation,  and  systematic  use  of  green  manure,  it  can  be  used 
for  melons  and  early  truck  crops.  Rather  light  yields  are  to  be  anticipated, 
but  the  products  should  be  available  for  early  market.  Alfalfa  might  be  grown 
for  green  manuring  purposes  and  would  probably  prove  of  some  value  for 
pasture  or  hay.  and  would  afford  protection  to  the  surface  in  wind-swept 
localities. 

Winchester  coarse  sand. — The  Winchester  coarse  sand  is  generally  of  uniform 
texture  and  of  open,  porous  structure  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  The  soil 
section  includes  small  amounts  of  feldspar  and  mica.  The  surface  is  marked 
by  low,  wind-blown  ridges  and  mounds,  with  irregular,  nearly  flat,  intervening 
areas.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  type  free  from  injurious  amounts 
of  alkali  salts.  Crops  are  subject  to  injury  at  times  from  movement  of  the  sur- 
face material  by  the  winds.    Leveling  is  generally  necessary  for  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area. ' 

Acres. 

Winchester  coarse  sand 

Washington  6 

87,232 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  fine  sand  group  occur  under  two  principal  series  of  wind- 
laid  soils  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region.  They  have  been  encoun- 
tered less  frequently  than  the  sands  of  the  province  occurring  under  the  same 
series. 

Like  the  soils  of  the  sand  group  they  occupy  comparatively  level,  treeless, 
desert  plains,  often  of  hummocky,  wind-blown  surface,  and  are  of  porous,  inco- 
herent structure.  Surface  drainage  is  usually  well  established  except  in  local 
Included  Hats  or  basinlike  depressions,  and  underdrainage  is  generally  excessive. 
The  soils  and  subsoils  are  usually  deep,  except  in  a  shallow  phase  of  the  Quincy 
fine  sand. 

The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  requires  but  light  fanning  equipment.  Con- 
siderable labor  in  leveling  is  generally  necessary  in  preparing  the  land  for  Irri- 
gation. Crops  in  exposed  areas  are  sometimes  subject  to  injury  from  movement 
Of  BOil  particles  by  winds  where  not  protected  by  windbreaks  or  cover  crops. 
The  production  of  dry-farmed  grains  is  the  principal  use  of  these  soils  at  pres- 
ent, a  large  portion  Of  the  areas  being  allowed  to  stand  idle. 

Under  Intensive  cultivation  the  One  sands  are  superior  to  the  Bands  in  mois- 
ture ret  Ining  capacity.  They  are  suited  to  products  of  the  same  general  char- 
acter, Including  in  particular  stone  fruits,  small  fruits,  melons,  and  curly  truck 
crops.  They  are  probably  better  adapted  to  the  production  of  nlfalfa,  forage 
crops,  and  grains  than  the  Bands,  and  where  subject  to  wind  drifting  ean  prob- 
ably beel  be  utilized  for  alfalfa.  They  are  deficient  In  humus,  and  the  applica- 
tion <>f  Organic  manures.  prcIVr.'bU   of  green  ciops,  should  bo  systematically  and 

frequently  practiced 

Quincy  !;<<'  land.  The  sop  is  of  loose.  Incoherent  structure,  with  a  noticeable 
content  oi  ad  and  calcareous  fragments  or  chips  in  the  shallower  areas. 

The  subsoil  Is  similar  to  the  soil  and  sometimes  carries  noticeable  amounts  of 
coarse  sand  particles  The  surface  is  usually  undulating  and  often  drifted  into 
d like  ■  ■  mounds.    The  type  is  well  drained    The  underlying  calcare- 

ous material  and  rock  are  found  sometimes  at  s  depth  of  6  to  L0  f eet  or  less, 
hut  usual  ;  it  greater  depths.    Considering  the  loose,  porous  texture  ami 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN   REGION.  509 

structure,  the  type  is  fairly  retentive  of  moisture  aud  produces  good  crops  of 
grain  by  dry  farming  in  favorable  seasons.  It  requires  surface  leveling  for 
irrigation.  With  irrigation  alfalfa,  tree  and  small  fruits,  and  early  truck 
crops  can  be  grown. 

Winchester  fine  sand. — This  type  is  of  open,  porous  structure  and  generally 
extends  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more  with  but  little  variation  in  color  or 
texture,  save  that  a  noticeable  amount  of  medium  to  coarse  sand  is  generally 
evident  in  the  surface  material.  The  surface  is  marked  by  low,  wind-blown 
ridges  and  mounds  inclosing  intervening  flat  depressions.  Drainage  is  excessive 
and  the  type  subject  to  drought  when  dry  farmed.  When  leveled  and  irri- 
gated it  is  well  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  other  crops  except  over  the  shallower 
»  reas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Quincy  fine  sand !  Washington  6, 

Winchester  fine  sand I  Washington  6 . 


Total. 


100,676 
4,928 


111,604 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
VERY  FINE  SAND   PHASE. 

Very  fine  sand  has  been  encountered  under  one  soil  series  in  this  province. 

The  topography  is  subject  to  a  wider  range  than  is  the  case  with  the  normal 
fine  sands  of  the  province,  the  very  fine  sand  occupying  rolling  to  hilly  areas 
as  well  as  the  level  or  gently  undulating  plains.  The  hilly  areas  are  not 
generally  adapted  to  irrigation  on  account  of  irregular  surface  contour  and 
owing  to  difficulty  in  obtaining  local  water  supply  or  in  conveying  water  to  the 
elevated  areas  from  distant  sources.  The  topography  is,  however,  rarely  of 
so  rough  a  character  as  to  preclude  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  and  the  soil 
is  devoted  quite  extensively  to  dry-farmed  grain  production. 

The  soil  material  is  finer  and  more  loamy  than  the  fine  sand  under  normal 
conditions,  and  superior  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  The  structure  is  loose 
and  friable,  though  more  coherent  than  the  members  of  the  fine  sand  and 
sand  groups.  It  is  somewhat  subject  to  wind  drifting,  and  irrigable  areas 
usually  require  leveling  in  preparing  the  land  for  cultivation.  Only  a  light 
farming  equipment  is  required  in  cultivation,  but  a  heavier  type  of  farming 
implements  and  draft  stock  is  necessary  in  preparing  the  land  for  irrigation 
or  in  the  cultivation  of  the  more  elevated,  hilly  areas. 

The  very  fine  sand,  so  far  as  encountered,  where  incapable  of  irrigation  can 
not  well  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  other  than  shallow-rooted  grains 
or  drought-resistant  forage  crops.  Where  irrigated,  exposed  areas  not  under- 
lain by  impervious  substratum  at  shallow  depths  are  best  utilized  for  the  pro- 
duction of  alfalfa.  Watermelons,  cantaloupes,  and  early  truck  crops  and  tree 
and  small  fruits  can  be  grown  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation,  depth 
of  soil,  and  market  facilities.  The  phase  is  somewhat  better  adapted  to  gen- 
eral farming  than  the  lighter  textured  soils  of  the  province,  and  where  irri- 
gated is  closely  allied  in  crop  adaptation  with  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the 
same  series. 

Qidncy  very  fine  sand. — The  surface  soil  has  an  average  depth  of  12  to  15 
inches.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  fine  Bandy  loam  grading  at  times  into  a  fine 
or  very  fine  sand  with  a  noticeable  content  of  silt  over  the  deeper  portions  of 
the  subsoil.  Small  wind-blown  mounds  and  ridges  are  a  common  surface 
feature.  The  type  as  mapped  in  the  Quincy  area.  Washington,  includes  a 
hilly  phase  of  rolling,  elevated  topography,  in  which  the  underlying,  calcareous 
material  sometimes  occurs  at  relatively  shallow  depths.  Drainage  is  gooi 
and  the  type  generally  free  from  alkali.  Dry  farming  in  seasons  of  favorable 
rainfall  gives  fairly  good  results.  Irrigated  crops  can  be  grown,  but  the  land 
generally  requires  leveling  before  water  can  be  applied. 


510  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.  • 

Acres. 

Quincy  very  fine  sand 

56  512 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  sandy  loam  group  of  the  Wind-laid  province  in  this  region,  in  so  far  as 
recognized  by  the  soil  surveys,  is  limited  to  the  sandy  loam  member  of  the 
Quincy  series.  This  has  been  encountered  in  only  one  area  surveyed  where  it 
is  of  extensive  occurrence. 

The  topography  is  comparatively  level  and  surface  drainage  is  frequently 
poorly  developed.  Underdrainage  is  excellent  and  in  many  places  excessive. 
The  surface  contour  is  irregular  owing  to  drifting,  and  leveling  is  ordinarily 
necessary  in  preparing  land  for  irrigation. 

This  type  occurs  under  arid  conditions  and  supports  only  a  natural  desert 
growth.  The  structure  is  porous  and  it  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capac- 
ity.    Irrigation  is  ordinarily  necessary  for  any  form  of  successful  agriculture. 

Grains,  potatoes,  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops  grown  under  irrigation. 
In  crop  adaptation  it  does  not  depart  widely  from  the  fine  sand  and  very  fine 
sand  of  the  province.  It  is  best  adapted  to  the  production  of  melons,  truck 
crops,  and  small  fruits,  and  to  a  light  type  of  general  farming.  Tree  fruits 
could  probably  be  grown  under  favorable  climatic  conditions.  In  exposed 
localities  the  type  is  best  utilized  for  the  production  of  alfalfa. 

Cultivation  is  easy  and  only  a  light  farming  equipment  is  required. 

Quincy  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown,  rather  coarse 
textured,  loose,  porous  sandy  loam.  The  subsoil  in  the  upper  portion  is  similar 
to  the  soil,  grading  into  a  dark-colored,  coarse  sandy  loam,  in  the  lower  part  of 
the  soil  section.  The  type  occupies  comparatively  level  to  gently  undulating 
treeless  plains,  the  surface  being  uneven  and  wind  blown  and  requiring  leveling 
for  irrigation  purposes.  Drainage  is  poorly  established  but  surface  waters  are 
readily  removed  owing  to  the  porous  subsoil.  The  type  is  of  wind-laid  origin, 
though  a  portion  of  the  material  is  probably  stream  deposited,  modified  some- 
what by  wind  action.  The  soil  and  subsoil  material  are  derived  from  crystal 
line  and  basaltic  rocks,  the  dark  colored  upper  subsoil  being  mainly  of  basaltic 
origin.  Small  grains,  alfalfa,  and  potatoes  constitute  the  main  products  of  the 
It  is  best  adapted  to  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and  early  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


A  errs. 


Quincy  sandy  loam Idaho  4 


29,760 


I  For  key  to  number  in  this  coin  inn  see  p.  733. 
Fink  Sandy    Loam    GROUP. 

sandy  loam  group  are  represented  by  a  single  member 
«  r  the  Quincy  scries, 
in  the  Yakima  area,  Washington,  the  typo  carries  a  large  quantity  of  stones 
and  i  od  is  of  minor  agricultural  value,  with  only  Local  areas  of  arable 

land,  in  tin  Quincy  area,  Washington,  a  calcareous  bardpan  layer  often  occurs 
at  shallow  depth,  which  will,  under  irrigation,  limit  underdrainage  and  the 
suitability  of  the  soil  to  the  culture  of  alfalfa,  tree  fruits,  or  other  deep-rooted 

ercps. 

The  soil  material  La  porous  and  frequently  drifted  by  winds,    afore  or  less 
leveling  li  inlred  In  preparing  the  land  for  Irrigation,    crops  upon 

fifer  from  the  drifting  of  the  soil  particles  by  winds 
pronounced  than  on  the  soils  of  lighter  texture. 


NORTHWESTERN  INTERMOUNTAIN   REGION.  511 

The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  requires  but  a  light  farming  equipment.  It 
is  rather  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  is  not  economically  utilized 
for  dry  farmed  crops  where  capable  of  irrigation.  It  is  at  present  devoted 
mainly  to  the  culture  of  grass  without  irrigation,  but  average  yields  are  light 
owing  to  deficient  rainfall.  Where  favored  by  topography,  irrigated  and  free 
from  stones  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  truck  crops,  apples,  and 
stone  fruits,  grapes,  and  small  fruits  and  to  general  farming,  including  alfalfa 
and  grain  production. 

Quincy  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  from  12  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is 
slightly  lighter  than  the  surface  soil,  rather  compact,  and  rests  upon  the  cal- 
careous substratum  characteristic  of  the  series  and  typically  encountered  at  a 
depth  of  5  feet  or  more,  but  which  in  this  type  frequently  lies  nearer  the  sur- 
face. The  topography  is  level  to  undulating  with  numerous  low  wind-blown 
mounds  and  ridges.  The  type  consists  of  wind-laid  deposits  derived  from 
basaltic  and  crystalline  rocks.  It  is  well  adapted  to  irrigated  crops,  but  deficient 
in  moisture- retaining  capacity  when  dry  farmed. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Quincy  fine  sandy  loam 

Washington  6, 9 

149, 312 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SILTY   FINE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

Silty  fine  sandy  loam  occurs  only  under  the  Quincy  series.  In  texture  it 
differs  from  the  normal  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series  in  having  a  higher 
proportion  of  soil  particles  of  the  finer  grades  and  consisting  principally  of  silty 
material. 

It  occupies  undulating  to  rolling,  treeless  desert  plains,  which  are,  however, 
more  frequently  dissected  or  broken  than  is  the  case  where  occupied  by  the 
lighter  textured  soils  of  the  same  series.  The  surface  material  is  more  loamy 
in  character,  is  quite  sticky  when  wet,  less  subject  to  wind  drifting,  and  pos- 
sesses a  tendency  to  puddle  if  cultivated  when  wet  and  to  bake  upon  exposure. 
The  soil  requires  a  heavier  farming  equipment  than  those  of  the  normal  fine 
sandy  loam  or  lighter  groups,  but  is  friable  under  cultivation,  is  readily  main- 
tained in  a  favorable  condition  of  tilth,  and  is  more  retentive  of  moisture  than 
the  wind-blown  soils  of  lighter  texture  in  the  Northwestern  Intermountain 
Province. 

Drainage  is  not  excessively  developed,  as  is  the  case  with  the  lighter  soils  of 
the  Quincy  series,  and  under  irrigation  artificial  drainage  will  in  some  localities 
be  necessary. 

The  silty  fine  sandy  loam  is  closely  allied  with  the  silt  loams  of  the  province 
in  adaptation  to  agriculture.  Under  irrigation  the  general  farm  crops,  particu- 
larly alfalfa,  grains,  and  forage  crops,  can  be  grown  readily.  Under  favorable 
conditions  of  drainage,  climate,  and  market  facilities  the  type  is  well  suited  to 
the  production  of  fruits  and  truck  crops.  It  is  less  suitable  for  early  fruits  and 
truck  than  the  fine  sandy  loam  and  lighter  soils  of  the  province. 

Quincy  silty  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil,  to  a  depth  of  10  to  24  inches,  is  a 
light  yellowish-brown,  friable  and  rather  compact  fine  sandy  loam,  carrying  a 
relatively  high  percentage  of  silt.  It  is  inclined  to  crack  and  clod  unless 
plowed  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  grayish 
silty  fine  sandy  loam  or  silt  loam.  The  topography  is  level  to  rolling  and  the 
surface  often  dissected  by  deep,  narrow  ravines  or  erosion  channels.  Shallow 
drifts  of  fine  sands  sometimes  occur.  The  type  is  fairly  retentive  of  moisture 
under  cultivation  and  adapted  to  dry-farmed  grains  in  favorable  seasons. 
Under  irrigation  it  is  suitable  for  the  production  of  fruits,  vegetables,  and 
alfalfa,  but  in  some  places  would  require  artificial  drainage. 


512 


SOILS   OF   THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sUty  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name.                                                           State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Quincy  silty  fine  sandy  loam 

Washington  6 

62,976 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Silt  Loam  Group. 

Soils  of  the  silt  loam  group  occur  under  two  series  widely  distributed  over 
the  Northwestern  Interniountain  region.  They  have  been  encountered  in  several 
areas  surveyed. 

These  two  members  of  the  group  vary  widely  in  topography  and  drainage,  one 
occurring  in  areas  of  treeless,  desert  plains  and  occupying  undulating  depres- 
sions of  rather  poorly  developed  drainage  while  the  other  occupies  rolling, 
hilly  areas  over  which  drainage  is  excessively  developed. 

The  soils  are  usually  of  good  depth  and  underlain  by  subsoils  of  high  water- 
holding  capacity.  They  are  usually  sticky  when  wet  and  where  poorly  drained 
puddle  readily  and  bake  and  crack  upon  subsequent  exposure.  Where  well 
drained  they  are  friable  under  cultivation  and  readily  assume  a  mellow  struc- 
tural condition.  They  require  a  heavier  farming  equipment  than  the  lighter 
soils  of  the  province  and  are  better  adapted  to  general  farming  purposes.  The 
rolling  and  hilly  areas  not  susceptible  of  irrigation  are  extensively  utilized  for 
the  production  of  wheat  and  barley.  Where  irrigated,  grains,  alfalfa,  vegetables, 
tree  and  small  fruits  are  grown.  Alfalfa  can  usually  be  grown  in  the  irrigated 
districts.  The  soils  of  lighter  texture  are  better  suited  to  the  commercial  pro- 
duction of  early  fruits  and  truck  crops,  but  apples,  late  cherries,  and  other  stone 
fruits,  small  fruits,  and  staple  vegetables  for  general  market,  canning,  or  pre- 
serving purposes  can  be  profitably  grown  upon  the  silt  loams  under  favorable 
conditions. 

Quincy  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  about  10  inches  of  light  yellowish- 
brown  to  light-gray  silt  loam,  carrying  large  amounts  of  very  line  sand  and  but 
little  clay.  It  is  rather  compact  and  tends  to  bake  and  crack  upon  exposure. 
The  subsoil  is  a  light  grayish-brown  silt  loam,  but  is  ordinarily  slightly  lighter 
in  color  than  the  soil.  It  occupies  broad,  shallow  depressions  of  gently  sloping 
or  gently  undulating  topography,  wind  drifting  being  unusual.  Where  culti- 
vated the  soil  is  retentive  of  moisture  and  under  irrigation  is  adapted  to  grains, 
vegetables,  alfalfa,  and  fruits.  Much  of  the  type  requires  artificial  drainage  if 
extensively  irrigated. 

Wdtta  Walla  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  very  sticky  brown  to  black 
silt  loam  or  loam  about  3  feet  deep,  underlain  by  a  silt  loam.  The  type  is  of 
wind-blown  origin,  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  material  It  occupies  very 
high,  steep  hills.  WTheat  and  barley  and  other  grains  do  well  without  Irriga- 
tion, giving  large  yields.  Under  irrigation  the  type  is  adapted  to  vegetables, 
apples,  cherries,  and  other  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  Hit  loams. 


Soil  name. 

Suite  or  area.1 

Walla  Wiilla  silt  loam                            

[dabo  8;  Washington  6, 8 

Washington  6 

Total                                                               

297,408 

•v  to  numbers  m  this  column  see  p.  733. 
ALLUVIAL   FAN   AND   VALLEY   FILLING   MATERIAL. 
The  toll  I   from  the  alluvial   fan  and   valley  tilling  material   have  been 

encountered  only  In  limited  areas  within  (he  region.    Borne  of  these  are  agri- 
culturally Important,  while  others  represent  Inextenslve  local  soil  bodies  which 
comparatively  Insignificant 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 


513 


In  many  localities  the  soil  consists  of  typical  alluvial  fan  deposits  distributed 
by  streams,  often  of  intermittent  character,  emerging  from  mountain  canyons 
or  ravines  in  the  adjacent  uplands.  In  others  the  material  occupies  sloping  to 
nearly  level  alluvial  foot  slopes,  formed  mainly  through  the  deposition  of 
material  transported  from  higher  levels  by  surface  sheet  wash  or  intermittent 
streams. 

In  so  far  as  mapped  the  soils  are  confined  to  three  soil  series,  each  of  which 
is  represented  by  only  a  few  members. 

The  material  from  which  the  soils  is  derived  embraces  basaltic,  granitic,  or 
related  quartz  bearing  crystalline  and  to  some  extent  sedimentary  rocks.  Some 
of  the  deposits  include  an  admixture  of  material  from  all  these  sources  and  are 
represented  by  the  Hutchinson  series,  which  has  been  encountered  at  the  foot 
of  the  Blue  Mountains  in  northeastern  Oregon.  Others  are  made  up  of  an 
admixture  of  material  from  basic  and  acid  igneous  rocks,  the  material  derived 
from  sedimentary  rocks  being  absent.  The  material  of  this  character  is  repre- 
sented in  the  soils  of  the  Baker  series  occurring  at  the  foot  of  the  Blue  Moun- 
tains and  also  in  the  Klamath-Lassen  Peak  district.  Local  areas  of  deposits 
assigned  to  this  province  derived  from  basaltic  material  and  occupying  local 
poorly  drained,  depressed  areas  in.  the  region  of  the  Columbia  River  plains 
are  included  under  the  Naylor  series. 

In  agricultural  importance  the  soils  of  the  province  are  subject  to  wide 
variation,  depending  upon  local  conditions  of  rainfall,  drainage,  and  facilities 
for  irrigation. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    SOIL    SERIES. 

Baker  series. — The  soils  are  light  gray  to  yellowish  brown  or  brown,  with  yel- 
low or*  yellowish-brown  subsoils  frequently  similar  to  the  surface  soil  in  color, 
texture,  and  structure,  but  becoming  heavier  in  texture  with  depth.  The  series 
is  derived  from  basaltic  and  crystalline  rocks  and  consists  of  alluvial  stream 
outwash  or  fan  deposits.  The  soils  are  sometimes  poorly  drained  under  irriga- 
tion and  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts  Under  favorable  condi- 
tions of  climate,  rainfall,  and  drainage,  alfalfa,  grains,  potatoes,  and  other 
vegetables  and  fruits  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Baker  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Baker  fine  sandy  loam 

Oregon  2;  California  7 

Oregon  1 

17,280 

10,816 

Total 

28,096 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hutchinson  series. — The  soils  are  predominantly  brown  to  dark  brown  or 
black,  underlain  by  gray,  grayish-brown,  or  yellowish  subsoils.  Variations  in 
texture  occur  throughout  the  soil  section,  the  upper  subsoil  often  being  heavier 
than  the  soil  and  the  lower  subsoil  and  sometimes  being  cemented  into  a  cal- 
cium carbonate  hardpan.  The  soils  of  the  series  consist  of  alluvial  fan  and 
alluvial  foot-slope  deposits,  with  an  admixture  in  places  of  true  colluvial  ma- 
terial. They  are  derived  prevailingly  from  quartz-bearing  granitic  rocks,  with 
an  admixture  in  places  of  effusive  or  sedimentary  rocks.  They  occupy  sloping 
to  nearly  level  situations  adjacent  to  mountains  and  foothills  and  are  sometimes 
broken  by  eroded  stream  valleys.  Drainage  is  ordinarily  well  established  and 
the  soils  generally  free  from  injurious  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  Consider- 
able areas  are  unutilized  except  for  grazing  purposes,  owing  to  the  lack  of 
irrigation  facilities.  Where  water  for  such  purposes  is  available  the  soils  are 
adapted  to  grains,  hay  crops,  and  tree  fruits,  depending  upon  the  texture  and 
local  conditions. 

79619—13 33 


514  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hutchinson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area1 

Acres. 

Hutchinson  loam 

Oregon  1 

30,784 

gravelly  loam , 

do 

17,216 

Total 

48,000 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Naylor  scries. — The  soils  and  subsoils  are  gray  to  drab  when  dry,  becoming 
darker  when  wet,  and  underlain  by  a  stratum  of  rounded  basaltic  gravel  and 
bowlders  or  by  basaltic  bedrock,  usually  at  less  than  6  feet.  They  occupy  tree- 
less depressions  in  the  upland  desert  plains  or  plateaus  or  the  channels  of  old 
glacial  streams.  The  material  is  apparently  of  basaltic  origin  and  consists  of 
old  alluvial  glacial  outwash  deposits  or  the  product  of  erosion  from  soils  of 
the  Ephrata  series.  In  some  places  the  soil  has  been  modified  by  wind-laid 
material,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  steep  bluffs  by  accretions  of  colluvial  material. 
The  topography  is  usually  level  and  the  soils  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the 
accumulation  of  injurious  amounts  of  alkali  salts. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Naylor  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Naylor  silt  loam ...                                                  

Washington  6 

3,392 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 


The  soils  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region,  derived  from  alluvial 
fan  and  valley-filling  material,  are  represented  by  one  fine  sandy  loam,  two 
loams,  one  gravelly  loam,  and  one  silt  loam  type,  occurring  under  the  Baker, 
Hutchinson,  and  Naylor  series. 

The  topography  varies  from  flat  to  moderately  sloping.  The  surface  in  the 
more  elevated  areas  is  sometimes  broken  by  ravines,  gullies,  or  precipitous 
slopes  of  deeply  eroded  stream  valleys.  In  general,  however,  it  is  of  regular 
contour  and  favorable  to  the  distribution  of  irrigation  waters.  Drainage  is 
well  established,  except  in  some  of  the  lower-lying  areas  along  the  foot  slopes 
where  seepage  waters  from  irrigation  accumulate,  and  in  low-lying,  depressed 
areas  occupied  by  the  Naylor  silt  loam.  Alkali  salts  sometimes  occur  in  inju- 
rious amounts  in  poorly  drained  areas.  Climatic  conditions  are  not  generally 
favorable  to  the  development  of  agriculture  without  irrigation.  The  larger 
unirrigated  areas  are  utilized  for  gracing. 

Where  irrigated  the  soils  are  devoted  mainly  to  general  farm  products  con- 
sisting principally  of  wheat,  oats,  barley,  alfalfa,  timothy,  and  clover.  Under 
favorable  conditions  the  fine  sandy  loam  is  utilized  to  some  extent  for  the  pro- 
duction of  potatoes,  tree  fruits,  and  vegetables,  to  which  it  is  well  suited.  The 
loam  types  require  a  heavier  farming  equipment  and  more  careful  tillage  than 

the   One   sandy    loam.      W'bere   well    drained    they   are   friable,   easily   cultivated, 

and  retain  moisture  well.    They  are  better  adapted  to  the  production  of  timothy 
or  other  grasses  and  to  general  farming  of  the  heavier  type  than  the  tine  sandy 

loam   of   I  he   province.     They  are  not    usually   so   well   suited   to  early   fruit  or 
vegetables,  bnt   well  drained  areas  of  suitable  topography  can  be  used  for  late 

vegetables,  apples,  and  pears  witii  good  results. 

The  gravelly  loam  type  often  contains  a  large  content  of  gravel  and  some- 
times an  excessive  amount  of  large  bowlders  or  stone  fragments.  This  material 
renders  the  type  rather  defldenl  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  subject  to 
drought  [irrigation  under  such  conditions  becomes  necessary  at  more  frequent 
Intervali  than  upon  the  normal  loam  members  of  the  same  series.  Under 
similar  conditions  it   win  probably  prove  better  adapted  to  fruits  requiring 

early,  well  drained  soils  than  l<>  general   farming. 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN   REGION.  515 

The  silt  loam,  which  is  the  only  member  occurring  under  the  Naylor  series,  is 
of  limited  extent.  It  is  poorly  drained  and  but  little  utilized  for  agriculture. 
Where  well  drained  and  capable  of  irrigation  it  should  prove  suitable  for  the 
production  of  hay  and  grain  crops. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Baker  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  smooth  fine  sandy  loam  of  light  gray  to 
light  brown  color.  The  subsoil  is  of  yellowish  brown  color  and  is  quite  similar 
in  general  color  and  character  to  the  soil  material.  The  type  consists  of  alluvial 
deposits  derived  predominantly  from  basaltic  rock  and  distributed  as  alluvial 
slope  or  fan  material  by  surface  sheet  wash  or  intermittent  streams.  The  type 
possesses  high  capillarity,  and  where  occurring  under  conditions  of  deficient 
natural  drainage  is,  under  irrigation,  apt  to  accumulate  alkali  salts.  Where 
well  drained  and  irrigated  it  is  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  fruit,  and  gar- 
den products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Baker  fine  sandy  loam 

Oregon  2;  California  7 

17,280 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

Baker  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  yellowish-brown  loam,  underlain  by  a 
yellow  or  yellowish-brown  subsoil,  generally  of  somewhat  heavier  texture  and 
more  compact  structure  in  its  deeper  portions  than  the  soil  material.  The  type 
is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  from  crystalline  and  basaltic  rocks.  It  occu- 
pies alluvial  slopes  or  plains  and  alluvial  fans,  and  represents  material  trans- 
ported by  surface  waters  or  by  minor  intermittent  streams.  Natural  drainage 
is  somewhat  deficient  under  irrigation  and  the  soil  apt  to  accumulate  alkali 
salts.  Under  favorable  conditions  grains,  hay  crops,  fruits,  and  vegetables  can 
be  grown. 

Hutchinson  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  loam,  sometimes  approaching  a 
fine  sandy  loam  of  rather  loose  porous  structure,  from  12  to  24  inches  deep, 
underlain  by  a  gritty  subsoil  of  lighter  color,  compact  structure,  and  heavy  tex- 
ture. Fine  angular  gravel  is  sometimes  present  in  the  soil  section,  often  form- 
ing a  hardpan  in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  upon  mesa  lands  and  lower  foot 
slopes  and  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali.  Under  irrigation  it  is  adapted 
to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  clover,  timothy,  grains,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oregon  1 

30,784 
10,816 

do 

Total 

41,600 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 

Hutchinson  gravelly  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  sandy 
loam  to  fine  sandy  loam  with  a  gravel  content  ranging  as  high  as  50  or  60  per 
cent.  In  the  vicinity  of  stream  channels  the  soil  often  becomes  quite  stony,  con- 
sisting largely  of  bowlders  with  but  little  interstitial  material.  The  upper  sub- 
soil is  similar  in  general  character  to  the  surface  soil  and  is  underlain  to  a  depth 
of  16  to  24  inches  by  gravel  and  bowlders  or  by  rock  conglomerate.  The  type 
consists  of  alluvial  fan  and  foot-slope  deposits  of  intermittent  stream  or  sheet- 
surface  waters.  It  occupies  nearly  level  to  moderately  sloping  areas,  is  generally 
well  drained  and  free  from  injurious  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.    Wheat,  oats, 


516  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

hurley,  clover,  ;md  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops  grown.     More  frequent  irriga- 
tion is  required  than  on  the  surrounding  soils  of  heavier  texture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


me.  or  area.1 


Hutchinson  gravelly  loam Oregon  1 


17,216 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  -»>.•  p.  " 

Sh.t  Loam  Group 

ylor  silt  loam.— The  surface  soil  is  of  variable  texture,  in  places  approach- 
ftne  Bandy  Loam.  H  has  a  gray  color  when  dry  and  becomes  dark  drab 
when  wet.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  and  is  usually  underlain  by  bed 
rock  or  basaltic  bowlders  at  a  depth  of  2  to  10  feet.  The  surface  is  generally 
ievel,  poorly  drained,  and  covered  by  alkali-resisting  plants.  Thorough  drain- 
age and  the  removal  of  alkali  are  necessary  before  any  effective  utilization  of 
ibis  type  is  possible. 

Irea  and  distribution  of  the  8ili  loam. 


Soil  name. 

te  or  urea.1 

Acres. 

Naylor  silt  loam 

3,392 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
RIVER   FLOOD   PLAIN   MATERIAL. 

The  soils  derived  from  the  alluvial  material  of  the  River  Flood  plains  and 
••  i-.  ces  are  of  comparatively  small  area,  owing  to  the  fad  thai  the  larger 
si  reams  usually  traverse  deeply  entrenched,  narrow  valleys.  In  some  of  the 
tributary  valleys,  particularly  those  entering  the  Columbia  River  from  the 
west  in  Washington,  quite  extensive  areas  of  stream-terrace  deposits  occur. 
These  are  highly  developed  to  intensive  agriculture  under  irrigation,  and  in- 
clude portions  of  the  fruit-producing  districts  of  the  Yakima  and  Wenatchee 
valleys. 

The  material  from  which  the  soils  of  the  River  Flood  plains  in  this  region 
are  derived  is  predominantly  of  basaltic  origin.  In  some  of  the  deposits  of  the 
larger  streams,  often  transported  from  great  distances  and  from  a  source  en- 
tirely outside  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region,  material  derived  from 
granitic  or  related  quartz-bearing  crystalline  rocks  is  encountered.  Material 
derived  from  sedimentary  rocks  enters  into  the  alluvial  flood  plain  and  terrace 
soils  of  this  region  to  but  a  limited  extent. 

Some  of  the  soils  of  the  province  have  been  encountered  in  widely  separated 
areas  and  are  extensively  developed.  Others  have  been  recognized  only  as  of 
local  and  inex !ciisi\  e  occurrence.  The  more  Important  include  those  of  the 
Yakima,  Boise.   Beverly,  and  OaldweU  series. 

The  areas  of  soils  derived  from  stream-laid  deposits  or  River  Flood  plain 
material  are  most  favorably  situated  of  any  of  the  region  with  regard  to  water 

■lipply  and  adaptability  to  irrigation.  For  this  reason  they  are  more  highly 
developed,  and  in  the  agricultural  districts  to  which  the  soil  surreys  have  been 
mainly  confined  arc  represented  by  b  relatively  large  number  of  soil  scries,  some 
of  which  are  extensively  y.^'*\  tor  alfalfa  or  other  general  farm  crops,  hops. 
fruits,  and  other  Bpecial  products.    They  frequently  constitute  excellent  orchard 

being  well  protected  from  winds,  and  where  occupying  the  sloping  ter- 

are  generallj  exempt  from  injurious  frosts. 


NORTHWESTERN    INTEBMOTJNTAIN   REGION. 


517 


DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    SOIL    SERI J 

Beverly  series. — The  Beverly  series  embraces  soils  and  subsoils  of  gray  to 
grayish-brown  color,  often  shallow  and  gravelly,  and  underlain  by  river-laid 
deposits  of  gravels  and  cobbles.  The  gravels  and  soil  particles  are  well  rounded 
and  represent  material  derived  from  basaltic  and  crystalline  rocks.  The  soils 
are  generally  moderately  micaceous  and  the  surface  material  of  the  lighter 
members  often  more  or  less  wind  blown.  The  series  is  of  recent  alluvial  origin 
and  occupies  bottom  and  lower  sloping  terraces  of  stream  valleys,  often  deeply 
eroded  and  narrow,  and  representing  former  flood  plains.  The  members  of  the 
series  are  usually  free  from  overflow  and  are  generally  treeless  or  but  sparsely 
timbered.  The  topography  varies  from  smooth  to  hummocky.  and  drainage  is 
usually  excessive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Beverly  series. 


Soil  name. 


Stale  or  area.* 


1    Acres. 


Beverly  sandy  gravel 

fine  sand 

gravelly  fine  sandy  loam . 


Washington  G . 

do 

do 


Total . 


3.392 
4,096 
1.536 


9,024 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Boise  scries. — The  Boise  soils  are  of  light-gray  to  light-brown  color.  The 
subsoils  are  similar  to  the  soils  in  color.  They  are  underlain  by  a  calcareous 
hardpan  substratum  and  by  beds  of  coarse  gravels.  The  series  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  occupying  stream  flood  plains  and  lower  terraces.  It  is  derived  from 
basaltic  rock.  The  types  are  well  drained  and  where  not  underlain  at  too 
shallow  depths  by  hardpan  are  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Borne  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Idaho  2 

do 

61,960 

silt  loam 

95,850 

Total 

157.810 



i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CaldweU  serifs. — The  soils  of  the  Caldwell  series  range  in  color  from 
to  dark  gray  or  black.  The  subsoils  are  usually  of  somewhat  lighter  shade. 
varying  from  light  gray  to  drab,  and  are  underlain  by  a  gravel  substratum 
encountered  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6  feet.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin  and 
derived  from  effusive  volcanic  rocks  mainly  of  basic  character,  and  from 
gneiss,  schist,  granite,  shale,  sandstone,  and  probably  to  some  extent  from 
limestones.  The  soils  occupy  stream  bottoms  and  terraces  of  level  to  gently 
sloping  topography.  They  are  generally  favorably  situated  for  irrigation.  The 
heavier  members  are  ordinarily  well  supplied  with  organic  matter.  Some  of 
the  lower  lying  areas  are  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  occurrence 
salts,  but  as  a  rule  drainage  is  well  established  and  the  soils  free  from  overflow. 
They  to  agriculture  without  irrigation.  In  the 

lower  lying  areas  of  deficient  drainage,  which  are  devoted  mainly  to  grazing  and 
to  bay  crops.  Small  grains,  timothy  and  other  grasses,  alfalfa,  potatoes,  sugar 
beets,  tree  fruits,  and  truck  crops  are  grown. 


518  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Caldwell  8< 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam, 
loam * 


gravelly  loam. 
sQt  loam 


Idaho  2,  3 

Idaho  1;  Oregon  1;  \V 
ton  8. 

Washington  8 

Idaho  2,  3 


35,212 
274,368 


10,048 
17,436 


Total. 


337,064 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Deer  Flat  series. — The  soils  are  red  and  somewhat  micaceous,  with  subsoils 
of  sand  or  sandy  loam  similar  in  color  to  the  soils.  They  are  of  alluvial  origin 
derived  predominantly  from  basaltic  material  and  occupy  stream  flood  plains 
and  lower  terraces.  The  topography  is  generally  level  and  favorable  to  irriga- 
tion. Drainage  is  ordinarily  well  established  and  under  irrigation  the  mem- 
bers are  adapted  to  grains,  hay,  truck,  and  fruit. 

irea  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Deer  Flat  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Idaho  2 

45,380 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Ehoauna  scries. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black  and  often  of  compact, 
refractory  structure,  with  brown  subsoils,  which  in  turn  rest  upon  a  sub- 
stratum of  white  or  buff-colored  chalk-like  material,  sometimes  of  calcareous 
character,  bul  generally  made  up  largely  of  siliceous  diatomaceous  earth 
material  and  volcanic  ash  deposited  in  the  waters  of  former  lakes.  The  soils 
are  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupy  flats  or  depressed  areas  in  river  flood  plains. 
The  material  is  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  rocks  and  deposits  of  volcanic  ash 
laid  down  in  the  waters  of  ancient  lakes.  Drainage  is  often  poorly  established, 
but  under  favorable  conditions  most  of  the  general  farm  crops  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  lUraunn  series. 


Soil  name. 


Kwauijii  clay  adobe Oregon  2 


State  or  area.' 


Acres. 


384 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  718 

Klamath  series.  The  soils  are  gray  to  dark  gray  or  black,  often  containing 
i  high  contenl  of  organic  matter,  the  darker  colors  becoming  more  pronounced 
when  the  soils  are  moist.  The  subsoils  are  gray  to  yellowish  and  of  somewhat 
lighter  texture  than  the  soil  The  series  consists  of  alluvial  material  derived 
from  tie-  disintegration  and  decomposition  of  basaltic  rocks,  volcanic  ash. 
diatomaceous  earth  and  a  large  addition  of  organic  material  Drainage  is 
usually  poor  in  this  series,  some  form  of  reclamation  being  accessary  before 
much  of  the  land  can  be  used  for  agricultural  purposes,  where  adequately 
drained  grain,  potatoes,  timothy,  and  clover  can  bo  grown 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Klamath  series. 


519 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Klamath  fine  sandy  loam Oregon  2 . 

loam do.. . 

clay  adobe i do. . . 


Total. 


2,048 
11,776 
8,832 


22,656 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733 . 

Langel  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown  to  light  brown  in  color,  frequently 
tenacious  and  compact  in  structure,  and  vary  in  depth  from  15  to  30  inches. 
The  subsoils  are  of  yellowish-brown  or  light-brown  color,  of  rather  heavy  tex- 
ture, .and  contain  a  large  proportion  of  diatoinaeeous  earth.  In  places  they  are 
underlain  at  less  than  6  feet  by  a  substratum  of  light-gray  chalky  material 
mixed  with  volcanic  ash,  occasionally  calcareous  and  carrying  embedded 
pebbles.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  largely  from  the  erosion  of 
basaltic  material  and  volcanic  ash  occupying  the  higher  slopes.  The  series 
occupies  gently  sloping  to  flat  areas  in  river  flood  plains  or  stream-laid  valley 
plains.  The  soils  are  generally  well  drained  and  retentive  of  moisture  and 
under  favorable  irrigation  and  climatic  conditions  are  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains, 
potatoes,  and  orchard  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Langel  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1  Oregon  2;  California  7 

70,464 

loam 

do 

6,912 

Total 

77,376 

I 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  337. 

Link  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  are  of  white  or  light-gray  color,  both 
being  formed  largely  of  diatomaceous  earth.  This  is  of  chalky  character,  some- 
times calcareous,  and  generally  contains  an  admixture  of  volcanic  ash.  The 
series  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  river  flood  plains  and  lower  stream 
terraces.  The  soils  are  sticky  when  wet  and  of  flourlike  texture  when  dry. 
A  superficial  layer  of  sand  or  finer  sediments  often  covers  the  surface.  The 
types  are  often  poorly  drained  and  affected  with  alkali  salts.  Fair  crops  of 
alfalfa  are  grown  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Link  series. 


Soil  name. 


Link  clay  loam . 


>r  area.1 


Acres. 


15,680 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Red  Itoek  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  are  of  light  or  drab  to  yollowish- 
brown  color  when  dry,  becoming  darker  when  moist.  They  are  sometimes 
gravelly  and  are  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  gravel  and  cobbles.  The  topog- 
raphy is  nearly  flat  to  s, oping  or  sometimes  slightly  Irregular  or  duny.  The 
members  of  the  series  are  ofteu  poorly  drained  and  frequently  subject  i"  over- 
flow or  to  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts.  They  are  derived  predominantly 
from  basaltie  material,  which  in  the  Quincy  area,  Washington,  consists  of 
glacial  OUtwash  deposits.  '1  ho  soils  are  of  moderately  recent  alluvial  origin, 
but  have  been  subject  to  some  addition  and  intermingling  of  wind-blown  mate- 
rial and  at  the  base  of  steep  inclosing  bluffs  of  colluvial  material.  The  soils 
occupy  stream   bottoms  and   Lower   terraces,  supporting  only  desert    vegetation. 


520 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


They  are  distinguished  from  the  Beverly  series  by  the  prevailing  darker  color 
of  the  soil  and  subsoil  and  by  being  more  frequently  poorly  drained  and  subject 
to  overflow. 

Area  and  distribution  of  tht  soUs  of  tin   Bed  Ro< 


Soil  name. 

Shite  or  area.1 

Red  Rock  fine  sand  v  loam 

Washinj 

clav • 

do... 

li  336 

• 

Total 

9,792 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Wind  Hirer  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  brown,  and  characterised 
by  the  occurrence  of  soft,  weathered  basaltic  fragments  and  small,  spherical 
pellets  or  aggregates  of  mineral  particles  cemented  by  iron  solutions.  The 
subsoils  are  light  brown  to  yellowish  brown,  sometimes  compact,  and  underlain 
at  depths  ranging  from  4  to  50  feet  by  basaltic  bedrock  or  more  frequently  by 
a  substratum  of  stratified  gravels  resting  upon  the  basaltic  bedrock.  Sub- 
angular  to  rounded  bowlders  and  gravels  are  of  frequent  occurrence  throughout 
the  soil  profile.    Tl  i  occupies  stream  terraces  well  elevated  above  present 

flood  terraces,  of  level  to  undulating  topography,  and  marked  by  steep  and  rocky 
terrace  slopes.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  mainly  from  basaltic 
material.     Drainage  is  well  established.     The  forest  growth  is  rather  limited. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the    Wind   Rivet  series. 


name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Washington  7. 
do 

1,024 

9,984 

do 

1 .  024 

do 

1 ,  280 

do. 

1,536 

Total 

14,848 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  738. 


Yakima  series.-— The  soils  of  the  Yakima  series  range  from  light  gray  or  g 

ish  brown  to  yellowish  brown  or  light  brown  in  color,  and  extend  to  a  depti 
feet  or  more.  They  are  often  porous  and  sometimes  of  ashy  structure,  carrying 
strata  or  pockets  of  volcanic  ash  and  occasionally  waterworn  gravel  or  glacial 
bowlders.  Drainage  is  usually  well  developed  and  in  places  excessive.  The 
topography  ranges  from  gently  sloping  or  undulating  to  level,  the  soils  occupying 
stream  bottoms  and  terraces.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin,  the  Immediate 
surface  material  being  derived  from  basaltic  or  other  eruptive  rocks.  The 
members  <>r  the  ri   usually  treeless  and  occupy  deserl  plains 

irea  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Yakima  series, 


State  or  area.1 

Malm    '                                           

Mai;-                        [ton  9 

Idaho  i 

e  p.  783. 


NORTHWESTERN   IXTERMOUNTAIN   REGION. 


521 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  A2s'I)    THEIR  USE. 


Sand  Group. 


SANDY    GRAVEL   PHASE. 

The  fine  interstitial  material  of  this  phase  of  the  sand  group  consists  pre- 
dominantly of  sand  or  fine  sand,  but  carries  a  sufficiently  high  content  of  gravel 
and  cobbles  to  essentially  alter  the  normal  character  of  the  soil. 

Material  of  this  character  has  been  encountered  in  only  one  locality,  and  oc- 
curs under  the  Beverly  series.  It  is  of  loose,  porous  structure,  and  deficient  in 
moisture-retaining  capacity.  The  content  of  gravel  and  cobbles  is  usually  suffi- 
cient to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  type  is  not  adapted  to  general  agri- 
culture, and  is  not  utilized  to  any  extent.  It  is,  however,  favorably  situated 
for  irrigation,  and  with  a  liberal  supply  of  water  for  this  purpose  might  be 
used  for  the  production  of  early  fruits. 

Beverly  sandy  gravel. — The  surface  soil,  to  a  depth  of  12  to  15  inches,  con- 
sists of  a  compact  mass  of  rounded  gravel  of  various  sizes,  containing  a  variable 
amount  of  rounded  cobbles  and  small  bowlders. 

Considerable  fine  sand  is  mixed  with  this  coarse  material,  which  gives  the 
soil  a  gray  to  light  grayish-brown  color.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  compact 
mass  of  gravel,  cobbles,  and  small,  rounded  bowlders  extending  to  a  depth  of 
6  feet  or  more.  The  topography  varies  from  level  to  gently  sloping,  undu- 
lating or  irregular  and  duny.  The  type  is  but  slightly  elevated  above  present 
stream  channels,  but  only  small  areas  are  subject  to  overflow.  Drainage  is 
excessive,  and  the  type  is  not  adapted  to  farming  except  under  irrigaaon. 
There  is  enough  sandy  material  present  in  the  soil  to  enable  it  to  be  utilized  to 
a  limited  extent  for  agricultural  purposes.  Practically  the  entire  area  of  this 
type  can  be  irrigated.  With  sufficient  water  supply  the  type  can  be  used  for 
fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  gravel. 


Soil  name. 


Beverly  sandy  gravel. 


State  or  area.1 


Washington  6 . 


Acres. 


3,392 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  line  sand  group  have  not  been  widely  encountered,  and  are 
represented  in  but  two  of  the  more  important  soil  series  of  the  province. 

The  soil  material  is  of  loose,  porous  structure,  and  in  exposed  localiti; 
surface  is  frequently  wind  drifted  where  not  protected  by  windbreaks  or  other 
vegetation.  Cultivation  is  easy,  and  only  light  farming  equipment  required. 
The  subsoil  is  generally  porous  and  both  surface  and  underdrainage  usually 
well  established.  Some  of  the  lower-lying  areas  are  occasionally  subject  to 
overflow  during  periods  of  high  water.  Only  a  portion  of  the  area  covered  by 
the  soils  of  this  group  is  at  present  utilized,  owing  to  the  lack  of  irrigation 
facilities.  The  soils  are  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  subject  to 
drought  where  not  frequently  irrigated.  Irregular  and  wind-blown  areas  re- 
quire considerable  leveling  before  irrigation  can  be  practiced.  Alfalfa,  truck, 
and  fruit  crops  are  most  extensively  grown,  alfalfa  proving  a  profitable  crop 
under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation.  The  general  farm  crops  do  best  0n 
the  heavier  soils.  Tinder  favorable  conditions  of  climate,  irrigation,  and  market 
facilities  they  are  best  utilized  for  the  production  of  curly  stone  fruits,  early 
table  grapes,  melons,  and  curly  truck  crops. 

Beverly  fine  sand. — The  typical  soil  to  a  depth  of  12  to  15  inches  is  of  loose. 
Incoherent  structure  and  usually  distinctly  micaceous.  It  sometimes  carries 
noticeable  amounts  of  course  and  medium  sand.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  fine 
sand,  slightly  more  compact  than  the  surface  soil  and  lighter  in  color,  which 
rests  upon  a  compact  mass  of  gravel  and  small  bowlders  at  an  average  d< 
of  2\  to  5  feet.  Small  amounts  of  gravel  sometimes  appear  in  the  surface 
material.  The  type  occupies  first  bottom  or  lower  sloping  terraces,  slightly 
elevated  above  present  stream  channels,  but  seldom  subject  to  overflow.  The 
surface  varies  from  level  or  gently  sloping  to  wind  blown  and  hummocky.  It 
is  generally  well  drained  and  subject  to  drought,  but  irrigable  where  water 
supply  is  available. 


522 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Yakima  fine  sand. — This  type  is  a  fine  sand  of  loose,  porous  structure,  rang- 
ing from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet  in  depth.  It  is  similar  to  the  Yakima 
sand  in  color,  topographic  position,  origin,  and  mode  of  formation,  but  is  gen- 
erally less  subject  to  wind  drifting.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  free  from  alkali, 
and  where  capable  of  irrigation  and  cultivation  is  adapted  to  tree  fruits,  truck 
crops,  berries,  alfalfa,  and  clover. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Yakima  fine  sand 

Idaho  2 

17,430 
4,096 

Beverly  find  sand 

Washington  6.. 

Total 

21,526 

;  •  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  ^ee  p.  733.  • 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Only  a  single  member  of  this  soil  group  has  as  yet  been  encountered.  It  is 
of  comparatively  limited  extent,  occupying  stream  terraces  on  the  eastern  slopes 
of  the  Cascade  Mountains. 

The  soil  is  friable  and  easily  handled,  resting  upon  a  sandy  loam  or  loamy 
wind  subsoil,  underlain  at  considerable  depths  by  gravel.  Drainage  is  excessive 
nnd  the  moisture-retaining  capacity  of  the  soil  low.  Some  of  the  intensively 
cultivated  crops  might  be  grown  without  irrigation,  but  the  normal  rainfall  is 
scanty  and  crop  returns  are  uncertain.  Only  small  areas  of  the  type  are  under 
cultivation  at  present. 

The  soil  usually  supports  a  forest  growth,  and  some  labor  in  clearing  is  neces- 
sary in  preparing  the  land  for  cultivation.  Once  prepared  for  irrigation,  only 
a  light  farming  equipment  is  needed  in  caring  for  crops.  Under  such  conditions 
alfalfa,  potatoes,  fruits  (including  early  apples),  and  some  of  the  lighter  and 
earlier  types  of  vegetables  can  be  grown.  The  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  heavy 
general  farming  purposes. 

Wind  River  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  medium  sandy  loam 
from  15  to  24  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  sandy  loam  or 
Loamy  sand  of  considerable  depth,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  a  gravel  sub- 
stratum. Sometimes  bedrock  occurs  at  a  depth  of  6  to  10  feet,  and  in  such  cases 
the  gravel  deposits  are  absent.  A  small  amount  of  mica  and  a  few  basaltic 
gravel  are  found  in  both  the  soil  and  subsoil.  Natural  drainage  is  thorough  and 
in  some  cases  excessive.  The  type  is  somewhat  deficient  in  moisture-retaining 
capacity,  but  well  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops  under  irrigation,  including 
alfalfa,  potatoes,  small  and  tree  fruits,  etc. 

\rea  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


a  ime. 

•■■  ot  are  i.' 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

L,0M 

1  For  kej  to  Dumber  In  this  column     ■ 


QRAVEU  I    SANltv    LOAM    PH  LSI  . 

The  gravelly  sandy  loam  soils  In  this  province,  like  those  of  normal  sandy 
loam  texture,  have  aol  been  extensively  encountered  and  are  represented 
by  a  single  type  of  the  Wind  River  series. 

The  soil  contains  a  large  amount  of  gravel,  making  the  structure  more  open 

and  porous  than  Is  the  case  with  the  sandy  loam,  which,  with  prevailing  condi- 

of   excessive   drainage    decreases    its   moisture-retaining   capacity   and 

becomes   droughty.    The   gravel   content,    however,   decreases   In    the   subsoil. 

the  deeper  portion  being  usually  of  fine  texture  and  of  fairly  compacl  structure, 

ture  which  to  a  certain  extenl  counteracts  the  tendency  toward  excessive 

of  moisture  under  Irrigation.    The  gravelly  sandy  loam  is  not  extensively 


NORTH WESTEEN    1NTEJKMOUNTAIN    REGION.  523 

cultivated,  as  irrigation  is  essential  to  any  successful  form  of  agriculture. 
When  properly  irrigated  it  is  adapted  to  about  the  same  crops  as  the  normal 
sandy  loam  in  the  same  soil  series. 

Wind  River  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  varies  in  depth  from  12  to  18 
inches  and  contains  a  large  amount  of  angular  to  subangular  gravel.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  light-brown  to  yellowish  loam  or  sandy  loam,  the  gravel  content  being 
lower  than  in  the  surface  soil.  The  amount  of  gravel  decreases  and  the  silt 
content  increases  with  depth,  until  at  30  inches  the  subsoil  often  has  the  texture 
of  a  silt  loam.  Mica  particles  are  found  throughout  the  soil  profile  in  small 
quantities.  The  terraces  occupied  by  this  type  range  in  elevation  from  10  to 
200  or  400  feet  above  the  present  stream  level.  The  topography  varies  from 
level  to  gently  undulating.  Drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive  and  the  soil  deficient 
in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Irrigation  is  a  necessary  adjunct  to  any  form  of 
successful  agriculture.  Where  irrigated  alfalfa  and  numerous  varieties  of 
fruits  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Wind  River  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Washington  7 

9,984 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  occurring  under  this  group  are  represented  in  widely  separated 
areas  and  constitute  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  important  soil  groups  of  the 
Northwestern  Iutermountain  region.  Some  members  of  the  group  have  been 
encountered  only  as  local  inextensive  bodies  and  are  of  minor  agricultural 
importance.  Those  occurring  under  the  more  important  soil  series,  however, 
are  frequently  extensively  developed  and  are  in  a  high  state  of  intensive 
cultivation. 

Conditions  of  drainage,  irrigation,  character  of  underlying  material,  and 
other  important  features  in  the  utilization  of  the  soils  vary  widely  in  the 
several  areas  in  which  the  fine  sandy  loams  have  been  encountered.  The  soils 
are  usually  free  from  overflow  and  fairly  well  drained.  One  or  two  members 
of  the  group,  occupying  lower  terraces  on  areas  of  flood  plains  adjacent  to 
stream  courses,  are  subject  to  overflow  or  are  poorly  drained,  while  in  the 
irrigated  districts  extensive  areas  of  the  soils  have  in  some  instances  suffered 
from  the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters,  sometimes  accompanied  by  an  excess 
of  mineral  salts  from  higher-lying  slopes. 

The  surface  is  usually  smooth,  nearly  level  or  gently  sloping,  and  admirably 
adapted  to  the  distribution  of  water  for  irrigation.  On  many  areas  irrigation 
facilities  have  been  extensively  developed  at  a  comparatively  low  cost  by 
diverting  water  from  adjacent  streams  and  a  highly  intensive  form  of  ngricul- 
ture  developed. 

In  the  areas  more  favorably  situated  with  regard  to  rainfall  dry-farmed 
crops  are  successfully  grown,  although  irrigation  is  generally  essential  on  most 
of  the  areas  in  which  the  fine  sandy  loams  have  been  encountered. 

The  soils  are  friable  under  cultivation  and  under  favorable  conditions  of 
drainage  and  irrigation  are  readily  maintained  in  a  friable,  mellow  tilth.  Only 
a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment  is  necessary  and  the  soils  may  be  eco- 
nomically and  effectively  utilized  in  small,  intensively  cultivated  tracts.  They 
are  well  suited  under  irrigation  to  general  farming  purposes  as  well  as  to  more 
intensively  cultivated  fruit  and  other  special  crops.  They  probably  have  a 
wider  crop  adaptation  than  any  of  the  soils  of  the  Northwestern  [ntermountain 
region.  The  principal  general  farm  crops  include  alfalfa,  oats,  wheal,  timothy, 
clover,  and  potatoes.  When  favored  by  climate,  transportation,  and  market 
facilities,  extensive  areas  are  devoted  to  apples,  pears,  peaches,  plums,  cherries, 
hops,  table  grapes,  strawberries,  and  other  small  fruits,  melons,  cantali 
and  truck  crops.  Crass  crops  do  well  on  poorly  drained  areas,  bul  the  soils  are 
in  general  not  so  well  adapted  to  these  crops  and  to  other  genera'  farming 
purposes  as  the  heavier  soil  types.  They  are  profitably  utilized  in  the  produc- 
tion of  alfalfa  and  for  a  Light    type  of  general   farming,  but   when  climatic  and 


524  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

irrigation  conditions  are  favorable  are  more  highly  esteemed  for  the  culture  of 
fruits,  small  fruits,  aud  truck  crops  of  choice  quality  and  high  market  value. 

Deer  flat  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  red,  micaceous  fine  sandy  loam  varying 
in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  3  feet  and  underlain  by  a  sandy  Loam  or  sand 
from  50  to  100  feet  deep.  The  type  occurs  in  higher  lying  valley  areas  and  has 
a  generally  level  surface.  The  soil  is  free  from  alkali,  but  only  a  small  pro- 
portion is  cultivated,  owing  to  hick  of  water  for  irrigation,  It  is  a  good  soil  for 
truck,  grain,  clover,  and  fruit. 

Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  tine  sandy  loam  of  light  gray 
or  light  brown  to  a  darker  gray  or  brown  color.     The  subsoil  is  similar  in  i 
aud  texture  to  the  soil   and  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a   stratum  of  gravel  or 
sand  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6  feet.     The  soil  is  slightly  porous  in  structure  and 
rather  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  except  where  intensively  culti- 
vated.    It  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  from  basalt,  quartz-bearing,  crystal- 
line, and  sedimentary  rocks.     It  occupies  level  to  slightly  sloping  Btream  ter- 
races and  is  usually  free  from  overflow.     Surface  drainage  is-  sometimes  | 
established,  but  the  type  is  favored  by  excellent  subdrainage  except  where  the, 
water  table  approaches  the  surface.    Lower  lying  and  poorly  draii  s  are 

utilized  mainly  for  grazing  and  hay  crops.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irri- 
gation and  drainage  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  truck  crops,  and  fruits. 
Cantaloupes,  melons,  peaches,  cherries,  plums,  and  table  grapes  are  extensively 
grown  in  favorably  located  areas. 

Klamath  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  almost  black 
fine  sandy  loam  about  15  inches  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  light-gray  tine  sandy 
loam  (')  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  occupies  overflow  land  near  stream  courses. 
Between  the  soil  and  subsoil  a  thin  cemented  layer  is  sometimes  encountered. 
The  type  is  comparatively  free  from  alkali,  although  in  some  instances  black 
alkali  is  found.  Usually  saire  and  rabbit  brush  are  the  native  vegetation. 
Alfalfa,  grain,  and  garden  truck  are  the  principal  crops. 

Langel  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  has  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  color 
when  dry,  which  becomes  darker  when  moist.  The  subsoil  is  light  brown  to 
yellowish  brown  or  gray,  the  deeper  portions  being  light  yellow  or  buff  to  light 
gray.  The  subsoil  is  composed  largely  of  chalky,  diatomaceous  material  and 
volcanic  ash.  resting  upon  a  substratum  of  compact  chalky  beds,  sometimes  of 
calcareous  character  and  containing  embedded  waterworn  pebbles.  The  type  is 
of  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  level  to  gently  sloping  recent  flood  plains  or 
earlier  alluvial  stream-laid  valley  plains.  It  is  derived  from  basaltic  material, 
diatomaceous  earth,  and  volcanic  ash.  Drainage  is  generally  fairly  well  estab- 
lished, and  under  favorable  conditions  of  climate,  drainage,  and  irrigation  it 
is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  potatoes,  and  fruits. 

Red  Rock  fine  sandy  loam.— The  soil  is  typically  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown 
color,  of  compact  structure,  and  from  12  to  24  inches  deep,  sometimes  having  a 
gravel  content.    The  subsoil  has  a   slightly  lighter  color  than  the 
soil  and  consists  of  ;;  compact  line  sandy  loam  usually  extending  to  a  depth  of 
6  feet  or  more,    it  is  sometimes  underlain  at  :'»  to  6  feet  by  waterworn  git 
<  alluvia]  origin,  and  occupies  flat  to  gently  sloping  areas  of  si 
botton  -  and  low  terraces,     it   is  derived  from  basaltic  material.    The  surface 
en   somewhat    irregular  or  wind  blown.    The  type  is  sometimes  poorly 
ed   and   alkaline. 

Wind   River  fine  sandy  loam.    The  soil   is  usually  8  to   12  inches  deep  and  of 

rather  light-brown  color.    The  subsoil  is  ;i  light-brown  to  yellowish-brown 
often  mottled  with  shades  of  brown  and  yellow,     it  becomes  heavier  and  more 
compact  with  depth     The  underlying  gravelly  substratum  occurs  at  a  de] 

about    Hi   feet      Both   the  soil  and  SUbSOil  contain  a   small   amount   of  mien    par- 

nnd  a  few  subangular  basaltic  bowlders  are  found  on  the  The 

terraces  occupied  bj   the  type  frequently   bave  an  elevation  of  800  or  hm  feet 

ml  stream  flood  plains.  The  terrace  slopes  are  often  quite  steep, 
but   the  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling.     Natural  drainage  is  thorough  hut 

and  the  type  is  retentive  of  moisture.     With  thorough  cu 

<■   type  '•mii   he  successfully    farmed   without    Irrigation   and    is 

:«.s  and  other  small  fruits,  apples  and  other  tire  fruits   and  general 
farm  crops. 

Yakima    fine  sandy  loam.    The  type  consists  of  a   gray,  light,   friabl  • 

h!  from  a   few  inches  to  many  feci   in  depth.    Alternating  strata  of 
nnc  sand  ::ud  tine  sandy  loam,  with  considerable  gravel,  occur  throughout  the 

lower    portion    of   Hi"  SOll    section.      Where    the  soil    is  shallow    it    rests  directly 

basaltic  bedrock.     Strata   of   volcanic  ash   frequently   occur  at    varying 


NORTHWESTERN    INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 


525 


depths  throughout  the  soil  section  in  beds  varying  from  a  few  inches  to  2  feet 
in  thickness.  The  type  generally  occurs  in  extensive  bodies,  occupying  elevated 
slopes  and  valley  plains.  On  account  of  its  friable,  porous  structure  ir  is 
easily  eroded.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  soil  free  from  alkali,  except 
where  subject  to  seepage  waters  from  higher  lands,  it  is  adapted  to  hops, 
alfalfa,  clover,  timothy,  fruits,  and  cereals. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Idaho  4:  Washington  9 

Oregon  2;  California  7 

Idaho  2 . . 

181  452 

Langel  fine  sandy  loam 

70,464 

45,380 

35,212 

3,456 

2,04S 

Deer  Flat  fine  sandv  loam 

Caldwell  fine  sandv  loam 

Idaho  2,  3 

Red  Iloek  fine  sandy  loam 

Klamath  fine  sandv  loam 

Oregon  i 

Wind  R  iver  fine  sandv  loam 

Washington  7  . 

1,024 

Total 

339,036 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GBAVEIXY  FINE  SANDY  LOAM  PHASE. 


The  soils  of  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam  phase  are  represented  in  this  province 
by  a  single  member  of  limited  extent.  The  high  gravel  content  and  prevailing 
topography  cause  drainage  to  be  excessive,  making  the  soil  inferior  in  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  to  the  normal  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam.  The  range  in 
crop  adaptation  is  more  limited,  and  it  is  not  suited  to  general  farming  purposes. 
Under  frequent  irrigation  stone  fruits  and  possibly  early  apples  and  pears  could 
be  grown.    At  present  the  soil  is  not  utilized  to  any  extent. 

Beverly  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  surface  soil  varies  in  depth  from  12 
to  20  inches  and  carries  a  considerable  amount  of  water-worn  gravel  inter- 
mingled with  the  soil  material.  It  is  underlain  by  a  compact  mass  of  rounded 
gravel  and  cobbles  with  interstitial  sands  and  fine  gravels,  which  extends  to  a 
depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  The  type  is  not  subject  to  overflow.  The  topography 
varies  from  gently  sloping  to  undulating.  Drainage  is  good  and  much  of  it  can 
be  used  for  fruit  growing  under  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1,536 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 


The  soils  of  the  loam  group  are  extensively  developed  throughout  the  region 
and  with  the  members  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  constitute  the  principal  agri- 
cultural soils  of  the  province.  They  occur  under  a  number  of  soil  series,  some 
of  the  members  appearing  in  several  of  the  areas  surveyed,  while  others  are 
confined  to  a  single  locality  of  small  extent  and  of  minor  agricultural  impor- 
tance. The  more  important  members  of  the  group  occur  under  the  Caldwell  and 
the  Yakima  series. 

The  conditions  of  drainage,  depth  of  soil,  character  of  underlying  material,  and 
topography,  more  particularly  .is  affecting  irrigation,  do  not  differ  materially 
from  those  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  soils.  Surface  drainage  is  in  some  cases  rather 
poorly  established,  and  the  movement  of  water  takes  place  somewhat  more 
slowly  through  the  soil  and  subsoil  material  than  with  the  fine  sandy  loama 
Lower-lying  areas  of  slight  slope  are  often  subject  to  the  accumulation  of 
seepage  waters  and  alkali  salts.  In  the  Klamath  series  the  loam  is  char 
acteristically  poorly  drained  and  carries  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter. 
Upon  the  other  hand,  in  the  Wind  River  series,  drainage  is  rather  excessively 


526  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

developed  in  the  localities  where  the  loam  has  been  encountered.  Climatic  con- 
ditions are  not  usually  favorable  to  agriculture  without  irrigation,  but  dry  farm- 
ing is  carried  on  to  a  limited  extent  in  areas  of  more  than  average  precipitation 
or  in  low-lying,  moist  areas  of  deficient  drainage.  In  the  Boise  series,  hardpan 
is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  subsoil  material,  which  tends  to  seriously  retard 
subdrainage  and  the  penetration  of  plant  roots  under  irrigation. 

The  soil  is  sometimes  decidedly  sticky  when  wet  and  requires  more  thorough 
drainage,  a  heavier  farming  equipment,  and  more  careful  cultivation  than  the 
fine  sandy  loams  of  the  province.  Under  favorable  drainage  and  tillage  con- 
ditions it  is  usually  friable  and  generally  superior  to  the  fine  sandy  loams  in 
moisture-retaining  ca  pa  city. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  devoted  mainly  to  general  farming  pur 
Where  properly  drained  and  irrigated,  local  areas  having  good  market  facili- 
ties are  utilized  intensively  for  vegetables  and  fruits.  The  soils  are  well  suited 
to  the  later  and  heavier  vegetables  and  to  late  berries,  currants,  and  other  small 
fruits.  Tree  fruits  are  widely  grown  for  home  use,  but  commercial  production 
has  not  been  extensively  developed.  Conditions  are  generally  favorable  for  the 
extension  of  apple  orcharding,  to  which  the  soil  is  well  adapted.  The  stone 
fruits  find  conditions  more  suitable  upon  the  fine  sandy  loams  or  lighter  types  of 
the  province,  although  successfully  grown  to  a  limited  extent  upon  the  loams. 
Alfalfa,  clover,  wheat,  oats,  barley,  timothy,  and  other  grass  crops  constitute  the 
principal  general  farm  products.  Potatoes  and  sugar  beets  are  quite  extensively 
grown  in  certain  of  the  areas  mapped. 

Boise  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  red  or  yellow  loam  from  6  inches  to 
several  feet  in  depth,  underlain  by  alternating  strata  of  sandy  loam  and  sand, 
the  latter  often  being  cemented  into  a  hardpan  by  calcium  carbonate.  The 
particles  in  the  upper  stratum  of  the  soil  are  also  usually  cemented  together, 
but  not  into  a  compact  mass.  The  surface  few  inches  consist  of  a  mantle  of 
sandy  loam  of  varying  depth.  The  tyi>e  occurs  on  mesa  plains  and  is  derived 
in  part  from  erosion  of  lake  sediments.  Alkali  is  often  present.  When  the 
subsoil  is  broken  up  the  type  can  be  used  for  grains,  fruit,  and  alfalfa. 

Caldvcll  loam, — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray,  brown  to  dark-brown,  or 
nearly  black  loam  from  .".  to  '*»  feet  deep,  of  a  fine  silty  texture,  and  friable 
under  cultivation.  The  subsoil  consists  of  gravelly  loam,  water-worn  gravel,  or 
gray  to  yellow  sticky  loam,  grading  into  gravelly  loam  or  river  gravel  in  the 
lower  portion.  The  lighter  phases  are  frequently  of  porous  structure  and  ashy 
texture.  The  type  occupies  extensive  areas  covering  low-lying  plains  or  ter- 
taces  and  stream  Hood  plains,  is  subject  to  overflow,  and  sometimes  poorly 
drained.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  sometimes  marked  by  pockets  of  volcanic 
ash.  The  type  is  composed  of  recent  stream  alluvium  with  an  admixture  of 
older  lacustrine  material.  The  organic-matter  content  is  high.  In  the  poorly 
drained  districts  the  soil  is  sometimes  Impregnated  with  alkali.  Where  culti- 
vated ir  is  adapted  to  vegetables,  hay,  and  grain. 

Klamath  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-gray  loam  about  2  feet 
deep,  underlain  by  a  light-gray  loam  or  tine  sandy  loam  continuing  to  a  depth 
of  6  feet  or  more/  In  some  portions  of  the  type  beds  of  chalk  or  tufacoous  and 
diatomaceous  material  are  encountered  at  depths  of  -t  to  ."»  feet.  The  type  lies 
adjacent  to  streams,  marshes,  and  lakes  and  is  usually  poorly  drained.  The 
areas  of  dark-gray  color  contain  large  quantities  of  organic  matter,  winch  give 
I  ho  material  a  silty  appearance.  A  distinct  phase  of  this  type  occurs  in  places 
vvliieh  have  been  under  water  for  a  considerable  period,  forming  accumulations 
of  Much  with  a  soil  approaching  a  mucky  loam  in  texture  and  which  appears  to 
grade  gradually   into  the   Peat   types  of  the  swamps  and   marshes.     A   large 

portion   of   the   type   is    free   from   alkali,  hut    areas   in   the  neighborhood   of   the 

marshes  having  a   mucky  loam  top  soil  are  often  crusted  with  alkali   to  the 

, i,. pit,  of  several   Inches.     Native  grasses  and  considerable  quantities  ol 

and   rabbit    brush  cover  this  soil.      It    is  dry   farmed   to  grain  and  potatoes  to  a 

limited  extent.  Alfalfa  is  nut  so  well  adapted  to  it.  hut  timothy,  redtop,  :,!sike 
clover,  and  P001  crops  do  well. 

Langel  loam.    The  soil  La  0f  reddish-brown  color  and  usually  carries  a  high 

proportion  Of  hue  sand  in  the  surface  •".  or  1  inches.  It  is  rather  sticky  when 
wet  puddles  and  hakes  upon  exposure,  but  is  friable  when  worked  under 
favorable  moisture  conditions.  The  subsoil  is  of  yellowish  brown  c,,l,»r  and 
quite   similar   in   texture  to   the  soil    material.      It    consists   largely  Of   Chalklike, 

diatomaceous  earth  and   volcanic  ash  and   is  often  underlain  at    less  than  6   feel 

by  light-colored,  cbalklike  heds  of  the  same  character  of  material.    The  type  is 


NORTHWESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 


527 


of  alluvial  origin,  fairly  well  drained,  and  retentive  of  moisture.  It  is  adapted 
to  fruits,  grains,  and  alfalfa. 

Wind  River  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  from  16  to  18  inches  deep,  carrying 
angular  and  rounded  basaltic  rock  fragments  and  bowlders.  The  subsoil  is  simi- 
lar in  texture  to  the  surface  material  but  usually  of  slightly  lighter  color  and 
of  more  compact  structure.  The  type  occupies  level  to  undulating  terraces, 
rising  steeply  from  the  stream  bottoms.  The  native  forest  growth  consists 
mainly  of  scrub  oak  and  small  pine.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  the  shallow 
areas  somewhat  subject  to  drought.  Under  irrigation  it  is  well  adapted  to 
tree  fruits.    The  deeper  phases  can  be  used  for  this  purpose  without  irrigation. 

Yakima  loam. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  light  loam  of  fine  silty  texture 
and  porous  structure,  approaching  a  fine  sandy  loam  under  field  conditions. 
It  is  light-brown  to  buff  or  gray  in  color,  generally  extending  to  a  depth  of  2 
to  4  feet  The  subsoil  is  yellow  to  light  brown  in  color.  The  type  is  well  drained 
and  free  from  alkali,  and  where  capable  of  cultivation  is  adapted  to  alfalfa, 
timothy,  clover,  and  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

,    Acres. 

Idaho  1;  Oregon  1; 
Idaho  2 

|      274, 368 

Boise  loam 

61,960 

Idaho  4 

j        12,736 

Oregon  2 

11,776 

Langel  loam 

California  7 

Washington  7 

|          6,912 

\          1,280 

Wind  River  loam 

Total 

!       3fiQ.  fW2 

i      — »-- 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY  LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  of  soils,  so  far  as  encountered, 
includes  but  two  members  of  limited  extent,  which  have  been  recognized  only 
in  two  areas  surveyed. 

Owing  to  its  gravel  content  the  soil  material  is  more  readily  permeable  than 
that  of  the  normal  loams  of  the  province.  Drainage  is  more  thoroughly  estab- 
lished and  the  soils  have  a  somewhat  lower  water-holding  capacity.  They  are 
ordinarily  more  friable  under  cultivation  and  under  favorable  conditions  of 
cultivation  are  fairly  retentive  of  moisture.  Where  encountered  they  usually 
supi>ort  a  timber  growth  and  considerable  labor  is  necessary  in  clearing  and 
preparing  the  land  for  cultivation.  Some  of  the  lower-lying  areas  occurring 
under  the  Caldwell  series  are  sometimes  subject  to  overflow,  but  the  soils 
usually  lie  well  above  present  stream  channels,  and  in  the  Wind  River  series 
are  usually  confined  to  high  terraces. 

The  gravelly  loams  are  not  extensively  utilized,  but  are  devoted  to  some 
exteiit  to  the  production  of  grains,  hay.  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Under  favorable  conditions  of  climate  and  irrigation,  the  soils  are  well  suited 
to  the  production  of  apples,  peaches,  cherries,  plums,  and  small  fruits.  They 
are  generally  better  suited  to  fruit  culture  than  the  normal  loams  of  the 
province,  but  are  usually  inferior  for  general  farming  purposes. 

Caldwell  gravelly  loam, — The  surface  soil  is  a  compact,  moderately  heavy 
sticky  loam,  dark  gray  to  dark  brown  in  color  and  varying  in  depth  from  a 
few  inches  to  3  feet.  It  carries  a  large  amount  of  flattened  or  rounded  gravel, 
chiefly  of  basaltic  or  oilier  volcanic  rocks,  ranging  in  size  from  a  fraction  of  an 
inch  to  the  size  of  cobbles.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  light-gray,  fine-textured, 
sticky,  gravelly  loam,  grading  l<>  gravel  beds,  or  frequently  underlain  directly 
by  beds  .of  river  sands  and  reworked  pebbles  and  cobbles  often  partially 
cemented  by  lime.  The  typo  generally  occurs  as  extensive  areas  covering 
nearly  level  or  slightly  sloping  stream  Hood  plains  or  valley  bottoms  skirting 
stream  channels.  The  surface  is  broken  only  by  shallow  stream  channels  or 
minor  stream-formed  terraces  and  is  frequently  covered  by  Heavy  thickets  of 
willow  and  light  timber.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  except  in  the  level 
which  are  subject  to  overflow.  The  type  is  formed  by  a  mixing  o\  recent 
stream  alluvium  with  original  gravel  sheets  underlying  lake  beds.     The  soil  is 


528 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


frequently  too  shallow  and  gravelly  to  admit  of  profitable  cultivation,  but  the 
better  areas  are  adapted  to  grains  and  hay.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  used 
foi  the  production  of  a  wide  variety  of  small  fruits,  tree  fruits,  and  truck 
crops. 

Wind  River  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a   rather  light  brown  to 

brown  loam  from  12  to  18  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  amount  of  organic 

matter  and   large  quantities  of  subangnku-  gravel.     The  subsoil  is  a  brown 

Loam    of   smooth    texture,    generally   somewhat   heavier   than   the   surface   soil 

and  also  carrying  considerable  gravel.     A  few  cobbles  and  bowlders  usually 

occur  upon  the  surface  or  distributed  throughout  the  soil  section,  being  most 

numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  si  ream  slopes  where  erosion  has  been  active.    At  a 

depth  of  5  feet  or  more  the  soil  material  rests  upon  stratified  beds  of  gravel. 

The  type  sometimes  attains  an  elevation  of  300  to  500  feet  above  the  present 

stream  tlood  plains.     Although  the  terrace  slopes  are  often  steep,  the  type  as  a 

a   level   to   very  gently  rolling  topography.     The  natural  drainage  is 

borough,  hut  nor  excessive,  and  the  type  is  less  subject  to  drought  than 

■i    members  of  the  series.     It  is  adapted   to  general   farming  and   to 

apples,  peaches,  cherries,  and  other  fruits. 

Area  <nni  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Caldwell  gravelly  loam 

Wind  River  gravelly  loam 

Washington  R - 

10,048 
1,536 

Washington  "... 

Total 

1 1  ;.m 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  i>.  738. 


Silt  Loam  Gboup. 

The  silt  loam  in  this  province  has  been  recognized  under  two  soil  series. 
This  type  more  frequently  occupies  a  lower-lying  position  than  the  lighter 
textured  soils  of  the  province.  Drainage  is  in  some  cases  poorly  established 
and  some  of  the  areas  are  occasionally  subject  to  overflow  <>r  characterized  by 
the  occurrence  of  hardpan.  Lower-lying  areas  are  generally  used  for  pasture 
or  seeded  io  timothy  and  other  grasses.  Some  wheat  and  alfalfa  are  also  grown. 
The  poorly-drained  ureas  are  best  suited  to  grass  crops.  The  type  is  well  suited 
to  heavy  general  farming  purposes,  hut  when  poorly  drained  is  subject  to  a 
rather  limited  crop  adaptation.  Under  favorable  drainage  conditions  grain, 
alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  forage  crops,  late  or  heavy  vegetables,  and  small  fruits  can 
be  grown.  It  requires  a  somewhat  heavier  type  of  farming  equipment  (ban  the 
loams  and  thorough  and  judicious  cultivation  for  the  maintenance  of  favorable 
conditions  of  tilth. 

Boite  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray,  loose,  ashy,  and  micaceous 
silt  loam  ranging  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to  40  or  50  feet.  To  a  depth  of 
*'.  feel  it  is  often  interstnit  died  with  loam,  sand,  or  sandy  loam  or  lime-cemented 
hardpan,  the  sandy  loam  extending  in  places  to  bedrock.  The  soil  rests  upon 
beds  of  i'ii:!  rse  gravel  and  CObDlea  The  type  Occupies  mesa  lands  and  is  com- 
posed of  lake  sediments,  probably  Of  basaltic  origin.  Some  alkali  occurs  in 
local  spots  in  the  loam  subsoil.  The  soil  is  well  drained  and  is  adapted  to 
truck,  grain,  and  clover.     Where  the  hardpan  is  not  very  thick  fruit  and  ,-ilfiilfa 

d0    W  ell. 

Caldwell   HU    loam.-    The   surface    SOll    consists   of   B    dark-gray    or    brown    to 

black  heavy,  sticky  Bill   loam,  sometimes  containing  gravel,  and  from  i<>  to  86 

inches  deep.      Il    lias  rather  a   compact    Structure,  bul    is  generally   friable  under 

cultivation.     The  subsoil   varies  from  a   dark-gray   to  black  <>r  light-colored, 

heavy,  sticky  silty  loam,  generally  of  rather  compact,  adobelike  structure,  and 

extending  to  8  depth  of  8   feel   Or  more,  which   is  In   turn   underlain  by   rounded 

river  The  type  occupies  the  nearly  level  valley  depressions,  river  Hood 

plains,  and  stream  bottoms,  the  areas  being  often  [narked  by  willow  thickets  or 
small  timber  and  cut  by  meandering  stream  channels.  The  Boil  is  often  subject 
bo  o  erflow,  la  usually  poorly  drained,  and  sometimes  contains  alkali.  The  type 
Is  composed  <>f  stream  sediments  derived  from  earlier  lake  beds.    The  soil  Is 


NOKTH WESTERN   INTERMOUNTAIN    REGION. 


529 


generally  rich  in  organic  matter  and  frequently  approaches  the  consistency  of 
Muck.    It  is  used  for  pasture,  hay,  grains,  vegetables,  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Boise  silt  loam 

Idaho  2 

Idaho  2;  3 

!        95,850 

17,436 

Caldwell  silt  loam 

Total 

113.28R 



1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 

The  clay  loam  group  in  this  province  is  represented  by  a  single  member  which 
has  been  recognized  in  but  one  area. 

The  topography,  texture,  and  structure  of  the  soil  are  such  that  drainage  is 
generally  poor  and  many  areas  are  subject  to  injurious  accumulations  of  alkali. 
The  organic  matter  content  is  low  and  the  soils  generally  unproductive  and  of 
minor  agricultural  importance.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and 
drainage,  the  type  can  be  utilized  to  some  extent  for  general  farming  purposes, 
alfalfa  constituting  the  principal  product.  The  soil  and  subsoil  are  composed 
largely  of  diatomaceous  earth  and  volcanic  ash  material,  sticky  and  tenacious 
when  wet  and  requiring  careful  management.  Artificial  drainage,  careful  culti- 
vation, and  a  systematic  use  of  stable  and  green  manures  are  necessary  to 
secure  best  results. 

Link  clay  loam. — The  surface  soil  is  light  ashy  gray  to  white,  sticky  when 
wet  but  friable  and  floury  when  dry.  A  thin  mantle  of  alluvial  sediments  usu- 
ally imparts  a  slightly  darker  color  to  the  surface  few  inches  of  the  soil  profile. 
The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  material  in  all  essential  characteristics.  The 
type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  consisting  mainly  of  chalk-like  diatomaceous  earth  and 
volcanic  ash,  the  result  of  erosion  from  adjacent  higher-lying  slopes.  It  occupies 
flat  or  depressed  areas  in  alluvial  stream-formed  valley  plains.  Drainage  is 
often  poor  and  the  soil  subject  to  accumulation  of  alkali  salts.  The  organic- 
matter  content  is  limited.  Its  agricultural  value  is  low,  although  fair  crops  of 
alfalfa  can  be  produced  under  favorable  conditions. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Link  clay  loam Oregon  2 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


15,680 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 

The  clay  group  is  represented  only  by  the  clay  member  of  the  Red  Rock 
series. 

This  soil  is  of  small  extent  and  is  generally  poorly  drained.  The  surface 
is  often  irregular  and  when  prepared  for  irrigation,  requires  considerable 
labor  in  leveling.  Alkali  salts  in  injurious  quantities  are  present  in  the  lower 
lying  areas.  Artificial  drainage  and  irrigation  are  necessary  before  any  ex- 
tensive agricultural  operations  are  possible.  Under  such  conditions  the  heavier 
farm  crops  can  be  grown.  The  soil  is  refractory  and  requires  a  heavy  farm- 
ing equipment,  frequent  cultivation,  and  liberal  applications  of  manure. 

Red  Rock  clay. — The  surface  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  drab  or  slate-colored 
compact  clay,  becoming  darker  when  moist.  At  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  it  is 
usually  underlain  by  a  gray  or  drab  compact  fine  sandy  loam,  in  places  carry- 
ing thin  strata  of  silty  material  and  sometimes  approaching  ;i  hardpan  struc- 
ture. The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating  and  the  surface  Bometimefl 
duny  or  covered  with  a  thin  veneer  of  sandy  material  deposited  by  winds  or 
washed  from  adjacent  soils.    Drainage  is  poor  and  accumulations  of  alkali  salts 

79619—13 34 


530 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  soil  is  alluvial  in  origin,  and  derived  from 
basaltic  material,  much  of  which  has  probably  been  deposited  under  swampy 
conditions.    The  type  occupies  stream  flood  plains  and  lower  terraces. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Red  Rock  clay 

6,336 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


CLAY  ADOBE  PHASE. 


The  clay  adobe  phase  of  the  clay  group  of  soils  is  represented  by  two  mem- 
bers which  are  of  inextensive  occurrence  and  confined  to  a  single  area. 

The  pronounced  adobe  structure,  normal  heavy  texture,  and  deficient  drain- 
age, make  these  soils  very  tenacious  and  difficult  to  handle,  except  under  proper 
moisture  conditions.  Upon  drying  they  tend  to  bake  and  check,  in  which  con- 
dition they  can  not  be  effectively  cultivated. 

They  are  not  extensively  utilized  and  are  of  minor  importance  in  the  region. 
When  well  drained  and  irrigated  they  can,  with  careful  management,  be  used 
for  the  general  farm  crops.  They  require  a  heavy  farming  equipment  and 
careful  adjustment  of  conditions  of  moisture  and  tillage. 

Eivauna  clay  adobe. — The  surface  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  nearly 
black  heavy  adobe,  becoming  sticky  when  wet.  and  readily  puddling  and  bak- 
ing under  exposure.  It  is  refractory  under  cultivation  and  a  good  tilth  is 
maintained  with  some  difficulty.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color  and  structure 
to  the  overlying  material  and  rests  at  a  depth  of  2  to  4  feet  upon  a  substratum 
of  light-colored  chalky  material  formed  largely  of  siliceous  diatomaceous  earth 
and  volcanic  ash,  which  may  in  places  be  slightly  calcareous.  The  type  is 
of  alluvial  origin,  derived  from  basaltic  and  volcanic  ash  and  deposited  by 
streams  over  river  flood  plains.  It  is  often  poorly  drained  and  occupies  gently 
sloping  to  depressed  areas.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  cultivation  and 
moisture  it  is  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Klamath  clay  adobe. — This  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  black  clay  adobe, 
30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  lighter  textured  yellow  clay  extending  to  a  depth 
of  6  feet  or  more.  It  has  a  true  adobe  structure  with  cracks  extending  down- 
ward through  the  soil  to  the  subsoil.  Accumulations  of  alkali  are  found  in 
some  portions  of  the  type,  though  such  deposits  are  not  characteristic. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobes. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oregon  2 

8,832 

do 

384 

Total 

9,216 

'  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  Of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  aame. 


State  oi  area.' 


Dune  and 

Meadow  

Rough  broken  land 

EUverwaan 

Peat...       

Rook  outcrop  . 

Total 


ton  6 

i .,.  on  I;  Wa   ilngton  6, 0 

Wa  thlngton  6 






Acres. 


39, 680 

80, 99i 

14,656 

5,873 

384 

loa 


91,280 


to  iiuuii  a  In  thl  column  Bee  p,  73:5. 


Liyht    eton<?    Li,;(  *    'fri.y 


woodr  t^l-    BphTBtl 


Rock  Wind  River 


SOILS  OF  THE  GREAT  BASIN  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  REGION. 

For  the  purposes  of  soil  classification  the  Great  Basin  is  regarded  by  the 
soil  survey  as  nearly  coincident  with  the  physiographic  province  of  the  Great 
Basin  of  interior  drainage. 

It  embraces  all  Nevada  with  the  exception  of  the  extreme  southeastern  parts, 
the  western  part  of  Utah,  a  small  part  of  southeastern  Idaho,  the  south-central 
part  of  Oregon,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  eastern  margin  of  California,  with 
an  extensive  area  in  the  southeastern  portion  o.f  that  State.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  the  waters  of  Goose  Lake  in  northeastern  California  and  south-central 
Oregon,  which  occasionally  overflow  to  the  Pacific,  no  drainage  waters  within 
the  confines  of  this  region  find  their  way  to  the  sea,  but  are  removed  by  evapora- 
tion. Aside  from  a  few  streams  flowing  westward  from  the  Wasatch  Moun- 
tains and  adjacent  plateaus  included  within  the  Rocky  Mountain  region,  as 
defined  by  the  soil  survey,  but  little  drainage  enters  the  region  from  outside 
sources. 

The  limits  of  the  Great  Basin  region  are  sharply  delineated  upon  the  east  by 
the  abrupt  fault  scarps  and  cliffs  of  the  elevated  Wasatch*,  Sevier,  Gunnison, 
and  contiguous  plateaus  which  constitute  portions  of  the  territory  included 
within  the  Rocky  Mountain  region.  Upon  the  southeast  the  Great  Basin  merges 
with  that  part  of  the  arid  Southwest  region  drained  by  the  Colorado  River  sys- 
tem. Its  southern  boundary  is  marked  in  part  by  the  region  of  the  arid  South- 
west, but  principally  by  the  northern  and  ea stern  slopes  of  the  San  Bernardino 
and  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  of  southern  California.  Its  western  boundary  is 
fixed  by  the  great  fault  forming  the  eastern  face  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  in  Cali- 
fornia, extending  from  the  southern  limit  of  the  Sierras  to  the  elevated  region 
covered  by  the  Lassen  Peak  volcanic  ridge  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State. 
Upon  the  northwest  it  merges  into  the  Lassen  Peak  ridge  and  the  adjacent  ele- 
vated plateau  districts  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region.  Along 
the  northern  boundary  in  Oregon  it  is  separated  by  an  indefinite  boundary  line 
extending  from  the  elevated  plains  of  the  Northwestern  Intermountain  region 
drained  by  the  Columbia  River  system.  Its  northern  boundary  in  northeastern 
Nevada  and  adjacent  portions  of  Utah  and  Idaho  coincides  with  the  watershed 
between  the  Snake  River  and  the  Interior  Drainage  Basin. 

The  region  is  characterized  by  the  numerous  isolated  ridges  and  mountain 
ranges,  running  in  a  general  north  and  south  direction,  rising  from  an  arid  tree- 
less, desert  plain.  Most  of  the  streams  crossing  the  plain  are  of  intermittent  char- 
acter and  soon  disappear  in  the  gravelly  and  sandy  soil  or  discharge  into  broad 
lake  basins.  Geologically  the  region  is  one  of  widespread  complex  orographic 
displacements.  The  long,  narrow  ridges  and  ranges  are  mainly  of  monoclinal 
structure,  being  formed  by  upturned  edges  or  tilted  blocks  of  gentle  slope  upon 
one  side,  leading  to  steep  descents  by  rugged  fault  scarps  upon  the  other.  In 
certain  portions  of  the  province,  however,  as  in  central  Oregon,  frequent  masses 
and  cones  formed  by  effusive  lava  flows  or  by  ejected  fragmental  material 
occur.  The  bases  of  the  desert  mountain  ranges  are  deeply  buried  beneath 
accumulations  of  detrital  material,  forming  extensive  foot  slopes  and  alluvial 
fans  merging  into  broad,  sloping  valleys.  The  crests  of  the  mountain  ridges  are 
usually  rugged  and  barren  or  occasionally  scantily  timbered.  Associated  with 
the  main  ranges  are  occasional  mesas  and  low-lying  hills.  The  elevation  ranges 
from  below  sea  level  in  Death  Valley  in  California  to  more  than  10.000  feet  on 
the  crests  of  some  of  the  higher  ranges. 

In  certain  parts  of  the  region  broad,  basinlike  depressions  are  encountered, 
having  no  outlet  and  receiving  the  drainage  waters  of  the  surrounding  country 
not  previously  lost  through  evaporation  and  percolation.  These  basins  were  in 
earlier  Quaternary  times  occupied  by  extensive  Lakes,  remnants  of  which  still 

531 


532  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

remain.  The  larger  of  the  extinct  lakes  are  Lake  Bonneville  in  Utah  and  Lake 
Lahontan  in  Nevada,  now  represented  by  the  Great  Suit  Lake  in  the  Bonneville 
and  by  Carson  and  other  lakes  in  the  Lahontan  Basin.  The  present 
representatives  of  the  earlier,  vastly  more  extensive  bodies  of  water  are  subject 
to  considerable  fluctuation  in  extent  with  varying  rainfall,  are  usually  salty  or 
otherwise  highly  mineralized,  and  are  in  many  places  bordered  by  marshy  areas 
or  by  low,  barren,  salt-encrusted  Ha  is. 

The  exposed  rocks  of  the  ranges  and  hills  are  mainly  of  recent  effusive  and 
intrusive  volcanic  character,  basalts,  rhyolites,  diorites,  and  andesites  predomi- 
nating, with  some  granitic  rocks.  Quartzites,  with  limestones,  conglomerates, 
and  other  older  sedimentary  rocks,  chiefly  of  Carboniferous  or  more  ancient  age, 
are  of  extensive  occurrence,  particularly  in  the  western  and  central  parts  of  the 
region.  Some  of  the  more  elevated  ridges  evidence  former  glaciation  which, 
however,  has  not  influenced  the  character  of  the  soils. 

The  Great  Basin  region  is  characterized  by  an  arid  climate  with  a  large  num- 
ber of  clear,  sunshiny  days.  The  summers  are  hot  and  dry  and  the  winters 
mild  to  moderate,  with  frequent  sharp  frosty  nights  and  cold  periods  and 
bright,  warm  days.  A  light  to  moderate  snowfall  occurs  in  the  mountains 
and  in  the  more  northern  districts.  The  annual  precipitation  is  unfavorably 
distributed  and  is  rarely  sufficient  to  grow  crops  without  irrigation,  except  in 
certain  local  low-lying  stream  valleys  or  desert  lands  utilized  for  the  production 
of  wild  hay.  Water  supply  for  irrigation  is  generally  limited  to  streams  having 
their  sources  in  the  mountains  of  the  Wasatch  and  Sierra  Nevada  ranges. 

The  soils  of  the  region  are  classified  in  several  province  groups  according  to 
the  agencies  contributing  to  their  formation. 

Weathering,  or  disintegration  and  decomposition  of  the  rocks  in  place,  has 
ted  lo  the  formation  of  a  widespread  variety  of  soil  material,  giving  rise  to 
the  Residual  province,  the  soils  of  which  are  confined  mainly  to  the  hills  and 
mountains.  These  soils  are  often  shallow  and  contain  an  excessive  quantity  of 
rock  fragments  or  areas  of  rock  outcrop,  and,  owing  to  topography  and  their 
elevated  position  with  respect  to  sources  of  water  supply,  are  generally  non- 
irrigable.  These  conditions  render  most  of  the  residual  soils  of  the  Great  Basin 
region  unfit  for  agriculture  and  suitable  only  for  grazing.  Since  the  soil  sur- 
of  the  region  have  been  confined  to  the  more  important  agricultural  dis- 
tricts none  of  the  soils  of  the  residual  province  have  as  yet  been  encountered. 

In  the  vicinity  of  extinct  volcanic  vents  or  craters  local  deposits  of  ejected 
rock  fragments  occur,  sometimes  sufficient  in  amount  to  obscure  the  older  sur- 
face or  to  modify  material  of  previous  deposition.  In  one  area  surveyed  the 
soils  formed  through  this  agency  have  been  recognized  as  a  distinct  series.  It 
is  of  limited  extent  and  little  agricultural  importance  under  present  conditions, 
although  capable  of  development. 

The  streams  entering  the  desert  valleys  are  usually  of  torrential  character  and 
many  carry  water  only  during  the  rainy  season  or  at  infrequent  intervals.  The 
craters  are  usually  absorbed  upon  reaching  the  lower,  porous,  arid  slopes,  the 
debris  swept  from  the  mountain  slopes  and  upper  canyonlike  valleys  traversed 
by  the  Stream  being  deposited  :is  stream  outwash  and  valley  tilling  material. 
This  forma  alluvial  fans,  foot  Slopes,  and  debris  aprons,  progressively  building 
outward,  gradually  tilling  the  desert  valleys  and  often  completely  burying  the 
mountain  bases  and  lower  ridges.  The  soils  derived  from  this  material  consti- 
tute  another  distinct  soil  province,  although  they  often  merge  into  types  of 
Other  series  in  ;i  confusing  in:mner.  making  separation  under  field  conditions 
more  or  less  arbitrary.  These  soils,  therefore,  as  mapped,  include  more  or 
undifferentiated  material  of  other  series. 

In  other  portions  of  the  Great   Basin  region  there  are  extensive  areas  of  lacus- 

trine  deposits.    These  are  recognized  in  the  classification  of  the  soils  of  the 
region  as  constituting  a  separate  soil  province. 

in  the  ricinty  of  the  larger  streams  extensive  recent  deposits  are  encountered. 
These  have  been  laid  down  by  the  streams  and  occupy  the  immediate  flood 
plains  or  terraces  lying  above  them.  The  materials  are  sometimes  derived  in 
pari  (nan  adjacent  lacustrine  deposits  and  sometimes  from  the  adjacent  higher 
mountain  Che  sops  of  this  character  constitute  the  River  Flood  Plain 

province. 

wi ,  n  bly  si  tun  ted  with  regard  to  water  supply  and  where  the  topog- 

raphy insures  adequate  drainage  and  favors  irrigation,  the  sniis  of  the  Great 
Basin  region  are  productive.    They  are  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  staple  and 

'    crops       Owing    to    limited    water    supply,    however,    the   greater    pro- 


GREAT  BASIN   REGION.  533 

portion  of  the  Great  Basin  region  is  incapable  of  other  agricultural  use  than 
grazing  in  certain  areas  or  during  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 

The  soils  recognized  within  the  region  vary  widely  in  texture  and  structure. 
Their  present  use  and  future  adaptation  depend  more  or  less  upon  these  physi- 
cal factors  and  upon  local  conditions  of  climate,  topography,  facilities  for  irri- 
gation, and  location  with  respect  to  markets.  With  the  development  of  trans- 
portation facilities  certain  areas  now  devoted  mainly  to  general  farming 
should  become  capable  of  more  efficient  and  economical  utilization  for  sugar 
beets,  fruits,  or  other  intensively  cultivated  products. 

The  region  includes  the  most  extensive  areas  within  the  United  States  which 
typify  or  approach  true  desert  conditions.  It  also  embraces  the  oldest  and  some 
of  the  most  highly  and  successfully  developed  irrigated  districts  of  the  western 
States. 

The  area  of  the  different  soil  groups  so  far  mapped  in  the  Great  Basin  region, 
arranged  according  to  the  class  of  material  from  which  they  are  derived,  is 
given  in  the  following  table : 


Class  of  material. 


Volcanic 

Alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling. 

Lake-laid 

River  flood  plain 

Miscellaneous 

Total 


Acres. 


4,082 
404,402 
282,618 
376,456 
43,564 


111,072 


VOLCANIC  MATERIAL. 

The  material  included  under  this  head  gives  the  only  residual  soil  so  far 
mapped  in  the  Great  Basin  region.  It  consists  predominantly  of  fragmental 
volcanic  d§bris.  Material  of  this  character  has  been  encountered  in  only  one 
survey  and.  though  of  unusual  character,  it  is  of  limited  extent.  It  occurs  as 
slopes  of  low,  broad  crater  cones,  occupying  an  isolated  position  upon  the  desert 
plains  within  the  Lahontan  Basin.  While  the  surface  material  consists  mainly 
of  ejecta  of  basaltic  character,  consisting  of  scoriaceous  lapilli,  fragments  of 
volcanic  bombs  and  volcanic  dust,  the  deeper  underlying  material  is  composed 
of  sediments  of  the  Lahontan  Lake  beds.  In  parts  of  the  area  the  superficial 
deposits  have  been  mingled  with  the  lake-laid  material  and  the  soils  pass  into 
lake-laid  types  by  insensible  gradations. 

The  surface  slope  is  generally  regular  and  not  excessive  and  is  favorable  to 
irrigation.  The  water  supply  is  restricted,  and  only  portions  of  the  area  covered 
can  be  irrigated  from  a  gravity  system.  A  pumping  system  having  its  source  of 
supply  in  near-by  canals  will  be  necessary  for  the  higher  slopes.  This  method 
of  irrigation  is  expensive  and  practicable  only  in  the  production  of  crops  of 
high  market  value.  Drainage  is  thorough  and  the  use  of  a  large  quantity  of 
water  will  be  necessary. 

The  soils  derived  from  this  residual  material  are  represented  only  by  Soda 
Lake  sand. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    SOIL    SERIES. 

Soda  Lake  series. — The  soils  of  the  Soda  Lake  series  are  of  gray  color  and  of 
rather  compact  structure.  They  vary  in  depth  from  18  inches  to  6  or  more  feet 
and  are  characterized  by  the  occurrence  of  small  angular  fragments  of  scori- 
aceous basalt  of  the  size  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  When  less  than  6  feet 
deep  they  are  underlain  by  fine  gravelly  sand,  which  sometimes  grades  into 
light  colored,  compact  loams  at  approximately  4  feet  below  the  surface.  The 
series  occurs  upon  the  sloping  sides  of  volcanic  crater  cones  in  desert  plains  or 
valleys.  The  surface  varies  from  uniform  to  irregular  in  character,  sometimes 
being  too  rough  for  cultivation.  Drainage  is  excellent.  The  members  of  the 
series  are  derived  from  an  intermingling  of  lapilli  and  other  ejected  fragmentary 
products  with  earlier  lacustrine  deposits  of  extinct  Quaternary  lakes.  The 
volcanic  material  has  been  weathered  to  some  extent  since  accumulation.  The 
surface  material  is  mainly  volcanic. 


534 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Soda  Lake  g< 


Soil  name. 


Soda  Lake  sand. 


Suite  or  area.1 


Nevada  1 . 


Acres. 
4,032 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL    TYPES    AXD    THEIR 

s  \nd  Group. 

The  sand  member  of  the  Soda  Lake  series  is  the  only  representative  of  soils 
of  fragmental  volcanic  material  thus  far  encountered.  It  is  a  conspicuous  soil 
type  in  the  Fallon  area,  Nevada:  it  is  not.  however,  of  great  extent  and  has 
been  encountered  only  in  this  area. 

This  soil  is  not  used  for  farming  to  any  extent  at  the  present  lime.  its 
favorable  natural  drainage  and  freedom  from  alkali  salts  make  it  much  superior 
to  many  of  the  adjacent  soils  of  the  district  in  which  it  occurs.  The  slopes 
upon  which  the  type  is  found  are  slightly  elevated  above  the  adjacent  plain  and 
would  probably  prove  less  susceptible  to  frost.  The  soil  is  of  loose,  incoherent 
character,  low  in  power  to  retain  moisture,  and  would  require  frequent  irriga- 
tion and  cultivation.  In  the  more  exposed  places  some  danger  of  injury  to 
young  crops  from  drifting  might  be  anticipated  when  the  native  vegetation  is 
removed.  The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  when  once  cleared  would  require 
only  a  light  and  comparatively  inexpensive  farm  equipment. 

The  type  is  not  adapted  to  general  farming,  although  alfalfa  could  be  grown 
under  irrigation  and  might  prove  the  best  crop  where  drifting  is  likely  to  occur. 
The  type  should  prove  best  suited  to  fruits  and  melons  and  other  vegetable 
products. 

Soda  Lake  sand. — This  type  consists  of  18  inches  to  6  feet  or  more  of  gray, 
rather  compact  sand,  with  fine,  angular  fragments  of  scoriaceous  basalt  of  the 
size  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  Where  less  than  6  feet  deep  ir  is  underlain 
fine,  gravelly  sand,  which  sometimes  grades  into  a  light-colored  loam  at  a 
depth  of  4  feet.  The  type  occurs  upon  high  slopes  of  old  volcanic  crater  cones 
and  merges  with  gentle  slopes  into  the  adjacent  desert  lands.  The  surface 
■  m  uniform  to  irregular,  in  places  being  too  rough  for  cultivation. 
Natural  drainage  is  excellent.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  intermingling  of 
lacustrine  sediments  of  Lake  Lahontan  with  lapilli  and  weathered  products  of 
volcanic  materials.  It  is  generally  free  from  alkali  and  is  considered  a 
desirable  soil. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


soil  name. 


Soda  Lake  sand . 


■ 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  columr, 
ALLUVIAL  FAN  AND  VALLEY   FILLING  MATERIAL. 
The  red  from  the  alluvia]   Can  anil  valley  tilling  material,  embracing 

luviai  mountain  foot  slopes,  alluvial  fan.  and  alluvial-filled  valley  plains, 
constitute  <>no  of  the  most  extensive,  widely  distributed,  and  Importanl 
groups  <>f  the  < ;i«    t  Basin  ret 

in  ■  it  of  the  areas  covered  the  surface  is  moderately  or  gently 

sloping,   not    excessively   Btony   or  gravelly,  and   has  a    fairly   even   surl 
Drainage  In  m<  is  well  established  and  the  topography  is  favorable  bo 

lion   and   the  use  of  Barm   machinery.      Near   the  mountains,   however,   the 

aetlmes  become  steep  and  broken,  the  gravel  and  stone  content  is  high, 

llvft     The  lower  ;trc;is  king  :it    some  distance  from  ihe 

of  the  mountains  ami  merging  into  the  flat,  low-lying  soils  of  the  River 

Flood    plain   or    Lake-laid    grOOP  are  "ften   deficient    in   drainage  ami    subject    to 


GREAT   BASIN    REGION. 


535 


accumulation  of  drainage  or  seepage  waters  from  irrigation  and  to  the  excessive 
concentration  of  alkali  salts. 

The  soils  are  usually  deep  and  productive,  and  in  the  Bonneville  and  La- 
hontan  Basins  consists  largely  of  superficial  deposits  overlying  older  stratified 
deposits  of  lacustrine  origin.  They  are  in  many  places  conveniently  located 
with  regard  to  water  supply  for  irrigation,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of 
location,  climate,  irrigation,  drainage,  and  market  facilities  are  susceptible  to 
a  high  degree  of  development. 

The  soils  of  this  province  have  been  widely  encountered  and  mapped.  They 
are  of  two  series.  Of  these,  the  Bingham  series  is  the  more  extensive  and 
important.  They  occur  most  extensively  in  north-central  Utah  at  the  base  of 
the  Wasatch  range  and  at  the  foot  of  smaller  desert  ridges. 

Other  extensive  areas  of  soils  of  similar  derivation  have  been  mapped  in  the 
Redfield  series.  These  soils  are  not  as  widely  distributed  as  those  of  the  Bing-' 
ham  series,  and  only  the  fine  sandy  loam,  loam,  and  clay  loam  members  have 
been  encountered.  They  occur  in  the  intermountain  valleys  of  central  Utah  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  base  of  the  elevated  plateaus  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  region. 

DESCRIPTION  OE  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Bingham  series. — This  series  occupies  the  lower  mountain  and  upper  valley 
slopes  and  valley  terraces  or  plains.  It  consists  of  mountain  wash  or  of  tor- 
rential or  intermittent  stream  delta  cone  deposits.  The  soils  are  generally 
treeless  except  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  stream  courses.  The  more  elevated 
are  frequently  eroded  by  intermittent  stream  channels.  Drainage  is  good.  The 
soils  are  derived  principally  from  eruptive,  early  sedimentary,  and  altered  sedi- 
mentary rocks  of  all  ages  and  modified  by  material  derived  from  limestone, 
granites,  shales,  slates,  etc.  They  occur  as  irregular  and  frequently  extensive 
bodies.  Where  capable  of  irrigation  these  soils  are  often  well  adapted  to 
alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets,  vegetables,  small  fruits,  peaches,  and  other  orchard 
products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bingham,  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Bingham  sand I  Utah  2,  5 

fine  sand I  Utah  5 

gravelly  sandy  loam \  Utah  1,  2,  3,  4 . 

fine  sandy  loam !  Utah  5 

loam | do 

stony  loam Utah  1,  2,  3,  4, 

clay  loam Utah  4 


32,168 
1,900 
132, 112 
S6,400 
15,400 
62,222 
12,100 

Total j I      342, 302 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Redfield  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  formed  of  alluvial  mountain 
wash,  or  deposits  of  intermittent  or  torrential  streams.  They  are  generally 
treeless,  sometimes  gravelly  and  marked  by  rock  outcrop,  and  frequently  cut 
by  washes  and  intermittent  stream  channels.  The  soils  are  derived  primarily 
from  red  sandstone  modified  in  places  by  an  admixture  of  material  derived 
from  shales,  slates,  eruptive  rocks,  etc.,  and  are  typically  of  vermilion  or 
bright  red  color.  They  occur  generally  as  extensive  areas,  sometimes  underlain 
by  gravel.  The  lower-lying  and  heavier  members  of  the  series  are  often  poorly 
drained  and  alkaline. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Redfield  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  4 

44,200 

do                    

14,100 

...do 

3,800 

Total 

62,100 

For  key  to  numbors  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


536  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

THE  SOIL  TYPE8  AND  THEIR  USE. 

The  soils  derived  from  alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling  material  show  a  wide 
range  in  use.  Not  only  are  they  varied  in  texture  and  structure,  but  the  condi- 
tions of  drainage,  topography,  and  irrigation,  as  well  as  of  transportation  are 

unusually  diversified. 

The  lighter  textured  soils  occurring  under  the  sand  groups  are  represented  by 
the  sand  and  fine  sand  of  the  Bingham  series.  The  sand  has  been  encountered 
to  a  much  greater  extent  than  the  fine  sand  in  the  areas  surveyed  and  is  of 
much  greater  agricultural  importance.  Both  are  loose,  porous,  and  incoherent, 
but  in  case  of  the  sand  the  deeper  subsoil  is  generally  of  heavier  texture  and 
more  compact  structure  than  the  surface  material.  This  fact  greatly  improves 
the  water-holding  capacity  of  the  type  and  renders  it  fairly  retentive  of  mois- 
ture under  cultivation,  or  under  certain  natural  field  conditions  giving  rise  to 
the  formation  of  a  loose  pulverulent  surface  mulch.  Owing  to  this  subsoil 
characteristic  the  sand  has  a  much  wider  adaptation  to  crops  than  the  fine  Band. 
The  latter  is  often  wind  blown,  has  a  low  moisture-retaining  power  and  gener- 
ally occupies  a  position  above  the  reach  of  the  present  irrigation  systems.  It 
would  usually  require  considerable  labor  to  level  and  prepare  the  surface  for 
irrigation  and  intertilled  crops  would  probably  be  subject  to  injury  by  drifting 
if  not  protected  by  windbreaks.  The  fine  sand  is  not  used  for  farming  to  any 
extent  at  the  present  time,  but  if  irrigated  and  protected  from  winds  could  be 
utilized  for  the  production  of  early  truck  crops  and  early  stone  fruits,  and  to 
some  extent  for  alfalfa.  The  sand  is  to  a  much  greater  extent  situated  favor- 
ably with  regard  to  water  supply  for  irrigation  and  only  small  local  areas  are 
wind  blown.  Leveling  for  irrigation  is  necessary  in  certain  areas  of  irregular 
surface,  and  in  places  the  surface  is  quite  hilly  or  rolling.  Gravel  is  of  fre 
quent  occurrence.  Some  of  the  lower  lying  areas  of  the  sand  are  subject  to 
the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters  and  alkali  and  are  impaired  by  a  high 
water  table,  drainage  being  less  thorough  over  most  of  the  areas  than  in  the 
areas  of  the  fine  sand.  Under  irrigation  the  sand  is  fairly  well  adapted  to 
general  farm  crops  and  certain  areas  are  dry  farmed  to  grain  with  fair  success. 
Alfalfa  is  the  principal  general  farm  crop  grown  under  irrigation,  although 
wheat  and  other  cereals  are  being  grown  to  some  extent.  Under  favorable  local 
conditions  the  type  is  more  profitably  utilized  in  the  production  of  sugar  beets, 
peaches  and  other  stone  fruits,  pears,  and  tomatoes  and  other  truck  crops. 

Both  the  sand  and  fine  sand  require  but  light  and  comparatively  inexpensive 
farm  equipment. 

No  normal  sandy  loam  soils  are  derived  from  the  materials  included  under 
this  general  head.  A  gravelly  sandy  loam  is  shown  under  the  Bingham  series. 
Tliis  is  an  extensive  and  widely  developed  type  recognized  in  the  surveys  of  the 
Salt  Lake,  Sevier  Valley,  Bear  River,  and  Provo  areas.  The  soil  and  subsoil 
are  open  and  porous  when  dry,  but  moderately  coherent  and  loamy  when  moist. 
A  variable  content  of  gravel  is  present,  but  rarely  is  the  amount  sufficient  to 
interfere  with  cultivation,  and  angular  stone  fragments,  bowlders,  or  rock  out- 
crop are  rarely  present.  The  soil  is  friable  and  mellow  under  cultivation,  is 
easily  tilled,  and  requires  only  a  light  farm  equipment.  The  type  generally 
OCCUpiea  pronounced  slopes  near  the  foot  of  the  mountains.  The  surface  is 
generally  regular,  and  not  steep  enough  to  interfere  seriously  with  the  use  of 
farm  machinery.  A  considerable  proportion  of  the  soil  lies  above  available 
Sources  Of  water  supply  for  irrigation,  but  where  irrigable  the  surface  favors 

the  distribution  of  water.  Excellent  drainage  generally  exists.  The  soil  usu- 
ally has  little  power  to  retail!  moisture,  and  is  not  well  suited  to  dry  farming. 
although  areas  of  limited  extent   are  devoted  to  small  grain. 

The  flne  sandy  Loams  of  both  the  Bingham  and  Bedfleld  series  are  extensive 
j. nd  Important  types,  but  are  not  as  widely  distributed  as  the  Bingham  gravelly 

Bandy    loam.      They   usually  occur  upon   lower  lying  and    less  pronounced  slopes 

than  the  gravelly  sandy  loam  and  are  more  frequently  poorly  drained  and 
affected  with  alkali.  As  a  rule  the  moisture-retaining  capacity  is  higher  and 
under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  they  are  better  adapted  to  general 
Canning  and  therefore  more  extensively  used  for  the  production  of  alfalfa, 
-rain,  and  grass  crops.  They  require  a  heavier  farm  equipment  but  are  of 
mellow  friable  character  under  favorable  conditions  <>f  drainage  and  tillage, 
some  of  the  higher  lying  areas  are  not  Irrigable  from  existing  gravity  systems, 

hut  the  types  are  generally  so  situated  as  to  he  easily  Irrigated.  The  tine  sandy 
loan]  of  the  Bingham  Series  is  the  better  special-purpose  soil;  the  IJedtield  type 
is  devoted  mainly  to  general   farming. 


GREAT   BASIN    REGION.  537 

Loams  also  occur  in  both  the  Bingham  and  the  Redfield  series.  The  topog- 
raphy of  these  soils  is  generally  gently  sloping  to  flat,  the  types  frequently 
occurring  in  depressed  areas.  Drainage  conditions  are  more  frequently  poor 
than  in  the  case  of  the  lighter-textured  types.  The  soils  are  rather  sticky 
when  wet  and  demand  more  careful  management  and  heavier  teams  and  im- 
plements to  maintain  good  tilth.  When  well  drained  they  are  adapted  to  gen- 
eral crops  and  to  the  later  maturing  vegetable  and  fruit  crops.  The  Bingham 
loam  is  used  to  some  extent  for  apples  and  pears;  the  Redfield  type  exclu- 
sively for  general  farming.  A  stony  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  occurs 
under  the  Bingham  series.  This  is  extensively  developed.  It  differs  ma- 
terially from  the  normal  loams  in  topography,  drainage,  physical  character- 
istics, and  relation  to  agriculture.  The  surface  is  often  rough,  the  areas  occu- 
pying moderately  to  steeply  sloping  country  adjacent  to  the  mountains.  They 
include  considerable  material  of  strictly  colluvial  origin.  The  use  of  farm 
machinery  is  in  many  cases  impracticable,  as  is  also  irrigation.  For  these 
reasons  the  land  is  of  comparatively  little  agricultural  importance. 

Clay  loam  types,  constituting  the  heaviest  soils  of  this  province  as  yet 
recognized,  occur  in  both  the  Bingham  and  the  Redfield  series.  They  are  less 
extensively  developed  than  any  other  of  the  soil  groups,  with  the  exception  of 
the  fine  sand.  Each  of  these  two  types  has  been  encountered  in  only  one 
area.  The  soils  are  heavy,  sticky  when  wet,  and  require  considerable  care  in 
cultivation.  Heavy  farm  equipment  is  essential  to  the  proper  handling  of  such 
soils.  Surface  and  underdrainage  are  generally  poor.  Inadequately  drained 
areas  are  utilized  mainly  for  pastures,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of 
drainage,  irrigation,  and  culture  the  soils  are  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  alfalfa  and  small  grain. 

SAND   GBOUP. 

Bingham  sand. — The  soil  is  light  gray  to  grayish  brown  and  of  loose,  inco- 
herent character.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  surface  material  in  color  or 
of  slightly  lighter  tint,  the  deeper  portion  being  somewhat  heavier  in  texture 
and  of  more  compact  structure.  Water-worn  gravel  is  of  frequent  occurrence 
in  the  higher  lying  areas.  The  type  is  usually  well  drained,  but  lower  lying 
bodies  of  limited  extent  are  apt  to  suffer  from  insufficient  drainage  under 
irrigation.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  deposited  by  mountain  streams  as 
broad  alluvial  fan  and  alluvial  plain  deposits  about  mountain  foot  slopes  and 
over  the  edge  of  low,  broad  areas  of  the  Booneville  Basin.  The  soil  material 
is  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks  of  igneous,  metamorphic,  and  sedimentary 
character,  the  latter  consisting  of  shale,  sandstone,  and  limestone.  The  sur- 
face is  sloping  to  nearly  level  or  sometimes  wind  blown  and  interrupted  by 
terrace  lines  of  steep  slopes.  Where  capable  of  irrigation  and  favored  by  con- 
ditions of  drainage  and  climate  the  type  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of 
alfalfa,  tomatoes  and  other  vegetables,  and  peaches.  Plums,  prunes,  and  pears 
are  also  grown  to  some  extent. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  2,  5 

32,168 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Bingham  fine  sand. — The  soil  of  the  Bingham  fine  sand  is  light  gray  or  grayish 
brown  and  contains  an  excessive  amount  of  sand  of  the  finer  grades.  The 
structure  is  porous  and  incoherent.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  material 
In  color,  texture,  and  structure.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  distributed 
as  alluvial  outwash  fan  or  alluvial  slope  material  by  mountain  streams.  It 
occurs  in  the  vicinity  of  mountain  foot  slopes  and  about  the  margins  of  broad 
interior  drainage  basins.  The  material  is  derived  from  a  variety  of  crystalline, 
volcanic,  metamorphic  shale,  sandstone,  and  limestone  rocks.  The  surface  is 
usually  wind  blown  and  the  type  not  favorably  situated  for  irrigation.  The 
soil  is  deficient  in  organic  matter,  but  where  properly  cultivated  under  irriga- 
tion is  suitable  for  the  production  of  early  truck  crops. 


538  SOILS    OF    THE    [JNITED    STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name.  State  or  ; 


•Bingham  fine  sand Utah  5 


Acres. 


1,900 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  seo  p.  733. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

gravelly  sandy  loam  phase. 

liam  gravelly  sandy  loam.— The  type  is  a  dark  to  drab-colored  sandy  Loam 
or  fine  sandy  loam  of  open,  porous  structure,  ranging  from  IS  inches  to  6  feet 
or  more  in  depth,  usually  underlain  by  gravel,  bowlders,  or  rock.  It  occurs  as 
extensive  areas,  covering  lower  mountain  slopes,  upper  valley  slopes,  and  sloping 
alluvial  fans  generally  lying  slightly  below  areas  covered  by  the  Bingham  stony 
loam,  which  it  resembles  in  origin  and  mode  of  formation.  Flat,  shaly,  or  well- 
rounded  gravel  varying  in  size  from  fine  fragments  to  3  or  4  inches  in  diameter 
occur  upon  the  surface  or  within  the  3-foot  section.  The  surface  is  generally 
free  from  rock  outcrop  or  bowlders  and  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali. 
The  type  frequently  lies  above  the  limits  of  irrigation  and  is  sometimes  dry 
farmed  to  grains.  Where  capable  of  irrigation,  it  is  generally  well  adapted 
to  truck  crops,  orchard  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

si.ue  or  area.1 

Acres. 

B  in^ham  pravelly  sandy  loam 

1,  2,  3,  4 

132,112 

1  For  ki>y  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Bingham  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  gray  or  grayish-brown  color  and 
of  porous  structure.  The  subsoil  resembles  the  soil  material  in  color.  The 
upper  portion  is  usually  of  slightly  heavier  texture  than  the  surface  material, 
becoming  coarser  in  texture  and  of  more  porous  structure  with  depth.  Water- 
worn  gravel  are  of  frequent  occurrence  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  material  in  the 
higher  lying  areas.  The  type  consists  of  alluvial  fan  and  foot-slope  deposits 
of  mountain  streams.  It  occurs  about  mountain  bases  and  as  deltalike  plains 
about  the  margins  of  low,  flat  drainage  or  lake  basins.  The  material  is  derived 
from  a  variety  of  volcanic  crystalline,  metamorphic,  and  sedimentary  rocks, 
the  metamorphic  rocks  with  Shales,  sandstones,  and  limestones  predominating. 
The  lower  lying  areas  are  sometimes  deficient  in  drainage  under  irrigation  and 
subjed  t<»  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts.  Under  favorable  Irrigation,  drain- 
:  ixl  climatic  conditions  the  type  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets, 
truck  crops,  and   free  fruits.     The  higher  lying  areas  are  particularly  esteemed 

irodud  ion  of  peaches, 
Redfleld  fine  sandy  loam.-— The  type  consists  of  a  tine  sandy  loam  0  feet  in 
depth,  derived  from  (he  disintegration  of  red  sandstones,  sometimes  mingled 
with  limestones.  Ft  is  usually  well  drained.  In  some  areas  the  soil  contains 
well-rounded,  medium  sized  gravel  within  3  feet  of  the  surface,  which  increases 
in  quantity  and  size  in  the  lower  depths.  Other  areas  are  underlain  by  sand- 
stone and  limestone  rocks  outcropping  .-h  higher  elevations.    The  type  occupies 

\  alley  floors  sloping  gently  from  the  mountains,  upper  bench  hinds,  and  elevated. 

undulating  plains,    it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  grains  where  favorably  located 

for  irrigation. 


GREAT   BASIN    REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


539 


Soil  name. 

Slate  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  5 

86,400 

Utah  4... 

44,200 

Total 

130,60 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

Bingham  loam,. — The  soil  of  the  Bingham  loam  is  gray  to  dark  gray  in  color. 
The  subsoil  usually  resembles  the  soil  material  in  color  and  other  features, 
although  in  local  areas  it  is  sometimes  replaced  by  sand  or  clay  material.  The 
type  consists  of  alluvial  foot  slope,  fan,  or  alluvial  plain  deposits  of  mountain 
streams,  derived  mainly  from  metamorphic  and  sedimentary  rocks,  arid  dis- 
tributed about  mountain  bases  and  as  deltalike  deposits  about  margins  of  low 
plains  of  lacustrine  or  lake-laid  deposits.  The  surface  is  sloping  to  nearly  flat 
and  the  lower  lying  areas  are  poorly  drained  Under  favorable  conditions  of 
irrigation,  drainage,  and  climate  the  type  is  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  apples, 
and  pears, 

Redfield  loam. — The  soil  is  a  vermilion-colored  loam,  usually  of  silty  texture 
4i  to  5  feet  deep,  underlain  by  a  clay  loam  or  occasionally  by  a  sandy  loam  or 
sand  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  level  valley  floors,  is  frequently  poorly  drained, 
and  contains  alkali.  It  is  an  excellent  soil  for  general  farming  where  drained 
and  free  from  alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  5., 

15,400 

Redfield  loam. 

Utah  4...                  

14,100 

Total 

29,500 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
STONY    LOAM    PHASE. 

Bingham  stony  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  sandy  loam  or  fine  sandy  loam 
generally  of  a  dark  or  drab  color  and  loose,  porous  structure,  from  4  to  6  feet 
deep,  containing  gravel,  stones,  and  bowlders  and  underlain  by  gravel  beds  or 
bowlders  or  by  bedrock  substratum  which  frequently  outcrops.  It  occurs  along 
lower  mountain  slopes  and  elevated  parts  of  old  alluvial  fans,  and  has  a  sloping 
and  frequently  rough  or  hilly  surface.  It  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali 
salts.  The  type  has  been  formed  by  colluvial  mountain  wash  and  sedimentary 
material  deposited  by  intermittent,  shifting  streams  or  mountain  torrents,  and 
occupies  irregular  and  sometimes  extensive  areas.  The  type  has  little  agricul- 
tural value  at  present,  being  too  stony  and  usually  lying  too  high  for  irrigation. 
Where  these  conditions  can  be  overcome  some  of  the  type  might  be  used  in  fruit 
growing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Bingham  stony  loam I  Utah  1,2,3,  4,  5. 


Aoros. 


62,222 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


540 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Clay  Loam  Group. 

Bingham  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark  or  drab  loam,  usually  4  feet  deep, 
resting  upon  a  clay  loam  subsoil.  The  type  is  similar  to  the  Bingham  gravelly 
loam  in  origin  and  mode  of  formation,  but  is  composed  of  finer  alluvial  and 
colluvial  materia],  is  further  removed  from  the  mountains,  and  occupies  lower 
levels  and  depressions.  Drainage  is  often  poor,  and  the  soil  contains  considerable 
alkali,  but  when  drained  and  free  from  alkali  it  proves  an  excellent  soil  for 
general  farming. 

Redfield  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  vermilion-red  clay  5  feet  in 
depth,  resting  upon  a  sandy  subsoil.  The  soil  is  difficult  to  till  except  under 
proper  moisture  conditions.  Tbe  type  occupies  low,  level  land,  is  poorly  drained, 
and  contains  considerable  alkali.  It  is  of  little  agricultural  value  except  for 
meadow  pasture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bingham  clay  loam 

Utah  4 
do. 

12,100 
3,800 

Rpdfifilrl  Hay  loam . 

Total 

15,000 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LAKE-LAID  MATERIAL. 


Extensive  areas  of  lacustrine  sediments  and  of  shore  and  delta  deposits 
occur  in  the  lower  basins  of  the  region  formerly  covered  by  waters  of  Quater- 
nary lakes  of  the  Bonneville  and  Lahontan  types.  These  deposits  were  derived 
from  adjacent  land  areas  and  represent  the  decomposition  products  of  the  rocks 
with  local  additions  of  volcanic  dust.  Since  deposition  they  have  been  exposed 
to  weathering  and  modified  by  erosion,  by  the  addition  of  more  recent  alluvial 
material,  or  by  wind-blown  deposits.  Material  of  this  character  in  the  Lahon- 
tan Basin  is  represented  by  the  soil  series  of  that  name.  In  the  Bonneville 
Basin  the  corresponding  accumulations  have  to  a  great  extent  been  buried  or 
obscured  by  later  stream  and  lake-laid  sediments.  While  intermingled  with  soil 
material  of  other  provinces  or  occurring  as  undifferentiated  areas  of  lake-laid 
soils,  they  have  not  here  as  yet  been  recognized  by  the  soil  survey  as  distinctly 
lake-laid  material. 

Along  the  shores  of  many  of  the  present  lakes  or  occupying  the  dry  beds  of 
those  of  intermittent  character  occur  extensive  areas  of  recently  formed 
lacustrine  sediments.  These  are  represented  in  the  vicinity  of  Salt  Lake,  Utah, 
bv  (he  Salt  Lake  series  and  around  Carson  Lake  in  Nevada  by  the  Carson 
series.  The  soils  of  these  series  occupy  low.  lint  positions  and  are  poorly 
drained.  The  more  extensive  and  typical  areas  cany  excessive  quantities  of 
alkali  salts  and  are  QOl   well  adapted  under  present  conditions  to  agriculture. 

The  most  extensive  soils  derived  from  lake-laid  material,  so  far  recognized, 
are  included  in  the  Salt  Lake  and  Lahontan  series. 

The  soils  of  the  Lahontan  series  have  been  encountered  only  in  the  Fallon 
area,  Nevada.  This  series  includes  a  number  of  types,  some  of  which  are  fairly 
extensive.  The  soils  of  the  Salt  Lake  series,  of  which  only  the  sandy  loam, 
loam,  and  day  loam  type*  have  been  recognized,  have  been  mapped  in  the 
Salt  Lake,  Bear  River.  Weber  County,  and  Provo  areas,  Utah,  They  .-over  a 
somewhal  greater  area  than  the  Lahontan  soils. 

The  Carson  scries  Consists  Of  recent  lake-laid  deposits  formed  mainly  by 
erosion  of  the  Lahontan  Lake  beds  of  earlier  date.  They  have  but  moderate 
extent,  occurring  in  the  recently  exposed  basin  of  Carson  sink,  included  within 

the  Fallon  area,  Nevada.    The  Churchill  series  Is  represented  by  a  single  mem- 
ber, encountered   in  the  Fallon  area.     It  consists  of  early  deposits  forming  the 

Lahontan   Lake  beds,   modified  by  deposits  of  calcareous  tnfaceous  material 

derived   from  hot   Springs.     It   is  of  Limited  extent   and  of  little  importance. 

re  typically  developed   the  lake-laid  soils  occur  in  extensive  and  uniform 

areas,     [n  the  earlier  surveys  the  material  and  soil  types  were  not  separated 

with    lis   much   attention    to   detail    ;is   they   would   he   :it    the   present    time.      In 
point   of  area  Covered   in  the  surveys  the  soils  of  lake-laid  origin  rank  second, 


GREAT  BASIN    REGION. 


541 


but  they  are  less  extensively  farmed  than  either  the  soils  derived  from  the 
Alluvial  Fan  and  Valley-Filling  material  or  from  the  River  Flood  Plain  mate- 
rial, which  constitute  the  two  other  important  soil  provinces  of  the  Great  Basin 
region. 

DESCRIPTIONS   OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Carson  series. — These  soils  consist  of  drab  to  black  lake-laid  material  of 
compact,  adobelike  structure,  about  6  feet  deep,  though  sometimes  underlain 
at  lesser  depths  by  lighter  lacustrine  sediments.  Surface  drainage  and  under- 
drainage  are  generally  deficient.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from  the  erosion 
of  eruptive  rocks.  The  types  occupy  low,  flat,  recently  exposed  lake-bed  plains. 
The  surface  is  generally  treeless  and  level  to  slightly  sloping  and  hummocky. 
Alkali  is  present  in  considerable  quantities,  although  where  properly  drained 
alfalfa,  barley,  and  sugar  beets  can  be  profitably  raised. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Carson  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Carson  clay  loam.. 

clay 

clay  adobe . 

Total 


Nevada  1. 

do.... 

do.... 


9,344 
4,288 
5,760 


19,392 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Churchill  series. — This  series  consists  of  compact,  light-yellowish  to  dark- 
colored  soils  carrying  considerable  calcareous  tufa  upon  the  surface  and  in  the 
soil  at  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches,  where  it  forms  a  layer  from  1  to  5  inches  in 
thickness.  In  certain  sections  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  is  honeycombed  in 
structure.  The  soils  are  of  lacustrine  origin,  consisting  primarily  of  Lahontan 
sediments,  subsequently  modified  by  deposits  from  subaqueous  springs,  giving 
origin  to  the  tufa.  They  occur  in  treeless  desert  plains. of  level  to  undulating 
surface.  Alkali  salts  are  generally  present  in  large  amounts,  which,  together 
with  the  occurrence  of  a  surface  hardpan,  makes  the  soils  of  little  agricultural 
importance. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Churchill  series. 


Soil  name. 


Churchill  clav Nevada  1 


Stare  or  area.1 


Acres. 


1,024 


1 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lahontan  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  of  light  gray  to  dark  gray  or 
drab  color  and  usually  underlain  at  18  inches  to  6  feet  by  gravelly  sandy  loam, 
gravelly  sand,  or  light  gravelly  loam,  which  is  in  turn  underlain  at  a  depth 
usually  below  6  feet  by  lacustrine  clays  or  by  compact  fine  sandy  loam.  These 
soils  represent  lake-laid  material  derived  mainly  from  the  rocks  of  adjacent 
mountain  ranges,  consisting  principally  of  basalt,  trachytes,  and  rhyolites.  They 
have  been  subject  to  more  or  less  modification  by  the  action  of  waves  and  cur- 
rents, and  since  the  subsidence  of  the  waters  of  the  lake  by  stream  erosion  and 
sedimentation  and  by  winds.  Volcanic  material  of  dust-like  character  and  frag- 
ments of  calcareous  tufa  deposited  by  subaqueous  springs  are  of  occasional  oc- 
currence. The  heavier  members  occupy  rolling  to  dissected  areas,  the  lighter 
members  being  of  slightly  rolling  to  hummocky  character  and  frequently  marked 
by  dunes  or  wind-blown  ridges.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of  sage,  grease- 
wood,  rabbit  bush,  and  other  characteristic  desert  shrubs  of  the  region.  The 
heavier  members  of  the  series  often  carry  excessive  amounts  of  alkali  salts,  and 
are,  owing  to  difficulty  and  expense  of  reclamation,  considered  ;is  undesirable 
types.  The  lighter  members  are  sometimes  alkaline,  but  owing  to  their  more 
porous  character  are  capable  of  reclamation  and  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and, 
in  certain  cases,  to  potatoes,  vegetables,  and  small  fruits 


542  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lahontan  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Lahontan  fine  sand 

sandy  loam 

stony  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam. . . 

gravelly  loam 

clay  loam 

clav 


Nevada 
....do... 
....do... 
....do.. 
....do.. 
....do.., 
...do.. 


23,168 

48,704 
3,328 
8,064 
4,096 
6,400 
8,000 


Total 


.        101,760 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Salt  Lake  scries. — These  soils  are  generally  dark  in  color  and  underlain  by 
compact,  heavy  subsoils.  They  represent  lacustrine  deposits  derived  from  erup- 
tive, sedimentary,  and  altered  rocks  of  various  ages  and  are  usually  without 
gravel.  They  occupy  low,  level  plains,  frequently  with  sloughs  or  lagoons, 
marking  the  site  of  recent  lake  bottoms.  They  are  generally  barren,  deficient 
in  drainage,  and  heavily  impregnated  with  alkali  salts.  Owing  to  their  low- 
lying  position,  imperfect  drainage,  and  high  content  of  alkali  salts,  they  are 
not  adapted  to  crop  production  under  present  conditions.  The  series  is  exten- 
sive in  point  of  area. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Salt  Lake  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.i 

Aires. 

Utah  1,5.... 

51,308 

Utah  1,2,  5. 
Utah  1,3.... 

19,968 

89, 166 

Total  

160,  442 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR   USE. 


The  soils  derived  from  the  lake-laid  materials  of  the  Great  Basin  region 
range  in  texture  from  fine  sand  to  clay,  the  sandy  loams  and  clay  loams  being 
the  most  extensive  classes.  The  topography  of  the  soils  is  usually  favorable  to 
the  use  of  farm  machinery.  Inadequate  drainage  and  lack  of  irrigation  facili- 
ties constitute  the  most  widespread  and  most  serious  restrictions  upon  the  use 
of  these  soils. 

The  fine  sand  group  is  so  far  represented  by  a  single  type  in  the  Lahontan 
series.  This  type  includes  the  areas  of  coarser  shore  and  delta  deposits  in  the 
Lahontan  lake  beds.  The  surface  is  usually  irregular,  is  wind  blown  in  exposed 
situations,  and  usually  requires  considerable  labor  in  leveling  and  preparing 
the  land  for  irrigation.  Where  extensive  areas  are  cleared  of  native  vegetation, 
crops  may  be  injured  by  the  drifting  soil.  Planting  windbreaks  is  an  important 
step  in  agricultural  Improvement  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  melons,  potatoes,  and  other  early  truck  crops,  and  small  fruits.  Owing  to 
tbe  tendency  to  drift,  it  can  probably  be  besl  utilized  for  such  intertilled  crops 
in  small  tracts  Interspersed  witb  areas  <>f  alfalfa  or  some  other  effective  cover 
crop,  .'it  Least  until  windbreaks  are  provided.  The  soil  is  not  at  present  ex- 
tensively Canned.  Alfalfa  and  potatoes  are  tbe  principal  products.  Poor  drain 
age  is  much  less  frequent  than  in  the  rase  of  the  heavier  types.  Tbe  soil  is, 
however,  Loose  and  porous,  and  under  irrigation  much  loss  of  water  by  Beepage 

will  oc.ur.  making  artificial  drainage  necessary  in  the  lower  lying  depressions. 

The  soil  is  easily  cultivated  and  requires  hut  a  light  farming  equipment 

The  sandj  loam  group  «»f  lake-laid  soils  within  tbe  Great  Basin  region  in- 
cludes types  Of  tbe  Lahontan  and  the  Salt  Pake  series.  In  the  former  tbe  soil 
and  subsoil  material   is  usually  open  and   porous,  the  surface  is  Level  to  sloping 

or  roiling,  and  drainage  conditions  rary  from  poor  to  excellent     in  most  of 
the  areas  surveyed  drainage  is  less  satisfactory  than  in  the  case  of  tbe  fine 


GREAT   BASIN    REGION.  543 

sand.  Alkali  in  injurious  quantities  is  of  widespread  occurrence,  though  under 
favorable  conditions  of  slope  this  may  be  readily  removed  from  the  soil  by 
irrigation.  Lower  lying  areas  require  artificial  drainage  when  placed  under 
irrigation.  The  surface  soil  in  exposed  positions  drifts,  but  the  type  suffers  less 
in  this  respect  than  the  fine  sand.  It  is  not  extensively  utilized,  although  al- 
falfa, potatoes,  and  grains  are  grown  to  some  extent.  Under  favorable  condi- 
tions of  irrigation  and  drainage  it  is  well  adapted  to  a  light  type  of  farming, 
with  alfalfa  and  potatoes  as  important  crops.  It  is  well  suited  to  early  truck 
crops,  and  to  small  fruits  and  stone  fruits  where  climatic  conditions  are  favor- 
able. It  is  easily  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth  and  requires  a  light 
farming  equipment.  It  is  not  so  well  suited  to  grain  culture  as  the  soils  of 
heavier  texture. 

The  sandy  loam  of  the  Salt  Lake  series  occupies  low-lying  areas  of  recently 
exposed  lake  bottom  in  the  Weber  County  and  Bear  River  areas  of  Utah.  Drain- 
age is  inadequate,  and  an  excessive  alkali  content  generally  occurs.  The  type 
is  not  used  for  farming,  and  owing  to  lack  of  drainage  and  irrigation  facilities 
is  of  but  little  economic  importance.  Reclamation  by  irrigation  may  be  effected 
in  certain  favored  areas. 

A  stony  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  group  occurs  in  the  Lahontan  series  in  the 
Fallon  area,  Nevada.  This  type  is  comparatively  inextensive.  The  soil  ma- 
terial is  less  loose  and  porous  than  the  normal  sandy  loam  of  the  series.  The 
content  of  rock  fragments  and  bowlders  is  high.  The  coarser  material  consists 
to  a  great  extent  of  colluvial  deposits.  The  type  usually  occupies  pronounced 
slopes,  well  elevated  above  the  typical  sandy  loam  or  other  adjacent  types. 
Some  areas  are  eroded  and  rough.  Drainage  conditions  are  better  than  in  the 
normal  sandy  loams,  and  for  this  reason  the  soil  is  generally  free  from  injurious 
alkali  accumulations.  The  type  is  not  as  yet  utilized  to  any  extent  for  farm- 
ing, but  where  the  stone  content  is  not  excessive  and  the  conditions  of  topog- 
raphy and  irrigation  are  favorable  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  fruit 
and  truck  crops,  as  well  as  to  a  light  type  of  general  farming.  The  soil  does 
not  usually  drift,  and,  except  upon  the  steeper  and  more  stony  slopes,  will  prob- 
ably prove  suitable  for  the  culture  of  alfalfa  and  grains. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  group  so  far  includes  only  that  member  of  the  Lahontan 
series.  It  is  of  more  compact  character  than  the  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series, 
but  the  surface  is  sometimes  wind  blown  and  requires  leveling  before  irrigation 
is  practicable.  Drainage  is  usually  deficient,  and  the  areas  frequently  contain 
excessive  amounts  of  alkali.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  the  alkali 
generally  disappears  with  irrigation.  The  soil  material  is  moderately  sticky 
when  wet  and  somewhat  inclined  to  puddle  and  bake  if  improperly  handled. 
When  in  good  physical  condition  it  is  usually  friable  under  cultivation,  but 
requires  a  somewhat  heavier  farming  equipment  and  more  careful  management 
than  the  sandy  loams.  It  is  not  extensively  utilized  for  agriculture  at  the 
present  time. 

The  loam  group  is  represented  only  in  the  Salt  Lake  series  and  is  of  moderate 
extent.  The  type  occupies  a  low-lying  position,  most  of  the  areas  covered  being 
confined  to  poorly  drained  flats  of  recently  exposed  lake  bottom,  heavily  im- 
pregnated with  alkali.  Such  areas  are  nonagricultural  and  only  to  a  limited 
extent  suited  for  grazing.  In  the  Provo  area,  Utah,  however,  where  drainage 
conditions  are  better,  the  soil  is  now  used  for  farming  to  a  limited  extent,  and 
much  of  the  area  could  be  reclaimed  through  artificial  drainage. 

A  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  of  soils,  of  limited  area  and  occurring 
under  the  Lahontan  series,  departs  widely  from  the  normal  loams  of  the  province 
in  aspects  of  drainage  and  agricultural  importance.  It  occupies  areas  of  good 
slope,  and  surface  drainage  is  generally  well  established.  It  also  includes  some 
eroded  areas  of  rough  character,  having  slopes  rather  excessive  for  irrigation 
except  by  the  contour  or  furrow  systems.  The  soil  is  but  little  utilized  at 
present,  although  much  of  the  area  is  irrigable  and  adapted  to  general  farming 
and  fruit  growing. 

The  clay  loam  group  constitutes  one  of  the  most  extensive  soil  groups  of  lake- 
laid  origin.  Types  have  been  recognized  in  the  Carson,  Lahontan.  and  Salt 
Lake  series.  The  Carson  clay  loam  and  Lahontan  clay  loam  have  been  encoun- 
tered only  in  the  Fallon  area.  Nevada,  and  both  are  of  moderate  extent.  The 
clay  loam  of  the  Salt  Lake  series  is  extensively  developed  and  has  been  mapped 
in  the  Bear  River  and  Salt  Lake  areas,  Utah. 

The  clay  loam  of  the  Lahontan  series  occupies  areas  of  undulating  surface 
in  which  small,  lower  lying  flats  frequently  occur.  Much  of  the  type  contains 
injurious  amounts  of  alkali.     The  better  drained  portions  are  devoted  mainly 


544  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

to  alfalfa,  wheat,  and  barley.  Potatoes  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  but 
succeed  better  upon  the  well-drained  soils  of  lighter  texture.  The  clay  loams 
of  the  Carson  and  Salt  Lake  series  occupy  lower  lying  areas  of  recently  exposed 
lake  bottom,  the  surface  of  which  is  usually  flat  or  gently  sloping.  Much  of  the 
land  is  impregnated  with  alkali.  Underdrainage  is  generally  deficient  and.  in 
the  case  of  the  Salt  Lake  clay  loam,  surface  drainage  also.  The  better  drained 
areas  are  devoted  mainly  to  alfalfa  and  grains,  the  more  poorly  drained  bodies 
being  used  as  pastures  or  left  idle.  Where  sufficient  fall  may  be  obtained  to 
carry  off  excess  subsoil  waters,  the  excess  of  salts  may  be  leached  from  the  soil 
by  underdrainage  and  surface  flooding  and  the  land  reclaimed. 

Where  so  improved  or  where  favored  by  natural  drainage  conditions  and  by 
adequate  irrigation  and  cultural  practice  the  clay  loams  of  the  province  are  well 
suited  to  general  farming  and  to  the  culture  of  sugar  beets.  The  soil  is  refrac- 
tory and  requires  heavy  draft  animals  and  farm  machinery  and  careful  manage- 
ment in  irrigation  and  tillage  operations  to  maintain  good  physical  conditions. 
Fruits,  mainly  apples  and  pears,  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent  in  the  better 
drained  localities,  and  under  favorable  conditions  the  soils  are  well  adapted  to 
this  use.  Local  climatic  conditions  are,  however,  generally  less  favorable  to 
fruit  culture  than  upon  the  higher  lying  types. 

The  clay  group  comprises  types  of  the  Carson,  Churchill,  and  Lahontan  series. 
They  have  been  encountered  only  in  the  survey  of  the  Fallon  area,  Nevada, 
lying  within  the  Lahontan  Basin.  Their  area  is  much  smaller  than  that  of  the 
clay  loams. 

The  Carson  clay  is  used  in  a  small  way  for  the  production  of  grains,  but  any 
extensive  use  of  the  type  will  depend  upon  artificial  drainage.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  clay  group  are  not  at  present  utilized,  are  poorly  drained,  contain 
alkali,  and  are  undesirable  for  agriculture.  The  soils  are  intractable  and  will 
require  heavy  farming  equipment,  extremely  careful  management,  and  expensive 
artificial  drainage.  Much  of  the  areas  covered  would  not  warrant  the  expense 
necessary  to  establish  an  adequate  drainage  system  at  the  present  time. 
Properly  drained,  the  soils  are  adapted  to  grains,  grasses,  alfalfa,  and  sugar 
beets. 

A  clay  adobe  phase  of  the  clay  group  of  soils  occurs  under  the  Carson  series. 
The  soil  is  dense  and  refractory,  and  in  cultivation  requires  a  heavy  farming 
equipment  and  careful  management.  The  drainage  is  poor  and  alkali  occurs  in 
injurious  amounts.  In  these  respects,  however,  the  adobe  phase  is  somewhat 
better  than  the  normal  clays,  and  a  larger  proportion  of  the  former  is  farmed. 
Barley  and  alfalfa  are  the  principal  crops  grown.  Where  drainage  is  good  and 
the  alkali  can  be  removed  the  soil  is  adapted  to  sugar  beets  and  heavy  crops. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Lahontan  fine  sand.— This  tyi>e  consists  of  a  light-gray  fine  sand  from  24 
inches  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  often  carrying  a  noticeable  amount  of  coarse, 
sharp  sand  particles  and  becoming  coarser  with  depth.  Where  less  than  6  feet 
in  depth  it  is  underlain  by  fine  to  coarse  gravelly  sand  or  sandy  loam.  It 
merges  gradually  into  dune  sand  or  other  adjacent  types  and  has  a  sloping  to 
rolling  topography.  It  is  derived  from  Lake  Lahontan  sediment,  subsequently 
modified  by  wave.  wind,  and  stream  action.  It  is  usually  free  from  alkali  and 
supports  a'  moderate  growth  of  desert  Shrubs.  Where  irrigated,  drainage  will 
be  required  Cor  the  low-:'  lying  areas.  Alfalfa  and  potatoes  have  been  grown 
limited  extent,  and  the  type  is  believed  to  be  suitable  for  small  fruits  and 
truck  crops,  but  in  clearing  and  subsequent  cropping  should  not  be  left  in  Large 

areas  without   protective  covering,  owing  to  tin4  erosive  effect  of  winds. 

Area  ond  distribution  of  tin-  sand. 


Soil  name. 


Lahontan  <•> 


SkiU'  or  area.1 


Nevada  i 


Acres. 

8, 168 


'  Pot  key  to  number  Id  tblscoli  a 


GEEAT   BASIX   EEGION. 


545 


Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Lahontan  sandy  loam. — This  type  is  a  yellowish  to  gray  sandy  loam  of  fine 
to  somewhat  coarse  texture,  from  30  inches  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  Small 
quantities  of  fine  gravel  are  sometimes  present  in  the  surface  12  inches,  and  a  thin 
veneer  of  wind-blown  sand  forms  small  dunes  over  the  surface.  Where  less  than 
6  feet  in  depth  the  soil  is  underlain  by  a  gravelly  sand,  which  grades  into  a 
heavy  clay  loam  as  the  surrounding  types  are  approached.  It  occurs  as  small 
to  extensive  bodies  occupying  low  flats  or  pronounced,  slope  lying  well  above 
the  general  level  of  adjacent  soils  or  stream  valleys.  The  surface  varies  from 
level  and  poorly  drained  to  uneven  or  rolling  or  marked  by  bluffs  in  the  case 
of  the  higher  lying  bench  lands.  Alkali  salts  are  of  common  occurrence,  but 
except  in  the  lower  lying  bodies  of  deficient  drainage  are  readily  removed 
under  the  influence  of  irrigation  and  natural  drainage.  The  type  is  generally 
adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  potatoes,  truck  crops,  and  in  the  case  of 
the  more  elevated  areas  less  subject  to  frosts  and  protected  by  windbreaks  to 
small  fruits  and  orchard  crops.  Drainage  is  generally  good  except  over  the 
lower  lying  areas. 

Salt  Lake  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  IS  inches  to  2  feet  of  sandy 
loam,  underlain  by  a  fine  sand  subsoil,  or  frequently  by  6  feet  of  loam  inter- 
stratified  with  beds  or  lenses  of  fine  sand,  fine  sandy  loam,  or  light  loam.  It 
occupies  level  plains  and  recent  lake  bottoms.  The  soil  is  poorly  drained,  con- 
tains an  excess  of  alkali,  and  is  bare  of  vegetation.  For  these  reasons  it  has 
no  present  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Utah  1,5 

51,308 

Nevada  1 

48,704 

Total 

100,012 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


Lahontan  stony  sandy  loam. — The  Lahontan  stony  sandy  loam  consists  of  a 
gray,  compact  sandy  loam,  18  inches  to  6  feet  deep,  containing  quantities  of 
rough  angular  rock  fragments.  The  gravel  may  not  occur  below  18  inches, 
where  bedrock  is  sometimes  encountered  within  2  feet.  The  gravel  consists 
mainly  of  vesicular  lava  with  some  massive  basalt  and  breccia.  It  is  under- 
lain by  bedrock  consisting  of  fractured  or  calcareous  material.  It  occurs  as 
narrow,  irregular  areas,  usually  somewhat  elevated  above  surrounding  types. 
The  surface  is  generally  uniform  but  with  pronounced  slope.  Most  of  the  finer 
material  represents  sediments  of  Lake  Lahontan,  the  coarser  material  being 
derived  by  wash  from  adjacent  mountain  slopes,  eroded  and  modified  by  inter- 
mittent streams.  The  subsoil  frequently  carries  considerable  alkali,  but  the 
type  is  usually  well  drained.  It  should  be  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and 
general  farm  crops  where  not  too  stony  or  shallow,  and  in  favorable  localities 
possibly  to  fruits.     Care  in  irrigation  will  be  necessary  to  prevent  erosion. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nevada  1 

3,328 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


79619— 13 35 


546 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Lahontan  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  fine  sandy  loam  of  light-gray  color  and 
compact  structure  from  2  to  6  feet  deep.  Where  less  than  6  feet  deep  it  is 
underlain  by  a  gray,  rather  coarse  sandy  loam  or  by  a  darker  colored  coarse 
sand.  At  approximately  30  inches  a  compact  layer  is  encountered  varying  in 
thickness  from  a  few  inches  to  4  feet.  The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin  and  has 
been  but  little  modified  since  deposition.  The  surface  is  sometimes  broken  by 
small  sand  dunes  or  low  mounds  of  wind-blown  material.  In  other  places  the 
type  is  level  and  without  drainage.  It  is  treeless  and  marked  by  the  usual 
desert  vegetation.  Alkali  in  injurious  amounts  is  usually  present,  but  once 
removed  by  drainage  and  irrigation  alfalfa,  grains,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables 
can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lahontan  fine  sandy  loam 

Nevada  1 

8,064 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p. 
Loam  Group. 


Salt  Lake  loam. — The  type  consists  of  2  to  3*  feet  of  loam,  generally  con- 
taining a  large  amount  of  fine  sand  or  silt,  usually  underlain  to  a  depth  of  G 
feet  or  more  by  a  fine  sand,  fine  sandy  loam,  or  sandy  loam  subsoil.  It  occupies 
level  plains,  representing  recent  lake  bottoms,  is  poorly  drained,  and  contains 
excessive  amounts  of  alkali.  The  soil  is  not  adapted  to  agriculture  at  present, 
on  account  of  its  low-lying  position,  imperfect  drainage,  and  high  salt  content. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  1,2,5 

19,908 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 


Lahontan  gravelly  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  loam  of  fine  tex- 
ture, from  1  foot  to  6  feet  deep,  carrying  considerable  rounded  gravel  and  rock 
fragments,  which  may  disappear  at  any  depth  below  the  surface  foot.  Occasion- 
ally a  stratum  of  yellow  sandy  loam  is  encountered  below  IU  fret.  Beds  of  vol- 
canic ash  and  dlatomaceous  earth  sometimes  OCCUr  in  higher-lying  areas.  The 
type  occupies  high  bench  lands  usually  of  uniform  surface  and  pronounced 
slope,  though  sometimes  eroded  and  rough  in  character.  The  finer  material  is 
derived  from  Lake  Lahontan  sediments,  the  coarser  material  representing  col- 
luviai  wasii  from  adjacent  hill  slopes.  The  soil  generally  carries  considerable 
quantities  of  alkali  Baits,  hut  is  favored  by  i-r<>"d  drainage  and  ready  percolation, 
in  favorable  locations  it  should  ho  adapted  t<>  alfalfa,  potatoes,  and  possibly  !<• 

fruit,  under  a  system  of  furrow  irrigation  t<»  prevent  erosi.m. 

Area  <m<i  distribution  of  iti<  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  oanie. 


i  area.' 


Lahontan  gravelly  loam N« 


4,008 


limba  in  this  coin; 


GREAT  BASIN   REGION. 


547 


Clay  Loam  Group. 

Carson  clay  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  compact  dark-drab  to  black,  sticky- 
clay  loam  extending  to  a  depth  of  2  to  4  feet,  the  heavier  phases  approaching 
adobe  in  structure.  It  is  generally  underlain  by  a  rather  coarse,  dark-yellowish 
sandy  loam.  The  type  is  of  recent  lacustrine  formation  and  represents  sedi- 
ments deposited  from  Carson  Lake.  The  surface  varies  from  level  to  slightly 
rolling  and  hummocky,  is  generally  slightly  sloping,  the  slope  being  sufficient  to 
carry  away  surface  waters,  but  underdrainage  is  poor.  Considerable  quantities 
of  alkali  salts  are  usually  present.  The  type  is  largely  devoted  to  the  produc- 
tion of  wild  hay.  In  reclaimed  areas  alfalfa  yields  well  and  sugar  beets  could 
probably  be  successfully  grown. 

Lahontan  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  grayish-brown  clay  loam,  generally 
18  inches  in  depth  but  sometimes  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet.  Below  18 
inches  it  is  usually  underlain  by  a  gray,  coarse  sandy  loam,  often  carrying  ap- 
preciable quantities  of  tine,  water-worn  gravel.  In  the  deeper  phases  a  compact 
stratum  of  soil  may  occur  at  a  depth  of  30  inches.  The  soil  material  repre- 
sents lacustrine  sediments  of  Lake  Lahontan,  slightly  modified  over  wind-drifted 
areas.  The  topography  is  generally  rolling  with  occasional  small  level  areas. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  of  greasewood,  sage,  and  rabbit  brush.  The  soil 
generally  carries  considerable  amounts  of  alkali  salts,  but  when  reclaimed  it  is 
adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and  sugar  beets. 

Salt  Lake  clay  loam. — This  type  is  a  loam  relatively  high  in  silt,  generally  6 
feet  or  more  in  depth,  and  becoming  somewhat  heavier  in  texture  and  struc- 
ture in  the  lower  portion  of  the  section.  The  type  covers  large  areas  of  recent 
lake  bottom.  The  areas  are  low,  level,  and  poorly  drained,  and  are  frequently 
marked  by  the  presence  of  meandering  sloughs  and  stream  courses.  The  soil  is 
generally  filled  with  alkali  and  is  of  but  little  agricultural  importance.  Small 
areas  are  devoted  to  the  production  of  hay  and  to  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Salt  Lake  clay  loam. 
Carson  clay  loam — 
Lahontan  clay  loam. 


Utah  1,  3. 
Nevada  1. 
....do.... 


89, 166 
9,344 
6,400 


Total. 


104,910 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 


Carson  clay. — The  type  consists  of  6  feet  or  more  of  a  drab  to  black  clay  loam, 
sometimes  approaching  an  adobe  in  structure.  The  surface  is  frequently  covered 
with  a  thin  veneer  of  1  or  2  inches  of  fine  sand.  The  soil  material  is  of  recent 
lacustrine  origin.  The  type  occurs  upon  low,  flat,  recently  exposed  lake  beds, 
the  natural  surface  drainage,  as  well  as  the  movement  of  water  through  the  soil, 
being  deficient.  The  soil  is  generally  alkaline  and  supports  only  a  fair  growth 
of  grass,  with  rarely  any  shrubs.  Under  a  comprehensive  system  of  artificial 
drainage  the  type  will  become  fairly  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa, 
grains,  and  sugar  beets,  though  not  at  present  utilized  to  any  extent. 

Churchill  clay. — This  type  consists  of  6  feet  of  compact,  light-yellowish  to 
dark-colored  clay,  carrying  numerous  fragments  of  tufa  upon  the  surface.  These 
are  also  encountered  at  a  depth  of  6  to  8  inches  as  a  layer  from  1  to  3  inches 
in  thickness.  The  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section  is  often  of  a  honeycombed 
structure.  The  type  is  of  lacustrine  origin,  consisting  mainly  of  Lahontan  sedi- 
ments subsequently  modified  by  deposits  from  subaqueous  springs,  giving  origin 
to  the  tufa.  It  generally  carries  large  amounts  of  alkali  salts  and  is  of  inferior 
agricultural  importance,  owing  to  this  cause  and  to  the  occurrence  of  a  tufaceous 
hardpan. 

Lahontan  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown,  compact, 
sticky  clay,  from  18  inches  to  6  feet  in  depth.  It  is  usually  underlain  below  18 
inches  by  a  very  compact,  brown,  fine  sandy  loam  or  a  gravelly  sand,  or  by  both, 
in  which  case  the  fine  sandy  loam  is  seldom  more  than  a  foot  in  thickness. 
The  surface  is  generally  level  and  unbroken,  except  by  occasional  wind-blown 


548  SOILS   OF    THE    UXITED   STATES. 

knolls  of  soil  material  lodged  about  desert  bushes  and  shrubs.  The  type  occu- 
pies a  lower  position  than  the  adjacent  types  from  which  it  receives  the  drainage 
of  storm  waters,  giving  rise  to  characteristic  "playas"  or  barren,  level  mud 
flats.  It  generally  carries  excessive  amounts  of  alkali  salts  and,  owing  to 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  drainage  and  reclamation,  is  considered  an  undesirable 
soil  for  agriculture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lahontan  clay 

Nevada  1 

8,000 
4,288 
1,024 

do 

do 

Total 

13,312 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   ADOBE   PHASE. 

Carson  clay  adobe. — This  type  consists  of  a  heavy  black  clay  of  dense,  com- 
pact, adobe  structure,  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  In  local  areas  the  immediate 
surface  is  sometimes  covered  by  a  thin  mantle  of  lighter  soil  material  deposited 
by  flood  waters  from  streams  and  adjacent  higher-lying  types.  It  is  subject  to 
considerable  variation  in  color  and  texture  as  it  merges  gradually  into  sur- 
rounding soil  types.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  though  in  some  localities 
marked  by  stream  erosion.  It  generally  carries  considerable  quantities  of 
alkali  salts,  and  artificial  drainage  will  be  necessary  to  render  the  soil  perma- 
nently productive.  Alfalfa  and  barley  are  the  principal  crops  now  grown. 
Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  the  type  should  be  suited 
to  alfalfa,  grains,  and  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nevada  1 

5,760 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
RIVER  FLOOD  PLAIN  MATERIAL. 

The  River  Flood  plain  material  covers  only  a  very  small  proportion  of 
the  area  of  the  Great  Plains  region.  The  soils  derived  from  this  material  are 
level  to  gently  sloping  and  thus  well  adapted  to  Irrigation,  for  which  purpose 
water  is  generally  available.  Owing  to  those  conditions,  to  the  abundance  of 
native  the  presence  of  water  for  domestic  use.  and  to  a  convenient  supply 

Of  wood  for  fuel,  the  alluvia]  ureas  were  generally  first  chosen  in  the  settlement 
of  the  region.  They  now  Include  a  Large  proportion  of  the  more  Important 
agricultural  sections  to  whicn  the  soil  surveys  have  generally  been  confined, 
and  in  area  mapped  are  nearly  equal  to  the  soils  derived  from  the  alluvial  fan 
and  vmIIcv  filling  or  from  the  lake-laid  material. 

The  eeu  placed  In  three  series    the  Fallen  series,  encountered  In 

the  Fallon  area,  Nevada,  and  the  Jordan  and  Blsinore  series,  occurring  In  the 
■ever  surveyed  In  Utah.    The  Jordan  series  La  the  mosl  extensive  and 

Important  agriculturally. 

The  alluvial  soils  aften  merge  Into  the  surrounding  soils  by  Indefinite  de- 
and  as  mapped  often  embrace  undifferentiated  areas  of  soils  derived 
from  the  alluvial  fan  or  other  kinds  of  material.  This  is  particularly  the  case 
in  the  districts  embraced  within  the  curlier  surveys. 

Lower  lying  areas  In  the  flood  plains  are  more  or  less  subject  to  overflow  and 
arc  poorly  drained  and  affected  with  alkali.  Thegreater  proportion  of  the  areas 
mapped  are  well  drained  and  used  for  the  production  of  staple  and  special 


GREAT  BASIN   REGION. 


549 


DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  SOIL   SERIES. 

Elsinore  series. — These  are  light-colored  soils,  the  lighter  members  being 
often  gravelly  and  usually  of  friable,  porous  structure.  The  soil  material  ex- 
tends to  a  depth  of  4  to  6  feet  or  more,  with  but  little  variation  in  color, 
texture,  or  structure,  and  is  underlain  by  coarse  sand  and  gravel.  They  are  of 
alluvial  character  and  derived  mainly  from  sandstone  and  shale  material 
transported  for  considerable  distances  by  streams.  The  series  occupies  low, 
level  areas  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  The  soils  are  sometimes  poorly  drained 
and  subject  to  accumulation  of  alkali  salts. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Elsinore  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Elsinore  sand 

Utah  4 

1,900 
7,800 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Total 

9,  "00 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fallon  series. — These  soils  are  of  light-brown  to  dark-gray  color  and  from  18 
inches  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  Where  less  than  6  feet  deep  they  are  under- 
lain usually  by  stream  deposits  of  lighter  and  frequently  of  gravelly  character. 
The  surface  is  often  uneven,  owing  to  stream  erosion  or  to  the  occurrence 
of  wind-blown  mounds  or  ridges,  requiring  considerable  leveling  for  irrigation. 
The  soils  are  of  recent  alluvial  origin  derived  mainly  from  volcanic  material. 
They  occupy  low-lying  flood  plains  adjacent  to  stream  channels.  They  support 
a  growth  of  cottonwood.  willow,  and  underbrush,  and  are  usually  free  from 
alkali.  Although  sometimes  subject  to  overflow  and  to  a  high  water  table,  the 
alkali  areas  are  readily  reclaimed.  Alfalfa,  grains,  and  potatoes  are  the  prin- 
cipal crops  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fallon  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Fallon  fine  sandy  loam 

Nevada  1 

2,816 
6,592 

do 

Total 

9,408 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Jordan  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  usually  dark  in  color,  but  some- 
times light  gray  or  reddish,  the  heavier,  lower  lying  members  being  underlain 
by  gray,  black,  yellow,  or  red,  compact,  heavy,  and  often  calcareous  subsoils.  A 
gravelly  substratum  is  sometimes  encountered.  The  material  consists  of  stream 
sediments  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks  consisting  of  lavas,  sandstones, 
shales,  limestones,  slates,  quartzites,  and  granites.  The  soils  are  not  at  present 
subject  to  extensive  modification  from  further  deposition  by  the  streams.  The1 
areas  are  treeless,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  streams  and  lakes.  Drainage  is 
usually  good,  except  in  lower  lying  areas.  Some  of  the  lighter  members  arc 
wind  blown.  The  Jordan  soils  occur  in  irregular,  frequently  extensive  areas, 
and  are  generally  devoted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 


550 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Jordan  series. 


Soil 

name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Jordan  fine  sand 

Utah  1,3 

9.100 

sandy  loam 

Utah  1 

3.264 

finfl  sViirly  lo^m 

Utah  1,3 

80,236 

loam '. 

Utah  1,2,3. 
Utahl,  2  ... 

96,940 
161,280 

clay  loam 

clay 

Utah  1,2 

6,528 

Total 

357,348 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

The  soils  of  the  river  flood  plains  and  river  terraces  of  the  Great  Basin  region 
range  in  texture  from  sand  to  clay.  Most  of  them  belong  in  the  Jordan  series, 
and  some  of  the  areas  include  undifferentiated  soils  derived  from  lake-laid  or 
alluvial  fan  material  and  valley  filling  material,  which  would  in  more  detailed 
surveys  be  separated. 

The  sand  group  is  represented  by  a  single  member  of  the  Elsinore  series.  It 
has  been  encountered  only  in  small  areas,  is  coarse,  leachy,  and  porous  and 
generally  unproductive.  If  farmed  it  would  require  excessive  amounts  of  irri- 
gation water,  which,  in  view  of  the  inadequate  supply,  is  more  effectively  used 
upon  the  heavier  and  more  productive  soil  types. 

The  fine  sand  group  at  present  includes  only  one  type,  the  Jordan  fine  sand. 
It  usually  occupies  the  higher  river  terraces  and  is  generally  well  drained  and 
free  from  alkali.  It  has  a  loose,  porous  structure  and  a  low  moisture  retaining 
power,  except  where  underlain  by  a  subsoil  of  less  pervious  character.  It  usu- 
ally requires  frequent  irrigation.  The  type  is  easily  cultivated  and  requires 
only  a  light  farming  equipment.  It  is  of  moderate  extent  and  for  this  reason 
one  of  the  less  important  types.  The  surface  is  sometimes  wind  Mown  and 
usually  requires  leveling  in  preparing  the  land  for  irrigation.  Where  Irrigated, 
early  truck  crops  can  be  grown.  Sugar  beets  produce  good  yields  under  favor- 
able conditions,  but  in  general  the  soils  of  heavier  texture  are  better  for  this 
crop.     With  copious  irrigation  alfalfa  may  be  grown. 

The  sandy  loam  group,  also  represented  by  a  single  member  of  the  Jordan 
series,  usually  occupies  the  higher  parts  of  the  flood  plains  and  terraces.  It  is 
for  the  most  part  well  drained  and  free  from  excessive  accumulations  of  alkali. 
Where  alkali  occurs  it  can  readily  be  removed.  The  soil  has  an  open  structure 
and  is  easily  maintained  in  good  tilth  with  light  farming  equipment.  The 
deeper  subsoil  is  usually  more  compact  and  loamy  and  the  type  is  retentive  of 
moisture  under  cultivation.  Where  suitably  located  for  irrigation  the  type  is 
well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops  and  intensively  cultivated  products. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  group  includes  three  types.  Of  these  the  Jordan  fine 
Bandy  loam  is  most  extensively  developed.  As  a  rule  it  is  fairly  well  drained 
and  less  subject  to  alkali  conditions  than  the  lower-lying  soils  of  heavier  texture. 
It  is  easily  cultivated  and  retentive  of  moisture.  A  moderately  heavy  farm 
equipment  is  necessary  for  effective  handling.  It  does  not  differ  much  from 
the  Bandy  Loam  of  the  same  series  in  crop  adaptation,  but  covers  a  greater  area 
and  is  more  extensively  farmed. 

The  One  Bandy  loam  of  the  Elsinore  series  occupies  low,  poorly  drained  areas. 
and  usually  carriea  excessive  quantities  of  alkali,  it  is  not  of  great  present 
Importance  and  Lb  utilized  mainly  for  pasture,  although  capable  of  reclamation 
.•Hid  use  for  agriculture. 

The  One  sandy  Loam  of  the  Fallon  series  is  sometimes  subject  to  overflow.  It 
contains  alkali  salta  In  moderate  amounts  and  has  good  onderdrainage.    it  is 

utilized  mainly  for  alfalfa  and  barley,  and  where  well  drained  is  well  suited  to 

general  farm  crops  and  to  Late,  hardy  vegetables,    Fruits  do  better  on  the 
more  elevated  Boils,  owing  to  greater  danger  from  local  frosts,  but  with  care 

they  can   probably   be  grown  on   this  type   tor  home  use.     This  member  of  the 
group  is  not  at  present  extensively  fanned. 

The  Jordan   and    the    Fallon    loams  are   the  sole   representatives  in   the  loam 

group.     Large  areas  of  the  former  are  encountered.    The  loams  constitute  one 
Of  the  most  extensively  developed  groups  derived  from  river  Hood  plains  material. 


GREAT  BASIN   REGION.  551 

The  Fallon  loam  has  an  irregular  surface,  is  in  part  subject  to  overflow,  usu- 
ally supports  a  growth  of  cottonwood,  willows,  and  other  timber,  and  requires 
considerable  labor  to  clear  and  level  for  cultivation.  The  water  table  lies  at 
shallow  depths,  but  the  soil  is  usually  free  from  alkali.  The  type  is  utilized 
mainly  for  general  farming,  to  which  it  is  well  adapted,  except  where  the  water 
table  too  closely  approaches  the  surface.  Here  the  deep-rooted  crops,  such  as 
alfalfa,  will  not  succeed. 

The  loam  of  the  Jordan  series  is  more  level,  is  usually  favorably  situated  for 
irrigation,  and  requires  less  labor  to  fit  the  land  for  cultivation.  The  timber 
growth  is  less  vigorous  than  on  the  Fallon  soils.  Conditions  of  drainage  and 
alkali  content  are  less  favorable  in  general  than  in  the  case  of  the  loam  of  the 
Fallon  series  or  the  lighter  Jordan  types.  The  better-drained  areas  are  pro- 
ductive and  extensively  farmed. 

The  loams  require  a  heavier  farming  equipment  than  the  fine  sandy  loams, 
and  rather  careful  management,  although  they  are  usually  friable  and  mellow 
when  properly  handled.  Under  irrigation  and  with  good  drainage  and  cultiva- 
tion they  are  better  suited  to  heavy  farming  than  the  soil  groups  of  lighter 
texture.     They  are  highly  esteemed  for  the  production  of  sugar  beets. 

The  clay  loam  and  clay  groups  of  soils  derived  from  alluvial  materials  are 
represented  only  by  types  in  the  Jordan  series. 

The  clay  loam  is  widely  distributed  and  has  been  encountered  in  a  number 
of  the  areas  surveyed  in  the  Bonneville  Basin,  Utah.  It  varies  widely  in  texture, 
structure,  character  of  subsoil,  drainage,  and  agricultural  importance  over  local 
areas.  The  surface  is  usually  smooth  and  favorable  to  irrigation,  but  a  large 
proportion  of  the  area  mapped  is  poorly  drained  and  heavily  impregnated  with 
alkali.  The  soil  of  the  better  drained  areas  is  usually  friable  when  cultivated, 
but  requires  a  rather  heavy  farming  equipment  and  careful  management.  In 
utilization  and  adaptation  to  crops  it  is  similar  to  the  loam  group.  The  lower 
poorly  drained  areas  of  high  alkali  content  afford  some  pasturage.  Parts  of 
such  areas  may  be  reclaimed  by  artificial  drainage. 

Much  less  of  the  clay  has  beeu  mapped  than  of  the  clay  loam,  but  it  occurs 
in  a  number  of  the  areas  surveyed.  The  conditions  as  to  drainage  and  agricul- 
tural importance  vary  widely.  The  higher  lying  and  better  drained  bodies  are 
profitably  utilized  for  general  farming,  but  require  a  heavy  farm  equipment. 
The  more  extensive  areas,  which  usually  form  low  lying,  poorly  drained, 
salt-incrusted  flats,  are  of  little  value  as  farm  land  under  present  conditions. 

Sand  Group. 

Elsinore  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-colored  coarse  sand  of  porous 
structure,  generally  carrying  considerable  waterworn  gravel  and  extending  to 
a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  It  is  usually  underlain  by  gravel  beds.  The  type 
occurs  as  recent  stream  sediments  covering  narrow  areas  in  the  vicinity  of 
stream  channels,  and  is  derived  principally  from  sandstone  and  shale  material 
transported  for  considerable  distances  by  valley  streams.  The  soil  is  well 
drained,  but  is  of  little  agricultural  importance. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  4 

1,900 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Jordan  fine  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-colored,  loose,  incoherent 
fine  sand,  usually  6  feet  or  more  in  depth  and  resting  upon  sandy  loam  or  loam. 
It  usually  occurs  as  small,  narrow,  or  irregular  areas,  often  occupying  a  some- 
what elevated  position.  The  surface  is  barren  and  marked  by  irregularities 
and  drifting  dunes.  Drainage  is  good  and  the  soil  free  from  alkali.  Ordinarily 
it  is  of  little  agricultural  importance. 


552 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Jordan  fine  sand 

Utah  1,  3 

9,100 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Jordan  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  fine  sandy  loam  about  12  inches 
deep,  underlain  to  5  or  6  feet  by  a  coarse,  sandy,  loamy  subsoil,  which  in  turn 
is  underlain  by  a  fine  sandy  loam  or  fine  sand.  The  surface  foot  is  usually 
quite  loose  in  texture,  but  below  this  the  material  becomes  very  compact.  The 
type  owes  its  origin  to  river  deposits.  The  topography  is  level,  the  type  usually 
occupying  forelands  adjacent  to  the  streams  and  higher  than  surrounding 
types.  The  soil  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  and  is  well  adapted  to 
alfalfa,  grasses,  wheat,  and  other  grain  crops.  It  is  an  excellent  soil  for  sugar 
beets  when  irrigation  is  practiced. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the 

sandy  loam. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  1 

3,264 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

FAsinore  fine  sandy  loam.— The  soil  is  a  light-colored  fine  sandy  loam,  4  feet 
deep,  underlain  by  a  coarse  sandy  subsoil,  grading  into  gravel  in  the  lower  por- 
tion. The  type  occupies  low,  level  parts  of  valleys.  It  is  derived  from  trans- 
ported river  material,  is  poorly  drained,  and  contains  considerable  alkali  near  the 
surface.     At  present  the  type  is  used  only  to  furnish  pasturage. 

Fallon  fine  sandy  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  light  yellowish  or  brown 
slightly  micaceous  fine  sandy  loam  from  2  to  6  feet  deep.  A  thin  veneer  of 
alluvial  sand  or  of  heavier  soil  material  is  sometimes  found*  on  the  surface, 
The  soil  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  coarse  sandy  loam  or  fine  gravelly  sand.  The 
topography  is  somewhat  irregular  and  dissected  by  erosion.  The  type  lies  below 
the  level  of  the  adjacent  types  and  is  subject  to  occasional  overflow  during 
periods  of  excessively  high  water.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin,  the  material  being 
derived  from  sediments  transported  considerable  distances  or  from  reworked 
Lahontan  material.  It  sometimes  carries  moderate  amounts  of  alkali  salts,  but 
owing  to  its  porous  texture  natural  underdrainage  is  good,  although  the  water 
table  sometimes  quite  closely  approaches  the  surface.  Cottonwood,  willows,  and 
various  vines  form  dense,  Impenetrable  Jungles  over  much  of  the  type.  Alfalfa 
and  barley  are  the  principal  crops  grown.  The  iyi  e  is  not  adapted  to  commer- 
cini  fruits,  owing  to  its  Low-lying  position  and  consequent  danger  of  frosts. 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam.— This  type  consists  of  a  medium  to  fine  textured 

san.lv  loam  from  V2  Inches  to  several  foot   in  depth.     The  subsoil  generally  con- 

iiste  of  L8  Inches  of  loam,  underlain  by  l  foot  of  One  sand  grading  Into  clay 

below    this   depth.     The    typo    Usually    occupies    lower    valley    plains   and    i<   an 

Important  agricultural  boII  where  well  drained  and  tree  from  alkali. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam*. 


Soil  name. 


Total. 


Utah  1,8. 


30,286 

7,  MX) 

2,816 


00,853 


nuU-rs  in  tl 


GREAT   BASIN   REGION. 


553 


Loam  Group. 

Fallon  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  18  inches  to  6  feet  of  dark-gray  to  nearly- 
black  loam,  occasionally  covered  with  a  thin  veneer  of  alluvial  sand.  Below  18 
inches  it  may  be  underlain  by  a  coarse,  yellowish  sandy  loam  or  a  fine  gravelly 
sand,  the  subsoil  showing  an  irregularity  of  texture  similar  to  the  fine  sandy 
loam  member  of  the  series.  The  type  occurs  as  irregular  areas  adjacent  to 
stream  channels  and  sometimes  occupying  former  deltas.  The  surface  is  more 
or  less  eroded,  marked  by  knolls  of  alluvial  or  wind-blown  sand,  and  requires 
considerable  leveling  for  irrigation.  Although  often  marked  by  a  high  water 
table,  underdrainage  is  good  owing  to  the  porous  texture  and  structure  of  the 
soil.  The  type  is  sometimes  subject  to  overflow,  and  supports  a  growth  of  Cot- 
tonwood, willow,  and  brush.  It  is  usually  free  from  alkali  and  is  adapted  to 
alfalfa,  grains,  and  potatoes. 

Jordan  loam. — The  soil  consists  usually  of  3  or  4  feet  of  loam  underlain  by 
a  clay  subsoil.  In  places  the  surface  to  a  depth  of  from  1  to  2\  feet  is  a  fine 
sandy  loam.  In  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section  the  loam  sometimes  ex- 
tends to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more,  while  layers  or  lenses  of  sand  often  occur 
in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  as  small,  isolated  bodies  covering  parts  of  the 
lower  valley  plains,  depressions,  or  bench  lands.  The  lower-lying  areas  are 
generally  poorly  drained  and  alkaline. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Utah  1,2,3 

Nevada  1 

96,940 
6,592 

Total 

103,532 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam   Group. 

Jordan  clay  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  reddish  clay  loam 
about  3  feet  deep.  The  subsoil  usually  consists  of  a  heavy  yellow  or  red  clay 
loam  or  clay,  or  occasionally  a  sandy  loam.  The  type  is  often  friable,  resem- 
bling a  soil  of  much  lighter  texture.  It  occurs  as  extensive  areas  covering  lower 
valley  plains  or  bench  lands.  The  lower-lying  areas  are  often  poorly  drained, 
alkaline,  and  of  a  compact  structure,  making  cultivation  difficult.  Alfalfa, 
grain,  and  sugar  beets  are  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Jordan  clay  loam 

Utah  1,2 

161,280 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 


Jordan  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy  clay  loam  or  clay  about  1  foot 
deep  underlain  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more  by  a  light-yellow  tenacious  clay. 
The  subsoil  is  sometimes  marked  by  thin  strata  or  lenses  of  sand  or  fine  sand. 
The  type  occurs  upon  valley  plains  extending  from  the  lower  limits  of  the 
mountain  slopes  to  recent  lake  bottoms.  The  more  elevated  areas  are  generally 
well  drained  and  comprise  valuable  farming  lands.  The  lower-lying  areas  are 
generally  poorly  drained,  alkaline,  and  of  but  little  agricultural  importance. 


554 


SOILS  OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Jordan  clay 

Utah  1,2 

6,528 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Meadow 

Utah  1,3,  4,5 

25,188 
14,784 

Nevada  1 

Utah  2,  3 

2,292 

Utah  4 

1,300 

Total 

43,564 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Bulletin  36,  Bureau  cf  Soils,  U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agr.   Fig.  11. 


Key  to  the  Soils  cf  the  Great  Basin  Begion. 


1 — 
1 

Lake- la id 

'material 

Fiver 

Flood 

Vol* 

Alluvial 

Plain 

canlc 

arte- 

fan and 

ralley 

filling 

1 

material 

1 

! 

rial 

JT 

1 

1 

i 

materia 

Volc&ni 

3 

Vol- 

voi- 

3tale 

Cray 

T— 

canic 

canic 

car.io 

and 

soil 

,  -J 

_|_ 

. 

r.eto- 
mor- 

Litfit 

me  ta- 
mo r- 

sand- 
stone 

Gray 

Vol-, 

Sand-   ( 

Jray 

Drab 

Yel- 

phic, 

brown 

phio, 

1 

sub- 

con- 

etone  1 

to 

to 

low- 

crvs- 

to 

crys- 

Gray 

soil 

ic, 

< 

Irab 

black 

ish 

tal- 

dark 

tal- 

to 

me  ta- 

Ver-     i 

soil 

soil 

brow. 

line, 

gray 

line, 

gray- 

Cr^- 

mo  r- 

mil- 

I 

1 

to 

shale 

soil 

shale 

ish 

ter 

phic, 

lion     1 

..ight  Gray 

drab 

and 

1 

and 

brown 

cone 

Bhale 

soil     j 

;ray 

to 

soil 

sand- 

Light 

sand- 

soil 

mate- 

ar.d 

1 

bo 

dark 

1 

stone 

brown 

stone 

! 

rial 

sand- 

Ver- 

irab 

sub- 

Ho' 

1 

to 

| 

Gray 

; 

stone 

mil- 

3ub- 

eoil 

sub- 

Dark 

gray 

Gray 

to 

Soda 

lion     i 

30  il 

1 

soil 

gray 

sub- 

to 

gray- 

Lake 

Gray 

sub- 

| 

Drai- 

to 

soil 

drab 

ish 

soil 

soil     ] 

Rai- 

nage 

Cal- 

drab 

| 

soil 

brown 

I        i 

lage 

poor- 

car- 

soil 

Modi- 

| 

sub- 

Gray 

Red-     i 

veil 

ly 

eous 

| 

fied 

Gray 

soil 

SUb- 

field 

»s- 

es- 

hard- 

Gray 

by 

to 

| 

80  U 

1 

bab- 

tab- 

pan 

to 

wind 

drab 

ELsi 

! 

Li  sh- 

lieh- 

de- 

drab 

act- 

sub- 

norc 

Bingham              < 

ad 

ed 

pos- 

sub- 

ion 

soil 

1 

ited 

soil 

I 

| 

Li 

ahon- 

C  ar- 

from 

1 

Sub- 

Drai- 

ban 

son 

hot 
spr- 

Drai- 
nage 

strn- 
tum 

nage 

well 

ings 

poor- 
ly 

8  and 
and 

estab- 
lished 

Chur-  ee-   gravel 
chill  tab-    |    Jordan 
lish-  Fallon 

*l 

Salt  Lake 


SOILS  OF  THE  ARID  SOUTHWEST  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 
DESCRIPTION   OF   THE  REGION. 

The  region  of  the  Arid  Southwest  as  recognized  for  the  purposes  of  soil  classi- 
fication includes  those  portions  of  the  Southwestern  States  lying  west  of  the 
southern  extension  of  the  Great  Plains  region,  south  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  and 
the  Great  Basin  regions,  and  east  of  the  southern  Pacific  Coast  region. 

It  covers  the  southwestern  third  of  Arizona,  a  large  area  in  south-central 
New  Mexico,  and  in  northwestern  Texas.  It  also  includes  a  small  area  in  south- 
eastern Nevada  near  the  Colorado  River  and  the  southeastern  extremity  of 
California. 

In  northwestern  Arizona  the  region  is  separated  from  the  elevated  plateaus 
of  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  by  pronounced  fault  scarps  and  massive  cliffs, 
while  farther  south  and  east  it  is  distinguished  from  the  rugged  mountain  dis- 
tricts of  southeastern  Arizona  and  southwestern  New  Mexico  and  from  the 
plateaus  and  mountains  in  central  and  northern  New  Mexico  by  less  pronounced 
physiographic  features.  Its  eastern  boundary  in  New  Mexico  and  in  the  adja- 
cent portion  of  Texas  is  formed  by  the  escarpment  of  the  Staked  Plains  or 
uneroded  high  plains  included  within  the  Great  Plains  region.  South  of  this 
in  Texas  its  eastern  limit  is  defined  by  the  residual  prairies.  Its  southern 
boundary  is  marked  by  the  international  boundary  line.  In  California  it  em- 
braces the  Colorado  desert  area,  portions  of  which  lie  below  sea  level.  Upon 
the  north  and  west  of  the  Colorado  desert  it  extends  to  the  San  Bernardino  and 
San  Jacinto  Mountains  and  minor  ridges  of  the  Coast  Range.  West  of  the 
Colorado  River  and  in  southeastern  California  and  Nevada  it  includes  the  dis- 
trict tributary  to  the  Colorado  River  drainage  and  merges  into  the  desert  plains 
and  ranges  of  the  Great  Basin  region,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  poorly 
defined  watershed. 

The  region  covered  by  this  province  consists  predominantly  of  sandy,  gravelly, 
arid,  sloping  or  flat,  treeless  desert  plains  marked  by  occasional  local  basinlike 
depressions.  From  the  desert  plains  rise  frequent  low,  rounded  hills  and  occa- 
sional flat-topped  mesas  and  many  isolated,  elongated  mountain  ridges,  gen- 
erally of  arid,  treeless,  and  of  rough,  rocky  character,  usually  of  northwesterly- 
southeasterly  trend.  Like  the  ranges  of  the  Great  Basin  province,  the  bases 
of  the  mountains  are  partly  buried  by  colluvial  and  alluvial  detrital  deposits 
forming  extensive  fans  and  foot-slopes  merging  into  intervening  sloping,  alluvial 
filled  valleys.  But  few  perennial  streams  traverse  the  region,  all  of  which 
head  in  the  elevated  plateaus  and  mountains  of  the  adjacent  Rocky  Mountain 
region.  They  flow  in  wide,  shallow  valleys,  which  are  generally  marked  by 
meandering,  debris-choked  stream  courses,  and  during  flood  periods  are  often 
subject  to  overflow.  In  certain  localities  the  stream  valleys  are  constricted  by 
resistant  rocks  into  narrow,  gorgelike  valleys  bordered  by  steep,  rocky  bluffs. 

The  rocks  of  the  mountain  ranges  where  exposed  by  erosion  consist  mainly  of 
Pre-Cambrian  gneisses  or  related  crystalline  rocks  and  of  Tertiary  eruptives, 
although  some  areas  of  the  older  sedimentary  and  metamorphic  rocks  occur. 
The  eruptive  rocks  are  chiefly  of  rhyolitic  and  andesitic  character.  The  moun- 
tains are  of  low  altitude  as  compared  with  the  higher  elevations  of  the  adjoin- 
ing regions,  the  higher  ranges,  however,  attaining  an  altitude  of  5,000  to  7,000 
feet. 

The  Southwestern  Arid  region  is  characterized  by  an  arid  climate  with  long, 
hot  summers,  mild  winters,  low  relative  humidity,  and  long,  unbroken  periods  of 
sunshine.  It  is  not  generally  adapted  to  farming  without  irrigation,  and  the 
most  of  it  supports  but  sparse  vegetation  of  desert  shrubs,  grasses,  and  cacti, 
poorly  suited  for  grazing.  Evaporation  of  moisture  is  excessive.  Frosts  are  of 
frequent  occurrence  in  the  most  of  the  region  during  the  cooler  months,  owing 
in  part  to  rapid  radiation  of  heat  under  conditions  of  extreme  aridity  and 

555 


556  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

cloudless  skies.  Severe  freezes  are  infrequent,  except  in  the  more  elevated  dis- 
tricts, where  frosty  periods  and  some  snow  may  occur  during  the  winter 
months. 

The  operation  of  natural  soil-forming  agencies  in  the  region  has  given  rise  to 
several  groups  of  soils  differing  in  mode  of  origin,  character  of  original  material, 
topography,  distribution,  etc.  These  various  soil  groups  are  recognized  as  dis- 
tinct soil  provinces. 

Where  underlying  rock  is  exposed  or  occurs  near  the  surface,  the  soils  are 
predominantly  of  residual  origin,  formed  by  weathering  of  the  rock  in  place. 
They  are  mainly  confined  to  the  mountain  ranges  and  desert  ridges,  and  owing 
to  topographic  position  and  arid  rocky  character  are  nonirrigable  and  of  but 
little  agricultural  importance,  save  for  grazing  purposes  in  favorable  areas.  A 
few  of  the  higher  ranges  are  timbered  and  subject  to  sufficient  rain  and  snow 
fall  to  favor  the  grazing  industry  or  permit  utilization  of  the  soils  for  forestry. 
In  the  limited  areas  covered  by  the  soil  survey  none  of  the  residual  soils  of  the 
Arid  Southwestern  region  have  as  yet  been  encountered. 

Upon  some  of  the  arid,  wind-swept  desert  plains  occur  extensive  areas  of  soil 
material  transported  and  deposited  by  winds.  The  soils  are  usually  of  loose, 
porous  character,  and  owing  to  lack  of  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  to  the 
limited  water  supply  available  for  irrigation,  are  utilized  to  but  a  limited  ex- 
tent. Like  those  of  the  Residual  province,  they  are  of  minor  agricultural  im- 
portance and  have  not  as  yet  been  recognized  in  the  restricted  areas  covered  by 
the  soil  survey. 

Certain  portions  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the  region,  formerly  submerged 
beneath  the  waters  of  the  sea,  have  been  subject  to  deposition  of  marine  sedi- 
ments. While  subsequently  modified  to  some  extent  by  erosion,  weathering  in 
place,  or  by  winds,  the  soils  derived  from  such  material  are  now  recognized  as 
a  distinct  class  constituting  the  Coastal  Plain  province.  Other  portions  of  the 
region  were  formerly  covered  by  the  waters  of  inclosed  lakes,  and  have  been 
subject  to  the  deposition  of  lake-laid  sediments  which  have  subsequently  been 
elevated  or  drained  and  give  rise  to  soils  of  lacustrine  origin. 

Transportation  and  deposition  of  stream-borne  material  from  the  turbid  tor- 
rential waters  of  intermittent  and  often  poorly  defined,  shifting  streams,  de- 
bouching from  the  mountains,  and  by  gradual  shifting  along  slopes  of  disin- 
tegrated rock  material  by  sheet  surface  waters  during  periods  of  infrequent 
but  often  violent  storms,  has  given  rise  to  another  class  of  soil  material  of 
prominent  occurrence  within  the  region.  This  material  constitutes  the  alluvial 
foot  slope  deposits,  alluvial  fans,  and  desert  plains  of  detrital-filled  valleys,  into 
which  the  more  pronounced  slopes  of  the  fans  and  foot  slopes  merge.  The 
soils  derived  from  these  deposits  are  designated  as  the  soils  of  the  Alluvial 
Fans  and  Valley  Filling  material. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  larger  streams,  such  as  the  Salt,  Gila,  Colorado,  the 
Pecos,  and  the  Rio  Grande  Rivers,  which  are  subject  to  sudden  and  extreme 
floods,  occur  extensive  areas  of  recent  alluvial  stream-laid  soils  occupying 
stream  terraces  and  flood  plains.  These  soils  constitute  the  soils  of  the  River 
Flood  Plain  province. 

Water  supply  for  irrigation  purposes  is  mainly  limited  to  the  surface  waters 
of  the  Larger  streams  which  are  for  the  greater  part  now  appropriated  for 
Irrigation  purposes  or  capable  of  being  utilized  for  further  irrigation  develop- 
ment only  at  a  relatively  high  expense  Underground  waters  are  utilized  ex 
ely  in  Local  areas  favored  by  artesian  flow  or  in  which  expense  of  pump- 
ing Cor  Irrigation  purposes  is  uo<  prohibitive. 

Where  the  Land  is  capable  of  Irrigation,  the  climate  is  generally  favorable  to 
agriculture  and  often  to  the  production  of  a  wide  variety  of  staple  farm  and 
fruit  or  other  Intensively  cultivated  products,    drains,  alfalfa,  apples,  peaches, 

and  other  Btone  fruits,  table  wine  and  raisin  grapes,  mirk  crops,  small  fruits. 
almonds,  cotton,  and  the  more  sensitive  subtropical  fruits,  as  dates  and  citrus 
products,  are  grown. 

Transportation  and  marketing  facilities  are  often  Inadequate.  Local  market 
demands  of  the  small  cities  and  towns  are  soon  supplied  and  freight  rates  are 
generally  high,  in  such  districts  this  tends  to  check  the  development  of  the 
trucking  Industry  or  other  forms  of  intensive  agriculture  except  where  the 
crops  demanded  b\  distant  markets  are  of  sue],  blgb  market  value  as  to  bear 
the  cost  of  transportation, 


ARID   SOUTHWEST  REGION.  557 

The  following  areas  of  the  different  soil  provinces  of  the  Arid  Southwest 
have  been  surveyed : 


Soil  province. 


Coastal  Plain  material 

Lake-laid  material 

Alluvial  Fan  and  Valley  Filling  material 

River  Flood  Plain  material 

Miscellaneous  material 


Acres. 


94,400 
564,546 
468,047 
208,875 

39,390 

Total '  1,375,258 


COASTAL    PLAIN    MATERIAL. 

The  material  of  the  Coastal  Plain  province  in  this  region  is  derived  from  the 
deposition  of  sediments  transported,  to  the  sea  by  streams,  waves  or  tidal  cur- 
rents. In  the  areas  covered  by  the  soil  survey  it  has  been  recognized  to  but  a 
limited  extent,  being  represented  only  by  the  Yuma  series,  where  it  is  restricted 
to  a  single  soil  type.  This  type  has  been  encountered  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lower 
Colorado  River,  and  probably  represents  marine  deposits  in  the  waters  of  an 
extensive  arm  of  the  sea  formerly  covering  this  part  of  the  region  and  now 
represented  by  the  Gulf  of  California.  These  marine  sedimentary  deposits 
have  been  subsequently  modified,  superficially  at  least,  by  winds,  streams, 
surface  waters  during  brief  and  infrequent  periods  of  heavy  rains,  and  by 
weathering.  The  extent  to  which  these  modifying  agencies  have  operated  is 
often  difficult  to  determine,  and  in  a  more  detailed  survey  some  of  the  material 
included  under  this  province  would  doubtless  be  differentiated  as  soil  material 
of  the  other  provinces  occurring  within  the  region. 

The  soil  material  of  the  province  is,  in  so  far  as  encountered,  generally  well 
suited  to  agriculture  under  irrigation.  It  is  not  as  yet  extensively  utilized,  but 
wherever  irrigation  is  possible  its  use  is  being  rapidly  extended,  being  limited 
only  by  the  available  water  supply  and  the  cost  of  constructing  the  necessary 
facilities  for  its  distribution. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   THE    SOIL,  SERIES. 

Yuma  series. — The  soils  are  usually  rather  compact.  The  subsoil  is  similar 
in  character  to  the  soil,  save  that  at  a  depth  of  2  to  6  feet  a  succession  of 
layers  is  encountered  in  which  the  particles  are  slightly  cemented,  the  binding 
material  being  calcium  carbonate,  nodules  of  which  are  also  found  in  the  sub- 
Boil.  They  occupy  mesa  lands  and  are  generally  level  and  well  drained.  Small 
dunes  may  be  encountered  over  areas  of  finer  textured  soils.  The  soil  material 
consists  of  stratified  alluvial  stream  terrace  or  lacustrine  delta  deposits. 
Nearly  all  of  the  mesa  soils  contain  some  alkali,  but  seldom  in  harmful  quan- 
tities. They  are  adapted  to  citrus  fruits,  figs,  grapes,  garden  vegetables, 
melons,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Yuma  series. 


Soil  name. 

Slate  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arizona  3 

94,400 

For  key  to  number  iu  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


THE    SOIL   TYPES    AND   THEIR   USE. 


The  soils  derived  from  marine  deposits  or  coastal  plain  material  in  the 
Southwest  Arid  regipn  are,  in  so  far  as  recognized,  confined  to  the  sand  of  the 
Yuma  series.  This  material  is  subject  to  some  variation  in  texture,  ranging 
from  a  fine  to  a  coarse  sand.  It  is  generally  of  slightly  compact  structure  and 
of  loamy  character  when  moist.  The  subsoil  material  is  rather  compact  and 
marked  by  the  occurrence  of  partially  cemented  lenses  or  layers  or  incipient 


558  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

hardpan.  Owing  to  these  characteristics  of  soil  and  subsoil  material  the  soil  is 
moderately  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation  and  can  be  irrigated  with 
greater  economy  in  the  use  of  water  than  is  usually  the  case  in  soils  of  the 
sand  group  in  other  provinces  occurring  within  the  region.  The  surface  contour 
is  usually  favorable  to  irrigation  practice,  although  wind-blown  areas  require 
leveling.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  soil  is  generally  free  from  in- 
jurious quantities  of  alkali  salts.  The  soil  is  easily  maintained  in  a  favorable 
condition  of  tilth  and  requires  only  a  light  and  comparatively  inexpensive  farm- 
ing equipment 

By  means  of  carefully  regulated  irrigation  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  and  other 
general  farm  crops  may  be  grown,  although  the  soil  is  better  suited  to  the  pro- 
duction of  figs,  grapes,  melons,  citrus,  and  early  stone  fruits  and  truck  crops 
under  intensive  cultivation. 

ro  Group. 

Yuma  sand. — The  soil  is  a  rather  compact,  coarse  to  medium,  or  fine  sand, 
containing  sufficient  finer  material  to  give  it  a  slightly  loamy  character.  When 
dry  it  has  the  appearance  of  a  sand,  but  under  irrigation  it  becomes  almost  a 
sandy  loam.  It  is  underlain  at  depths  of  2  to  6  feet  by  a  succession  of  layers 
in  which  the  soil  particles  are  slightly  cemented,  the  binding  material  being 
calcium  carbonate,  nodules  of  which  are  also  found  in  the  subsoil.  The  sub- 
soil to  a  great  depth  is  of  the  same  sandy  nature  as  the  surface.  This  soil  is 
found  on  mesa  lands  and  is  generally  level,  smooth,  and  well  drained,  but 
where  the  texture  is  finer  small  dunes  may  be  found.  Alkali  is  usually  present 
in  the  soil,  but  not  in  harmful  quantities.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  citrus  fruits, 
figs,  grapes,  garden  vegetables,  melons,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arizona  3 

94, 401) 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

LAKE-LAID  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  of  lacustrine  or  lake-laid  material  are  widely  distributed.  They 
constitute  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  important  soil  provinces  of  the  areas 
to  which  the  limited  number  of  soil  surveys  in  this  region  have  been  confined. 
In  the  areas  of  Pleistocene  lake  deposits  of  the  Pecos  Valley,  N.  Mex.,  they 
are  represented  by  the  soils  of  the  Roswell  series,  under  which  have  been  recog- 
nized the  sandy  loam,  fine  sandy  loam,  and  loam  members.  In  the  depres- 
sions of  the  Colorado  Desert  in  southern  California  and  occupying  the  south- 
western portion  of  the  Arid  Southwest  region  they  are  represented  by  the  soils 
of  the  Imperial  series.  This  series  Includes  a  number  of  recognized  members 
ranging  in  texture  from  sand  to  clay  and  represents  a  group  of  sediments 
deposited  in  the  waters  of  an  inland  sea.  The  series  was  probably  formed  by 
delta  deposits  of  the  Colorado  River  across  the  upper  arm  of  the  Gulf  of  Cali- 
forni.i.     The   lower   part   of   the  depression,   a   considerable  part   of  which   lies 

below  sea  level,  is  represented  by  the  Salton  sink. 

'I'Im-  soils  <>f  the  province  bave  be.  n  modified  t"  some  extent  by  eolian  agencies 

and  by  erosion  and  deposition  of  later  stream-laid  material.  Much  of  tho 
original  deposits  has  been  obscured  by  later  material  of  the  other  soil  prov- 
into  which  the  lake-laid  material  merges  and  from  which  it  is  frequently 
separated  with  difficulty.  Some  <  r  the  areas  Included,  In  which  the  superficial 
material  baa  t«»  n  enl  been  modified  by  other  agencies,  would  probably 

now  be  differentiated  under  the  other  soil  provinces  of  the  region  in  more 
detailed  surveys.  . 

The  soils  usually  occupy  gently  sloping  to  flat  areas  of  treeless  desert  plains. 
The  surface  le  sometimes  wind  blown  or  marked  by  eroded  stream  channels  or 
remnants  of  a  former  shore,  terrace  lines,  or  other  Irregularities,  in  general 
the  topography  is  favorable  to  the  distribution  of  Irrigation  waters.  The  lower 
lying  areas,  usually  occupied  by  the  heavier  soil  types,  are  poorly  drained  and 
often  Impregnated  with  alkali  salts. 


AMD   SOUTHWEST  REGION. 


559 


Where  capable  of  irrigation  and  adequately  drained  these  soils  are  adapted 
to  a  wide  range  of  crops.  They  are  highly  developed  and  extensively  utilized 
for  general  farming  and  for  intensively  cultivated  special  products. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Imperial  series. — The  soils  are  generally  of  light  or  reddish  color,  the  heavier 
members  being  compact  and  plastic,  poorly  drained,  and  impregnated  with  alkali. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  in  many  places  contain  lime  and  gypsum  in  connection  with 
the  other  soluble  salts.  The  soil  material  represents  old  lake-laid  sediments,  de- 
rived mainly  from  sandstones  and  shales.  Unlike  the  soils  of  the  Gila  series, 
the  Imperial  soils  are  underlain  to  great  depths  by  heavy  sediments  of  close  and 
more  or  less  impervious  nature  which  in  the  lighter  members  may  not  appear 
within  the  depth  of  6  feet.  The  surface  is  sometimes  marked  by  bluff  or  shore 
lines,  sloughs,  or  stream  channels,  and  is  usually  modified  by  wind  drifting. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Imperial  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Imperial  sand 

sandy  loam . 
clay  loam. . . 
clay 


California  5.... 

do 

do 

California  5,  6. 


1,792 

126,656 

341,056 

46,912 


Total. 


516,416 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Roswell  series. — The  soils  are  of  a  light-gray  or  grayish-brown  to  reddish-gray 
color,  with  compact,  impervious  subsoils  from  4  to  5  feet  deep.  The  series  con- 
sists of  old  lacustrine  deposits  in  extinct  lakes.  The  topography  is  flat  or  gently 
sloping,  the  soils  occupying  arid,  treeless,  valley  terraces  or  plains.  Drainage 
is  often  deficient  and  the  lands  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters 
and  alkali  salts.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage  the 
soils  are  adapted  to  a  wide  variety  of  crops,  including  alfalfa,  vegetables,  and 
tree  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Roswell  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Roswell  sandy  loam 

New  Mexico  1 

36, 310 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

9,090 
2,730 

loam ". 

do 

Total 

48, 130 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE   SOIL.   TYPES   AND   THEIR   USE. 


The  sand  group  of  soils  in  the  areas  mapped  in  this  province  is  represented 
by  the  Imperial  sand.  This  is  the  least  extensive  of  any  of  the  soil  types 
recognized  in  the  province,  and  has  been  encountered  only  in  the  Imperial  area, 
California.  The  soil  material  varies  in  texture  from  medium  to  fine  and  is 
generally  underlain  by  heavier,  more  compact,  and  much  less  pervious  sub- 
soils, which  check  excessive  subdrainage  and  improve  the  moisture-holding 
capacity  of  the  soil  type.  The  soil  is  normally  well  drained  and  free  from 
injurious  accumulations  of  alkali  salts.  The  type  requires  only  a  light  farm- 
ing equipment  and  is  somewhat  better  adapted  to  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  or  other 
general  farm  crops  than  the  ordinary  sandy  soils.  Early  stone  fruits,  table 
and  raisin  grapes,  melons,  early  truck  crops,  and  other  intensively  cultivated 
products  also  do  well. 

The  sandy  loam  group  of  soils  is  represented  in  both  the  Imperial  and  Ros- 
well series,  being  most  extensively  developed  under  the  former.     The  subsoils 


560  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

are  heavy  and  compact  and  are  generally  retentive  of  moisture  under  culti- 
vation. Both  the  soil  and  subsoil  material  frequently  carry  a  large  amount  of 
gypsum  and  lime,  particularly  in  the  sandy  loam  of  the  Roswell  series. 

The  soil  is  easily  maintained  in  a  fine,  mellow  condition,  and  its  cultivation 
requires  only  a  light  farming  equipment.  The  Roswell  sandy  loam  occupies 
gently  sloping  or  nearly  level  plains,  admirably  adapted  to  the  practice  of  irri- 
gation. The  surface  of  the  sandy  loam  of  the  Imperial  series  is  generally  wind 
blown  and  requires  leveling.  Poor  underdrainage.  accompanied  by  the  occur- 
rence of  alkali  salts,  is  sometimes  found,  particularly  in  the  Imperial  member 
of  the  sandy  loam  group. 

The  sandy  loams  of  this  province  are  extensively  utilized,  and  where  well 
drained  and  irrigated  have  been  highly  developed  to  intensive  agriculture. 
They  are  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops  and  to  sugar  beets,  fruits,  truck 
crops,  and  other  special  products.  In  the  Imperial  Valley  the  sandy  loam  is, 
however,  somewhat  inferior  to  the  sand  of  the  same  series  for  the  production 
of  early  fruit  and  truck  products  and  is  better  adapted  to  general  farming. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  group  of  this  province  is  represented  by  the  Roswell 
fine  sandy  loam,  this  member  of  the  Imperial  series  not  yet  having  been  recog- 
nized. The  type  requires  somewhat  more  careful  management  and  thorough 
tillage  than  the  sandy  loam  of  the  Roswell  series  and  slightly  heavier  farming 
equipment  for  effective  cultivation,  but  under  favorable  conditions  is  of  friable, 
mellow  character.  Drainage  is  sometimes  poorly  established,  and  injurious 
concentrations  of  alkali  salts  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  Under  favorable  con- 
ditions of  drainage  and  irrigation  this  type  is  extensively  utilized  both  for  the 
production  of  general  farm  crops  and  of  apples,  pears,  small  fruits,  sugar  beets, 
the  later  and  hardier  vegetables,  etc.  It  constitutes  an  important  soil  type  of 
the  areas  in  which  it  occurs,  but  is  much  less  extensive  than  the  sandy  loam 
member  of  the  same  series. 

The  loam,  like  the  fine  sandy  loam,  is  represented  by  a  single  member  occur- 
ring under  the  Roswell  series,  and  is  not  extensively  developed.  It  occupies 
low,  level  areas,  often  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  alkali 
salts,  due  to  seepage  waters  from  adjacent  higher  lying  lands.  Where  favored 
by  natural  or  artificial  drainage  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  general  farm  and 
forage  crops,  sugar  beets,  and  late  vegetables.  It  is  not  so  well  suited  to  fruit 
products  as  the  lighter  textured  soils. 

The  clay  loam  and  clay  soils  of  the  province  have  been  encountered  only 
under  the  Imperial  series,  the  clay  loam  being  much  the  more  extensive.  The 
surface  is  usually  smooth,  nearly  level,  and  well  adapted  to  the  practice  of  irri- 
gation. Surface  and  underdrainage  are  poorly  developed  and  much  of  the  areas 
covered  is  impregnated  with  mineral  salts.  The  soils  are  of  dense,  impervious 
structure,  deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  hard  to  handle.  They  require  care- 
ful management,  thorough  cultivation,  and  a  heavy  farming  equipment.  They 
are,  however,  capable  of  being  materially  improved  by  drainage  and  the  sys- 
tematic use  of  green  manures.  Owing  to  their  tendency  to  puddle  and  assume 
a  hard,  close  structure,  they  are  not  well  adapted  to  pasture.  When  properly 
dmined  and  irrigated,  grains,  grass,  and  forage  crops,  such  as  millet,  sorghum, 
etc.,  can  be  grown.     They  are  not  adapted  to  fruit  or  vegetable  products. 

Sand  Group. 

Imperial  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  medium  to  rather  fine  sand  about  5  feet 
deep,  underlain  by  loam  or  clay.  The  drainage  is  usually  well  established. 
While  Hie  soil  is  free  from  harmful  accumulations  of  alkali,  the  use  of  exces- 
sive quantities  of  irrigation  water  causes  these  salts  to  rise  to  the  surface  from 
the  loam  or  day  subsoil  when  they  prove  injurious  to  crops.  If  this  feature 
is  com  rolled  the  SOU  is  adapted  to  any  of  the  crops  suited  to  the  climate  of 
the  region. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  Band. 


Soil  name. 

Stab 

Acres. 

•:ni:i."> 

1,792 

r  In  this  column  see  p.  733. 


AMD   SOUTHWEST  EEGION. 


561 


Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Imperial  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine-grained,  sandy  loam,  3  feet  deep, 
underlain  by  clay  or  loam.  The  type  is  formed  of  the  coarsest  of  the  sediments 
carried  by  the  Colorado  River.  The  surface  is  irregular  and  covered  with 
dunes.  Where  free  from  excessive  alkali  the  soil  is  adapted  to  any  crop  suited 
to  the  southern  arid  region. 

Roswell  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  fine-grained,  gray  sandy  loam  30  inches 
deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray,  light  loam,  slightly  heavier  than  the  soil.  The 
type  is  derived  from  lacustrine  deposits,  and  is  well  drained  and  generally  free 
from  alkali.  It  occupies  high,  level  valleys  and  is  recognized  as  the  best  general 
farming  land  of  the  region  in  which  it  occurs. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Imperial  sandy  loam 

California  5 

126,656 
36,310 

New  Mexico  1 

Total 

162,966 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Roswell  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  gray  fine  sandy  loam  about  12 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  light  loam  underlain  by  clay  at  a  depth  of  5  feet. 
'The  type  occupies  level  second-bottom  land  and  is  derived  from  lacustrine  de- 
posits. It  is  poorly  drained  and  often  contains  alkali.  Where  drained  and  free 
from  alkali  it  is  considered  a  good  farming  soil. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Roswell  fine  sandy  loam 

New  Mexico  1 

9,090 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Loam  Group. 

Roswell  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  loam  about  4  feet  deep,  underlain  by 
a  clay  loam  or  clay.  It  is  formed  of  old  lacustrine  deposits  and  occupies  low, 
level  bench  lands.  The  soil  is  naturally  poorly  drained  and  contains  alkali,  but 
where  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali  it  is  recognized  as  well  adapted  to 
general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Roswell  loam 

New  Mexico  1 

2,730 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 


Imperial  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  fine-grained,  sticky,  compact  clay 
loam  about  5  feet  deep,  underlain  by  clay  or  clay  loam.  It  frequently  contains 
an  excessive  amount  of  alkali.  Drainage  is  costly  and  difficult  on  account  of 
the  close  structure  of  the  soil.  When  free  from  alkali  the  type  is  productive 
and  adapted  to  most  of  the  crops  suited  to  the  climate;  but  as  the  soil  tends  to 
pack,  annual  or  cultivated  crops  will  prove  most  profitable. 


79619—13- 


-36 


562  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Imperial  e'»y  )nam 

California  5 

341,056 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 

Imperial  clay. — This  is  a  heavy  clay  soil  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  is 
derived  from  deposition  of  the  finer  sediment,  mainly  from  sedimentary  rocks. 
The  surface  is  usually  level,  though  in  places  small  dunes  exist.  When  dry  and 
in  its  natural  state  it  cakes  and  becomes  lumpy.  In  drying  after  irrigation  the 
soil  becomes  very  hard  and  cracks,  making  cultivation  difficult.  It  is  often 
filled  with  alkali  and  is  but  little  cultivated.  Sorghum  and  millet  do  best  upon 
this  type. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Imperial  clay 

California  5,6 

46,912 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
ALLUVIAL  FAN  AND  VALLEY  FILLING  MATERIAL. 

The  deposits  of  the  alluvial  fans,  mountain  foot  slopes,-  and  plains  of  the 
detrital  filled-in  valleys  are  probably  most  extensively  developed  of  any  of  the 
various  provinces  of  soil-forming  material  occurring  within  the  Arid  Southwest 
region.  In  the  comparatively  small  area  covered  by  the  soil  survey  in  this 
region  the  soils  derived  from  these  deposits  have  been  recognized  under  the 
Glendale  and  Indio  series.  They  cover  comparatively  extensive  areas  and 
embrace  a  diversity  of  soil  types  ranging  in  texture  from  sand  to  clay  loam. 
Of  these  two  soil  series  the  Glendale  is  the  more  widely  distributed  and  is  rep- 
resented by  the  greater  number  of  soil  types.  The  members  of  the  Indio  series, 
so  far  as  encountered,  are  represented  by  the  types  of  light  texture,  and  with 
one  exception  have  been  encountered  only  in  one  area. 

The  surface  is  usually  gently  sloping  and  suited  to  irrigation.  Small,  irreg- 
ular, eroded,  or  wind-blown  areas,  however,  occur,  in  which  preliminary  leveling 
is  necessary.  The  soils  generally  occupy  a  position  somewhat  above  the  sur- 
rounding types  of  other  soil  provinces  of  the  region.  Much  of  the  soil  can  not 
be  irrigated  by  existing  gravity  systems,  and  where  available  artesian  waters 
are  used.  The  supply  of  stream  waters  is  limited  and  usually  depends  upon 
facilities  for  storing  it  for  use  in  irrigation.  Large  areas  of  the  alluvial  fan 
and  valley  tilling  material  in  the  Arid  Southwest  region  are  incapable  of  irri- 
gation and  consequently  useless  for  agriculture,  except  for  grazing  live  stock-. 
Where  irrigable,  local  climatic  and  drainage  conditions  are  generally  favorable 
to  agriculture,  and  the  soils  are  utilized  for  general  farm  and  special  intensively 
cultivated  products. 

The  soils  of  the  province  are  frequently  separated  from  the  adjacent  soils  of 
the  other  provinces  by  poorly  defined  boundaries,  and  the  soil  areas  embrace' 
some  modified  and  undifferentiated  areas  of  soils  derived  from  coastal  plain, 
lake  laid,  or  river  Hood  plain  material 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    SOIL   SERIES. 
dlcndiih    teries,     The  ^<>ils  range  from   light  gray  or  grayish  brown   to  dark 

brown  or  chocolate  in  color,  and  are  underlain  by  gray  to  light-brown,  highly 
calcareous  subsoils,  a  stratum  of  water-worn,  lime-coated  gravel  is  sometimes 
encountered  beneath  the  subsoil.  The  series  is  derived  mainly  from  quartz- 
bearing  granites  or  gneisses  and  from  later  eruptives,  mainly  of  basaltic  char- 
acter.   The  soil  material  consists  predominantly  of  alluvial  fan  deposits  and 


AKID   SOUTHWEST  REGION. 


563 


alluvial  valley  filling  distributed  by  torrential  desert  streams,  and  of  foot-slope 
deposits  derived  from  adjacent  mountain  slopes  and  distributed  by  sheet  surface 
waters.  The  soils  usually  occupy  sloping  valley  floors  and  mountain  foot 
slopes.     The  surface  varies  from  even  to  irregular  wind  blown  or  eroded. 

Typical  desert  vegetation  constitutes  the  only  natural  growth.  The  soils  are 
usually  well  drained,  but  are  often  deficient  in  water-holding  capacity  because 
of  their  stony  character  and  porous  structure.  Where  irrigation  is  possible 
they  can  be  successfully  utilized  for  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  grains, 
alfalfa,  forage  crops,  vegetables,  grapes,  and  citrus  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Glendale  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Glendale  sand 

Arizona  2,  3;  California  26 

21,888 

10,368 

106, 906 

33,514 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Arizona  1,2 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

Arizona  1 

51,066 

Arizona  2 

11,648 

clay  loam 

Arizona  1 

60,753 

Total 

296, 143 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Indio  series. — The  soils  are  light  gray  to  slate  colored,  porous  and  micaceous, 
and  underlain  by  coarser  sand.  They  occupy  treeless  desert  valleys,  sloping  val- 
ley plains,  or  upper  slopes  at  the  foot  of  mountain  ranges.  The  soils  are  derived 
from  granitic  rock  mixed  with  shales  and  sandstones,  the  soil-forming  material 
representing  alluvial  or  colluvial  stream  wash  modified  by  shore  deposits  of 
ancient  lakes  or  bays.  The  surface  is  undulating  to  hilly,  broken  by  intermit- 
tent stream  channels  and  drifted  by  winds.  Drainage  as  a  rule  is  well  estab- 
lished, though  sometimes  deficient  over  low-lying  areas.  Where  irrigation  is 
possible  and  drainage  satisfactory,  melons,  sweet  potatoes,  track,  and  general 
farm  crops  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Indio  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Indio  sand 

California  6. . 
do 

50,112 

fine  sand 

36,032 

fine  sandy  loam 

do... 

42, 432 

gravelly  loam 

California  5.. 

43,328 

Total 

171,904 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE   SOIL  TYPES   AND  THEIR  USE. 


The  sand  groups  derived  from  the  alluvial  fan  and  valley  filling  material 
are  represented  by  the  Glendale  and  Indio  sand  and  by  the  fine  sand  of  the  latter 
series. 

These  soils  usually  occupy  a  position  moderately  elevated  above  the  soil 
groups  of  heavier  texture.  They  are  porous  and  often  incoherent  in  structure, 
and  underlain  by  porous  subsoils.  They  require  frequent  and  copious  irriga- 
tion and  are  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  The  fine  sand  is  often 
of  somewhat  loamy  character  when  moist  and  is  more  retentive  of  moisture 
under  cultivation  than  the  sands. 

The  surface  contour  is  favorable  to  the  distribution  of  irrigation  water,  but 
is  sometimes  wind  blown  where  unprotected  by  vegetation.  Some  of  the 
higher-lying  slopes  are  rough,  eroded,  and  strewn  with  bowlders.  Drainage  as 
a  rule  is  well  established,  and  the  soils  are  normally  free  from  injurious  con- 
centrations of  alkali  salts,  but  owing  to  the  permeable  character  of  the  subsoils 


564  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

lower-lying  areas  of  limited  extent  may  become  saturated  with  seepage  waters 
with  the  development  of  irrigation. 

Where  irrigated,  the  sands  and  fine  sand  are  capable  of  producing  a  wide 
range  of  crops,  including  grains,  alfalfa,  fruits,  and  truck  products.  They  are 
best  adapted  to  a  very  light  type  of  general  farming  and  to  the  production  of 
sweet  potatoes,  melons,  early  truck  crops,  and  early  stone  fruits.  The  soil  is 
easily  cultivated  and  when  cleared  of  desert  shrubs  and  placed  under  irriga- 
tion requires  only  a  light  farming  equipment. 

The  sandy  loam  has  been  encountered  only  under  the  Glendale  series.  The 
soil  is  slightly  coherent  and  loamy  when  moist,  but  is  of  porous  structure  and 
is  readily  permeated  by  surface  water.  It  is  friable  when  cultivated  and  more 
retentive  of  moisture  than  the  soils  of  the  sand  and  fine  sand  groups.  Its  cul- 
tivation requires  only  a  light  farming  equipment.  The  surface  is  usually  well 
adapted  to  irrigation,  but  is  sometimes  eroded  or  wind  blown.  Drainage  is 
well  established  as  a  rule.  The  type  is  better  suited  to  the  production  of 
alfalfa,  grains,  or  other  general  farm  crops  than  the  sand  and  fine  sand,  and 
nearly  as  well  suited  to  the  culture  of-  stone  fruits,  small  fruits,  melons,  or 
truck  crops.     At  present  it  is  utilized  mainly  for  general  farming. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  group  is  represented  both  in  the  Glendale  and  the  Indio 
series  of  soils.  The  surface  is  quite  frequently  eroded  or  wind  blown,  particu- 
larly in  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  Indio  series,  and  requires  considerable  labor 
in  leveling  for  irrigation.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established,  but  lower-lying 
areas  are  more  frequently  subject  to  accumulations  of  seepage  water  and  alkali 
salts  than  the  lighter-textured  soils  within  the  province.  The  soil  material  is 
distinctly  coherent  and  loamy  when  moist,  but  is  readily  maintained  in  a  good 
tilth  under  cultivation  and  is  superior  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  to  the 
soil  groups  of  lighter  texture.  Hardpan  sometimes  restricts  the  development 
of  the  more  deeply  rooted  crops,  but  where  this  condition  is  absent  and  the 
soil  irrigated  and  well  drained  it  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  staple  and 
special  crops  and  constitutes  the  best  general-farming  soil  of  the  province.  It 
is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  and  other  general  farm  crops,  as  well  as  to  the 
commercial  culture  of  small  fruits,  stone  and  other  tree  fruits,  cantaloupes, 
tomatoes,  and  truck  crops.  The  fine  sandy  loams  require  only  a  moderate 
farming  equipment  for  effective  cultivation.  The  soils  of  lighter  texture  are 
somewhat  better  suited  to  very  early  stone  fruits,  tomatoes,  or  other  products 
grown  for  early  market. 

The  loam  group  is  represented  by  the  loam  of  the  Glendale  series  and  by  a 
gravelly  loam  phase  occurring  in  both  the  Glendale  and  Indio  series  of  soils. 

The  loam  is  of  rather  close,  compact  structure,  becoming  sticky  when  wet. 
It  puddles  readily  where  poorly  drained  and  improperly  handled,  and  requires 
a  heavier  farming  equipment  and  more  careful  management  for  the  maintenance 
of  favorable  conditions  of  tilth  than  the  lighter-textured  soils  of  the  province. 
Topography  and  drainage  vary  widely,  portions  of  the  areas  covered  occupying 
well-drained  mesa  lands  or  elevated  terraces,  while  areas  confined  to  lower 
valley  plains  are  sometimes  poorly  drained.  The  more  elevated  tracts  are  fre- 
quently traversed  by  deep,  eroded  stream  channels  and  marked  by  rough,  steep 
bluff  or  terrace  lines.  The  surface  is  usually  well  suited  to  irrigation,  though 
the  greater  portion  of  the  more  elevated  areas  lies  above  present  Irrigation 
facilities.  Where  irrigable  and  well  drained,  the  soil  is  adapted  to  general 
funning  and  to  the  later  fruits  and  vegetables.  Its  range  in  adaptation  to 
fruit  and  vegetable  products  is  more  restricted  than  that  of  the  tine  sandy 
Loam  group. 
The  gravelly  loam  of  the  Glendale  series  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali. 
Of  the  Indio  series  is  frequently  deficient  in  drainage,  and  is  BOmetimes 
subject  to  the  occurrence  of  alkali  salts  in  injurious  amounts.  Lime  carbonate 
hardpan  is  of  occasional  occurrence,  and  the  surface  is  sometimes  eroded  or 
Irregular  in  contour.  The  soils  are  of  Less  compacl  structure  than  that  of  the 
aormal  Loam,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of  Irrigation,  drainage,  and  di- 
e  are  adapted  to  a  wider  range  of  fruits  and  vegetables,  Including  stone 
fruits,  apples,  citrus  and  small   fruits,  etc.     Where  not  too  gravelly,   they  are 

well  suited  to  alfalfa  and  other  general  farm  crops. 

The  heavier  -roups  of  soils,  in  so  far  as  recognized,  are  Confined  t<>  silt  loams 

•  i  day  Loams,  both  of  which  are  Included  Ln  the  Glendale  series.  These  soils 
rally  occupj  lower  lying  slopes  and  are  much  more  frequently  subject  to 
Lltions  of  deficient  drainage  and  t<>  the  occurrence  of  an  excess  of  mineral 

suits   than    the   SOilfl    of    lighter    texture  occurring   within    the    province.      They 
orally  possess  a  compact  structure,  become  sticky  when  wet.  and  puddle  and 


AKID   SOUTHWEST   REGION. 


565 


bake  under  unfavorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation.  They  require 
a  heavy  farming  equipment  and  careful  methods  of  management,  but  are  reten- 
tive of  moisture  if  maintained  in  a  condition  of  good  tilth.  They  are  generally 
utilized  for  the  production  of  grains,  sorghum,  alfalfa  and  other  forage  crops, 
and  are  best  adapted  to  heavy  general  farming. 

Sand  Group. 

Glendale  sand. — The  soil  is  of  light  gray  to  grayish  brown  color  and  of  loose, 
incoherent,  porous  structure.  The  subsoil  closely  resembles  the  soil  in  color, 
texture,  and  structure,  though  the  material  of  the  deeper  subsoil  may  some- 
times be  of  finer  texture  or  contain  waterworn  or  subangular  gravel.  The 
type  consists  of  alluvial  fan  and  alluvial  foot  slope  deposits,  occurring  about 
valley  margins  and  at  the  base  of  steep  bluffs  or  hills  and  on  higher  terraces. 
The  material  is  derived  from  quartz-bearing  granitic  rocks  and  basic  eruptives 
distributed  by  intermittent  streams  or  torrential  flood  waters.  The  surface  is 
usually  of  gentle  to  pronounced  slope.  Unprotected  areas  are  wind  blown  but 
the  surface  contour  is  usually  favorable  to  irrigation.  The  soil  is  well  drained 
and  free  from  alkali.  It  is  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  owing  to  its  porous 
character  possesses  a  low  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  requires  copious  and 
frequent  irrigation.  Where  incapable  of  irrigation  it  is  unutilized,  except 
to  a  limited  extent  for  grazing.  Under  irrigation  it  is  devoted  mainly  to  alfalfa 
and  grains,  but  is  better  adapted  to  the  production  of  grapes,  early  stone  fruits, 
and  truck  crops. 

Indio  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  medium  to  rather  coarse  sand 
of  loose,  porous  structure  composed  of  slightly  rounded  quartz  particles,  mingled 
with  micaceous  and  granitic  material.  It  is  usually  6  feet  or  more  in  depth 
and  is  underlain  by  coarser  material  of  the  same  character.  The  type  occurs 
upon  sloping  valley  plains  and  covers  extensive  areas  of  the  higher  slopes  skirt- 
ing the  mountains.  The  higher  bodies  are  formed  mainly  by  wash  from  ad- 
jacent mountains,  distributed  over  sloping  fans  and  debris  aprons  by  inter- 
mittent streams.  The  lower  lying  bodies  consist  of  old  beach  sands  modified 
by  alluvial  and  colluvial  mountain  wash.  The  more  elevated  areas  are  generally 
gravelly,  sometimes  strewn  with  bowlders,  and  are  of  rough,  broken  outline. 
The  soil  is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  but  generally  lies  above  the  limits 
of  irrigation,  and  is  therefore  of  no  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tndin  sand 

California  6 

50,112 
21,888 

Glendale  sand 

Arizona  2,  3;  California  2G 

Total 

72,000 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Indio  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  loose,  friable,  light-gray,  micaceous  sand, 
sometimes  of  a  rather  heavy,  loamy  nature  varying  from  3  to  6  feet  in  depth 
and  underlain  by  coarse  sand.  The  type  occurs  upon  lower  and  intermediate 
uniformly  sloping  plains  formed  by  erosion  from  adjacent  mountains.  The 
surface  is  marked  by  minor  scoriations  and  wind-formed  ridges.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  lower-lying  bodies  it  is  well  drained,  and  free  from  alkali,  and  is 
adapted  to  grains,  sweet  potatoes,  melons,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Indio  fine  sand ...                        

California  0 

36,032 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


566  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Saxdy  Loam  Group. 

Glendale  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  friable,  grayish-brown,  rather  coarse 
sandy  loam  of  porous  structure,  slightly  sticky  when  moist.  The  humus  content 
is  generally  low.  The  subsoil  varies  little  from  the  soil,  but  may  contain  lenses 
or  strata  of  finer  or  heavier  textured  material.  The  type  is  derived  predomi- 
nantly from  quartz-bearing  rocks  of  granitic  character  and  from  eruptives, 
mainly  of  basic  character,  distributed  as  alluvial  fan  and  alluvial  foot-slope 
deposits  by  torrential  or  intermittent  streams  in  time  of  flood.  The  surface  is 
nearly  level  to  gently  sloping  and  occasionally  marked  by  minor  wind-blown 
irregularities  or  traversed  by  dry  channnels  of  intermittent  streams.  The  soil 
is  easily  tilled  and  is  generally  well  drained  and  free  from  injurious  accumula- 
tions of  alkali  salts.  Under  intensive  cultivation  it  is  retentive  of  moisture,  and 
when  irrigated  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  stone  fruits,  small  fruits, 
tomatoes,  and  other  early  truck  crops.  It  also  produces  profitable  yields  of 
alfalfa  and  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arizona  2 

10,368 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Glendale  fine  sandy  loam.— {The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown, 
friable,  fine  sandy  loam.  The  upper  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil,  the  lower  por- 
tion being  marked  by  a  hardpan  layer  of  calcium  carbonate  locally  known  as 
"  caliche."  The  type  is  easily  cultivated  and  maintained  in  good  tilth.  It  occurs 
as  alluvial  fan  and  foot-slope  deposits,  distributed  by  intermittent  streams  and 
surface  run-off  during  heavy  rains.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from  igneous 
rocks,  mainly  granite,  gneiss,  and  basalt.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  usually 
free  from  alkali  in  injurious  amounts.  Where  not  underlain  at  shallow  depths 
by  hardpan  and  capable  of  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to  fruits,  alfalfa,  and  mod- 
erately early  truck  crops,  including  tomatoes  and  melons.  Where  favored  by 
climatic  conditions,  citrus  fruits  may  be  grown. 

Indio  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  slate-colored,  friable  fine  sandy  loam  of 
variable  texture,  micaceous  and  porous.  It  ranges  from  2\  to  5  feet  in  depth 
and  is  underlain  by  sandy  loam  or  Band.  Extensive  areas  of  the  type  are  found 
over  the  lower  valley  plains.  The  soil  material  was  probably  deposited  in  the 
waters  of  an  ancient  bay  or  an  arm  of  the  sea  and  modified  by  erosion,  winds, 
and  intermittent  streams.  The  surface  is  rather  rough  and  badly  wind  drifted. 
The  type  possesses  strong  capillarity,  and  the  lower  lying  bodies  are  often 
poorly  drained  and  filled  with  alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  nam-!. 

State  or  aroa.1 

Acres. 

Glendale  flue  Band;  1                                                            

106,906 

Indlo  fine  andj  lo  im      

(  .ililninia  '- 

Total 

149,338 

1  lor  key  to  Qombera  In  this  column  see  i>.  733. 

Loaii  Group. 

Glendale  loam.  The  soil  is  a  chocolate-brown  or  dark-brown  Loam  generally 
<;  foot  or  more  In  depth,  of  rather  compact  structure,  sticky  when  wet,  and  sub- 
Jed  to  puddling  and  baking,  it  is  underlain  by  a  heavier  loam  <>f  compact 
adobe  structure  or  by  a  gravelly  Lime  hardpan.  The  type  occurs  as  extensive 
soil  bodies  covering  mesa  lands,  the  Lower  margins  of  colluvlal  mountain  foot 


ARID   SOUTHWEST  REGION. 


567 


slopes,  or  lower  sloping  valley  plains,  over  which  it  has  been  distributed  by- 
intermittent  streams  traversing  secondary  fans.  The  surface  of  the  higher  areas 
is  often  marked  by  domelike  elevations,  bluffs,  or  terrace  lines  and  is  thickly 
strewn  with  cobbles  and  gravel  or  deeply  cut  by  torrential  stream  channels. 
The  lower-lying  areas  are  sometimes  poorly  drained  and  impregnated  with 
alkali.  Where  capable  of  irrigation  the  soil  is  adapted  to  fruits  and  general 
farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Glendale  loam 

Arizona  1,2 

33,514 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY  LOAM   PHASE. 


Glendale  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  gray  to  grayish  brown  or  brown  and 
contains  a  large  amount  of  gravel,  usually  from  10  to  25  per  cent,  the  gravel 
content  being  highest  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  foot  of  the  mountains. 
The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil,  the  gravel  content  being  somewhat  higher  and 
occasionally  cemented  by  calcium  carbonate  into  a  hardpan.  The  type  consists 
predominantly  of  alluvial  fan  and  foot-slope  deposits  distributed  by  intermittent, 
torrential  streams  and  by  surface  sheet  flood  waters.  It  includes  a  limited 
amount  of  colluvial  material.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  free  from  accumu- 
lations of  alkali  salts.  Where  capable  of  irrigation  it  is  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  fruits. 

Indio  gravelly  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gravelly  loam,  about  2  feet  deep, 
underlain  by  clay  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  In  some  of  the  areas  the  inter- 
stitial material  becomes  quite  sandy.  The  gravel  consists  of  agate,  quartz, 
chert,  limestone,  granite,  obsidian,  and  indurated  clay,  varying  in  size  from  1 
inch  to  5  or  6  inches  in  diameter.  The  type  represents  old  beach  lines  or  alluvial 
cones.  In  the  lighter  phases  the  soils  contain  little  alkali,  but  elsewhere  the 
alkali  content  is  high.  Destructive  erosion  by  mountain  floods  is  frequent,  and 
much  of  the  type  lies  too  high  or  is  too  rough  for  cultivation.  Where  irrigable 
and  not  too  alkaline  it  is  suited  to  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arizona  1 

51,066 

California  5 

43,328 

Total 

94,394 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

Glendale  silt  loam.— The  type  consists  of  a  brown,  fine-textured,  heavy  silt 
loam  G  feet  or  more  in  depth,  becoming  sticky  when  wet  and  inclined  to  bake 
and  crack  when  dry.  The  type  occurs  in  valleys  and  along  streams,  and  is  gen 
erally  level  except  where  cut  by  washes  and  gullies  caused  by  erosion.  The 
native  vegetation  is  sparse  and  often  absent  on  wind-swept  areas.  Both  surface 
and  underdrainage  is  apt  to  be  deficient.  Some  alkali  accumultions  occur  where 
irrigation  is  practiced.  The  soil  is  best  adapted  to  alfalfa,  wheat,  barley, 
sorghum,  Egyptian  and  Indian  corn,  and  sugar  beets. 


568  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Glendale  silt  loam 

11,<  18 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Loam  Group. 

Glendale  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish  clay  loam  of  dense,  impervious 
structure.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil 
material.  The  type  represents  fine  alluvial  stream  outwash  material  from 
higher  soil  bodies,  distributed  by  intermittent  streams  traversing  alluvial  fans. 
and  occupies  the  lower  valley  plains.  It  is  generally  adapted  to  grains,  but  is 
rather  heavy  and  compact  for  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Glendale  clay  loam Arizona  1 


60,753 


«  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
RIVER  FLOOD  PLAINS  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  of  the  river  flood  plains  occupy  the  flood  plains  and  terraces  of  the 
stream  valleys.  They  consist  of  alluvial  material,  eroded  from  adjacent  moun- 
tains and  uplands  usually  lying  beyond  the  boundaries  of  the  Arid  Southwest 
region,  transported  by  streams,  generally  of  perennial  flew,  and  deposited  from 
overflow  waters.  The  parent  material  of  the  deposits  is  derived  from  a  variety 
of  sources,  that  in  the  vicinity  of  the  head  waters  of  the  streams  consisting 
prevailingly  of  granite,  gneiss,  and  volcanic  rocks.  Some  of  the  streams,  how- 
ever, traverse  extensive  areas  of  sedimentary  rocks,  while  shale  and  sandstone 
material  enters  extensively  into  the  deposits  in  certain  other  areas.  Some  of 
the  deposits  are  comparatively  old  and  occupy  terraces  well  elevated  above 
present  stream  channels,  although  the  province  includes  extensive  areas  of  re- 
cent flood  plain  deposits  occupying  wide  stream  bottoms  annually  subject  to 
overflow. 

The  surface  of  the  soils  derived  from  the  river  flood  plain  material  is  usu- 
ally nearly  level  or  gently  sloping  and  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  distribution 
of  irrigation  water.  Local  ureas  of  irregular,  eroded,  or  windblown  surface 
occur,  requiring  leveling,  and  extensive  areas  of  the  more  recent  soils  support 
dense  thickets  of  willows,  brush,  and  vines,  which  increase  the  cost  of  clearing 
and  preparing  the  land  for  Irrigation  and  cultivation.  The  soils  are  usually 
most  conveniently  situated  of  any  of  the  region  with  respect  to  sources  of 
water  supply  for  Irrigation  purposes. 

Drainage  is  often  poorly  established  and  alkali  is  present  in  Injurious 
amounts.  Seepage  waters  accumulate  over  the  lower  lying  areas  from  the  irri- 
gation of  higher  lying  lands,  accompanied  at  times  by  destructive  overflows 
unless  protected  from  erosion. 

The  soils  derived  from  the  river  flood  plain  material  embrace  some  of  the 

oldest    and   most    highly   developed   agricultural   districts  of  the   Southwest    Arid 

region.  They  constitute  a  large  proportion  of  the  total  area  covered  by  the 
soil  survey  In  the  region  and  under  favorable  drcomstancei  of  Irrigation, 
drainage,  and  freedom  from  overflow  are  highly  esteemed  for  agricultural  pnr- 
.  They  have  been  encountered  only  under  the  Gila  series,  which  is  of 
widespread  occurrence  and  Includes  a   large  Dumber  of  recognised  soil  i. 

ranging  in  texture  from  fine  sand  to  clay. 


ARID   SOUTHWEST  REGION. 


569 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Gila  series. — The  soils  of  the  lighter  members  are  prevailingly  of  light 
yellowish-brown,  light  grayish-brown,  or  slightly  reddish-brown  color  and  of 
porous  structure.  The  heavier  members  range  in  color  from  brown  or  chocolate 
brown  to  dark  gray  or  black  and  are  of  compact  structure.  Thin  layers  of 
heavier  or  lighter  sediments  are  frequently  encountered  within  the  soil  section. 
The  subsoils  are  similar  to  the  surface  soil  and  are  generally  underlain  by  a 
stratum  of  sand  and  rounded  gravel.  The  series  occupies  stream  flood  plains 
and  second  bottoms  or  recent  terraces.  The  lower  lying  areas  are  often  subject 
to  overflow,  are  poorly  drained,  and  sometimes  alkaline.  The  higher  lying 
members  of  porous  structure  are  well  drained.  The  surface  varies  from  level 
to  irregular,  being  somewhat  eroded  or  gullied,  cut  by  stream  channels,  or  wind 
blown.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  in  the  vicinity  of  streams  fre- 
quently supports  a  heavy  growth  of  willow,  cottonwood,  mesquite,  canaigre,  etc. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gila  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

31,042 

fine  sandy  loam 

Arizona  1,  2,  3 

43,794 
79,232 
12,672 
24,384 
17,751 

loam 

Arizona  2,  3;  California  5,  26 

do     ...... 

clay 

Total 

208,875 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


THE    SOIL    TYPES   AND    THEIR   USE. 


While  the  soils  of  the  River  Flood  plain  province  in  the  Southwest  Arid 
region  cover  extensive  areas  in  the  aggregate,  the  individual  soil  types  are 
often  inextensively  developed,  and  in  any  single  area  surveyed  only  a  part  of 
the  members  recognized  under  the  province  have  been  encountered.  All  the 
soils  thus  far  recognized  occur  under  the  Gila  series. 

The  fine  sand  of  this  series,  which  constitutes  the  coarsest  grade  of  material 
as  yet  recognized,  is  widely  distributed,  having  been  encountered  in  three  of  the 
areas  surveyed.  It  is  of  loose,  porous,  and  incoherent  character  and  underlain 
by  a  porous  substratum.  The  organic-matter  content  is  low  and  the  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  limited.  The  surface  is  usually  wind  blown,  except  in 
protected  localities,  and  frequently  supports  a  growth  of  brush  and  timber. 
Considerable  labor  is  generally  necessary  in  clearing  the  land  and  leveling  it 
for  irrigation.  Only  a  light  farming  equipment  is  required.  Drainage  is  gen- 
erally well  established  and  the  soil  free  from  injurious  concentrations  of  alkali 
salts.  Not  all  Of  the  areas  covered  are  as  yet  extensively  utilized  for  agri- 
cultural purposes,  but  general  farm  crops,  truck,  and  fruits  are  grown  to  some 
extent.  The  soil  is  well  suited  to  the  production  of  sweet  potatoes,  early  truck 
crops,  stone  fruits,  and  berries.  With  frequent  irrigation  it  is  fairly  well 
adapted  to  alfalfa  and  forage  crops,  but  not  so  well  suited  to  general  farming 
as  the  soils  of  heavier  texture. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  is  also  of  fairly  widespread  occurrence.  It  is  of  loose, 
porous  structure,  is  easily  maintained  in  a  friable,  mellow  condition,  and  its 
cultivation  requires  only  a  light  farming  equipment.  It  is  more  retentive  of 
moisture  than  the  fine  sand  and  does  not  drift  so  readily.  The  surface  is 
sometimes  irregular  and  usually  requires  some  leveling  in  preparing  the  land 
for  irrigation.  Drainage  is  well  established,  but  the  type  is  more  frequently 
subject  to  the  accumulation  of  seepage  waters  or  to  a  high  water  table  than 
is  the  fine  sand,  due  to  greater  capillarity.  The  type  is  not  so  well  suited  to 
the  culture  of  early  fruit  and  truck  crops  as  the  fine  sand,  but  generally  pro- 
duces higher  yields  and  has  a  wider  range  of  crops.  It  is  well  suited  to  a 
light  type  of  general  farming,  the  production  of  alfalfa  and  forage  crops,  and 
the  commercial  culture  of  apples,  pears,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

The  loam  is  somewhat  less  porous  and  pervious  than  the  lighter-textured 
types,  but  is  usually  friable  and  easily  maintained  in  good  tilth.     It  requires 


570  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

only  a  moderate  farming  equipment  for  efficient  culture.  The  surface  of  this 
type  requires  less  extensive  leveling  in  preparing  the  land  for  irrigation  than 
that  of  the  types  of  lighter  texture.  The  soil  is  sometimes  subject  to  over- 
flow and  drainage  is  not  so  well  established  as  in  the  other  types.  Where 
irrigation  is  possible  and  drainage  ample  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  the  produc- 
tion of  alfalfa,  grains,  forage  crops,  the  later  tree  and  small  fruits,  and 
vegetables. 

The  silt  loam  and  clay  loam  of  the  province  are  generally  of  rather  compact 
structure,  inclined  to  puddle  when  wet  and  to  bake  and  crack  when  dry,  par- 
ticularly the  clay  loam.  A  fairly  heavy  farming  equipment  and  careful  man- 
agement is  necessary  for  the  effective  cultivation  of  these  soils.  Under  favor- 
able conditions  of  moisture  and  tillage  they  prove  retentive  of  water  and  can 
be  irrigated  with  greater  economy  than  the  types  of  lighter  texture.  They 
usually  occupy  low-lying  areas  and  are  frequently  poorly  drained  and  subject 
to  overflow.  Alfalfa,  grains,  and  forage  crops  are  successfully  grown,  and 
where  favored  by  local  conditions  of  drainage  and  irrigation  they  are  well 
adapted  to  the  heavier  crops.  Fruits  do  best  on  the  higher  lying  and  better 
drained  areas.  The  later  and  heavier  vegetables  can  be  successfully  grown 
on  the  silt  loam,  but  the  clay  loam  member  is  of  rather  heavy  texture  and 
compact  structure  for  such  purposes. 

The  clay  generally  occurs  in  low-lying,  depressed  areas.  It  is  of  compact, 
intractable  structure,  and  is  sometimes  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the 
accumulation  of  alkali  salts  and  to  overflow.  It  requires  a  heavy  farming 
equipment  and  careful  management,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  culti- 
vation and  drainage  is  capable  of  being  profitably  utilized  for  heavy  general 
farming.  It  is  more  restricted  in  adaptation  to  farm  crops  than  the  fine  sandy 
loam  and  silt  loam  types,  but  does  not  depart  greatly  from  the  clay  loam  In 
the  purposes  for  which  it  may  be  profitably  utilized. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Gila  fine  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  porous  and  Incoherent  fine  sand  of 
yellowish  to  reddish  brown  color,  generally  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more  In  depth, 
underlain  by  coarser  river  sands  and  gravels.  It  occurs  along  river  banks, 
where  it  has  been  deposited  by  the  currents.  The  surface  is  wind  blown  and 
generally  covered  with  dunes.  The  vegetation  characteristic  of  the  type  con- 
sists of  mesquite,  willow,  canaigre,  yucca,  and  cotton  wood.  The  soil  is  often 
calcareous  and  frequently  contains  small  quantities  of  alkali.  It  is  generally 
well  drained  and  is  adapted  to  truck,  fruits,  melons,  potatoes,  and  sometimes 
alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gila  fine  sand .  . 

Arizona  1,  3;  California  26;  New  Mexico  1 

31,042 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Gila  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  loose,  friable,  porous  fine  sandy  loam  of 
light-gray  or  rerldish-brown  color,  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and  is 
underlain  by  coarser  sands  and  gravel.  Layers  of  heavier  sediments  appear 
in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occurs  as  long  and  narrow  bodies  covering  low  valley 
plain!  and  stream  bottoms.  The  surface  is  frequently  wind  blown,  cut  by  stream 
Channels,  and  covered  with  brush  or  timber  growth.  The  soil  possesses  high 
capillarity  ami  is  well  drained  and  tree  from  alkali,  except  in  Lower-lying  areas 
subject  to  stream  overflow  or-  seepage  from  higher  elevations,  it  is  generally 
adapted  t«»  alfalfa,  track,  and  fruit  crops. 


ARID   SOUTHWEST   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


571 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gila  flue  sandy  loam 

Arizona  1,  2,  3 

43,794 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Loam  Group. 

Gila  loam. — The  soil  approaches  the  texture  of  a  fine  to  very  fine  sandy  loam, 
ranging  from  3  to  20  feet  in  depth,  and  is  nearly  always  underlain  by  coarser 
sand  or  by  river  gravel.  In  some  areas  of  shallow  soil  a  stratum  of  heavier 
material  is  found  between  the  surface  covering  of  fine  sandy  loam  and  the  un- 
derlying sand.  It  is  a  valley  or  bottom  type,  occurring  as  long,  narrow  bodies 
adjacent  to  streams.  The  sandy  subsoil  insures  good  drainage  where  there  is 
an  outlet  for  the  ground  water.  The  surface  is  level  or  slightly  ridged  by  wind 
drifting  and  stream  erosion.  The  soil  is  composed  of  sediments  deposited  by 
annual  flood  waters.  Some  areas  of  this  type  contain  small  quantities  of  alkali. 
It  is  a  good  soil  for  all  crops  suitable  to  the  climate,  and  particularly  for 
alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Gila  loam 

Arizona  2,  3;  California  5,  26 

79,232 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

Gila  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  brown  silt  loam,  containing  considerable 
clay,  from  12  to  30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  sand  and  occasionally  by  loam  or 
clay.  It  is  a  valley  or  bottom  type  occupying  former  river  channels,  flood  plains, 
or  drainage  depressions.  The  type  is  composed  of  sediments  deposited  by  over- 
flow waters.  Drainage  is  often  deficient  and  alkaline  accumulations  numerous, 
and  the  type  is  often  subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  is  rich,  easily  cultivated,  and 
adapted  to  a  variety  of  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gila  silt  loam 

Arizona  3;  California  26 

12,672 

'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Loam  Group. 

Gila  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  sticky,  plastic  clay  loam  of  chocolate  brown 
color,  containing  considerable  organic  matter  and  ranging  from  3  to  6  feet  or 
more  in  depth.  It  is  underlain  by  sand  varied  at  times  by  minor  strata  of 
heavy  sediments.  It  is  an  extensive  type  of  wide  distribution.  The  surface  is 
generally  nearly  level  and  lies  above  present  stream  overflow.  The  soil  is  fairly 
well  drained,  but  is  frequently  filled  with  alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Arizona  3;  California  26 

24,3S4 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


572 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED    STATES. 


Clay  Group. 

Gila  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  sticky,  plastic  clay  of  compact 
adobelike  structure,  from  1  to  3  feet  deep,  and  underlain  by  sandy  loam,  fine 
sand,  or  fine  sandy  loam.  The  soil  puddles  readily  and  tends  to  check  and  crack 
on  drying-  The  type  is  generally  level,  occupying  flood-plain  depressions, 
slough  and  lagoon  bottoms  of  small  extent,  and  stream  beds.  In  the  Salt  River 
Valley  it  is  probably  formed  largely  from  the  sediments  of  prehistoric  irrigation 
waters.  It  is  generally  subject  to  overflow,  and  is  frequently  poorly  drained 
and  filled  with  alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

Gila  clay 

Arizona  1,3 

17,751 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Conglomerate 

New  Mexico  1 

11.6S0 

Gypsum 

do 

11,630 

Meadow 

do 

7,940 

Rough  stony  land 

Arizona  1,3 

i 
258 

Total 

39,390 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Bulletin  96,  Bureau  of  Soils,  U.  S.  Dept. 


Agr.  Pig. 


Key. to  the  Soils  of  the  Arid  Southwest  Region. 


1 

Coastal  Plain 

Lake- 

laid  Alluvial  fan  and 

1 

Rivsr  Flood 

material 

matex 

ial 

val  ley- 

filling 

Plain  mate- 

| 

material 

i 

rial 

| 
Shale 

1 

Meta- 

1 
Sandstone 

! 

1 

Granitic 

and  shale 

and 

mor- 

Gran- 

Gran- 

and 

1 

sand- 

phic 

itic 

itic 

volcanic 

Red- 

Btone 

and 

and 

1 

I 

dish 

i 

lime- 

basa- 

Gray 

Gray- 

brown 

Gray- 

stone 

ltic 

to 

ish 

soil 

to 

1 

I 

drab 

brown 

1 

light 

Light 

Gray 

soil 

to 

Red- 

brown 

brown 

to 

1 

dark 

dish 

soil 

to 

dark 

Gray 

brown 

browr. 

i 

red- 

brown 

to 

soil 

sub- 

Gray 

dish 

soil 

drab 

| 

soil 

to 

gray 

1 

sub- 

Gray- 

! 

light 

soil 

Gray 

soil 

ish 

Yuma 

brown 

! 

to 

1 

brown 

sub- 

Light 

brown 

Sub- 

to 

soil 

brown 

sub- 

stra- 

dark 

1 

to 

soil 

tum 

brown 

Deep- 

red- 

1 

porous 

sub- 

er 

dish 

Glen- 

soil 

sub- 

gray 

dale 

Indio 

soil 

sub- 

Gila 

-■> 

com- 
pact 
and 
imper- 
vious 

soil 
Roswell 

Imperial 

SOILS  OF  THE  PACIFIC  COAST  REGION. 

By  Macy  H.  Lapham. 
DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    REGION". 

The  Pacific  Coast  region  as  defined  in  the  classification  of  soils  in  this  bulle- 
tin includes  those  portions  of  California,  Oregon,  and  Washington,  west  of  the 
crest  of  the  Cascade,  Sierra  Nevada,  Sierra  Madre,  and  San  Jacinto  Mountain 
ranges. 

Physiographically  it  is  characterized  by  a  broad  structural  valley  depression 
extending  through  the  northern  two-thirds  of  California  to  Puget  Sound  in 
Washington,  except  where  interrupted  by  mountain  ranges  and  lesser  ridges, 
by  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  elevated  Cascade  and  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains, 
and  by  the  lower,  complex  coastal  ranges. 

The  southern  portion  of  the  valley  trough  is  represented  by  the  interior 
valley  of  California,  embracing  the  San  Joaquin  and  Sacramento  Valleys;  the 
northern  portion,  in  Oregon  by  the  Willamette  and  Rogue  River  Valleys  and 
in  Washington  by  the  Puget  Sound  and  Lower  Columbia  River  Basins.  In 
California  it  is  bordered  upon  the  east  by  the  Sierra  Nevada  and  by  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  Cascade  Mountains,  and  in  Oregon  and  Washington 
by  the  latter.  Upon  the  west  it  is  in  California  separated  from  the  Pacific 
Ocean  by  the  Mount  Diablo  and  less  important  coast  ranges,  and  in  Oregon 
and  Washington  by  the  ranges  of  the  Klamath,  Coast,  and  Olympic  systems.  It 
is  limited  upon  the  south  by  comparatively  low  ranges,  where  the  Sierra 
Nevada  swings  to  the  west  and  joins  the  mountains  of  the  coast.  In  northern 
California  and  in  the  southern  half  of  Oregon  it  is  interrupted  by  an  extensive 
region  covered  by  ranges  embraced  within  the  Klamath  Mountain  system. 

The  floor  of  this  structural  trough  is  not  greatly  elevated  above  sea  level  and 
is  of  level  to  undulating  or  gently  rolling  character.  The  main  Cordilleran 
ridge  upon  the  east  between  its  southern  extremity  and  central  Washington 
in  places  reaches  altitudes  of  10,000  to  more  than  14,000  feet  above  sea  level. 
The  Sierran  foothills,  however,  include  many  areas  of  moderate  slope  not  incom- 
patible with  the  development  of  agriculture.  North  of  central  Washington,  the 
Cascades,  while  extremely  rugged,  are  less  elevated,  though  occasional  high 
peaks  occur.  Upon  the  east  the  lower  slopes  of  the  coast  ranges  are  gentle 
and  capable  of  cultivation,  but  the  higher  ridges  are  often  extremely  rugged 
and  are  best  adapted  to  grazing  and  to  forestry.  The  Olympic  Mountains, 
lying  west  of  Puget  Sound,  are  the  most  elevated  and  rugged  of  the  western- 
most mountains,  reaching  an  altitude  of  8,000  feet  or  more.  The  region  covered 
by  the  coast  ranges  includes  many  stream  valleys,  some  of  which  are  highly 
developed  and  of  great  agricultural  importance. 

South  of  the  structural  valley  depression  the  region  consists  predominantly 
of  low,  rolling  hills  to  high  and  rugged  mountain  ranges.  These  include  some 
minor  valleys  or  basins  and  are  in  places  separated  from  the  coast  by  a  belt  of 
gently  sloping  coastal  plain  country. 

The  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  are  composed  mainly  of  highly  metamorphic 
schistose  rocks,  intruded  masses  of  granitic  rocks,  and  later  eruptive  sheets 
and  masses.  The  rocks  of  the  Cascade  Range  are  of  later  date,  effusive  in 
origin,  and  consist  predominantly  of  basaltic  and  related  material.  The  range 
is  characterized  by  a  series  of  elevated  volcanic  cones.  In  southern  California 
the  higher  ranges  south  of  the  Sierras  include  extensive  masses  of  granites, 
while  the  lower-lying  coastal  ridges  are  mainly  composed  of  sedimentary  forma- 
tions. Northward  along  the  coast  the  ranges  consist  of  sedimentary  and  altered 
sedimentary  rocks,  with  local  areas  of  eruptives.  The  ranges  of  the  Klamath 
system  include  extensive  areas  of  schistose  altered  rocks,  with  associated  sedi- 
mentary rocks,  and  eruptive  masses  similar  in  character  and  mode  of  occurrence 
to  those  of  the  Sierra  Nevada.  In  Oregon  north  of  the  Klamath  group  and  in 
southern  Washington  the  rocks  consist  mainly  of  sandstones  and  shales,  with 

573 


574  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

extensive  areas  of  later  volcanic  material.  The  Olympic  Range  is  characterized 
by  a  number  of  rugged  volcanic  peaks  resting  upon  a  substructure  of  older 
rocks  of  schistose  character. 

The  great  downfold  or  trough  inclosed  between  these  ranges  has  during 
periods  of  depression  been  partially  filled  with  marine  sediments.  Subse- 
quently much  of  these  deposits  has  been  obliterated. 

The  climate  of  this  Pacific  Coast  region  presents  a  startling  variety  of  condi- 
tions. Along  the  northwestern  coast  there  is  an  annual  rainfall  of  SO  to  100 
inches  and  the  country  is  clothed  with  a  dense,  luxuriant  forest;  at  the  south- 
ern extremity  of  the  Great  California  Valley  and  in  extreme  southern  California 
precipitation  along  some  of  the  lower  desert  ridges  and  plains  is  almost  negli- 
gible. Active  glaciers  along  the  higher  peaks  of  the  Cascade  and  Sierra  Nevada 
ranges  are  contrasted  with  the  production  of  semitropical  fruits  and  the  general 
absence  of  rainfall,  except  in  the  higher  elevations,  throughout  the  southern 
half  of  the  region. 

In  the  northern  half  of  the  region  the  mountains  are  usually  well  forested 
and  irrigation  is  practiced  only  locally  in  interior  valleys  or  under  unusual 
conditions.  Throughout  the  southern  half  the  higher  mountains  are  generally 
forested,  as  well  as  the  lower  ranges  adjacent  to  the  coast,  but  the  eastern 
slopes  of  the  coast  ranges  have  a  restricted  rainfall  and  are  often  of  arid, 
barren  character,  and  irrigation  in  the  interior,  as  well  as  in  many  of  the 
coastal  valleys,  is  necessary  to  insure  the  production  of  crops. 

In  the  mountain  and  foothill  districts  or  other  areas  of  consolidated  rocks 
atmospheric  agencies  have  brought  about  disintegration  and  decomposition  of 
the  rocks  in  place,  giving  rise  to  the  soils  of  the  Residual  group  or  province. 
In  certain  districts  of  the  northwest  and  of  the  higher  mountains  glaciation 
has  resulted  in  large  areas  of  transported  soil  material  defined  as  of  the  Glacial 
province.  The  deposition  of  sediments  in  shallow  lakes  and  of  material  trans- 
ported by  winds  has  formed  the  soils  of  the  Lake-laid  and  of  the  Wind-laid 
groups,  both  of  which  are  inextensive  and  not  of  great  agricultural  importance. 
The  deposition  of  marine  sediments  in  the  valley  depressions  and  along  the 
coast  and  the  distribution  and  assorting  of  such  sediments  by  the  waves  and 
tides  and  shore  currents  have  given  another  kind  of  soil-forming  material. 
Much  of  this  has  subsequently  been  covered  by  later  alluvial  deposits.  From 
this  marine  material,  classed  as  the  Coastal  Plain  and  Old  Valley  Filling,  comes 
another  distinct  group  of  soils.  Later  deposits  laid  down  by  streams,  many  of 
them  intermittent,  emerging  from  mountain  canyons,  give  rise  to  another  prov- 
ince group  of  soil-forming  material.  This  group  has  been  classed  under  the 
head  of  Alluvial  Fan  and  Valley  Filling  material,  constituting  a  later  valley  till- 
ing than  the  material  last  described,  not  readily  separable  from  the  alluvial  fan 
deposits,  but  often  lacking  the  distinct  physiographic  features  of  the  hit  tor.  The 
soils,  with  those  of  the  preceding  group,  constitute  the  greater  projx>rtion  of 
the  agricultural  Lands  of  the  region.  Another  extensive  and  highly  important 
soil  province  completes  the  classification  of  the  soils  of  the  region.  This  em- 
braces the  recent  alluvial  soils,  constituting  the  bottoms  and  terraces  along  the 
importan!  streams  of  the  Pacific  coast  country. 

The  actual  extent  of  the  soils  surveyed  in  these  several  provinces  is  given 
in  the  following  table : 


Soil  province. 


.1  material • 

1 1  laterlal 

Lake-laid  material  

Wind-laH  material 

Coastal  Plain  and  ol<l  Valley  Filling  material. 

Alluvial  Pan  and  Valley  Filling  material 

Rtrec  Flood  Plain  material  

material 


Total 


Acres. 


3,799,735 

3.654,753 

147,901 

27,904 
1,647,943 
8,712,731 

:',(>.•■>  1,996 

'.'17, (.14 

15,890,578 

Variation  In  climate,  topography,  and  transportation  conditions  has  caused 
wide  differences  in  the  Btate  of  agricultural  development  and  the  character  of 
iim.  carm  products.  Borne  of  the  mosl  extensive  areas  of  undeveloped  lands,  as 
v.hi  as  of  Intensively  cultivated  districts,  occur  within  the  region.  Much  of 
the  ]:lI1,i  i„  the  undeveloped  districts  is  not  raitable  for  agriculture  because  of 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 


575 


topographic  and  climatic  conditions,  but  extensive  areas  of  uncleared  forest 
lands  and  of  undeveloped  irrigable  lands  still  await  agricultural  development. 
Of  the  14,942,964  acres  of  soil  types  and  phases  which  have  been  differ- 
entiated, the  following  table  shows  the  amount  and  proportion  of  each  grade  of 
material : 


Grade. 

Acres. 

Per  cent. 

Sand 

1,520,074 
207,746 
3, 254, 416 
1,437,378 
2,693,208 
2,899,193 
1,387,593 
1,543,356 

10.2 

Fine  sand 

1.3 

Sandy  loam 

21.9 

9.6 

18.0 

19.4 

9.3 

Clay 

10.3 

Total 

14,942,964 

100.0 

RESIDUAL  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  arranged  under  this  head  are  derived  directly  from  the  disinte- 
gration in  place  of  consolidated  rocks,  with  only  such  changes  in  position  and 
such  modification  as  may  result  from  local  erosion  and  such  differences  in  com- 
position and  physical  state  as  may  result  from  differences  in  climatic  conditions, 
parent  rocks,  and  topography. 

The  general  classes  of  rocks  recognized  as  influencing  the  soils  are:  (1) 
Igneous  and  metamorphic  rocks,  including  those  like  granite  and  schist,  which 
carry  a  notable  quantity  of  quartz,  and  those  like  basalt,  andesite  diabase,  and 
amphotites,  which  are  characteristically  quartz  free;  and  (2)  sedimentary 
rocks,  such  as  shale,  sandstone,  and  limestone,  which  may  contain  the  same 
mineral  components  as  the  igneous  and  metamorphic  group,  but  which  have 
passed  through  profound  changes  between  the  igneous  and  sedimentary  state, 
and  for  this  reason  give  rise  to  a  group  of  soils  notably  different  in  character 
and  adaptation  to  agriculture.  * 

Owing  to  the  more  or  less  resistant  character  of  the  rocks  from  which  these 
soils  are  derived  the  country  occupied  is  rolling  to  rough  and  mountainous  in 
topography. 

Under  the  humid  conditions  prevailing  in  the  northern  part  of  the  region, 
the  soils,  where  the  slope  is  not  too  great,  may  be  used  for  vegetables,  fruit,  and 
general  farm  crops,  and  for  pasture  and  forest  where  the  surface  becomes 
more  broken.  In  the  more  arid  section  the  use  of  the  residual  soils  is  deter- 
mined by  the  possibility  of  dry  farming  or  the  feasibility  of  irrigation,  which 
is  much  less  generally  practicable  than  in  other  provinces. 

Where  capable  of  irrigation,  certain  soils  of  this  province  embrace  some  of 
the  most  valuable  fruit  soils  of  the  Western  States. 

DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   SOIL    SERIES. 


Aiken  series. — The  soils  of  the  Aiken  series  range  in  color  through  various 
shades  of  red  to  dark  reddish  brown,  the  surface,  owing  to  accumulations  of 
organic  matter,  being  sometimes  dark  brown  with  but  little  red.  Angular  to 
subangular  rock  fragments,  frequently  of  large  size,  are  numerous.  The  sub- 
soils are  bright  red  to  brick  red  in  color,  heavy  and  compact,  and  underlain  at 
shallow  depths  by  bedrock.  The  soils  are  usually  well  drained  and  retentive 
of  moisture,  although  in  places  drainage  may  be  excessive.  They  occupy  moun- 
tain and  foothill  slopes  or  plateaulike  uplands,  the  surface  varying  from  sloping 
to  steep,  rough,  and  broken,  with  frequent  rock  outcrops.  The  soils  of  the  series 
are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  rocks.  The  timber 
growth  varies  from  sparse  to  heavy.  The  more  moderate  slopes  are  used  to 
some  extent  for  hay  and  grain  crops. 


576 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Aiken 

series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

Aiken  silty  clay  loam 

Washington?. 
Oregon  3,  4,  5. 
Washington  7. 

12,032 

97,408 

26,624 

768 

clay 

stony  clay 

clay  adobe 

Total 

136,832 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Altamont  scries. — Light-brown  to  dark-brown  soils  characterize  the  Altamont 
series,  the  surface  frequently  assuming  a  reddish  tinge  when  wet.  Angular  rock 
fragments  occur  on  the  surface  and  throughout  the  soil.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy, 
rather  compact,  reddish-brown  or  light-brown  clay  or  clay  loam,  resting  upon 
bedrock. 

This  series  occupies  a  hilly  to  mountainous  country,  dissected  by  gulches  and 
ravines,  frequently  having  steep  slopes  upon  which  numerous  rock  outcrops 
occur.  The  soils  are  well  drained,  but  retentive  of  moisture.  The  members  of 
this  series  are  residual  in  origin,  being  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  inter- 
bedded  sandstones  and  shales.  In  areas  of  insufficient  rainfall  they  are  prac- 
tically treeless,  but  where  subject  to  heavy  precipitation  they  support  a  good 
forest  growth.  Cultivated  areas  are  used  largely  for  hay,  although  some  grain 
is  grown.  Where  climatic  conditions  are  favorable  and  local  topography  per- 
mits, they  are  adapted  to  forage  crops,  fruits,  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Altamont  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  9 

9,024 

234,496 

11, 136 

California  8,  14;  Oregon  3 

California  8 

Total 

254,656 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Arnold  series. — The  Arnold  series  consists  of  gray,  dark-gray,  purplish-brown 
or  brown,  and  sometimes  nearly  black  soils,  occupying  lower  foothill  slopes  and 
the  margins  of  valley  plains.  They  are  derived  from  the  weathering  of  andesi- 
tic  tufas,  ash,  or  breccias.  Small  waterworn  gravel  of  conglomerate  origin  is 
frequently  found  with  a  few  subangular  andesitic  cobbles.  The  subsoils  usually 
consist  of  heavy,  sticky  loams,  varying  in  color  from  yellowish  red  to  light 
brown  or  dark  brown,  resting  upon  beds  of  the  original  soil-forming  material. 
These  soils  are  typically  developed  in  areas  of  limited  extent  along  the  lower 
foothills  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  bordering  the  San  Joaquin  and  Sacra- 
mento Valleys  in  California,  merging  into  the  lower-lying  red  soils  of  the  Sao 
Joaquin  series  upon  the  one  hand  and  into  the  residual'  soils  of  the  Sierra  series 
upon  the  other.  The  deeper  soils  of  the  series  are  generally  retentive  of  mois- 
ture and  are  mainly  devoted  to  the  production  of  grains  by  dry  farming.  They 
OCCUpy  (he  crests,  ridges,  or  slopes  of  the  lower-  foothills  and.  owing  to  variation 
In  color,  frequently  present  a  characteristically  mottled  appearance. 

Area  "ml  distribution   of  the  soils  of  the  Arnold  MH< 


State  or  tuva.i 


Acres. 


Arnold  filM 

loam 

ny  loam 


CalifornJ  i  13. 


Total. 


2,240 
21,504 
30,080 

2.'*,  296 


77,120 


1  For  key  to  Dombei  i  hi  Mil, oolnmn  Bee  p.  733. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


577 


Auburn  series. — The  soils  of  the  Auburn  series  are  bright  red  to  dark  red  in 
color,  the  subsoils  being  generally  a  somewhat  deeper  red  and  usually  somewhat 
heavier  in  texture  and  more  compact.  They  rest  upon  a  substratum  of  bedrock, 
generally  encountered  at  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  less.  Rock  outcrops  and  rock 
fragments  of  various  sizes  are  of  frequent  occurrence. 

The  members  of  the  series  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  diabase, 
amphibolites,  and  associated  rocks.  The  topography  varies  from  moderately 
sloping  hillsides  to  rough,  rocky,  and  dissected  foothill  and  mountain  areas. 
Much  of  the  area  included  in  the  survey  is  too  shallow  or  rough  to  permit  of 
cultivation  or  irrigation,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  topography,  depth, 
climate,  and  irrigation  they  constitute  important  soils  for  the  production  of 
grapes,  olives,  figs,  and  citrus  and  orchard  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Auburn  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Auburn  loam 

California  12 

8,512 
128,183 

California  18 

Total 

136,695 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Brownsboro  series. — The  soils  are  yellow  to  light  brown,  the  color  continu- 
ing with  little  variation  throughout  the  subsoil.  Rock  fragments  are  common, 
the  surface  soil  usually  being  underlain  at  shallow  to  moderate  depth  by  bed- 
rock. These  soils  occupy  mountain  and  foothill  slopes  or  plateaulike  uplands, 
the  surface  varying  from  sloping  to  steep,  rough,  and  broken.  The  members 
of  the  series  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  rocks. 
The  more  moderate  slopes  are  used  to  some  extent  for  hay  and  grain  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Broivnsboro  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Brownsboro  coarse  sandy  loam 

3,136 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Climax  series. — The  soils  of  the  Climax  series  are  of  black  or  rarely  of  dark- 
brown  color  and  marked  adobe  structure.  The  members  of  the  series  are  well 
drained,  are  frequently  shallow,  and  subject  to  the  occurrence  of  rock  outcrop 
or  of  angular  rock  fragments.  They  occupy  moderately  steep  slopes  and  ridges, 
which  sometimes  become  rolling  to  steep  and  broken.  They  are  mainly  of 
residual  origin.  They  are  derived  from  basaltic  rocks,  and  are  sometimes 
subject  to  moderate  erosion.  At  present  these  soils  are  used  mainly  for  grazing, 
but  under  favorable  conditions  some  of  the  types  are  adapted  to  pears. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Climax  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Climax  clay  adobe 

Oregon  4 

17,216 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Daulton  series. — The  soils  of  the  Daulton  series  are  light  brown  to  reddish 
brown  in  color,  of  shallow  depth,  and  usually  carry  small  amounts  of  rock 
fragments.  The  subsoil  differs  but  little  in  color  from  the  soil.  Outcrops  of 
schists  or  of  quartz  lenses  are  numerous.  The  heavier  members  often  have  an 
adobe  structure  and  are  generally  underlain  at  less  than  6  feet  by  the  parent 

79619—13 37 


578 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 


rock.  These  soils  are  of  residual  origin,  derived  mainly  from  schists  carrying 
quartz  lenses.  They  occupy  sloping  to  rolling  or  rough  lower  foothills  and  are 
of  shallow  depth.  Owing  to  this  fact,  their  topographic  features,  and  lack  of 
facilities  for  irrigation  they  are  of  minor  agricultural  importance,  except  for 
grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Daulton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Daulton  sandy  loam 

California  11 

6,016 
1,280 
9,280 

loam 

clay  loam 

California  11 

stony  clay  loam 

California  8 

1,280 

clay  adobe 

California  8.11 

2,176 

' 

Total 

20,032 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  tbis  column  see  p.  733. 

Diablo  series. — The  soils  of  the  Diablo  series  are  dark  brown  or  very  dark 
gray  in  color  when  dry,  becoming  darker  or  black  when  wet.  The  prevailing 
color  of  the  subsoil  is  light  brown  to  yellowish  gray.  The  soils  are  residual  in 
origin,  being  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  calcareous  shales  and  argilla- 
ceous limestones,  with  some  sandstones  and  conglomerate  of  Tertiary  age. 
They  are  usually  calcareous,  and  water-worn  gravel  and  shale  fragments  are 
generally  present.  They  are  underlain  by  heavy  calcareous  subsoils,  which  are 
usually  somewhat  lighter  in  color,  and  often  in  texture,  than  the  soil,  especially 
where  the  underlying  rock  is  within  3  to  5  feet  of  the  surface.  They  are  well 
drained  but  retentive  of  moisture. 

The  series  occupies  rolling  to  hilly  country  with  many  steep  slopes,  and  is  in 
places  deeply  dissected  by  ravines  and  marked  by  landslides.  These  soils  are 
practically  treeless  and  are  dry  farmed  to  hay  and  grain. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Diablo  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Diablo  loam 

clay  loam  adobe . 
clay  adobe 


3,200 

44, 160 

California  8,  25 j      125,248 


California  2 

California  2,  25. 


Total . 


172,608 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Melbourne  series. — The  Melbourne  soils  are  light  brown  to  reddish  brown  in 
color,  often  dark  brown  in  the  immediate  surface,  frequently  carrying  a  large 
number  of  soft,  fragile  shale  fragments  and  iron  concretions  or  pellets  of  soft 
character.  When  wet  they  are  sticky  and  untractable,  but  under  favorable 
moisture  conditions  are  easily  tilled.  They  are  underlain  at  8  to  15  inches  by 
;i  yellowish-brown  or  brownish-red  clay  loam,  usually  extending  to  a  depth  of 
several  feel  and  resting  upon  the  parent  rock,  which  sometimes  approaches 
within  3  to  6  feet  of  the  surface.  Rock  outcrops  arc  rare.  These  soils  are 
residua]  in  origin,  derived  from  interstratified  shales  and  sandstones.  They 
occupy  extensive  areas  of  undulating  to  hilly  uplands  and  are  frequently  Rubject 
to  landslides,  The  topography  ranges  from  hill\  and  broken  to  comparatively 
level.  A  large  portion  of  the  series  is  too  rough  to  permit  the  use  of  farm 
machinery.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  erosion  fairly  active.  The  types 
are  heavily  forests!  over  areas  of  abundant  rainfall.  Where  not  too  rough  or 
shallow  the  soils  ;ire  well  adapted  to  agriculture. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Melbourne  series. 


579 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Melbourne  sandy  loam 

California  14 

2,240 
4,160 
5,184 
1,099,456 
1,600 

fine  sandy  lnam  ,     , 

do 

loam ". 

....do... 

clav  loam  adobe 

California  14 . . 

clav 

Oregon  3 . . . 

44,608 

Total 

1,157,248 

3  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Olympic  series. — The  soils  of  the  Olympic  series  are  light  brown  to  brown 
with  a  reddish  cast.  The  subsoils  are  generally  of  compact  structure  and 
somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  the  soils,  ranging  from  a  light  reddish  brown 
to  yellowish  brown  or  grayish  brown,  sometimes  slightly  mottled.  They  are 
most  frequently  of  silty  texture.  Underlying  basaltic  rock  usually  occurs  at 
depths  of  3  to  25  feet.  Angular  to  subangular  or  spherically  weathered  frag- 
ments of  basaltic  rocks  frequently  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  or  scattered 
over  the  surface.  The  members  of  the  series  are  of  residual  origin,  derived 
mainly  from  basaltic  rock.  They  occupy  rough,  hilly,  or  mountainous  regions 
in  which  outcrops  of  basaltic  rock  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  Drainage  is  usu- 
ally well  established  and  in  places  excessive.  Rainfall  is  often  abundant.  These 
soils  are  generally  heavily  forested  with  fir,  hemlock,  cedar,  and  spruce.  Owing 
to  the  rough  topography  and  relatively  inaccessible  location  the  soils  of  the 
series  are  cultivated  only  to  a  limited  extent  and  are  much  better  left  in 
forest.  Comparatively  level  or  plateaulike  areas  of  small  extent  can  occasion- 
ally be  used  for  dairying  or  general  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Olympic  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Olympic  loam 

stony  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam.. 

clay  loam 

stony  clay  loam . 

clay 

clay  adobe 


Washington  5,  7. 
Washington  7 . . . 

do 

....do 

Oregon  4 

Washington  1 ... 

....do 

Oregon  4 


Total. 


334,336 

663,040 

39,424 

418,048 

3,264 

26,368 

4,352 

23,040 


1,511,872 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sheridan  series. — The  soils  of  the  Sheridan  series  are  of  residual  origin  de- 
rived from  the  weathering  of  dark-colored,  flue-textured  phases  of  gabbrodio- 
rite  and  granodiorite  rock.  A  characteristic  feature  of  this  rock  is  its  large 
content  of  black  hornblende  and  biotite  mica,  the  plates  and  particles  of  which 
give  rise  to  the  black  color  of  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  series  usually  occupies 
the  lower  valley  slopes  along  foothills,  extending  into  local  drainage  depres- 
sions, where  its  members  may  be  somewhat  modified  by  alluvial  wash.  Bed- 
rock is  usually  encountered  at  a  depth  of  3  feet.  When  adequately  drained  the 
soils  are  adapted  to  grain,  hay,  forage  crops,  and  fruit,  according  to  texture 
and  position  of  the  soil. 


580  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sheridan  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sheridan  sandy  loam 

California  18 

1,792 

coarse  sandy  loam 

3,392 

Total 

5,184 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sierra  series. — The  soils  of  the  Sierra  series  are  prevailingly  light  red  to  deep 
red,  and  of  somewhat  close  structure.  They  are  underlain  by  compact  red 
subsoils  which  in  turn  rest  upon  the  parent  rocks,  sometimes  separated  from 
the  subsoil  by  a  thin  stratum  of  adobelike  material.  The  soils  are  frequently 
very  shallow  and  marked  by  angular  to  subangular  fragments,  abundant  rock 
outcrops,  and  rough,  rocky  areas  unsuitable  for  agriculture.  They  are  of  residual 
origin  derived  from  the  weathering  of  granitic  rocks.  The  soils  of  this  series 
occupy  rolling  or  mountainous  foothill  districts  and  usually  support  a  more  or 
less  heavy  growth  of  brush  and  forest  trees.  They  are  generally  well  drained. 
This  series  covers  large  areas  of  valuable  fruit  and  grazing  lands  along  the 
western  slope  and  base  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  in  California. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sierra  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  ana.1 

Acres. 

California  11 

7.168 

California  11.  18 

67,840 

13, 376 

ft,  BM 

10, 944 

448 

Sierra  sandy  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam , 
sandy  loam  adobe, 
fine  sandy  loam... 

loam  adobe 

clay  adobe 


Total. 


106.  432 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Siskiyou  series. — The  Siskiyou  soils  are  gray  to  dark  gray  in  color,  sometimes 
tinged  with  red,  and  characterized  by  the  occurrence  of  fine  granitic  or  quartz 
and  feldspar  fragments.  They  are  often  shallow  and  are  underlain  by  a  com- 
pact red  subsoil,  usually  of  heavier  texture  than  the  soil,  resting  upon  bedrock. 
In  places  the  rock  immediately  underlies  the  soil.  Drainage  is  usually  exces- 
sive.  The  soils  are  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  granitic  rocks.  They 
occupy  moderately  steep  or  rolling  to  rough  and  broken  mountain  s!oi>es  and 
hills.  Bowlders  and  rock  outcrop  are  frequent.  The  series  usually  supports  a 
good  timber  growth.  When  capable  of  cultivation  and  favored  by  sufficient 
rainfall,  these  soils  are  well  adapted  to  orchard  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  toils  of  the  Siskiyou  series. 


Soil  n:im  ■ 

-•  ■  or  KM  1 

California  13 

■ 

( tiegon  i 

l.'.  160 

Total 

21  504 

■ .  to  d  imben  In  thta  oolinnn  see  p  7 1 8. 


Bites  series.  The  soils  of  the  sites  series  are  generally  light  brown  Id  color. 
The  upper  subsoils  are  similar  to  the  soil  materia]  In  color  and  texture  and 
are  usually  calcareous.  The  deeper  subsoils  are  reddish  brown  or  red  and  of 
compact,  Imperrioua  structure,  resting  apon  b  substratum  of  bedrock,  usually 
;it  ;i  depth  of  but  b  few  feet  The  soils  are  of  residual  origin,  derived  from 
sandstone,  shaly  sandstone    conglomerate,  or  shales  of  calcareous  character. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


581 


They  occupy  low,  rolling  foothills  and  valley  slopes  and  are  usually  treeless. 
They  are  retentive  of  moisture  and  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  or  for  grain 
production  without  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sites  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sites  fine  sand 

California  14 

4,864 

sandy  loam 

California  8,  14;  Oregon  4 

California  2;  Oregon  4 

California  25;  Oregon  4 

Oregon  4 

30, 976 

12, 352 

41, 792 

loam 

1,536 

Total 

91,520 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Tolo  series. — The  soils  of  the  Tolo  series  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown, 
carrying  numerous  rock  fragments.  The  subsoils  vary  from  light  brown  or 
reddish  brown  to  red  and  are  underlain  by  bedrock,  often  at  shallow  depths. 
They  are  of  residual  origin,  being  derived  mainly  from  greenstones,  but  include 
locally  some  colluvial  or  landslide  material.  The  soils  are  well  drained  and  fre- 
quently subject  to  erosion.  Rock  outcrops  are  numerous.  The  series  occupies 
moderate  to  steep,  hilly  and  mountainous  areas.  Where  capable  of  cultivation 
the  several  types  are  adapted  to  pears,  apples,  and  grapes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tolo  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tolo  loam 

Oregon  4 

87,680 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOn,    TYPES   AND    THEIR   USE. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

The  fine  sands  of  the  Residual  soils,  so  far  as  mapped,  are  represented  by  a 
single  type  occurring  within  the  coastal  district  of  California. 

The  soil  material  is  incoherent,  porous,  and  nonretentive  of  moisture.  The 
soil  is  not  extensively  utilized  for  farming,  and  the  yields  of  grain,  to  which 
the  cultivated  areas  are  devoted,  are  unsatisfactory.  It  is  not  adapted  to 
orchard  crops  or  other  fruits,  and  is  best  adapted  to  the  growing  of  eucalyptus 
or  other  suitable  forest  trees. 

It  is  greatly  inferior  in  agricultural  importance  to  the  fine  sand  groups  of 
the  majority  of  the  other  soil  regions  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region. 

Sites  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  loose,  incoherent  medium  to  fine  sand  of  dark- 
red  to  reddish-brown  color.  The  subsoil  is  of  lighter  red  color  and  silty  in 
texture,  and  is  underlain  by  disintegrated  sandstone  at  depths  which  vary 
with  the  topography.  The  top  soil  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  contains  a  considerable 
quantity  of  organic  matter.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from 
sandstone.  This  soil  produces  light  crops  of  grain  and  is  not  well  suited  to 
vines  or  orchards. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

4,864 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


582  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  sandy  loams  of  the  Residual  soils  are  widely  distributed.  So  far  as 
encountered  they  are  confined  mainly  to  the  semiarid  foothill  districts  adja- 
cent to  the  interior  valley  and  to  the  coastal  valleys  in  California.  They  are 
subject  to  considerable  local  variation  in  climate  and  to  widespread  variation 
in  topography,  depth  of  soil  and  character  of  underlying  material,  forest  cover, 
drainage,  erosion,  and  adaptation  to  agriculture. 

Some  of  the  members  of  the  group  are  characterized  by  shallow  depth,  fre- 
quent rock  outcrop,  and  excessive  surface  drainage,  all  of  which  combine  to 
render  the  soil  poor  in  moisture-retaining  power  and  unsuited  to  the  production 
of  fruits  or  other  deep-rooted  crops.  Some  of  these  areas  are  of  rough,  broken 
topography  and  are  generally  utilized  for  pasture.  Others  suitable  to  the  use 
of  farm  machinery  are  extensively  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains  and  grain 
Lay.  The  yields  of  these  products  vary  with  local  climatic  influences,  with  ex- 
posure to  fog  and  moist  winds,  or  to  the  hot,  dry  winds  of  the  interior,  and  with 
character  of  the  subsoil,  moisture-retaining  capacity,  drainage,  etc.  The  yields 
are  usually  rather  light  and  inferior  to  those  of  the  heavier  Residual  soils. 

Where  moisture-holding  capacity  and  local  climatic  conditions  permit,  fruits 
are  profitably  grown. 

In  the  interior  valley  of  California  grapes,  olives,  figs,  and  almonds  are  the 
most  promising  fruit  crops,  although  the  soils  of  these  districts  have  not  yet 
been  utilized  for  the  culture  of  these  products  to  any  extent.  Peaches,  apricots, 
and  cherries  could  also  probably  be  grown.  The  success  of  any  of  these  fruits 
will  depend  largely  upon  the  depth  and  character  of  the  subsoil  and  the  extent 
to  which  moisture  may  be  retained  by  cultivation.  Large  areas  exist  that  will 
never  be  suitable  for  extensive  planting  and  are  better  adapted  to  grazing  or 
nonagricultural  purposes. 

In  the  coastal  districts  where  moisture  and  other  climatic  conditions  are 
most  favorable,  apples,  apricots,  and  dry-wine  grapes  are  successfully  grown, 
although  not  all  members  of  the  group  are  of  sufficient  depth  or  otherwise 
adapted  to  these  crops. 

Only  rarely  do  topography  and  location  permit  irrigation,  and  some  of  the 
soils  of  the  group  are  better  suited  to  the  production  of  eucalyptus  or  other 
suitable  forest  trees  than  to  cultivated  crops. 

Wbere  capable  of  successful  cultivation  the  soils  of  this  group  are  better 
adapted  to  the  production  of  grapes  and  of  early  orchard  and  small  fruits  than 
to  general  farm  crops. 

The  soil  is  friable,  easily  cultivated,  and  requires  only  a  light  farming  equip- 
ment, except  in  rolling  or  hilly  areas. 

Daulton  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  of  rather  compact  structure.  The  subsoil  is  light  brown  to  reddish 
brown  and  underlain  by  more  or  less  decomposed  rocks  of  metamorphic,  siliceous 
character.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  frequent  occurrence,  aud  rock  fragments  of 
small  to  large  size  occur  on  slopes  lying  below  the  outcrop.  The  type  occupies 
Sloping  to  rolling  areas,   usually  lying  below  bodies  of  Rough  stony  land. 

Rut  little  of  the  type  is  of  any  considerable  agricultural  Importance,  and, 
owing  to  the  Shallow  character  of  the  soil  and  to  the  frequent  steep  and  rough 
topography,  it  is  adapted  mainly  to  grazing. 

Melbourne  sandy  loam, — The  soil  consists  of  light-brown  or  dark-gray,  sticky. 
eoarse  sandy  loam,  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  gray  or  light-brown  heavy 
sandy  loam  or  sandy  adobe  extending  to  :i  depth  of  4  feet,  where  the  deeper  sub- 
soil grades  into  a  reddish,  coarse  sandy  clay  or  loam  resting  upon  a  substratum 
of  bedrock.  Throughout  soil  and  subsoil  arc  scattered  angular  fragments  of 
rock.  The  sharp  angular  sand  and  gravel  give  the  soil  a  tendency  to  pack.  The  type 

is  of   residual    origin    and    derived    from    shales.      It    occupies   the   lower    rolling 

foothills,  is  well  drained  and  suited  to  farming,  ami  is  generally  devoted  to 
grain  and  hay. 

Bheridan  sandy  I  >am.  The  soil  consists  of  a  black,  friable  sandy  Loam  of 
medium  texture,  varying  considerably  In  depth,  the  average  being  about  •">  feet 

and   underlain  by  Crystalline  rocks      The  type  usually  occupies  the  lower  valley 

slopes  along  foothills  and  extends  into  local  drainage  depressions.  Due  type  is 
si  residual  origin,  resulting  from  the  weathering  of  dark-colored,  fine-textured 

phases  Of  gabbrodlorite  and  granodiorlte  ruck.  A  characteristic  feature  of  'his 
rock  is  the  large  proportion  of  black  hornblende  and  hioiite  mica  which  it  bears, 
the  plates  and  particles  of  which  give  rise  to  the  black  color  of  the  soil.      In  the 

low-lying  areas  the  material   washed  from  the  slopes  has  been  subsequently 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION. 


583 


modified  by  alluvial  material.  When  adequately  drained  this  soil  is  adapted  to 
grains,  hay,  forage  crops,  and  fruit. 

Sierra  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  compact,  grayish-red  to  bright- 
red  sandy  loam  from  2£  to  6  feet  deep.  The  texture  varies  somewhat  and  the 
color  becomes  lighter  as  the  surrounding  types  are  approached.  Small  quanti- 
ties of  water- worn  gravel  are  encountered  occasionally  in  the  vicinity  of  inter- 
mittent stream  courses.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  common  occurrence  and  the  type 
usually  carries  angular  fragments  of  feldspar  and  micaceous  material.  The 
soil  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  granitic  rock. 
The  topography  varies  from  slightly  rolling  to  rough  and  broken,  the  type 
occurring  below  areas  of  Rough  stony  land  in  the  rolling  foothill  country,  and 
is  often  crossed  by  intermittent  stream  courses.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to 
grazing  and  the  production  of  grain  under  dry-farming  methods.  The  deeper 
and  better-situated  bodies  could,  when  irrigated,  be  used  for  grapes,  figs,  olives, 
alfalfa,  and  possibly  for  citrus  fruits. 

Siskiyou  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  brown  sandy  loam  contain- 
ing a  large  percentage  of  coarse,  sharp  sand  of  quartz  and  granitic  material  and 
small,  water-worn  gravel.  The  surface  few  inches  are  often  of  a  light,  sandy 
character.  The  subsoil  is  sticky  and  plastic,  of  a  reddish  color,  and  somewhat 
heavier  than  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  the  crests,  sides,  or  entire  surfaces  of 
the  lower  foothills,  is  retentive  of  moisture,  and  is  usually  devoted  to  dry- 
farmed  grains. 

Sites  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dull-yellow  sandy  loam, 
sometimes  tinged  with  red,  from  12  to  30  inches  deep,  and  containing  some 
rounded  gravel.  On  the  crests  of  ridges  or  on  steeper  slopes  the  soil  material 
rests  on  bedrock.  The  subsoil  on  the  lower  slopes  is  a  reddish-brown,  often 
mottled  with  yellow  and  blue,  clay  loam  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet 
and  underlain  by  a  thin  stratum  of  yellowish  sandy  loam  carrying  fragments  of 
the  partially  decomposed  parent  rock.  The  type  occupies  low.  broken  ranges 
of  hills,  where  drainage  is  apt  to  be  excessive.  It  is  of  residual  origin,  derived 
from  coarse-grained  sandstone  and  conglomerates.  Except  where  too  steep  to 
cultivate,  it  is  dry  farmed  to  grain  and  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sites  sandy  loam 

Siskiyou  sandy  loam . . . 

Sierra  sandy  loam 

Daulton  sandy  loam . . . 
Melbourne  sandy  loam . 
Sheridan  sandy  loam. . . 


California  8.  14;  Oregon  4. 

California  13 

California  11 

do 

California  14 

California  18 


30, 976 
9,344 
7.168 
6.016 
2,240 
1,792 


Total. 


57,536 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  coarse  sandjr  lonm  soils  in  this  province  have  been  recognized  only  in  the 
semiarid  districts  of  the  interior  valleys  in  southern  Oregon  and  in  California. 
They  are  most  commonly  encountered  in  the  areas  derived  from  granitic  or 
associated  quartz-bearing  crystalline  rocks,  although  represented  in  one  series 
derived  from  basic  rocks.  They  are  subject  to  wide  local  variation  in  climatic 
conditions,  depth,  frequency  of  rock  outcrop,  topography,  character  of  subsoil, 
or  of  bedrock  substratum,  and  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  adaptation 
to  agriculture. 

Like  the  members  of  the  sandy  loam  group,  a  large  proportion  of  the  soils 
are  shallow,  rocky,  or  marked  by  precipitous  topography,  and  as  a  result  are 
excessively  drained  and  not  adapted  to  the  production  of  deep-rooted  crops. 
Where  capable  of  cultivation  such  areas  are  utilized  for  the  production  of  dry- 
farmed  grains  and  grain  hay,  but  where  topographic  conditions  do  not  admit 
of  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  or  where  drainage  is  excessive  and  the  soils  too 
thin  or  deficient  in  moisture-holding  capacity  to  permit  the  culture  of  the 
shallow-rooted  grain  crops,  the  soils  are  devoted  to  grazing.     Where  moisture 


584  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES. 

conditions  are  favorable  some  of  the  more  rocky  areas  of  rough  topography  are 
adapted  to  forestry. 

The  soils  are,  however,  often  valuable  for  the  production  of  early  or  delicate 
fruits  by  reason  of  exposure,  good  drainage,  and  greater  freedom  from  frosts 
than  lower  lying  adjacent  soils  of  the  other  provinces  of  the  Pacific  Coast 
region.  With  favorable  topography  and  where  sufficiently  deep  and  retentive 
of  moisture  under  intensive  cultivation  or  capable  of  irrigation  the  coarse 
sandy  loams  of  some  of  the  more  important  areas  are  used  extensively  for  early 
cherries,  peaches,  plums,  figs,  apricots,  and  grapes.  Some  small  areas  are 
suited  to  the  culture  of  citrus  fruits,  but  are  not  extensively  utilized  for  this 
purpose.  The  more  elevated  districts  are  better  adapted  to  apples  and  pears 
than  to  stone  fruits. 

The  coarse  sandy  loams  are  somewhat  more  porous  and  better  drained  than 
the  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  group,  but  where  not  underlain  by  subsoils  of  high 
moisture-holding  capacity  are  less  retentive  of  moisture.  Under  favorable  con- 
ditions they  are  slightly  better  adapted  to  early  fruits.  They  are  not  usually 
well  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  or  other  general  farm  crops.  They  require  a 
light  farming  equipment  except  in  extensive  grain  production,  and  where 
adapted  to  fruit  culture  are  capable  of  supporting  a  highly  developed  system  of 
farming  in  intensively  cultivated  small  tracts. 

Brownshoro  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  yellow  to  light-brown  color, 
of  shallow  depth,  and  rests  upon  a  yellow  to  light-brown  subsoil  of  similar  tex- 
ture. It  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  basaltic  rock.  It  occupies  moun- 
tain and  foothill  slopes  or  comparatively  level  plateaulike  uplands.  The  surface 
is  frequently  broken  by  rock  outcrop  and  fragments  of  basaltic  rock.  In  the 
areas  mapped  this  soil  is  of  minor  agricultural  importance,  but  where  of  suffi- 
cient depth  and  capable  of  cultivation  it  is  adapted  to  hay  and  grain  crops. 
Drainage  is  usually  excessive. 

Sheridan  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  or  grayish 
coarse  sandy  loam,  from  2  to  6  feet  deep,  underlain  by  granitic  rock.  Sharp, 
angular  gravel  and  fragments  of  decomposed  granite  occur  throughout  the  sub- 
soil and  occasionally  granite  ledges  appear  at  the  surface.  The  lower  portions 
of  the  type  are  altered  in  depth  by  local  alluvial  deposits. 

Sierra  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-red  to  reddish-gray, 
slightly  compact  coarse  sandy  loam,  underlain  at  depths  ranging  from  a  few 
incbes  to  several  feet  by  a  dark-red  subsoil  of  heavy,  adobe  structure,  which 
rests  upon  the  parent  rock.  Angular,  light-colored  rock  particles  the  size  of 
fine  gravel  are  found  in  the  surface  soil,  which  is  generally  plastic  when  moist 
and  friable  when  cultivated.  The  type  is  derived  from  the  underlying  granite 
rock.  It  occupies  rolling  foothills  and  precipitous  mountain  slopes  and  is  fre- 
quently marked  by  rounded  masses  of  the  outcropping  rock.  Drainage  is  well 
established  except  over  small  local  areas.  Where  topography  and  depth  of  soil 
permit,  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  citrus  fruits,  peaches,  cherries,  plums,  and 
grapes. 

Siskiyou  coarse  sandy  loam.— The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  coarse  sandy 
loan  from  12  to  18  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  amount  of  small  angular 
rock  fragments  and  becoming  more  compact  In  the  subsoil  where  the  color 
changes  to  Shades  of  red.  The  soil  is  residual,  from  granite.  Much  of  the  type 
is  too  rough  and  hilly  for  cultivation.  Arable  areas  are  adapted  to  peaches. 
cherries,  and  small  fruit. 

Ana  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


loam 

ody  loam . . . . 
Bherid 
Browi  ly  loam. 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


California  11, 

I  iregon  4 

California  15. 

Orcpon  4 


Acres. 


67,840 
12,160 
3,392 
3,136 


Si;.:,  IN 


i  POT  key  to  numbers  in  thi-  column  Mfl  I'-  788. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  585 

SANDY  LOAM    ADOBE   PHASE. 

This  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  includes  soils  of  sandy  loam  texture  char- 
acterized by  a  relatively  high  clay  content  and  by  marked  development  of  the 
structure  peculiar  to  the  adobe  soils.  These  peculiarities  render  the  soils  of 
friable,  granular  structure  when  in  a  favorable  moisture  condition,  but  very  sticky 
when  wet,  and  readily  puddled  and  disposed  to  bake  and  check  upon  exposure 
to  hot,  dry  weather;  and  unless  the  granular  surface  structure  be  quickly  de- 
veloped under  natural  conditions  or  aided  by  cultivation  the  soil  loses  moisture 
rapidly  through  evaporation. 

The  sandy  loam  adobe  phase  has  in  this  province  been  encountered  in  but  one 
area,  and  is  here  confined  to  one  soil  series.  Owing  to  its  compact  structure 
and  the  usual  granular  surface  conditions,  the  soil  is  much  more  retentive  of 
moisture  than  the  normal  members  of  the  sandy  loam  group.  It  is  best  adapted 
to  the  production  of  small  grain,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  depth,  tillage, 
and  irrigation  is  well  suited  to  fruits.  It  is  somewhat  later  in  warming  up 
than  the  soils  of  sandy  loam  and  coarse  sandy  loam  texture  and  not  as  well 
suited  to  early  stone  fruits.    Citrus  fruits  do  well  in  favorable  situations. 

This-  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  requires  a  rather  heavy  farming  equip- 
ment, and  careful  management  in  cultivation  and  irrigation.  In  crop  adapta- 
tion this  type  more  closely  resembles  the  soils  of  the  loam  and  clay  loam  groups 
than  those  of  sandy  loam  group. 

Sierra  sandy  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  red  adobe  of  compact,  close  structure, 
tenacious  when  wet  and  checking  upon  exposure.  The  subsoil  differs  but  little 
from  the  soil.  The  type  is  subject  to  much  variation  in  depth  and  is  under- 
lain by  disintegrating  granite.  The  type  is  adapted  to  dry  farming  to  grain 
over  the  lower  and  less  pronounced  slopes  and  where  irrigated  or  favored  by 
natural  moisture  conditions  gives  good  results  when  used  for  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sierra  sandy  loam  adobe 

California  3 

13,376 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  residual  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group,  so  far  as  encountered  in  the 
soil  survey,  are  confined  to  the  semiarid  foothill  districts  adjacent  to  the  in- 
terior valleys  and  coastal  valleys  in  southern  Oregon  and  in  California.  In 
utilization  and  adaptability  to  crops  they  are  subject  to  much  the  same  limita- 
tions and  controlled  by  the  same  local  variation  in  depth,  character  of  underly- 
ing material,  drainage,  topography,  climatic  environment,  etc.,  as  the  soils  of  the 
sandy  loam  group  and  its  various  phases. 

They  are  often  of  shallow  depth  and  unsuited  to  deep-rooted  crops,  exces- 
sively drained,  of  low  moisture-retaining  power,  and  of  rough,  precipitous  topog- 
raphy. Some  of  the  rougher  areas,  where  climatic  conditions  are  favorable,  are 
adapted  to  forestry.  These  soils  are  devoted  mainly  to  grazing,  although  dry 
farming  to  grains  is  practiced  where  there  is  sufficient  depth  of  soil  and  farm  ma- 
chinery can  be  used.  Near  the  coast  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  Melbourne 
series  is  successfully  utilized  for  the  production  of  apples,  and  the  deeper,  bet- 
ter-drained soils  for  apricots  and  grapes.  Fruit  raising  has  not  been  attempted 
upon  the  soils  of  this  group  to  any  extent  in  the  interior  valleys,  but  where 
favored  by  depth,  moisture  supply  and  local  climatic  features,  stone  fruits,  figs, 
olives,  grapes,  citrus  fruits,  berries,  and  early  vegetables  could  probably  be 
grown.  The  fine  sandy  loams  are  usually  somewhat  more  retentive  of  moisture 
than  the  soils  of  sandy  loam  or  coarse  sandy  loam  texture  in  the  same  series 
and  under  similar  conditions  are  better  adapted  to  grain  production  or  general 
farming  and  to  fruits  without  irrigation.  On  the  other  hand  the  coarser 
textured  types  are  somewhat  better  for  early  fruit  and  small  fruit  products. 

The  soils  are  friable  and  require  only  a  moderate  fanning  equipment  under 
intensive  cultivation.  When  devoted  to  extensive  cultivation  of  grains,  an  ex- 
pensive and  heavy  equipment  in  machinery  and  draft  stock  is  required. 


586 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Arnold  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  chocolate-brown,  friable,  smooth,  mica- 
ceous fine  sandy  loam,  occasionally  containing  water-worn  gravel.  The  subsoil 
is  similar  to  the  soil.  The  type  occupies  the  crests  of  lower  foothills,  is  easily 
cultivated,  and  retentive  of  moisture.  Under  irrigation  it  should  prove  suitable 
for  the  production  of  orchard  fruits,  grapes,  and  vegetables. 

Melbourne  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown,  tenacious 
sandy  loam  30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark-red  sandy  loam,  finer  and 
heavier  in  texture  than  the  soil  and  filled  with  particles  of  sandy  shale  to  a 
depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  Occasionally  a  layer  of  heavy  silty  clay  loam  is  en- 
countered at  depths  of  4  to  6  feet.  The  sand  is  sharp  and  angular,  causing  the 
soil  to  become  very  hard  and  compact  when  dry.  In  the  subsoil  it  results  in  the 
formation  of  an  adobe  structure  which  is  often  mistaken  for  hardpan.  The 
type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  shales  and  conglomerate.  It  is  well 
drained  and  occupies  valley  ridges  and  foothills.  Apricots,  apples,  and  Ameri- 
can grapes  are  well  adapted  to  this  type. 

Sierra  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  compact,  bright-red  to  deep- 
red  fine  sandy  loam,  from  2  to  6  feet  deep,  containing  numerous  angular  frag- 
ments of  feldspar.  It  is  underlain  by  a  compact,  heavy,  bright-red  clay  loam  or 
partially  weathered  parent  rock.  The  clay  loam  subsoil  may  be  entirely  absent, 
and  when  present  is  rarely  over  24  inches  in  depth.  The  surface  of  the  areas 
occupied  by  this  type  is  rolling  to  sharply  rolling  and  marked  by  courses  of 
small  intermittent  streams.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  common  occurrence.  The  type 
is  devoted  to  grazing  or  dry  farming  to  grains.  When  irrigated  the  deeper  and 
more  favorably  located  areas  should  prove  suitable  for  the  production  of 
grapes,  figs,  olives,  alfalfa,  and  possibly  citrus  fruits. 

Sites  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  a  rather  light  brown  color,  the  subsoil 
being  similar  in  color  and  character  of  material  and  underlain  by  bedrock  at  a 
depth  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  type  is  of  residual 
origin  from  sandstone.  It  occupies  mountain  slopes  and  rolling  to  dissected 
foothills.  Where  sufficiently  deep  it  is  adapted  to  peaches,  cherries,  grapes, 
pears,  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sites  fine  sandy  loam 

Sierra  fine  sandy  loam 

Melbourne  fine  sandy  loam. 
Arnold  fine  sandy  loam 


California  2;  Oregon  4. 

California  11 

California  14 

California  13 


12,352 
6,656 

4,160 
2.240 


Total. 


25.408 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    FINK    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  fine  sandy  loams  of  gravelly  character  in  the  Residual  province  are  of 
rare  occurrence,  having  been  encountered  so  far  in  but  one  series.  This  partic- 
ular type  is  of  undulating  to  rolling  topography  and  well  drained,  but  not 
favorably   situated   for   Irrigation  and   rather  deflcienl    in   its  power  to  hold 

moisture.     It   is  usually  devoted  to  grazing  and  to  dry  fanning  to  grains.     Small 

areas  In  California  are  used  for  the  culture  of  almonds,  apricots,  and  grapes. 
Owing  to  the  gravel  content,  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loams  are  usually  of  more 

porous  Structure  and  less  retentive  Of  moisture  under  droughty  conditions  than 
the  normal  lino  sandy  loams.     The  former  are  consequently  not  so  well  adapted 

to  grains  or  fruit  crops  without  Irrigation.     Where  irrigation  is  practicable  or 

Where  the  natural  moisture  supply  is  adequate  they  are  well  adapted  to  peaches, 
almonds,    apri<-,»ts.    and    other    early    Stone    fruits. 

8Ue8  gravelly  fine  .sandy  loam.-  The  surface  soil  is  a  light  hrown  flne  sandy 
[0am.     'i'h.'  BUbSOll    Is  Similar  to   the  soil   in  color  ami   texture  and   is  underlain 

;it  depths  varying  from  a  few  Inches  to  <">  or  more  foot  i>\  bedrock.  Both  soil 
and  suhsoii  material  contain  small,  water  worn  pebbles  derived  from  the  parent 
rock.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  from  sandstone  and  conglomerate. 
The  topography  is  gently  sloping  to  rolling  and  the  drainage  well  established. 
where  of  sufflcienl  depth,  the  type  is  adapted  to  the  production  of  apples,  pears, 
;imi  peaches.  Much  of  the  typ  i  1 1  too  shallow  t<>  be  used  for  n-ee  fruits  or  other 
deep  r<»i»ted  crops, 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  587 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sites  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam 

California  25;  Oregon  4 

41,792 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  loam  group  occur  extensively  in  the  Residual  proviace  of  the 
Pacific  Coast  region. 

They  are  subject  to  the  usual  wide  variations  of  the  soils  of  the  province  in 
conditions  of  depth,  character  of  subsoil,  relation  to  drainage,  moisture  supply 
and  erosion,  topography,  etc..  and  occur  under  wider  extremes  of  climate  than 
the  soils  of  the  previously  noted  groups.  The  greater  number  of  the  loam  types 
recognized  lie  in  the  foothill  districts  bordering  the  interior  valley  and  coastal 
valleys  of  California.  Some  of  these,  however,  are  of  local  occurrence  and  small 
extent.  Other  members  of  the  group  occur  in  the  subhumid  regions  of  southern 
Oregon  and  western  Washington.  In  these  regions  the  loams  of  three  distinct 
soil  series  have  been  recognized,  two  of  which  are  fairly  extensive. 

In  the  humid,  heavily  forested  districts  much  of  the  areas  covered  by  the 
loams  are  rough  and  mountainous,  and  better  adapted  to  forestry  than  to  farm- 
ing. The  climate,  however,  favors  the  production  of  native  grasses,  hay,  and 
forage  crops,  and  where  the  topography  is  not  too  rough  and  broken  the  soils 
are  adapted  to  dairying.  Fruits  and  vegetables  can  be  grown  for  home  use,  raid 
under  favorable  conditions  in  commercial  quantities.  In  Oregon  the  climatic 
conditions  are  less  suitable  to  dairying  and  to  hay,  grain,  and  forage  crops  than 
to  the  culture  of  orchard  fruits.  In  neither  of  these  districts  have  the  soils 
been  developed  to  any  extent. 

In  California  the  loams  are  usually  devoted  to  grazing  and  to  dry-farmed 
grain.  Conditions  are  not  favorable  for  dairying,  except  when  alfalfa  or  forage 
crops  may  be  grown  under  irrigation.  Fruit  production  has  been  developed  to 
only  a  small  extent,  but  the  areas  of  deeper  soils  under  irrigation  are  capable 
of  being  utilized  quite  extensively  in  favorable  localities  for  this  purpose. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  usually  friable,  but  sometimes  of  rather  compact 
character,  with  a  tendency  to  puddle  when  wet  and  to  assume  unfavorable  con- 
ditions of  structure  where  improperly  handled.  Under  such  conditions  they  are 
usually  less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  members  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  or 
sandy  loam  groups. 

Under  favorable  conditions  they  are  probably  somewhat  better  adapted  to 
forage  crops,  grains,  olives,  pears,  and  citrus  fruits  than  the  residual  soils  of 
lighter  texture.  In  the  development  of  intensive  agriculture,  irrigation  will  be 
desirable  or  necessary  in  most  of  the  arid  and  semiarid  districts..  The  installa- 
tion of  irrigation  systems  would  generally  be  expensive  and  warranted  only 
in  the  areas  of  deeper  soil  more  favorably  located  for  the  growing  of  fruits. 
The  loam  soils  require  a  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment. 

Altamont  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  light-brown  loam.  The  sub- 
soil is  similar  to  the  soil  in  color,  texture,  and  structure.  This  material 
rests,  at  a  depth  of  2  to  3  feet,  on  light  yellow  to  yellowish-gray  material 
grading  into  sandstone  and  shale.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  occupies 
rolling  to  rough  foothills.    It  is  used  for  grain  production  and  for  grazing. 

Arnold  loam. — The  soil  is  grayish  brown,  sometimes  of  a  somewhat  purplish 
hue,  to  dark  chocolate  brown  loam,  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  in  places  grading 
into  the  red  color  of  adjacent  soils  of  the  San  Joaquin  series  and  carrying  some 
coarse,  sharp  sand.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  sticky,  light-brown  loam  or  clay 
loam  containing  coarse  sandy  material.  The  type  is  generally  less  retentive 
of  moisture  than  the  Arnold  sandy  loam.  In  favorable  situations  it  is  adapted 
to  the  production  of  dry-farmed  crops. 

Auburn  loam. — The  soil  is  a  red  loam  of  decidedly  silty  texture  and  of 
friable  structure,  although  sticky  when  wet.     The  subsoil  is  a  com]  Loam 

or  clay,  usually  of  a  deep  red.  The  subsoil  rests  ui>on  bedrock,  which  is  usually 
encountered  at  a  depth  of  less  than  6  feet.  Rock  outcrop  and  angular  rock 
fragments  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  derived 
from  amphibolities,  diabase,  and  related  rocks.     In  most  cafi  lot  favor- 

ably situated  for  irrigation,  and  in  many  places  the  natural  supply  of  moisture 


588  SOILS   OF   THE   LTNITED   STATES. 

is  inadequate  for  agriculture.  Where  topography  and  other  conditions  permit, 
the  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  citrus,  deciduous,  and  small  fruits. 
The  type  is  usually  timbered,  except  over  the  shallow  and  arid  areas. 

Daulton  loam. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  sticky  loam,  usually  from  15  to  28 
inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  yellowish-brown  loam  or  sandy  clay  loam 
grading  at  various  depths  into  a  substratum  of  yellow  sandy  loam  resting  upon 
bedrock.  The  topography  is  rough  and  irregular,  often  broken  by  rock  out- 
crops, ridges,  steep  slopes,  and  ravines.  Drainage  is  somewhat  excessive. 
Valley  oak.  live  oak,  and  buckeye  flourish  along  hill  slopes.  The  more  level 
areas  are  devoted  to  hay  and  grain. 

Diablo  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  compact,  sticky  loam.  The  subsoil  is 
similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil,  and  is  underlain  by  a  sub- 
stratum of  light-colored,  impure,  argillaceous  sandstone.  The  type  is  of  residual 
origin.  It  occupies  the  summits  and  slopes  of  the  lower,  treeless  foothills,  and 
has  good  surface  drainage.  It  is  rather  impervious  to  moisture,  inclined  to 
check,  and  resembles  the  adobes  in  structure.  Underdrainage  is  poor.  Irriga- 
tion is  impracticable,  as  the  soil  is  often  shallow  and  unproductive.  The  type 
is  used  principally  as  grazing  land  and  to  some  extent  for  dry  farming. 

Melbourne  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  brown  to  dark-brown  loam  about 
30  inches  deep  with  a  noticeable  content  of  shale  fragments,  underlain  by  a 
yellow  to  drab  subsoil  which  becomes  siltier  in  texture  with  increased  depth. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  incline  to  an  adobe  structure,  especially  during  the  dry 
season.  The  soil  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  predominantly  from  shales. 
Where  favored  by  topography  and  climatic  conditions  fair  crops  of  finely 
colored  apples  and  apricots  are  produced. 

Olympic  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  browmish  loam  with  an  average 
depth  of  12  inches,  carrying  variable  amounts  of  decomposed  fragments  of 
basaltic  rock  and  soft  iron  pellets.  The  subsoil  is  of  loam  or  silty  loam  texture, 
similar  in  color  to  the  soil  material.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
from  basaltic  rock.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  occasional  occurrence  along  the  steeper 
eroded  slopes  and  ridges.  The  topography  ranges  from  comparatively  level  to 
rough  and  broken,  and  is  frequently  marked  by  evidences  of  landslides.  Much 
of  the  type  is  best  adapted  to  forestry,  but  the  more  level  areas  are  suitable  for 
dairying  and  for  the  production  of  oats,  potatoes,  clover,  timothy,  and  fruit 
crops. 

Sites  loam.. — The  soil  is  of  rather  dark  brown  color,  with  a  reddish  tint,  and 
generally  free  from  gravel  or  rock  fragments.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color 
and  texture  to  the  soil  and  underlain  by  sandstone  at  depths  ranging  from  a 
few  inches  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin,  derived  from  sand- 
stone. The  topography  varies  from  sloping  to  rolling  or  sometimes  rough  and 
broken.  In  the  areas  so  far  mapped  the  soil  is  generally  shallow  and  treeless, 
and  of  moderately  sloping  topography.  The  deeper  areas  of  smoother  surface 
where  favorably  located  are  adapted  to  peaches,  vegetables,  and  small  fruits. 

Tolo  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  loam  of  rather  fine  texture. 
The  subsoil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  clay  and  is  underlain  by  bedrock,  which 
may  be  encountered  at  any  depth  below  6  inches.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  occasional 
occurrence.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  diabase  and  related 
rocks.  Much  of  it  is  of  rough,  mountainous  character  and  heavily  forested. 
Where  of  sufficient  depth  and  favored  by  climatic  conditions,  the  type  is  adapted 
rs,  apples,  and  grapes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area.' 


Acres. 


oivmj .  Washington 6, 7. 

Tolo  loam <  >regon  4 

Arnold  loam.  California  13 


Altumont  loam.. 
Auburn  loam 
Uelboun 
Diablo  loam 
sit.-  loai 

i  lo:im. . 


Tot. J 


Califoi  i 
California  12. 
California  14. 
CalifornJ  i  3 

'  Oregon  4 

California  8.. 


334.336 
87,680 
21,504 
0,034 
8,512 
5,184 
3,200 
1 .  6M 

i  .  no 


472.256 


in  this  column  see  p.  788. 


PACIFIC    COAST  REGION. 


589 


STONY   LOAM    PHASE. 

This  phase  of  the  loam  group  of  soils  includes  those  of  loam  texture  charac- 
terized by  the  presence  of  stone  fragments  or  bowlders  in  sufficient  quantities 
to  affect  materially  the  agricultural  value  of  the  land  or  its  adaptation  to 
crops. 

Wide  areas  of  stony  loam  have,  in  the  Residual  province  of  the  Pacific  Coast 
region,  been  encountered,  but  recognized  only  in  two  soil  series.  They  occur 
most  extensively  in  the  humid,  forested  districts  in  western  Washington. 
Owing  to  their  rough  topography  and  stony  and  rocky  character  they  are  best 
adapted  to  forestry,  only  areas  of  small  extent  being  suitable  for  agricultural 
purposes. 

Other  areas  occur  along  the  eastern  border  of  the  interior  valley  in  Cali- 
fornia. These  areas  are  sparsely  timbered  or  barren.  The  soils  are  shallow, 
stony,  unretentive  of  moisture  during  periods  of  drought,  and  generally  suit- 
able only  for  grazing. 

The  stony  loam  soils  are  of  but  little  importance  in  the  province  and  capable 
of  utilization  or  development  only  within  relatively  narrow  limits. 

Arnold  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  dark-colored,  compact  loam  of 
smooth,  silty  texture,  from  6  to  30  inches  deep,  grading  into  a  light-red  loamy 
subsoil,  underlain  by  volcanic  muds  and  breccias.  The  surface  is  generally 
strewn  with  rounded  andesitic  cobbles  and  bowlders.  The  type  is  derived 
from  volcanic  andesitic  breccias  and  mud  flows.  It  generally  occupies  fiat- 
topped  ridges  or  elevated,  nearly  level  table-lands.  The  type  sometimes  sup- 
ports a  sparse  growth  of  brush  or  timber,  but  is  usually  treeless.  Local  de- 
pressed areas  are  poorly  drained.  The  type  is  usually  shallow  and  unpro- 
ductive, and  used  mainly  for  grazing. 

Olympic  stony  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  medium-brown  heavy  loam 
or  clay  loam,  the  immediate  surface  being  dark  colored,  owing  to  accumulation 
of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  material  which  occurs  at  depths  ranging  from 
1  to  6  feet  is  noticeably  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil,  and  consists  of  a  compact 
clay  loam  or  silty  clay  loam.  Angular  basaltic  rock  fragments  and  iron  con- 
cretions are  found  throughout  the  type  and  rock  outcrop  is  frequently  encoun- 
tered, particularly  along  the  steeper  or  eroded  slopes  and  ridges.  The  type  is 
of  residual  origin,  being  derived  from  basaltic  rock.  It  occupies  rough,  hilly, 
or  mountainous  areas,  usually  heavily  forested,  and  only  limited  areas  of  com- 
paratively level  character  are  suitable  for  agricultural  purposes  Drainage  is 
well  established. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Olympic  stony  loam 

Washington  7 

663,040 

Arnold  stony  loam 

California  IS 

30,080 

Total 

693,120 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM    ADOBE    PHASE. 


The  loam  adobe  phase  of  the  loam  group  is  confined  to  a  single  series  of  soils 
and  to  the  semiarid  foothill  sections  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  adjacent 
to  the  interior  valley  in  California. 

The  soil  is  characterized  by  the  usual  structural  features  of  adobe  soils.  It 
is  sticky  and  tenacious,  when  wet  it  readily  puddles,  and  bakes  hard  and  checks 
during  hot,  dry  periods.  A  large  proportion  of  the  loam  adobe  areas  so  far 
mapped  is.  rough  and  stony  and  broken  by  rock  outcrop.  For  this  reason,  and 
because  of  its  shallow  depth,  it  is  not  well  suited  to  agriculture.  The  deeper 
areas  of  favorable  topography  are  usually  devoted  to  the  production  of  grain 
and  grain  hay  without  irrigation.  The  rougher  areas  are  used  for  pasture. 
The  soil  has  a  high  water-holding  capacity,  and  when  in  favorable  structural 
condition  is  retentive  of  moisture.  A  well -granulated  structure  can  be  main- 
tained by  proper  methods  of  cultivation,  and  under  intensive  methods  suitable 
areas  may  be  used  for  the  production  of  table  and  wine  grapes,  and  possibly 
for  the  later  tree  fruits. 


590  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

The  soil  requires  heavy  farming  equipment,  and  it  is  difficult  to  handle  except 
imder  the  most  favorable  moisture  conditions.  In  physical  character  and  rela- 
tion to  crop  adaptation  it  is  more  nearly  related  to  the  soils  of  heavier  texture 
than  to  the  members  of  the  sandy-loam  group. 

Sierra  loafm  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-red,  heavy  loam,  of  close,  compact 
adobe  structure,  very  sticky  when  wet,  readily  puddled,  and  inclined  to  check 
upon  exposure.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  to  dark-red  heavy  adobe.  The  type  is 
derived  mainly  from  the  weathering  of  underlying  gabbro-diorite  rock,  which 
frequently  outcrops  in  angular,  rugged  ledges  over  extensive  areas.  It  usually 
occupies  high,  rugged  hills  and  intervening  valleys  and  is  frequently  covered 
with  a  dense  growth  of  brush  or  small  timber.  The  deeper  areas  possess  well- 
developed  moisture-retaining  properties  and  are  adapted  to  grains,  hay,  and 
grapes,  with  or  without  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  18 

10,944 

>  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  silt  loams  occupy  a  relatively  small  area  in  this  province,  only  a  single 
soil — the  Olympic  silt  loam — having  been  mapped  to  this  time. 

This  type  is  found  only  in  the  humid,  heavily  forested  sections  of  western 
Washington.  A  large  proportion  of  the  area  is  of  rough,  hilly,  or  mountainous 
topography  and  best  suited  to  forestry.  The  type  includes,  however,  some 
extensive  areas  capable  of  being  utilized  for  farming  purposes  and  adapted  to 
the  production  of  oats,  hay,  and  forage,  the  growth  of  these  crops  being  favored 
by  a  moist,  cool  climate. 

Apples  and  small  fruits  and  late  or  heavy  vegetables  can  probably  be  grown 
successfully  on  areas  of  deeper  soil  and  even  surface,  permitting  intensive  cul- 
tivation. The  soil  is  at  present  utilized  for  agriculture  only  to  a  limited  extent. 
In  adaptation  to  crops  it  does  not  depart  greatly  from  the  loam  member  of  the 
same  series.  It  is  friable  under  cultivation  and  is  usually  well  drained  and 
capable  of  being  maintained  in  a  favorable  state  of  cultivation  by  means  of  the 
average  farming  equipment.  Owing  to  frequent  rough  topography  and  to  lack 
of  adequate  roads  and  transportation  facilities,  however,  heavy  draft  stock 
will  be  necessary,  and  the  production  of  intensively  cultivated  or  perishable 
products  is  not  practicable  under  present  conditions. 

Olympic  .silt  loam. — The  soil  is  of  light-brown  color,  usually  with  a  reddish 
tint,  from  15  to  16  inches  deep,  though  the  immediate  surface  is  often  locally 
of  dark-brown  color,  owing  to  large  organic  matter  content.  The  subsoil  is  a 
light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  silty  clay  loam.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin, 
derived  from  basaltic  rock,  and  occupies  elevated  I  able-lands  or  rough,  mountain- 
ous areas.  Favorably  located  areas  are  suitable  for  dairying,  general  fanning 
and  fruil   glow  ing. 

Area   and   distribution    of   the  silt   loam. 


Soil  name. 


Olympic  silt  loam Washington  7 


State  or  area.1 


lores. 


39,424 


1  For  k<  v  to  number  ta  this  column  see  p.  t;w. 

SIM  Y     (LAY     LO  \M      I'l!  LSI  . 

The  silty  clay   l<  the  Residual  province  of  the  Pacific  coast   region 

occur  more  frequently  and  arc  more  extensively  developed  than  the  soils  of 

the  Bill  loam  group.    They  are,  however,  confined  to  the  heavily  forested  humid 

i,   in  tin  stern   pari  of  the  province.     They  are  subject   to  wide 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  591 

variation  in  topography,  depth  of  soil,  and  other  factors  limiting  or  modifying 
their  adaptation  to  crops. 

Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  area  surveyed  has  been  used  for  agriculture, 
as  much  of  the  rougher  and  mountainous  regions  are  topographically  unfitted 
for  agriculture  and  best  left  in  forest.  Extensive  areas  occur,  however,  which, 
so  far  as  topography  or  physical  characteristics  of  the  soil  are  concerned,  may 
be  profitable  for  agriculture.  Climatic  conditions  are  generally  favorable  to 
the  production  of  native  grasses,  oats,  clover,  timothy,  and  other  hay  and 
forage  crops,  to  which  the  soils  are  well  suited.  Thus,  dairying  may  be  ex- 
tended upon  these  soils.  Over  many  of  the  areas  covered  by  the  silty  clay 
loam  the  production  of  less  highly  concentrated  farm  products  or  of  perishable 
fruits  or  vegetables  is  impracticable,  owing  to  undeveloped  transportation 
facilities.  Apples,  small  fruits,  and  late  vegetables  may  be  grown,  however, 
under  favorable  local  conditions  of  topography,  location,  and  climate.  The 
soils  are  generally  friable,  retentive  of  moisture,  and  well  drained.  A  rather 
heavy  farming  equipment  will  be  necessary  in  their  development,  owing  to 
their  compact  structure,  prevailing  rough  topography,  and  the  difficulty  of 
hauling  over  hilly  roads. 

Aiken  silty  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  dark-brown 
silty  clay  loam  underlain  at  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  by  a  reddish-brown  to 
brown  silty  clay  loam  subsoil,  which  usually  becomes  heavier  in  texture  and 
more  compact  in  structure  with  depth.  Fragments  of  basaltic  rock  are  found 
throughout  the  soil  section.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  rolling. 
The  type  is  mainly  in  forest,  only  a  comparatively  small  proportion  being  de- 
voted to  agriculture.  A  large  part  of  it  can  be  placed  under  cultivation,  grains, 
hay,  vegetables,  and  tree  fruits  being  best  suited  to  the  soil. 

Melbourne  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  silty  clay 
loam,  usually  sticky  when  wet,  but  friable  under  cultivation.  It  often  contains 
soft  rock  fragments  and  iron  pellets.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to 
brown  and  sometimes  mottled  clay  loam,  which  rests  upon  bedrock.  The  type 
is  residual  in  origin,  and,  where  mapped,  heavily  forested.  Where  surface  con- 
figuration and  climatic  conditions  permit,  the  deeper  areas  are  adapted  to 
grain,  hay,  and  fruit  crops. 

Olympic  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  medium  brown  silty 
clay  loam  of  friable  structure,  6  to  24  inches  deep.  Accumulations  of  organic 
matter  frequently  give  the  immediate  surface  a  dark-brown  color.  The  subsoil 
is  a  compact,  yellowish-brown  to  brown  silty  loam  or  silty  clay,  which  rests 
upon  bedrock  at  depths  ranging  from  1  to  6  feet  or  more.  Small  quantities 
of  angular  to  subangular  rock  fragments  are  found  upon  the  surface  and  mixed 
with  the  soil  and  subsoil.  Rock  outcrop  occasionally  occurs.  The  type  is  of 
residual  origin  and  derived  from  basaltic  rock.  The  topography  ranges  from 
rolling  to  rough  and  mountainous.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  but  retentive  of 
moisture,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of  topography  and  climate  is  adapted 
to  the  production  of  general  farm  and  fruit  crops.  At  present  little  of  it  is 
used  for  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Melbourne  silty  clay  loam. 
Olympic  silty  clay  loam. . . 
Aiken  silty  clay  loam 


Washington  5,7. 
Washington?... 
do 


,099,456 

418,048 

12,032 


Total. 


1,529,536 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 

Clay  loam  soils  have  been  encountered  in  the  Residual  province  under  four 
series.  Two  of  these  clay  loams  have  been  mapped  in  the  Sierra  Nevada  foot- 
hills and  cover  extensive  areas  of  rolling  to  rough  and  broken  lands  bordering 
the  great  interior  valley.  Another  has  been  encountered  near  the  interior  val- 
leys of  southern  Oregon.  The  most  widely  distributed  member  of  the  group  be- 
longs to  the  Altamont  series,  and  is  encountered  in  the  coastal  districts  of 


592  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

California  and  southern  Oregon.  It  is  subject  to  a  much  greater  range  in  climatic 
couditions  than  the  other  members  of  the  group,  all  of  which,  however,  vary 
locally  in  climate,  topography,  drainage,  moisture  supply,  depth,  and  other 
important  features. 

In  the  humid  districts  of  Oregon,  oats,  wheat,  and  clover  and  other  hay  crops 
are  the  principal  products,  although  the  soil  has  been  used  for  farming  only  to  a 
limited  extent.  Local  areas  are  well  adapted  to  apples,  pears,  plums,  and 
bramble  or  bush  fruits,  while  transportation  facilities  and  climatic  conditions 
favor  the  production  of  dairy  products.  In  the  coastal  districts  of  California, 
wheat  and  barley,  frequently  cured  for  hay,  are  the  most  extensively  grown 
products  of  the  clay  loams.  The  yields  are,  however,  rather  low,  except  in 
usually  favorable  seasons,  much  of  the  land  being  steep,  broken,  or  excessively 
drained,  and  the  soil  often  shallow  and  unretentive  of  moisture.  Under  favor- 
able local  conditions  of  climate,  however,  suitable  areas  produce  excellent  crops 
of  apples  and  pears,  and  where  capable  of  irrigation,  of  strawberries  and 
bramble  fruits. 

In  the  interior  districts  of  southern  Oregon  and  California,  extensive  areas 
of  the  clay  loams  are  of  shallow,  rocky  character,  or  of  rough  topography  and 
utilized  only  for  grazing  or,  where  machinery  can  be  used,  for  the  production 
of  shallow-rooted  grain  and  grain  hay  crops.  The  deeper  and  less  broken  areas 
have  in  certain  districts,  however,  been  highly  developed  in  the  production  of 
grapes,  cherries,  peaches,  pears,  and  apples,  and  where  favored  by  local  climatic 
conditions  are  suitable  for  citrus  fruits.  With  the  practice  of  more  intensive 
and  efficient  cultivation  and  the  development  of  irrigation  where  possible  the 
production  of  fruits  in  suitable  areas  is  capable  of  much  further  extension. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  usually  sticky  when  wet  and  require  frequent  and 
thorough  cultivation  for  the  maintenance  of  a  favorable  condition  of  tilth.  They 
are  retentive  of  moisture  under  proper  management,  usually  well  drained,  and 
where  of  suitable  depth,  topography,  and  location,  are  adapted  to  grains,  hay. 
and  forage  crops,  late  table  and  wine  grapes,  apples,  pears,  bramble  fruits,  and 
the  late  stone  fruits.  While  less  excessively  drained  than  the  soils  of  lighter 
texture  of  this  province  and  of  somewhat  later  character,  they  are  sometimes  so 
situated  with  regard  to  good  drainage  and  freedom  from  frosts  as  to  successfully 
compete  in  the  production  of  moderately  early  fruit  products  with  soils  normally 
better  adapted  to  early  fruit  production,  but  occupying  lower,  less  well  drained, 
and  more  exposed  positions. 

A  rather  heavy  farming  equipment  is  required  for  their  effective  and  econom- 
ical management. 

Altamont  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  clay  loam  from 
6  to  30  inches  deep,  containing  in  places  considerable  quantities  of  annular  rock 
fragments.  It  is  underlain  by  a  yellow  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  loam  which  rests 
upon  bedrock  at  varying  depths  up  to  6  feet.  When  dry  the  surface  soil  occa- 
sionally shows  shades  of  yellow  or  reddish  yellow  and  approaches  an  adobe 
structure.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  shale  rocks.  The 
surface  is  sloping  to  hilly,  and  dissected  by  gulches  and  ravines,  often  so  steep 
as  to  preclude  cultivation.  Drainage  is*  naturally  excessive,  hut  the  soil  is  re- 
tentive of  moisture.  It  is  often  covered  by  a  dense  growth  of  live  oak.  poison 
oak,  and  a  variety  of  shrubs  and  trees,  or  in  hum  Id  districts  is  heavily  forested. 
Areas  capable  of  cultivation  are  devoted  to  dry  farmed  hay  and  -rain,  the  re- 
mainder being  used  mainly  for  pasture,  Apples,  pears,  berries,  and  hr.sh  fruits 
are  grown  to  ;i  small  extent  in  areas  of  heavier  rainfall. 

Auburn  <i<n/  foam.— The  loam  is  a  bright-red  to  deep-red  silty  clay  loam. 

It    is  decidedly   sticky  when  wet  and   tends  to  puddle  and  hake  upon  exposure, 

luit  is  triable  under  cultivation.    The  subsoil  is  a  somewhat  deeper  red  than  the 

soil  and  of  Slightly  heavier  texture  and  more  compact  structure.     It  is  underlain 

by  bedrock,  usually  at  a  depth  of  less  than  <;  feet  Rock  outcrop  is  of  frequent 
occurrence,  and  angular  rock  fragments  arc  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil. 

The  type  is  ..f  residua]  origin,  being  derived  from  diabase,  amphiholites.  and 
i  elated  rocks.  Much  of  the  type  is  too  rough  and  broken  and  of  too  shallow 
depth  to  permit  of  cultivation.  The  deeper  areas  of  fav.-rable  topography  and 
Climatic  conditions  are   well   adapted    to   fru'ts  and   extensively   Utilized    for   the 

production  of  olives,  grapes,  and  other  fruits.     The  type  constitutes  one  of 
the  most  Important  deciduous  fruit-producing  soils  of  the  northern  and  central 
foothiii  region  in  California. 
Daulton  <-i«u  loam. — The  tyi>e  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  Ugh1  reddish  brown 

COmpad  Clay  loam  resting  on  a  SUbSOil  of  similar  material  underlain  by  dis- 
integrated and  partially  weathered  parent  rock  consisting  mainly  of  schist  with 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


593 


included  quartz.  The  surface  is  rolling  to  hilly  with  frequent  rock  outcrops 
appearing  as  conspicuous  lenses  or  masses  of  light-colored  quartz  occupying  the 
summits  of  rounded  or  sloping  hills.  This  type  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing, 
but  small  areas  of  level  surface  are  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  It  is  not  an 
important  agricultural  type,  though  small,  favorably  situated  areas  could, 
under  irrigation,  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  fruits. 

Olympic  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  clay  loam  from  12 
to  24  inches  deep,  of  compact  structure  and  somewhat  sticky  when  wet.  The 
subsoil  is  a  compact  clay  or  clay  loam  of  the  same  color  as  the  soil  resting 
upon  bedrock  at  a  depth  of  1  to  6  or  more  feet.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin, 
being  derived  from  basaltic  rock,  and  occupies  sloping  to  hilly  and  broken 
areas.  It  is  usually  well  drained,  and  where  of  sufficient  depth  and  capable  of 
cultivation  is  suitable  for  the  production  of  general  farm  crops  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Altamont  clav  loam 

California  8,  14;  Oregon  3 

California  18 

234,496 

128, 183 

9,280 

Auburn  clay  loam 

California  11 

Olympic  clay  loam , 

Oregon  4 

3,264 

Total 

375,223 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   CLAY   LOAM   PHASE. 


This  phase  includes  the  clay  loam  soils  of  the  Residual  province  marked  by  the 
presence  of  stone  fragments  or  bowlders  in  such  quantities  as  to  render  this 
feature  an  essential  characteristic  of  the  type  and  to  limit  or  modify  the  value 
of  the  soil  for  agriculture. 

Soils  of  this  character  have  been  recognized  by  the  soil  survey  in  two  soil 
series  only.  The  usual  influence  of  the  stone  content  in  the  silty  clay  loams, 
where  not  too  excessive  and  where  other  conditions  are  favorable,  is  to  render 
the  soil  more  porous,  less  retentive  of  moisture,  and  better  adapted  to  fruits  or 
other  products  requiring  well-drained,  moderately  early  soils.  In  this  province, 
however,  the  soils  recognized  under  the  stony  clay  loams  are  generally  of  rough, 
broken  topography.  They  often  occupy  elevated,  rugged,  mountainous  districts, 
are  frequently  marked  by  landslides,  and  are  of  shallow  depth  and  very  stony. 
Only  the  deeper  soils  of  less  broken  contour  are  suited  to  agriculture.  They 
are  of  minor  agricultural  importance  and  best  adapted  to  forestry  and  to 
grazing. 

Daulton  stony  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  10  to  24  inches  of  brown  or 
reddish-brown  clay  loam,  underlain  by  light-brown  clay  loam,  which  persists 
until  the  underlying  rock  is  encountered  at  an  average  depth  of  36  to  48  inches. 
When  dry,  the  soil  is  a  grayish  yellow  or  light  brown.  Where  the  soil  cov- 
ering is  shallow,  the  clay  loam  subsoil  is  often  wanting,  and  there  is  a  layer  of 
yellowish  sandy  loam  immediately  above  the  rock.  Small  angular  rock  frag- 
ments are  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  in  large  quantities.  Over  a  large  part 
of  the  type  there  is  only  a  shallow  covering  of  soil  over  the  rock,  while  out- 
crops are  numerous,  especially  on  the  steep  slopes.  The  type  is  of  residual 
origin,  derived  from  schists.  It  occupies  rough  and  hilly  areas  with  narrow 
ridges.  Drainage  is  excessive.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of  field  and 
live  oak  and  buckeye.     The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to  grazing. 

Olympic  stony  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  medium-brown  clay 
loam  and  usually  extends  to  a  depth  of  12  to  18  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a 
light-brown  to  yellowish-brown  heavy  clay  loam.  This  is  underlain  by  basaltic 
bedrock  at  depths  ranging  from  a  few  inches  to  several  feet.  The  type  is  of 
shallow  depth  upon  the  steeper  slopes,  and  outcrops  of  the  underlying  rock 
frequently  occur.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  material  usually  contain  a  variable 
amount  of  small  iron  pellets  and  weathered  angular  fragments  of  basalt,  some 
of  the  latter  being  from  2  to  4  feet  in  diameter.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin 
and  derived  from  basaltic  rock.     Drainage  is  well  established  and  sometimes 

79619—13 38 


594  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

excessive.     The  rocky  character  of  the  soil,  its  average  shallow  depth,  and  the 
steep,  broken  topography  render  the  type  of  small  agricultural  value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Olympic  stonv  clay  loam 

Washington  7 

26,368 
1,280 

Daulton  stonv  clav  loam 

Total 

27,648 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   LOAM    ADOBE   PHASE. 

In  the  residual  clay  loam  adobe  soils  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region,  the  adobe 
characteristics  of  structure  are  highly  developed.  The  soils  are  exceedingly 
tenacious  when  wet.  puddle  readily,  and  tend  to  bake  and  check  extensively 
upon  drying.  Cultivation  is  difficult  except  under  proper  moisture  conditions. 
When  in  a  favorable  condition  of  moisture,  however,  the  soils  are  readily  tilled, 
friable,  and  frequently  acquire  during  the  dry  sen  son  a  granulated  surface 
structure  which  checks  evaporation.  This  renders  them  retentive  of  moisture 
and  well  adapted  to  dry-farmed  crops. 

Surface  drainage  is  well  developed  and  often  excessive,  but  underdrainage  is 
restricted  owing  to  the  heavy,  relatively  impervious  character  of  the  subsoil. 
This  makes  the  soils  cold  and  late.  The  topography  varies  from  gently  undu- 
lating or  rolling  to  hilly  and  broken.  The  clay  loam  adobes  have  been  encoun- 
tered only  in  the  semiarid  foothill  districts  in  the  vicinity  of  the  interior  and 
coastal  valleys  of  California.  The  surface  is  usually  treeless.  Lands  of  this 
type  are  utilized  almost  exclusively  for  grazing  and  the  production  of  grain  and 
grain  hay.  The  Larger  portion  of  it  is  not  favorably  situated  for  irrigation  and 
hence  not  adapted  to  intensively  cultivated  crops.  More  favorably  situated 
areas  could  probably  be  utilized  for  the  production  of  pears,  and  some  of  the 
more  elevated  and  rugged  areas  for  the  growing  of  eucalyptus  or  other  forest 
trees. 

The  clay  loam  adobes  are  best  suited  to  grains  and  general  farm  crops  where 
topographic  and  climatic  conditions  are  favorable.  Owing  to  their  heavy  struc- 
ture they  arc  not  adapted  to  general  fruit  culture,  and  in  use  are  more  closely 
related  to  the  soils  of  the  clay  group,  and  to  the  clay  adobe  phase.  They  require 
the  heaviest  farm  equipment,  such  as  is  suitable  to  refractory  soils,  hilly 
topography,  and  an  extensive  system  of  farming. 

Diablo  clay  loam  adobe — The  soil  is  a  sticky  clay  loam  of  dense  adobe  struc- 
ture, varying  in  color  from  chocolate  brown  or  dark  gray  to  nearly  black.  The 
upper  subsoil  is  of  dark-gray  or  black  color  and  similar  to  the  soil  material  in 
texture  and  structure  It  is  usually  calcareous  and  often  marly.  It  is  under- 
lain at  an  average  depth  of  about  3  feet  by  a  deeper  subsoil,  consisting  of  a 
compact,  red  day,  or  day  Loam  adobe,  or  occasionally  by  indurated  red  clay, 
ii<»n  iKtrdpan.  Small  water-worn  pebbles  are  frequently  found  in  the  surface 
soil.  The  type  is  residual  in  origin,  being  derived  mainly  from  shale,  with 
some  Sandstone  and  conglomerate.  It  occupies  undulating  to  rough  foothills 
and  has  good  Surface  drainage.     On  account   of  its  rough  surface  it  is  unsuited 

to  Irrigation,  ami  is  devoted  to  gracing  ami  the  production  of  dry-termed  grain. 
lielbourm  clay  loam  adobe.    The  type  consists  of  20  to  80  inches  of  black  or 

\erv   dark  In-own   clav  lo.im   adobe  or   sandy   clay  adobe,   underlain  by   a   yellow 

•  -ijiv  loam  to  a  depth  of  4  feel  which  grades  into  b  mass  of  partly  decomposed 
shale  fragments  and  gravel  extending  to  a  depth  of  8  feel  or  more.    The  type 

IS  ;i    residual  soil  derived   from  decomposing  shales.      When'  mapped   it   occupies 
lower   foothill   slopes  and   valley   plains,   is  treeless,  and  devoted   to  grain  crops 

and  pasturage. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  595 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam  adobes. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  2,  25 

44,160 

Melbourne  clay  loam  adobe 

California  14... 

1,600 

Total 

45,760 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  group  are  less  extensively  developed  than  are  many  of 
the  previously  described  residual  soils  of  the  province.  Three  types  have  been 
mapped,  and  these  are  confined  to  the  subhumid  and  humid  districts  in  Oregon 
and  Washington.     They  are  derived  predominantly  from  basic  rocks. 

The  larger  proportion  of  the  area  included  is  of  hilly  or  mountainous  to- 
pography. The  soil  mantle  is  shallow  and  landslides  frequent.  For  these 
reasons  the  development  of  agriculture  has  been  slow,  and  the  greater  part  of 
the  soils  are  still  in  forest.  The  group  requires  heavy  farming  equipment. 
Where  capable  of  cultivation  the  soils  are  adapted  to  grains,  including  wheat, 
oats,  and  barley,  and  to  clover,  vetch,  and  timothy.  Areas  subject  to  erosion 
are  best  used  for  forestry  or  for  permanent  cover  crops. 

Aiken  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark  reddish  brown  to  dark  brick  red 
sticky  and  tenacious  clay,  from  6  to  15  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy 
clay  loam  or  clay  of  bright  Indian-red  to  dark-red  color,  extending  to  the  depth 
of  3  feet  or  more  and  underlain  by  parent  rock.  The  surface  2  or  3  inches  of 
the  type  often  carries  an  appreciable  amount  of  fine  sand,  representing  waste 
from  the  finer  material,  and  accumulations  of  organic  matter  impart  a  dark 
color  to  the  soil.  Rounded  or  subangular  fragments  of  igneous  rocks,  from  6 
to  12  inches  in  diameter,  are  found  in  the  surface,  but  not  in  sufficient  amounts 
to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  soil,  which  is  of  residual  origin,  is  derived 
from  basaltic  rocks.  The  type  occupies  steep,  rocky  hill  or  mountain  slopes  to 
undulating  or  moderately  sloping  areas  near  the  base  of  hills  and  ridges  and 
in  the  humid  areas  is  covered  with  forest.  Little  of  it  is  at  present  cleared  or 
farmed,  and  the  rougher  areas  are  adapted  only  to  forestry  or  grazing.  The 
more  moderate  slopes  when  cleared  are  suitable  to  the  production  of  grain  and 
hay  crops. 

Melbourne  clay. — The  soil  is  a  reddish-brown  to  dark-gray  clay  from  10  to  18 
inches  deep  carrying  in  places  quantities  of  gravel  and  angular  rock  fragments. 
The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  yellow  to  light-brown  clay  or  clay  loam,  resting  upon 
bedrock  at  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived 
from  sandstone  and  interbedded  shale  and  conglomerate.  Rock  outcrop  is  of 
occasional  occurrence.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The  topography  varies 
from  rolling  or  undulating  to  steep,  rocky,  and  dissected.  Where  well  supplied 
with  moisture  and  of  sufficient  depth  the  type  is  forested.  It  is  not  extensively 
devoted  to  agriculture,  although  utilized  to  some  extent  for  grazing  or  for  hay 
crops. 

Olympic  clay. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  brown  clay,  sticky  and  waxy 
when  wet,  and  from  12  to  15  inches  deep.  Locally  the  immediate  surface  is 
quite  dark  owing  to  the  presence  of  much  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a 
loam  or  slightly  mottled,  heavy,  plastic  clay.  Rock  fragments  and  iron  pellets 
are  a  common  constituent.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from 
basaltic  rock.  It  frequently  includes  a  large  amount  of  landslide  material.  The 
topography  varies  from  comparatively  level  to  steep  and  broken.  The  type  is 
well  drained.  It  has  been  developed  to  agriculture  to  but  a  limited  extent 
Where  capable  of  cultivation  it  is  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops. 


596 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Aiken  clay 

97.408 

44,608 

4,352 

Melbourne  clay 

Olympic  clay 

Total 

146,368 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


8TONY   CLAY  PHASE. 


Stony  clay  soils  have  been  recognized  in  this  province  only  in  one  series, 
which  is  confined  to  the  humid,  forested  districts  of  western  Washington. 

The  type  here  found  is  of  rough,  broken  topography,  and  much  of  the  areas 
covered  are  best  adapted  to  forestry,  owing  to  their  Inaccessibility  and  lack  of 
transportation  facilities,  to  the  frequently  excessive  amounts  of  stone,  and  the 
shallowness  of  the  soil  material.  The  soil  is  excessively  drained  and  somewhat 
subject  to  erosion  if  cleared  and  devoted  to  cultivated  crops.  It  is  not  at  present 
used  for  agriculture.  Local  areas  are  suitable  for  dairying  and  for  the  produc- 
tion of  oats,  hay,  and  forage  crops,  and  occasionally  of  tree  or  small  fruits. 
The  type  does  not  depart  greatly  in  crop  adaptation  from  the  members  of  the 
clay  group  of  the  same  series  although  somewhat  more  promising  for  the 
culture  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Aiken  stony  clay. — The  soil  is  a  clay  of  dark  reddish-brown  color  and  compact 
structure.  It  usually  contains  a  large  amount  of  basaltic  rock  fragments.  The 
subsoil  is  a  red  to  reddish-brown  heavy  clay.  Along  the  steeper  slopes  the  soil 
material  is  shallow  and  underlain  by  bedrock  near  the  surface  or  frequently 
marked  by  rock  outcrop.  The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from 
basaltic  rock.  The  topography  is  usually  steep  and  broken  and  much  of  the 
type  is  of  little  agricultural  importance  and  best  adapted  to  forestry.  Drainage 
is  well  established  and  frequently  excessive  over  the  steeper  areas.  Whore 
capable  of  cultivation  the  type  is  adapted  to  dairying,  hay  and  forage  crops, 
and  sometimes  to  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  MM.' 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

26,624 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


CI    \Y    ADOBE    1MIASE. 


The  clay  adobe  soils  of  the  Residual  province  are  of  much  more  widespread 

and  frequent  occurrence  than  those  of  the  Clay  group.  They  are  confined  to  the 
suhhuiuid  and  semiarid  foothill  districts  surrounding  the  interior  valleys  in 
( )!«•-, hi  and  California   and  adjacent  to  the  coastal   valleys  in  the  latter  State. 

In  itniCture,  drainage  and  tillage  Conditions,  power  to  retain  moisture,  and  in 
Crop  adaptation  the  Clay  adobe  soils  are  similar  to  the  clay  loam  adobes. 

The  former  are  subject  to  much  variation  in  depth  ami  character  of  topography, 
hut  in  many  places  they  are  shallow  and  of  steeply  rolling  to  rough  broken 
character  and  best  adapted  to  grazing  or  t<>  forestry,  where  utilized  they  are 
generally  devoted  to  pasturage  or  the  production  of  dry  farmed  wheat,  barley. 

and  -fain  h::y.  While  retentive  Of  moisture  under  fa\orable  conditions,  the 
Hoils  are  cold,  wet,  and   late,  and  often  deficient   in  moisture,  owing  to  excessive 

surface  drainage,  shallow  t.  and  i"  unfavorable  structure.    They  require 

heavy  farming  equipment 
Aiken  <-i<iu  adobe.    The  soil  consists  of  .■>  dark-red  to  reddish-brown  heavy. 

tenacious    <lay    of    adobe    structure,    the    surface    few    Inches    often    being   dark 

brown  in  color,  owl  >na  of  organic  matter.    The  subsoil  is  of 

bright  red  to  brick  re  and  Of  heavy  compact  character,  and  underlain  at 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  597 

shallow  depths  by  basaltic  bedrock.  Rock  outcrop  and  basaltic  rock  fragments 
varying  in  size  from  small  gravel  to  bowlders  frequently  occur.  The  type  is 
residual  from  basaltic  rock.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  frequently  exces- 
sive, but  the  soil  is  retentive  of  moisture.  Owing  to  its  shallow  character  and 
the  predominant  rough  topography  the  type  is  of  minor  agricultural  importance, 
but  where  of  sufficient  depth  and  capable  of  cultivation  it  is  adapted  to  the  pro- 
duction of  general  farm  or  fruit  crops  suited  to  the  locality  and  to  soils  of  heavy 
texture. 

Altamont  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  clay  or  silty  clay 
of  adobe  structure,  sticky  and  tenacious  when  wet  and  tending  to  crack  when 
dry.  A  few  cobbles  and  shale  fragments  occur  on  some  of  the  higher  peaks  and 
ridges,  with  outcrops  of  sandstone  on  steep  slopes.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a 
yellowish-brown  clay  loam  of  silty  character  grading  into  a  sandy  loam,  resting 
upon  a  bedrock  substratum.  The  type  is  derived  through  weathering  from 
sandstones  and  shales  with  a  small  amount  of  limestone  and  conglomerate 
material.  The  topography  is  hilly,  with  steep  slopes  to  the  streams.  The  soil 
is  used  for  dry-farmed  grain  and  grain  hay. 

Arnold  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  purplish-brown  to  black  clay 
adobe,  carrying  in  places  a  noticeable  content  of  angular  sand.  The  subsoil  is 
similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil  material  and  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  a  few  inches  to  3  feet  or  more  by  a  light-colored  stratified  substratum 
of  volcanic  ash.  volcanic  breccias,  or  andesitic  tufts.  The  soil  bakes  and  cracks 
upon  exposure  during  the  dry  season,  is  very  sticky  when  wet,  and  frequently 
carries  rounded  gravels  or  cobbles  and  sometimes  angular  andesitic  fragments. 

Climax  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  black  or  dark  chocolate  brown  clay  of  adobe 
structure.  The  subsoil  varies  from  brown  to  black  in  color,  is  heavy  and  compact, 
and  rests  upon  a  bedrock  substratum  encountered  at  depths  usually  below  6  feet. 
Small,  angular  rock  fragments  frequently  occur  in  the  soil  and  subsoil  material. 
The  type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  basaltic  rock,  outcrops  of  which 
occur  throughout  the  type.  Considerable  colluvial  material  is  found  in  areas 
occurring  along  low  slopes.  Where  mapped  the  type  is  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing.  It  is  rather  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  but  under  favor- 
able conditions  of  climate  moisture  supply  and  depth  can  be  used  for  the  produc- 
tion of  pears. 

Daulton  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  deep-red  to  brownish-red  clay  of  adobe 
structure,  carrying  considerable  quantities  of  angular  and  subangular  rock 
fragments,  largely  siliceous.  The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  struc- 
ture to  the  soil.  The  type  usually  occurs  as  irregular  bodies,  of  small  extent, 
occupying  elevated  rolling  foothills.  It  is  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains, 
with  fair  results  in  favorable  seasons.  The  soil  is  not  particularly  retentive  of 
moisture,  but  where  irrigation  is  possible  favorably  situated  areas  could  prob- 
ably be  used  for  the  production  of  grapes  and  other  fruits  adapted  to  heavy 
soils,   including,   possibly,   citrus  fruits. 

Diablo  clay  adobe. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark  grayish  brown  to  dark  gray 
clay  of  refractory,  adobe  structure.  The  upper  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  surface 
material  in  color,  texture,  and  structure.  It  is  usually  calcareous,  and  extends 
to  a  depth  of  18  to  36  inches.  The  deeper  subsoil  consists  of  a  compact  red  clay, 
containing  considerable  rounded  gravel,  which  is  sometimes  displaced  by  light- 
gray  or  white,  calcareous,  marly  material  resting  upon  calcareous  shales.  The 
type  is  of  residual  origin  and  derived  from  shales,  usually  of  calcareous  char- 
acter, with  some  conglomerates.  Drainage  is  well  established.  The  topography 
is  rolling  to  hilly,  the  soil  areas  being  dissected  by  numerous  narrow  valleys. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  of  scrub  oak,  manzanita,  chaparral,  and  oak. 
The  lower  lying  bodies  are  usually  treeless.  The  principal  crops  grown  are? 
wheat,  barley,  and  hay.     The  type  is  also  utilized  for  grazing. 

Olympic  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  rather  dark  brown,  heavy, 
compact  clay  adobe.  The  subsoil  is  heavy  and  compact,  slightly  lighter  in 
color,  and  rests  upon  bedrock  at  a  depth  of  1  to  6  feet  or  more.  Rock  frag- 
ments and  rock  outcrop  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  type  is  of  residual 
origin  and  derived  from  basaltic  rock.  It  occupies  sloping  to  rolling  or  rough 
foothill  and  mountain  areas.  Much  of  it  is  too  shallow  to  be  of  great  agricul- 
tural importance,  and  is  best  adapted  to  grazing.  Cleared  areas,  where  of  suffi- 
cient depth  and  favored  by  climatic  and  topographic  conditions,  are  adapted  to 
hay  or  other  general  farm  crops  and  fruits. 

8U  rni  clay  adobe. — The  soil  consists  of  3G  inches  to  6  feet  or  more  of  a  heavy 
clay  adobe,  carrying  in  some  places  fine,  water-worn  gravel.  It  is  of  deep  red 
to  reddish-brown  color,  very  sticky  when  wet,  and  cracks  badly  upon  exposure 


598 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


to  dry  weather,  forming  large,  hard  clods.  Unaltered  or  partially  weathered 
granitic  rocks,  from  which  the  type  is  derived,  may  be  found  at  any  depth  below 
36  inches.  It  occupies  rolling  areas,  generally  lying  below  more  elevated  bodies 
of  Rough  stony  land,  the  surface  being  relatively  uniform  in  character,  but  of 
considerable  slope. 

The  type  is  devoted  largely  to  grazing  and  is  of  inferior  value  for  the  produc- 
tion of  dry-farmed  grains.  Where  irrigated  it  may  be  used  for  other  crops, 
but  lack  of  water  supply  or  cost  of  distribution  generally  preclude  this  practice. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobes. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Diablo  clay  adobe — 
Arnold  clay  adobe.... 
Olympic  clay  adobe. . 
Climax  clay  adobe. . . 
Altamont  clay  adobe. 
Daulton  clay  adobe. . 

Aiken  clay  adobe 

8ierra  clay  adobe 


California  8,  25. 
California  13 . . 

Oregon  4 

do 

California  8 

California  8,  11. 

Oregon  4 

California  11... 


125,248 

23,296 

23,040 

17,216 

11,136 

2,176 

768 

448 


Total. 


203,328 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GLACIAL  MATERIAL. 


The  soils  of  this  group  are  derived  from  Intermixed  eroded  material  de- 
posited by  glacial  agencies,  embracing  the  deposition  of  the  unassorted  glacial 
material,  or  till,  directly  by  the  ice  and  of  the  outwash  material  in  an  assorted 
and  stratified  state  by  rushing  water  of  glacial  streams. 

The  glacial  deposits  vary  in  depth  and  the  extent  of  their  modification  by 
underlying  material.  Likewise  the  drainage,  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and 
adaptability  to  crops  may  be  influenced  by  the  extent  to  which  assorting  of  the 
material  by  outwash  waters  may  have  taken  place  and  the  depth  at  which  the 
coarser  deposits  may  occur. 

The  arable  soils  derived  from  glacial  material  are  confined  to  the  extreme 
northern  part  of  the  region.  Glaciated  areas  occur  southward  along  the  higher 
peaks  and  crests  of  the  Cascade  and  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains,  but  because  of 
their  altitude  and  topography,  such  areas  are  usually  unsuited  for  agriculture. 

Lying  within  a  humid  region,  the  soils  of  this  group  are  heavily  forested 
and  only  a  comparatively  small  proportion  of  their  total  area  has  been  culti- 
vated. Where  the  topo^riiphy  is  favorable  and  the  conditions  of  climate,  drain- 
age, and  moisture  supply  satisfactory,  they  are  adapted  to  the  small  grains,  hay 
crops,  dairying,  stock  raising,  and  possibly  to  trucking  and  fruit  growing 
through  Intensive  methods  of  cultivation. 

DESCRIPTION  or  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 


Buckley  8€rie8!— The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black,  varying  from  8  to  12 
inches  in  depth,  and  contain  an  abundance  of  decomposed  organic  matter  ami 
some  One  gravel  and  particles  of  coarse,  sharp  sand.  The  subsoil  is  compact, 
rairly  Impervious,  ami  of  dark-gray  or  bluish-gray  color  mottled  with  yellow  or 
brown  iron  stains.    Coarse,  sharp  sand,  tine  gravel,  and  angular  to  subangular 

rock   fragments  with  small  glacial  bowlders  are  usually  encountered  within  the 

soil  section.    The  soils  are  of  glacial  origin  ami  consist  of  Osceola  tin  of  the 
humid    Pugel    Bound    region    in    Washington.    They   occupy   extensive   flal    to 

gently    undulating    upland    bench   or   plateaulike   areas    frequently    bordered   by 

steep  slopes  and  bluflfc      Phe  types  are  heavily  forested  with  tir.  cedar,  spruce, 
.in.i  alder,  and  when  dra  friable  ami  well  adapted  to  oats,  potatoes,  hops, 

lay,  and  fruits. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  599 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Buckley  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  4 

27,904 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clallam  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  uniformly  light  grayish  brown  to 
gray,  resting  upon  subsoils  of  compact,  silty  loam  or  silty  clay  loam  slightly 
lighter  in  color  than  the  surface  soils.  Fine  glacial  gravel  and  iron  pellets 
occur  in  all  the  soil  types.  The  subsoils  are  of  finer  texture  and  more  compact 
structure  than  the  subsoils  of  the  Everett  series,  and  the  surface  soils  are 
generally  lighter  in  color.  They  are  derived  from  glacial  till  and  occupy  gently 
rolling  upland  plateaus.  The  topography  is  level  to  rolling  and  drainage  ordi- 
narily well  established.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  the  soils  are 
adapted  to  the  production  of  small  fruits,  hay,  and  grain.  The  native  vegeta- 
tion consists  of  a  heavy  stand  of  fir  with  small  amounts  of  spruce,  cedar, 
hemlock,  and  pine. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Clallam  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Clallam  fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 


Washington  5 . 

....do 

....do 

....do 


4,096 

96,256 

11,520 

512 


Total. 


112,384 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dallas  series. — The  soils  consist  of  dark  brown  to  black  glacial  and  residual 
material  mixed  with  glacial  gravel  or  bowlders,  underlain  by  compact  loamy 
sand  and  gravel.  Rock  outcrop  is  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  soils  of  this 
series  are  derived  in  part  from  the  disintegration  of  hard,  metamorphosed  sand- 
stones, which  outcrop  along  the  steeper  hillsides,  but  the  presence  of  glacial 
gravel  and  bowlders  in  the  soil  shows  that  the  material  is  partially  of  glacial 
origin.  The  soils  occupy  benches  and  plateaus  in  humid  regions  near  the 
Pacific  coast.  The  topography  is  level  to  sloping  and  drainage  well  estab- 
lished.    Small  fruits,  potatoes,  and  vegetables  are  the  principal  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Dallas  series. 


Soil 


Dallas  coarse  saudy  loam Washington  5 


State  or  area.' 


Acres. 


1,28  J 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Everett  series. — The  soils  range  from  light  brown  to  light  reddish  brown  in 
color  and  are  of  silty  texture  and  porous  structure.  Large  amounts  of 
organic  matter  often  occur  in  the  immediate  surface,  giving  it  a  dark  color 
and  loamy  texture.  In  some  members  of  the  series  small,  spherical,  iron- 
cemented  pellets  are  conspicuous.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown  to  gray  and 
usually  gravelly  and  porous,  the  parent  material  consisting  mainly  of  sands 
and  gravel,  with  compact  silts  and  clays  sometimes  occurring  in  the  deeper 
portions  of  the  deposits.  The  materials  are  derived  both  from  basaltic  and 
crystalline  rocks.  The  series  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  fir,  cedar,  spruce,  and 
hemlock,  and  occupies  humid  to  subhumid  areas  of  sloping  to  undulating, 
plateaulike  surface  and  hilly  to  mountainous  areas.  Morainic  ridges,  kames, 
and  kettle  holes  are  of  frequent  occurrence.    Erosion  is  more  or  Less  active,  and 


600 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED    STATES. 


some  of  the  areas  are  marked  by  surface  or  embedded  bowlders  and  occasional 
gravel  outcrops.  Drainage  is  usually  excessive,  and  the  soils  are  subject  to 
drought  Some  of  the  more  porous  members  are  adapted  only  to  forestry, 
while  others  are  adapted  to  dairying,  orchard  and  small  fruits,  and  general 
farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Everett  senes. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Everett  gravelly  loamy  sand. 

coarse  sand 

loamy  sand 

sandy  loam 

stony  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam. 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

stony  loam 

silt  loam 


Washington  4,  5,  7. 

Washington  5 

Washington  4,  5,  7. 

Washington  5 

Washington  4,  5,  7. 
Washington  4,  5... 

Washington  5 

Washington  4 

Washington  4,  5... 
Washington  5 


Total. 


421,696 
1,536 

155,456 
18,432 
71,872 
1,351,296 
72,960 
21,632 

622,208 
36,864 

2,773,952 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lynden  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  reddish  brown,  and  in  the  lighter- 
textured  sandy  types  often  light  gray  on  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  sandy  or 
gravelly.  Drainage  is  usually  excessive.  The  soils  are  derived  principally  from 
stratified  deposits  of  sand  and  gravel  laid  down  as  outwash  by  glacial  flood 
waters  and  in  places  covered  by  a  thin  mantle  of  unmodified  glacial  drift.  They 
occupy  gently  rolling  upland  terraces  and  plains  or  broad,  level  areas,  formerly 
glacial  flood  plains  and  now  dissected  and  eroded.  The  prevailing  timber  growth 
consists  of  a  heavy  stand  of  fir.  All  of  the  members  of  this  series  are  suited  to 
agriculture,  the  crop  adaptation  depending  upon  the  characteristics  of  the  indi- 
vidual types. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lynden  series. 


Soil  name. 


Lynden  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam, 
gravelly  loam... 
silt  loam 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


Washington  4. 

do 

....do 

....do 


Acres. 


51,776 
19,904 
20,928 
22,144 


114,752 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Orting  series. — The  soils  are  dark  drab  to  dark  brown,  plastic  and  silly  in 
Character,  and  high  In  organic  matter.  The  subsoils  consist  of  unstratified 
Bandy  loam  or  loam,  sticky  and  plastic,  and  usually  carrying  considerable 
coarse  to  medium  Band  and  variable  quantities  of  gravel  and  glacial  bowlders. 
They  range  la  color  from  gray  to  grayish  brown,  mottled  with  yellow  iron 
stains.     Small  waterworn  gravel  and  occasional  small  glacial  bowlders  occur 

in  the  soil  or  opon  the  surface.     In  position  the  soils  simulate  alluvial  deposits, 

but  the  unstratified  aature  of  the  material  indicates  its  glacial  origin,  though  it 
baa  not  been  greatly  modified  by  the  assorting  action  of  streams.  The  series 
occupies  aearly  level  valleys  Inclosed  by  rolling  glaciated  uplands.  The  topog 
raphy  varies  from  level  to  gently  undulating.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  estab- 
lished, although  the  series  Includes  many  poorly  drained,  shallow  depressions. 

The  timber  growth  consistB  of  Br,  spruce,  cedar,  and  aider.  When  cleared  the 
soils  are  adapted  to  hops,  oats,  potatoes,  hay  crops,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  601 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Orting  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Orting  loam 

4,480 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Salkum  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  reddish  brown  in  color,  and  the  sub- 
soils range  from  reddish  brown  to  light  brown.  The  subsoils  are  underlain  at  a 
depth  of  3  to  6  feet  by  beds  of  soft,  stratified  glacial  outwash  gravel  which 
occupy  old  valley  terraces.  The  topography  varies  from  flat  to  undulating  or 
gently  rolling,  the  original  terraces  having  been  eroded  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent. The  gravels  are  mainly  basaltic  in  character,  but  include  some  andesitic 
material.  The  underlying  gravels  have  usually  undergone  advanced  weather- 
ing in  places  having  been  reduced  to  a  mass  of  clay  or  rendered  sufficiently  soft 
even  at  a  depth  of  10  or  more  feet  to  be  easily  cut  by  the  spade  in  excavations. 
The  soils  are  well  drained.  They  are  forested,  the  growth  consisting  principally 
of  fir  and  hemlock  with  some  cedar. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Salkum  series. 


Soil  name. 


Salkum  silty  clay "W  ashington  7 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


141,568 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

San  Juan  series. — The  soil  varies  from  dark  brown  to  black  when  moist  and 
light  brown  to  dark  gray  when  dry.  It  carries  a  large  amount  of  organic 
matter  and  frequently  considerable  well-rounded  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  coarse 
textured  and  of  loose,  porous  structure,  carrying  gravel,  glacial  cobbles,  and 
bowlders.  The  soils  are  derived  from  deposits  of  sand  and  gravel  of  glacial 
origin  and  represent  drift  or  modified  drift  material.  The  rolling  topography 
and  porous  structure  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  make  for  excessive  drainage.  The 
series  occupies  treeless  prairie.  So  far  as  mapped  it  is  of  little  agricultural 
importance. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  San  Juan  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  5 

768 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Spanawap  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black,  gravelly,  and  high  in 
organic  matter.  The  subsoils  are  gray  to  brown,  of  porous,  leachy  structure, 
and  consist  mainly  of  rounded  gravels  and  cobbles  united  with  sand  and  ex- 
tending to  an  indeterminate  depth.  They  are  derived  from  glacial  outwash 
material. 

The  series  occupies  treeless  to  sparsely  timbered,  level  to  undulating  plains. 
The  surface  is  usually  hummocky,  strewn  with  cobbles,  and  broken  by  narrow 
ridges,  shallow  basins,  and  low,  flat-topped  terraces.  Drainage  is  excessive  and 
although  the  soils  are  often  found  in  regions  of  moderately  heavy  rainfall 
they  are  subject  to  drought.  The  lighter  textured  and  shallower  soils  are  not 
well  adapted  to  agriculture  without  irrigation.  In  favorable  seasons  ami  under 
intensive  cultivation  the  heavier  and  deeper  soils  of  the  series  yield  fair  crops 
of  small  fruits,  vegetables,  oats,  barley,  and  hay.  Under  irrigation  they  are 
adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  truck  crops  and  fruits. 


602  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Spanaway  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Spanaway  loamy  sand 

loamy  fine  sand 

grave'lly  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam 


Washington  5 

do 

Washington  4,  5,  7. 
Washington  4 


4,864 

9,984 

189,440 

3,712 


Total. 


208,000 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Townsend  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black  and  carry  a  large 
amount  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoils  are  light  colored,  contain  considerable 
gravel,  and  are  compact  and  often  relatively  impervious  when  wet  The  soil 
material  is  derived  from  glacial  till,  including  pockets  of  stratified  outwash 
material,  apparently  modified  by  conditions  of  restricted  drainage,  as  indicated 
by  the  high  content  of  organic  matter.  Drainage  conditions  were  subsequently 
very  much  modified  by  the  elevation  of  the  material.  The  series  is  now  well 
elevated  above  the  waters  of  Puget  Sound,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  the  soils 
occur.  The  surface  is  sloping  to  undulating,  and  the  soils  are  well  drained.  In 
their  original  condition  they  supported  only  a  meager  growth  of  fir,  pine,  and 
oaks,  or  were  treeless,  and  in  part  covered  only  by  a  growth  of  native  grasses. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Townsend  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  5 

2,560 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Whatcom  series. — The  soils  of  the  Whatcom  series  are  of  deep  reddish-brown 
color  and  prevailingly  of  fine  texture  and  rather  compact  structure.  Accumula- 
tions of  organic  matter  often  impart  a  dark-brown  or  nearly  black  color  to  the 
surface  soil.  The  subsoils  consist  of  drab  to  gray,  plastic  and  compact,  heavy 
silts,  the  upper  portions  sometimes  carrying  small  amounts  of  gravel  and 
glacial  bowlders.  Some  of  this  coarser  material  also  occurs  in  the  soil.  Iron 
pellets  are  a  characteristic  feature.  The  soils  are  derived  from  compact  ice-laid 
material  of  the  glacial  drift  and  occupy  areas  of  undulating  to  rolling  upland. 
The  hills  are  rounded  and  the  slopes  never  steep  or  eroded,  the  areas  being 
often  characterized  by  kame  and  kettle  topography.  Drainage  is  well  estab- 
lished. Uncleared  areas  support  a  heavy  stand  of  fir,  with  a  small  admixture 
of  spruce,  cedar,  and  hemlock.  The  soils  are  retentive  of  moisture  and  adapted 
to  orchard  fruits  and  small  fruits,  potatoes,  vegetables,  ami  hay  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Whatcom  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

W^shin^ton  4,  5 

143,018 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  7;53. 

WhUock  teries.    The  soils  of  the  Winlock  scries  arc  dark  brown  to  (lark  gray 

<>r  black  and  underlain  by  brown  to  <i;irk-brown.  compact  subsoils.     They  occupy 

Dal  upland  terrace*  where  the  natural  drainage  is  not  completely  developed, 
resulting  in  accumulations  of  organic  matter  and  giving  rise  to  dark-colored 

soils.      The   soil    material    is  derived    from    glacial   outwaslt.      The   native   forest 

growth  consists  principally  of  flr,  cedar,  and  iproce.    The  soils  are  generally 
well  adapted  t«.  general  farming  crope  and  to  fruit  and  vegetables. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  603 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Winlock  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Winlock  silty  clay 

25,088 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE    SOIL   TYPES   AND   THEIR   USE. 

Sand  Group, 
gravelly  loamy  sand  phase. 

This  phase  includes  sandy  soils  containing  sufficient  silt  and  clay  to  render 
them  of  somewhat  adhesive  and  loamy  character  and  a  conspicuous  proportion 
of  gravelly  material.  In  physical  properties  they  occupy  a  position  interme- 
diate between  the  gravelly  sands  and  the  gravelly  sandy  loams,  being  some- 
what more  porous  and  lighter  textured  than  the  latter,  but  more  coherent  and 
retentive  of  moisture  than  the  gravelly  sands. 

In  the  Glacial  province  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region  the  gravelly  loamy  sands 
have  been  encountered  under  a  single  soil  series.  The  soil  is  of  loose,  porous 
character,  excessively  drained,  and  of  low  moisture-retaining  capacity.  The 
soils  are  heavily  forested,  and  only  small  areas  are  farmed.  They  are  not 
adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  and  are  inferior  to  the  soils  of  heavier  texture 
of  the  same  series  for  other  purposes.  Under  intensive  cultivation  potatoes  and 
early  truck  crops  might  be  grown  to  some  extent.  The  initial  expense  in  clear- 
ing is  heavy,  but  only  a  light  farming  equipment  is  required  to  work  the  soil. 
It  is  not  of  great  agricultural  importance,  and  portions  of  it  are  best  left  in 
forest. 

Everett  gravelly  loamy  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  loamy  sand 
about  10  inches  deep,  containing  from  40  to  60  per  cent  of  medium  to  coarse 
gravel.  This  is  underlain  by  a  gray,  medium  to  coarse  loamy  sand  also  high  in 
gravel  and  small  cobbles  or  bowlders.  The  gravel  in  the  subsoil  often  occurs  in 
compact  beds  or  pockets  many  feet  in  thickness.  The  soil  is  derived  largely 
from  coarse  glacial  deposits  of  sand  and  gravel,  laid  down  by  the  floods  from 
the  melting  ice.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  in  areas  bordering 
some  of  the  small  stream  courses,  along  the  margins  of  small  lakes,  or  on  small 
upland  plateaus,  to  rough  and  hilly  along  the  steeper  slopes  of  the  upland  hills 
and  ridges.  The  coarse  gravelly  soil  permits  rapid  percolation  of  water,  mak- 
ing the  natural  drainage  so  excessive  that  the  soil  remains  in  a  dry  condition 
during  the  summer  when  the  rainfall  is  light.  The  soil  supports  a  heavy 
growth  of  timber.  Very  little  of  this  type  is  under  cultivation,  although  small 
tracts  have  been  cleared  and  used  for  fruit  growing  and  pasture.  During 
favorable  seasons  fair  yields  of  potatoes  and  early  truck  crops  have  been 
secured. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loamy  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  4,  5,  7 

421,096 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COARSE  SAND   PHASE. 

The  coarse  sand  phase  of  the  Glacial  province  of  the  Pacific  coast  Is  repre- 
sented by  a  single  soil.  The  material  of  both  the  soil  and  subsoil  is  of  loose, 
porous  character,  excessively  drained  and  of  low  moisture-retaining  capacity. 
Like  the  gravelly  loamy  sand  of  the  same  series,  the  surface  soil  contains  i\c- 
cumulations  of  organic  matter.  Much  of  the  native  timber  growth  has  been 
removed,  aud  the  greater  part  of  the  forest  humus  destroyed  by   fires.     The 


604  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

expense  of  clearing  is  high  and  crops  succumb  quickly  to  drought.  Only  a  light 
farming  equipment  is  required  for  working  these  soils.  Farming  has  not  been 
developed  to  any  axtent.  Intensively  cultivated  early  tree  fruits,  small  fruits, 
and  truck  crops  may  be  grown  or  the  land  used  for  pasture.  It  ranks  some- 
what below  the  members  of  the  same  series  of  slightly  heavier  texture,  and 
in  agricultural  importance  and  crop  adaptation  closely  resembles  the  gravelly 
loamy  sand  of  the  series. 

Everett  coarse  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  yellowish- 
brown  coarse  loamy  sand  about  12  inches  deep,  resting  on  a  coarse  loamy  sand 
subsoil  of  somewhat  lighter  color.  The  surface  2  or  3  inches  are  usually 
darkened  by  slight  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  The  structure  of  both 
soil  and  subsoil  is  very  loose  and  porous.  The  presence  of  coarse,  clean  quartz 
materia]  in  places  imparts  to  the  type  a  lighter  color.  The  type  is  of  glacial 
origin.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  quite  hilly,  and  drainage 
is  excessive.  As  a  whole  the  type  is  of  low  agricultural  value,  and  very  few 
attempts  have  been  made  to  cultivate  it. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1,536 

•  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY  SAND  PHASE. 

The  loamy  sands  of  this  province  occur  in  two  of  the  more  important  soil 
They  are  found  in  regions  differing  somewhat  in  rainfall  and  are 
affected  by  wide  variations  in  character  of  the  substratum.  The  forest  cover 
reflects  these  different  conditions.  The  soils  are  loose,  porous,  and  leachy,  exces- 
sively drained,  and  deficient  in  power  to  retain  moisture.  The  topography 
usually  favors  agriculture,  and  one  of  the  types  is  so  sparsely  timbered  that  it 
can  be  prepared  for  cultivation  without  great  expense.  It  is,  however,  under- 
lain by  a  coarse,  porous  substratum,  consisting  mainly  of  gravel  and  bowlders. 
The  immediate  surface  contains  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter  and  is 
retentive  of  moisture,  and  in  favorable  seasons  fair  crops  of  small  grains  are 
obtained.  The  clearing  of  forested  areas  is  much  more  expensive,  but  drainage 
is  not  usually  excessive,  and  the  soils  are  fairly  well  adapted.  Ullder  intensive 
cultivation,  to  early  tree  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables.  The  prairie  soils 
of  more  porous  character  are  adapted  to  the  same  crops  where  capable  of  irri- 
gation. 

The  loamy  sands  require  only  a  light  farming  equipment  when  placed  under 

cultivation.     They  are  not  adapted  to  the  general   farm  crops  and   are  most 

and  economically  utilized  in  small,  intensively  cultivated  tracts.    In 

agl  [cultural  value  they  arc  slightly  superior  to  the  gravelly  loamy  sand  and  the 

<    sand  of  the  province.     They  may  be  used  for  pasture  where  not  devoted 

to  cultivation. 

fix  ret/  loamy  sand. — The  BOil  consists  of  B  blown  light  sandy  loam  or  loamy 
from   18  to  15  inches  deep.     The  sand   varies   from   medium   to  tint*  with  a 

ounded  gravel  on  the  Burface  and  mixed  with  the  soil.    The  subsoil  consists 

Of  a    gray    I  ght    Bandy    loam    or    loamy   sand,    also  carrying   small   amounts   of 

rounded  grav<  i.    Pockets  or  thin  strata  of  fine  sand,  coarse  sand,  or  gravel  often 

occur  in  the  deeper  subsoil.    The  sop   material  is  derived  from  glacial  drift 

or  drift  that  has  been  reworked  to  some  extent.    The  type  occupies  gently  roil 

plands  and  occurs  as  a  narrow  st  rip  along  the  hillsides  bordering  the  larger 

•    valleys.    The  natural  drainage  is  excessive  and  very  intensive  methods 

i  t  .  nltivation  are  accessary  to  conserve  enough  moisture  for  the  growing  crops. 

When   the  more  level   areas  are  cultivated   Intensively   fair  yields  of  fruits. 

[>otat6efl  and  vegetables  are  obtained. 

Spanawdy  loamy  sand.    The  type  consists  of  a   loose  and  Incoherent   black 

,.<i.  from  -i  to  86  Inches  deep,  underlain  to  a  depth  of  several  feet  by 

U  gray  medium-textured  sand.    The  dark  color  and  loamy  appear 

;,!,,,  ,i  the  soil  are  due  to  the  presence  of  a  large  amount  of*humu&    Gravel  In 

Bmall   amounts   le    f<  und   In  both  soil  and   SUbSOil,  while  small   areas  of  a   rather 


PACIFIC    COAST   EEGIOX. 


605 


coarse  sandy  loam  are  not  uncommon.  This  soil  material  is  derived  from 
extensive  deposits  of  sand  laid  down  by  glacial  waters.  The  topography  is 
generally  level  and  drainage  well  established.  The  type  is  easily  cultivated 
under  a  wide  range  of  moisture  conditions,  but,  owing  to  the  porous  structure 
of  both  soil  and  subsoil,  crops  are  likely  to  suffer  from  drought.  However,  in 
favorable  seasons  and  with  intensive  methods  of  cultivation  fair  yields  of  oats, 
hay,  rye,  barley,  and  wheat  are  secured.  Under  irrigation  the  soil  should  be 
well  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  small  fruits,  orchard  fruits,  and  vegetables. 
The  type  is  practically  treeless. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Everett  loamy  sand 

Washington  4,  5  7 

Washington  5.. 

155, 456 
4,864 

Total 

100,320 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Gboup. 
loamy  fine  sand  phase. 

But  one  loamy  fine  sand  has  so  far  been  encountered  in  the  Glacial  province! 
of  the  Pacific  Coast  region.  This  soil  is  porous  and  leachy,  with  a  gravelly 
subsoil,  and  is  unable  to  conserve  moisture  during  periods  of  drought,  though 
this  condition  is  somewhat  alleviated  by  a  high  organic-matter  content  in  the 
immediate  surface.  The  forest  growth  is  sparse  or  entirely  lacking,  and  the  type 
is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  grain  and  hay  crops.  The  general  farm 
crops  do  not  thrive  except  in  favorable  seasons  and  under  careful  methods  of 
management.  Where  capable  of  irrigation,  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  early 
tree  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables,  though  cultivation  along  this  line  has 
not  yet  developed  to  any  extent.  In  crop  adaptation  the  type  approaches  the 
loamy  sand  of  the  same  series,  to  which  it  is  slightly  superior  in  moisture- 
retaining  properties  under  intensive  cultivation. 

Spanaway  loamy  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  3  to  5  feet  or  more  of  black, 
loamy  fine  sand,  resting  upon  a  light-brown  to  gray  fine  sand  which  extends  to 
a  depth  of  many  feet.  Silt  and  clay  are  present  in  small  quantities,  the  loamy 
appearance  and  dark  color  being  largely  due  to  the  presence  of  organic  matter. 
The  type  is  derived  from  glacial  out  wash.  The  topography  is  comparatively 
level  and  broken  by  low  ridges,  gentle  swells,  and  shallow  depressions.  As 
both  soil  and  subsoil  are  quite  porous,  the  drainage  is  inclined  to  be  excessive. 
Under  intensive  methods  of  cultivation  small  grains  and  vegetables  are  grown 
with  good  results.  Under  irrigation  this  would  be  an  excellent  soi!  for  fruit, 
truck,  and  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Wishinpton  5 

9,984 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
BANDY    LOAM    GROUP. 

The  sandy  loams  of  the  Glacial  province  have  been  recognized  in  two  soil 
series.     Surface  drainage   is   well   established    and   the   topography    is   usually 
favorable  to  agriculture.     The  underlying  material  is  of  porous,  open  s(tu 
and  underdrainage  is  generally  excessive.    The  soil  is  not  retentive  of  moisture, 
except  under  thorough  and  effective  cultivation. 

Field  peas,  clover,   and   timothy   are   grown   to  a    Limited   eztenl    upoo    these 
soils.     The  general  farm  crops  do  not  as  a  rule  do  well.     The  types  are  heavily 


606  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

forested,  and  the  cost  of  clearing  the  land  of  stumps  and  undergrowth  is  often 
excessive.     The  cultivated  areas  are  of  relatively  small  extent. 

Under  intensive  methods  of  cultivation  designed  to  conserve  moisture  and 
the  intelligent  use  of  green  manures  the  sandy  loams  of  the  province  are  well 
adapted  to  the  production  of  potatoes  and  of  bramble  fruits,  tree  fruits,  and 
early  truck  crops,  and  will  be  most  economically  utilized  for  such  purposes  in 
small  tracts.  When  once  cleared  and  placed  under  cultivation  only  a  light 
farming  equipment  is  required. 

They  are  adapted  to  the  same  general  type  of  farming  as  the  soils  of  the 
loamy  sand  and  loamy  fine  sand  phases  of  the  sand  and  fine  sand  groups,  but 
are  somewhat  more  retentive  of  moisture  and  of  slightly  superior  agricultural 
possibilities. 

Everett  sandy  loam.— The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  sandy  loam  about  15 
inches  deep,  containing  considerable  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  3G 
inches,  varies  from  a  light  sandy  loam  to  loose  gray  sand  of  varying  grades 
and  containing  a  considerable  proportion  of  fine  and  coarse  gravel.  The  type 
is  derived  from  glacial  drift  or  the  same  material  modified  by  water  action. 
The  topography  is  rolling,  forming  more  or  less  extensive  upland  plateaus. 
Owing  to  the  porous  character  of  soil  and  subsoil,  the  natural  drainage  is 
excessive.  Only  a  limited  acreage  is  under  cultivation,  though  the  greater  part 
has  been  logged.  Small  areas  are  intensively  cultivated  to  potatoes,  tree  fruits, 
and  small  fruits,  which  do  fairly  well.  The  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  general 
fa  rming. 

Lynden  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  12  to  15  inches  consists 
of  a  gray  to  light-brown  sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand,  which  is  underlain  by  a 
gray  loamy  sand,  more  or  less  distinctly  stratified  and  often  containing  an 
appreciable  amount  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  The  sandy  deposit  which 
forms  the  subsoil  usually  becomes  coarser  in  texture  with  depth,  although 
small  pockets  of  finer-textured  sand  or  fine  gravel  are  often  encountered.  The 
sandy  deposits  from  which  this  soil  is  derived  were  laid  down  by  glacial  floods 
during  the  period  when  the  broad  valleys  usually  occupied  by  the  type  served 
as  an  outlet  for  the  waters  of  the  melting  ice.  The  topography  varies  from 
nearly  level  to  gently  rolling,  with  low,  rounded  ridges  and  knolls  which  slope 
gently  toward  the  intervening  level  areas.  Drainage  is  well  established,  and 
unless  carefully  cultivated  crops  are  apt  to  suffer  from  lack  of  sufficient  mois- 
ture. The  soil  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  timber.  Under  proper  methods  for 
conserving  the  soil  moisture  crops  do  fairly  well,  but  yields  are  not  so  large  as 
those  obtained  on  the  heavier  silty  soils.  Early  vegetables,  field  and  garden 
peas,  clover,  timothy,  and  Irish  potatoes  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  and  when 
properly  cultivated  give  fair  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acrea. 

51,776 

18,432 

Total 

70,208 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733- 
STONY  SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 

Rut  mm-  type  ii;is  been  mapped  so  far  In  this  phase  group  In  this  province 

■  oast   region.     The  stone  consists  of  glacial  cobbles  and  bowlders. 

graphy  is  steep  and  broken  and  unfavorable  to  agriculture.    A  heavy 

covers  the  areas,  except  where  the  land  has  been  Logged  off  <»r 

The  stone  <(intent   is  nsn.-iHy  sufficient  to  Impede  tillage  and  to 

>st  of  clearing  and  preparing  the  land  for  cultivation.    The  soil 

type  drained,  droughty,  and  is  not  adapted  to  genera]  farming. 

attempts  baye  been  made  at  cultivation. 

in  agricultural  value  and  utilisation  the  type  is  Inferior  to  the  normal  mem- 

ndy  Loam  group  and  more  like  the  lighter  phases  of  soils  of  the 

l'k  up.     Under  Intensive  cultivation  small  areas  may  be  used  for  fruits 

and  -  ■  •  bles  i  ad  other  tracts  for  pasture. 


PACIFIC   COAST  EEGION.  607 

Everett  stony  sandy  loam. — This  soil  consists  of  a  brown  gravelly  sandy 
loam  12  inches  deep,  containing  glacial  bowlders  ranging  in  size  from  2  to  3 
feet  in  diameter.  These  are  strewn  over  the  surface  and  distributed  through- 
out the  soil  section.  The  subsoil  is  composed  of  40  to  80  per  cent  of  rounded 
glacial  rocks,  the  interstitial  material  consisting  of  a  gray  gravelly  sand  or 
gravelly  sandy  loam.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  or  gently  roll- 
ing on  the  bench  lands  or  plateaus  to  steep  and  precipitous  on  the  slopes  bor- 
dering the  larger  stream  valleys.  The  rolling  topography  and  porous  character 
of  the  subsoil  make  drainage  excessive.  The  soil  is  derived  from  glacial  drift 
or  modified  drift,  from  which  the  waters  of  the  melting  ice  have  washed  a 
large  proportion  of  the  finer  material.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  covered 
with  a  dense  growth  of  fir  and  underbrush.  Very  few  attempts  have  been  made 
at  cultivation,  although  some  of  the  less  stony  and  more  level  areas  might  be 
used  for  pasture  and  fruit  growing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

71,872 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loams  vary  widely  in  topography,  gravel  content,  and 
character  of  underlying  material. 

One  of  the  members  is  characterized  by  a  coarse,  porous  substratum  of 
gravels  and  bowlders  and  occupies  gently  undulating  or  level,  sparsely  tim- 
bered or  treeless  prairies.  It  is  droughty  and  not  adapted  to  farming,  except 
with  frequent  and  copious  irrigation.  It  can  be  utilized  in  its  natural  condition 
for  pasture  only  during  the  winter  months. 

The  other  members  are  underlain  by  a  less  porous  substratum,  but  are  of 
loose  structure,  contain  a  large  amount  of  gravel,  are  deficient  in  power  to 
retain  moisture,  and  are  not  adapted  to  general  farming.  The  topography  is 
sometimes  rough  and  unfavorable  to  cultivation. 

Under  intensive  cultivation  the  soils  having  the  more  compact  substratum  are 
adapted  to  the  culture  of  strawberries,  brambleberries.  potatoes,  and  early 
tree  fruits  and  vegetables  and  are  profitably  utilized  to  some  extent  for  these 
products.  The  gravelly  sandy  loams  have,  however,  as  yet  been  mapped  to 
only  a  small  extent.  The  cost  of  clearing  the  heavily  timbered  areas  is  exces- 
sive, but  when  placed  under  cultivation  the  soil  requires  only  light  farming 
equipment  and  can  be  effectively  utilized  in  small,  intensively  cultivated  tracts. 

The  gravel  content  renders  the  soils  more  porous  and  less  retentive  of  mois- 
ture than  the  sandy  loams,  and  they  are  thus  less  satisfactory  for  the  produc- 
tion of  any  but  the  more  intensively  cultivated  crops. 

Everett  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  sandy  loam,  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  rounded  gravel  rang- 
ing in  size  from  small  particles  up  to  fragments  4  to  6  inches  in  diameter.  It 
also  contains  a  considerable  quantity  of  small,  rounded  iron  pellets,  many  of 
which  are  soft  enough  to  crush  between  the  fingers.  These  pellets  have  given 
rise  to  the  local  name  of  "  shot  clay  land."  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  mass  of 
glacial  gravel  embedded  in  a  medium  to  coarse,  gray  sandy  loam.  The  topogra- 
phy is  gently  rolling  to  rolling,  becoming  rough  and  broken  in  places  near  the 
foothills.  The  rolling  topography  and  porosity  of  the  subsoil  make  drainage 
excessive  after  the  timber  and  the  deep  covering  of  forest  litter  have  been 
removed,  and  very  careful  cultivation  is  necessary  to  conserve  enough  moisture 
for  the  successful  growing  of  crops.  The  soil  is  not  adapted  to  general  farming, 
but  must  be  utilized  for  the  intensive  cultivation  of  such  crops  as  will  give 
large  returns  from  a  small  acreage.  Potatoes  and  small  fruits,  especially  straw- 
berries, have  proved  profitable.    When  properly  cared  for.  orchards  also  do  well. 

Spanaway  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black 
medium  sandy  loam  about  12  inches  deep,  carrying  a  considerable  quantity  of 
gravel  and  small,  rounded  bowlders.  The  organic-matter  content  is  high,  giving 
the  surface  soil  a  somewhat  silty  texture.  When  cultivated  the  surface  be- 
comes lighter  in  color,  often  being  a  light  brown.     The  subsoil  consists  chiefly 


608 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


of  rounded,  water-worn  rocks  of  all  sizes  up  to  8  or  10  inches  in  diameter.  It 
contains  small  quantities  of  coarse  sands  and  fine  gravel,  but  as  a  whole  this 
type  is  characterized  by  the  almost  total  absence  of  any  fine  material  below 
the  surface  18  inches.  The  soil  occupies  a  broad,  level  to  gently  undulating 
plain,  the  most  striking  topographic  features  being  the  low,  rounded  mounds, 
shallow  basins,  and  low  terraces  which  form  flat-topped  embankments  from  1 
to  20  feet  high.  The  coarse,  porous  character  of  the  subsoil  causes  the  natural 
drainage  to  be  excessive,  and  it  is  only  during  the  winter  months  when  frequent 
rains  occur  that  this  soil  retains  sufficient  moisture  to  keep  the  grasses  and 
small  vegetables  in  a  green  and  growing  condition.  The  soil  is  derived  from 
the  waters  of  melting  glaciers,  the  swift  currents  having  washed  out  nearly  all 
of  the  finer  material  from  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  either  treeless  or  supports  a 
very  sparse  and  stunted  growth  of  timber. 

Few  attempts  have  been  made  at  cultivation,  the  returns  being  insufficient 
to  justify  the  expenditure  of  the  time  and  labor  necessary  to  produce  a  crop. 
Lack  of  sufficient  moisture  proves  an  effective  bar  to  agriculture,  except  where 
irrigation  waters  are  available.  During  the  winter  months  it  supports  a  fair 
growth  of  native  grasses  and  is  utilized  for  pasture  land  for  sheep  and  other 
live  stock. 

Townsend  gravelly  sandy  loam-. — The  soil  consists  of  10  to  12  inches  of  a 
black,  fine  sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand  with  a  content  of  organic  matter  large 
enough  to  give  it  the  appearance  of  a  loam.  The  subsoil  to  an  average  depth 
of  3  feet  is  also  a  black  fine  sandy  loam  or  sandy  loam,  slightly  more  sandy 
than  the  soil  and  having  a  lower  organic  matter  content.  At  2  to  4  feet  the 
material  changes  abruptly  into  light  colored,  compact,  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
When  dry  the  subsoil  may  be  broken  down  into  a  white  powdery  material,  but 
in  its  original  position  or  when  saturated  with  water  it  is  very  impervious. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  mixed  with  stones  and  small  glacial  gravel.  The 
type  is  of  small  agricultural  importance. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

1,351,296 
189,440 

Washington  4,  5, 7 

Washington  5 

2,560 

Total 

1,543,296 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 


COARSE   SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  coarse  sandy  loams  are  of  local  occurrence  and  small  extent  and  have 
been  recognized  in  two  soil  series,  each  of  which  is  represented  only  by  the 
coarse  sandy  loam  member.  The  surface  material  contains  a  large  quantity  of 
Organic  matter,  which  offsets  somewhat  the  effect  of  coarse  texture  and  porous 

structure,  and  improves  the  moisture-retaining  powers  of  the  soil. 

The    soils    are,    however,    excessively    drained.     The    topography    is    usually 

favorable  to  cultivation,     in  areas  of  less  leachy  ami   porous  snhsoiis  early 
tree  fruits,  small  fruits,  potatoes,  and  early  vegetables  arc  successfully  grown. 

The  remaining  areas  of  the  types  are  devoted   to  pasture. 

The  coarse  sandy  loams  of  the  Glacial  province  arc  of  comparatively  little 
Importance  in  the  Pacific  Coast  region.  They  are  best  adapted  to  Intensive 
agriculture,  and  require  only  a  light  farming  equipment  in  cultivation. 

DttUOS  CO€kr8€  sandy  loam.      The  soil  Consists  Of  B   dark  In-own  to  black,  coarse 

sandy  loam,  about   12  Inches  deep,  with  a  high  content  of  organic  matter,    a 
few  rounded  glacial  gravels  and  bowlders  are  sometimes  found  embedded  in  the 

soil  or  scattered  over  the  surface.    The  subsoil  is  encountered  :,t  depths  ranging 

from    12  Pi  86  Inches,  and   consists  of  I   compact   mass  of  loamy  sand  and  small 

gravel    The   type   is  derived   from    thin   glacial    till,  with   an   admixture  of 
residual  material  from  a  substratum  of  metamorphic  rocks,    it  occupies  narrow 

benches  or   small    plateaus   found   at    the   hase  of  some  of   the    blgher   hills  and 
ridges.      The    limited    BCNftge    'iiidcr      nit 'nation    produce^    very    profitable   yields 

null  fruits,  potatoes,  and  vegetables      Phe  small  orchards  located  on  this 
type  do  exceedingly  well. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


609 


San  Juan  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  15  to  20  inches 
consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black,  coarse  sandy  loam,  well  supplied  with 
organic  matter.  In  many  places  a  considerable  amount  of  coarse  sand  and 
fine  gravel  is  found  in  the  surface  soil,  but  the  relatively  large  proportion  of 
organic  matter  present  gives  it,  as  a  whole,  a  fine  loamy  texture.  Glacial 
bowlders  are  often  found  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  coarser 
in  texture  and  contains  much  less  organic  matter  than  the  surface  soil.  It 
consists  of  a  mass  of  gravel  and  small,  rounded  bowlders,  embedded  in  a  de- 
posit of  light-brown  to  gray  loamy  sand  of  medium  to  coarse  texture.  The  type 
is  treeless,  but  supports  a  fair  growth  of  grasses  and  is  utilized  principally  for 
pasture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  5 

1,280 

do 

768 

Total 

2,048 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 


The  fine  sandy  loams  are  of  extensive  occurrence.  They  have  been  recognized 
in  a  number  of  soil  series  and  constitute  one  of  the  more  important  soil  groups 
of  the  Glacial  province. 

The  topography  is  not  usually  favorable  to  cultivation.  Drainage,  as  a  rule, 
is  thorough  and  sometimes  excessive.  Some  of  the  members  of  the  group  have 
been  developed  for  farming  to  a  considerable  extent;  others  are  largely  in 
forest  or  in  a  logged-off  state,  and  used  only  for  pasture  or  cultivated  in  small, 
cleared  areas.  The  soil  is  friable  under  cultivation,  and  when  once  cleared 
requires  only  a  light  farming  equipment,  but  the  heavy  forest  growth  makes 
clearing  very  expensive. 

The  purposes  for  which  the  soils  are  most  suitable  are  governed  largely  by 
the  character  of  the  subsoil  or  substratum. 

Where  this  is  of  loose,  porous,  leachy  character  the  soils  are  usually  deficient 
in  power  to  hold  moisture,  and  crops  suffer  during  summer  droughts.  Potatoes 
and  early  truck,  tree  fruits,  and  small  fruits,  as  a  rule,  can  be  successfully 
grown  by  means  of  intensive  cultivation,  and  in  favorable  seasons  moderate 
yields  of  grains  may  be  obtained.  Such  areas  are  not,  however,  adapted  to 
general  farm  crops  and  are  best  suited  to  intensive  agriculture. 

In  the  districts  of  less  porous  subsoils  the  fine  sandy  loams  are  well  adapted 
to  timothy,  clover,  oats,  field  peas,  potatoes,  and  dairying,  as  well  as  to  the 
more  intensively  cultivated  fruits  and  vegetables. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  superior  to  those  of  the  sandy  loam  group  and  its 
phases  for  general  farming  purposes  and  for  most  of  the  special  products  of 
small,  intensively  farmed  tracts. 

Clallam  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray,  loose  fine  sandy  loam, 
about  12  inches  deep.  The  surface  2  or  3  inches  contains  considerable  organic 
matter  which  imparts  a  darker  color  than  that  found  in  the  lower  depths.  The 
subsoil,  to  20  inches,  is  a  gray,  slightly  mottled  fine  sandy  loam,  with  a  high 
content  of  clay  and  silt,  resting  upon  a  yellowish-gray  silty  clay  loam  mottled 
with  iron  stains.  In  places  iron  pellets  and  glacial  gravel  are  found  in  the  soil. 
The  type  is  of  glacial  origin.  It  is  generally  level  to  gently  rolling,  though  all 
of  it  has  sufficient  slope  to  insure  good  surface  drainage.  It  is  well  adapted  to 
truck,  fruit,  blackberries,  dewberries,  strawberries,  hay,  and  small  grains. 

Everett  fine  sandy  loam, — The  soil  consists  of  18  to  24  inches  of  light-brown 
to  brown  loamy  tine  sand,  carrying  considerable  amounts  of  small,  reddish- 
brown  iron  pellets.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  gray  fine  sand  or  loamy 
fine  sand,  sometimes  of  rather  compact  structure.  Along  the  streams  both 
soil  and  subsoil  are  usually  of  a  considerably  coarser  texture  and  somewhat 
looser  structure.  Pockets  and  thin  strata  of  coarse  sand  and  gravel  are  fre- 
quently encountered  below  the  third  foot,  giving  the  deeper  subsoil  a  stratified 

79619—13 39 


610 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


appearance.  The  soil  is  derived  from  deposits  of  glacial  drift  more  or  less, 
stratified  during  the  period  of  decomposition  by  the  action  of  glacial  waters. 
The  topography  varies  from  level  to  rolling.  Rounded  "  kettle  holes "  are  of 
frequent  occurrence  over  parts  of  the  type.  On  account  of  the  topographic 
features  and  rather  porous  nature  of  the  subsoil  the  drainage  is  usually  exces- 
sive, though  not  so  noticeably  so  as  the  coarser  textured  soils  of  the  series. 
The  greater  part  of  the  type  has  been  logged,  but  only  a  small  acreage  is  under 
cultivation.  On  parts  of  the  type  and  under  intensive  methods  of  cultivation 
clover,  hay,  oats,  small  fruits,  peas,  potatoes,  and  other  vegetables  have  been 
grown  with  good  results.     Strawberries  have  also  proven  a  profitable  crop. 

Lynden  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  yellowish- 
brown  fine  sandy  to  silty  loam,  high  in  silt,  and  from  15  to  25  inches  deep.  It 
is  underlain  by  a  lighter-brown  to  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  similar  in  texture  to 
the  surface  soil,  but  with  a  smaller  organic  matter  content.  A  few  gravel  or 
small  bowlders  are  in  places  found  embedded  in  the  soil  or  scattered  over  the 
surface.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  the  type  occupying  the 
upper  stream  terraces  and  lower  bench  lands.  Natural  drainage  is  good,  but 
not  excessive,  except  on  some  of  the  slopes  bordering  the  stream  valleys.  The 
soil  represents  an  intermediate  type  between  the  Lynden  sandy  loam  and  the 
surrounding  heavier  and  silty  upland  soils  of  glacial  till.  It  is  derived  from 
the  fine  sand  and  silty  sediments  deposited  by  glacial  waters.  The  type  sup- 
ports a  heavy  growth  of  timber  and  a  dense  undergrowth  of  ferns  and  other 
native  vegetation.  Oats,  clover,  timothy,  vegetables,  field  peas,  Irish  potatoes, 
and  fruits  are  successfully  grown. 

Spanaway  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black  fine 
sandy  loam,  about  12  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter 
and  in  some  places  a  small  quantity  of  gravel.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  sev- 
eral feet  is  a  grayish-brown,  slightly  loamy  medium  sand,  becoming  somewhat 
coarser  in  texture  and  lighter  in  color  with  depth.  The  topography  is  com- 
paratively level  and  broken  only  by  a  few  low  mounds  and  ridges.  Natural 
drainage  is  excessive  and  crops  are  apt  to  suffer  from  drought.  The  type  is 
derived  from  deposits  of  sand  laid  down  as  sandbars  or  deltas  by  swift  glacial 
streams  emptying  into  the  quiet  waters  which  covered  parts  of  the  region  during 
the  glacial  period.  The  greater  part  of  this  type  is  treeless,  but  a  few  small 
areas  occur  which  support  a  sparse  growth  of  timber.  A  large  proportion  of 
it  is  under  cultivation.  With  proper  methods  for  conserving  the  soil  moisture 
fair  yields  of  the  various  crops  grown  are  obtained,  especially  during  a  wet 
season.  Oats  yield  from  18  to  20  bushels  and  wheat  from  8  to  10  bushels  per 
acre.  Potatoes,  truck,  and  fruit  are  grown  to  some  extent,  and  do  fairly  well 
when  properly  cultivated. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Aeres. 


Everett  fine  sandy  loam. . . 
Lynden  fine  sandy  loam . . . 
Clallam  fine  sandy  loam — 
Spanaway  fine  sandy  loam . 


Washington  5 
Washington  4. 
Washington  6. 

Washington  4. 


Total . 


72,960 
19,904 
4,096 
3,712 


100,672 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
8RAVELLY    FINE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


lint  one  gravelly  line  sandy  loam  type  has  been  mapped  so  far  in  this  prov- 
ince. It  covers,  however,  extensive  areas.  It  differs  essentially  from  the  fine 
sandy  loam  member  of  the  same  series  in  the  greater  content  of  gravelly 
material. 

Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  has  been  utilized  for  agriculture.  Most 
of  the  area  covered  can  only  be  cleared  of  timber  and  stumps  at  great  exi>ense, 
and  ;i  considerable  proportion  <>f  the  Land  is  of  rough,  broken  topography  and 
unsultod  to  farming.  Where  cultivated  the  soil  is  friable,  and  does  not  require 
expensive  or  heavy  Canning  equipment  when  once  cleared.  Oats,  hay  crops, 
potatoes,  and  fruits  are  the  principal  products. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  611 

The  gravel  content  renders  the  soil  of  somewhat  more  porous  character  and 
less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  fine  sandy  loams.  Where  recognized  the 
type  is  underlain  by  a  comparatively  compact  subsoil,  is  retentive  of  moisture, 
and  subject  to  a  somewhat  heavier  rainfall  and  to  a  less  rapid  loss  of  moisture 
through  evaporation  than  is  usually  the  case  in  the  fine  sandy  loams.  Climatic 
conditions  favor  the  growth  of  native  grasses,  oats,  and  hay  crops,  and  are 
well  suited  to  dairying. 

In  relation  to  type  of  farming  to  which  it  is  suited,  the  phase  does  not  depart 
essentially  from  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series. 

Clallam  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  fine  sandy 
loam,  from  8  to  10  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  amount  of  glacial  gravel  mixed 
with  many  small,  reddish-brown  iron  concretions.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter- 
colored  silty  fine  sandy  loam,  nearly  white  when  wet.  Glacial  gravel  and  iron 
pellets  occur  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  soil  covers  a  large  proportion  of  the 
area  lying  between  the  Olympic  Mountains  and  the  Straits  of  Juan  de  Fuca. 
It  is  derived  from  glacial  drift  material.  The  topography  ranges  from  nearly 
level  to  rough  and  broken.  Drainage  is  usually  thorough  and  somewhat  exces- 
sive over  the  rougher  areas.  Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  is  under  culti- 
vation. Much  of  it  has  been  logged  off,  "-although  considerable  areas  of  timber 
remain.  The  soil  is  easily  worked  and  holds  moisture  well  if  properly  culti- 
vated. The  chief  crops  grown  are  hay,  oats,  and  small  quantities  of  potatoes 
and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Clallam  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam Washington  5 


96,25« 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
VERY   FINE    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

Types  of  this  phase  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  have  been  recognized  only 
under  one  soil  series.  The  soil  differs  from  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  same 
series  in  the  higher  content  of  silty  or  very  fine  sandy  material  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil  and  in  the  more  compact  and  less  pervious  structure  of  the  latter. 
The  topography  is  comparatively  flat  or  gently  rolling.  Surface  drainage  is 
fairly  well  established,  although  some  local  depressions  of  deficient  drainage 
occur.  Underdrainage  is  also  rather  deficient  in  spots,  owing  to  the  heavy, 
compact  subsoil. 

Only  inextensive  areas  are  at  present  utilized  for  farming  purposes.  The 
soil  is  forested,  and  clearing  and  preparing  the  land  for  cultivation  is  rather 
costly. 

Owing  to  its  finer  texture  and  less  porous  structure  the  soil  is  more  retentive 
of  moisture  than  the  fine  sandy  loams  and  gravelly  fine  sandy  loams  and  is 
better  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  oats,  clover,  timothy,  field 
peas.  etc.  The  better  drained  areas  are  well  suited  to  the  production  of  vege- 
tables, apples,  brambleberries.  plums,  and  other  fruits.  Early  truck  and  fruit 
crops  do  better  in  the  soils  of  lighter  texture. 

The  soil  is  rarher  sticky  when  wet  and  is  less  easily  maintained  in  a  mellow, 
friable  condition  than  the  soils  of  the  province  previously  described,  except 
under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage.  It  requires  a  moderately  heavy  farm- 
ing equipment  and  rather  careful  management. 

In  general  relation  to  cultural  practice  and  adaptation  to  crops  it  is  allied 
more  closely  with  the  silt  loams  than  with  the  members  of  the  fine  sandy  loam 
group. 

Clallam  very  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  12  to  20  inches  of  a  gray 
to  very  light  brown,  silty  fine  sandy  loam,  the  average  depth  being  about  15 
inches.  The  subsoil  varies  from  a  gray  silty  fine  sandy  loam  of  somewhat 
heavier  texture  than  the  soil,  to  a  gray  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  Yellowish- 
brown  iron  stains  are  of  common  occurrence  below  the  second  foot,  producing 
a  mottled  appearance.  A  number  of  areas  are  found  where  the  high  silt  content 
renders  the  soil  sticky  and  adhesive  when  wet,  the  material  resembling  a  light 
silt  loam.     The  soil  is  of  glacial  origin.     The  type  occurs  as  level  to  gently 


612  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

rolling  flats  or  plateaus  and  has  fairly  good  drainage,  though  some  areas  could 
be  improved  by  the  use  of  tile.  Very  little  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation. 
When  properly  handled  oats,  clovers,  peas  and  vegetables,  apples,  plums,  and 
berries  should  prove  profitable  crops.  Under  irrigation  alfalfa  and  other  crops 
should  do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

Clallam  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Washington  5 

11,520 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  loam  group  are  not  as  extensive  as  those  occurring  under 
the  fine  sandy  loam  group  or  some  of  the  phases  of  the  sandy  loam  soils. 

The  virgin  tracts  support  a  heavy  forest  growth,  which  in  some  cases  has 
been  logged  off  or  burned  over.  The  cost  of  clearing:  even  areas  from  which 
the  merchantable  timber  has  been  cut  is  high.  The  topography  is  usually 
favorable  to  the  practice  of  agriculture.  Surface  drainage  of  the  larger  areas 
is  well  established,  although  deficient  in  some  of  the  less  extensive  members  of 
the  group. 

The  soil  material  is  friable  under  cultivation,  except  in  local  areas  of  deficient 
drainage,  the  soils  being  readily  maintained  in  good  tilth  and  retentive  of  mois- 
ture. The  subsoils  are  of  rather  fine  texture  and  of  more  compact  structure 
than  the  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  and  fine  sandy  loam  groups. 

When  cleared  the  soils  of  this  group  require  only  a  moderately  heavy  farm- 
ing equipment  and  constitute  one  of  the  more  promising  groups  of  the  Glacial 
province.  They  are  well  suited  to  general  farming,  and  under  favorable  con- 
ditions as  to  markets  and  transportation  can  be  profitably  utilized  in  small 
tracts  for  the  production  of  intensively  cultivated  crops.  Potatoes,  bramble 
and  late  tree  fruits,  hops,  and  the  later  staple  vegetables  can  be  successfully 
grown,  while  oats,  clover,  timothy  hay,  field  peas,  and  forage  crops  give  good 
yields.    Dairying  can  also  be  practiced  over  suitable  areas. 

They  are  in  general  adapted  to  a  somewhat  heavier  grade  of  general  farming 
than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group.  While  the  soils  are  not  so  well 
adapted  to  early  fruit  or  vegetable  products  as  the  soils  of  lighter  texture, 
yields  of  later-maturing  crops  are  larger  and  more  certain. 

Buckley  loam. — The  soil  varies  in  depth  from  8  to  12  inches  and  consists  of 
a  silly  loam  to  a  loam,  dark  brown  to  black  in  color  as  the  result  of  the  accumu- 
lation of  organic  matter.  A  small  amount  of  coarse  sand  or  fine  gravel  is 
occasionally  found  in  the  soil,  but  not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  influence  the 
lev  lure.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark  or  Muisli-gray.  impervious  loam  mottled  with 
yellow  or  brown  iron  stains,  and  containing  considerable  coarse  sand  and  fine 
gravel  mixed  with  more  or  less  angular  and  subjugular  rock  fragments  and 
small  glacial  bowlders.  The  soil  is  derived  from  deposits  of  glacial  till.  The 
uncleared  land  supi>orts  a  heavy  growth  of  fir.  cedar,  spru.e.  and  alder,  and  a 
dense  undergrowth  of  other  vegetation.  The  type  occupies  extensive  flat  or 
very  gently  undulating  areas,  frequently  bordered  v.y  steep  slopes  or  bluffs. 

Occurring  as  bench  lands  or  almost    level   upland   plateaus.     Owing  to   the  level 

topography  and  Impervious  nature  of  the  subsoil,  the  natural  drainage  is  poor. 
;ill,i  ditching  or  tiling  is  usually  necessary  on  the  cultivated  land.  Where 
properly  drained  tic  soil  becomes  Hgh1  and  friable  and  is  easily  cultivated,    it 

is  well  adapted  to  hops,  clover,  timothy,  oats,  potatoes,  small  fruits,  and  late 
tree  fruits. 

I'rcntt    loam.     The  soil    consists  of  a    -myish-brown   to   llghl    reddish   brown 
heavy    Loam    or    silt v    loam    about     12    inches    deep.      The    Surface    when    wet    is 

dark  gray,  hut  when  dry  :issumos  ,-i  light  ashy  -ray  appearance.    The  subsoil  is  a 

llght-drah   to  gray,   heavy,   silly   loam,  lighter  ID  color  than   the  soil.      Strata   of 

lighter  textured,  sandier  material  are  often  found  in  the  subsoil.  The  soil 
contains  verv  few  lx.widers  or  gravel.  The  topography  is  rolling.  The  type 
occupies  the  gentle  sIoim-s  which  form  the  foothills  of  the  mountainous  region, 
although  comparatively  level  areas  occur  at  Intervals  on  the  higher  lands  ami 

plateaus       Drainage  is  good,   but    not    excessive   like   that    of   the  other  soils  of 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


613 


the  series.  Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  to  timothy 
and  clover,  fruits,  potatoes,  and  vegetables,  the  greater  part  being  covered  by  a 
heavy  growth  of  timber. 

Orting  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-drab  to  dark-brown  sticky  loam, 
from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  containing  sand  and  small  gravel.  The  organic 
matter  content  is  high,  and  in  some  of  the  shallow  depressions  the  surface  has 
many  of  the  characteristics  of  Muck.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown 
sandy  loam  or  loam  from  8  to  12  inches  deep,  slightly  mottled  with  yellow, 
carrying  coarse  to  medium  sand,  gravel,  small  rock  fragments,  and  glacial 
bowlders.  It  contains  enough  silt  and  clay  to  make  it  decidedly  sticky  when 
wet.  In  position  and  surface  indications  the  type  resembles  the  more  recent 
alluvial  deposits,  although  the  intermixture  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  material 
indicates  glacial  origin  of  the  soil  material.  The  lack  of  stratification  and 
the  assortment  of  the  soil  particles  point  clearly  to  an  absence  of  modification 
by  the  assorting  action  of  waters.  The  surface  topography  varies  from  level 
to  gently  undulating.  The  type  occupies  broad,  comparatively  level  valleys 
almost  surrounded  by  uplands  and  traversed  by  streams.  Natural  drainage,  as 
a  whole,  is  good,  but  artificial  drainage  is  necessary  in  some  of  the  shallow 
depressions.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of  fir.  spruce,  cedar,  and  alder. 
Hops  do  well  on  this  soil  and  were  once  the  main  crop  grown.  Oats,  potatoes, 
and  hay  are  also  grown  and  produce  very  profitable  yields.  Fruits  and  vege- 
tables do  well. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  4 

27,904 

do 

21,632 

...do 

4,480 

Total 

54, 016 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  loam  of  the  Glacial  province,  recognized  under  only  one  soil  series, 
is  prevailingly  of  rough,  hilly,  or  mountainous  topography  and  for  the  most 
part  unsuitable  to  the  economical  use  of  farm  machinery.  It  is  generally 
heavily  forested,  and  when  cleared  of  timber  the  cost  of  removing  stumps, 
stones,  and  undergrowth,  and  preparing  the  land  for  cultivation  is  high.  Most 
of  the  areas  are  poorly  provided  with  roads  or  transportation  facilities,  and 
the  less  broken  and  more  desirable  areas  are  often  comparatively  inaccessible. 
The  soil  is  of  porous  character,  excessively  drained,  and  subject  to  drought. 

The  type  is  of  minor  agricultural  importance  and  is  best  adapted  to  pasture 
or  left  in  forestry. 

Everett  stony  loam. — The  soil  varies  in  depth  from  10  to  15  inches  and  in 
texture  from  a  light  loam  to  silty  loam.  Gravel  and  small  glacial  bowlders  are 
found  scattered  over  the  surface  and  mixed  with  the  soil,  frequently  in  sufficient 
quantity  to  make  cultivation  difficult.  On  the  more  level  bench  land  the  soil  is 
deeper  and  more  silty  in  texture,  while  on  the  steeper  slopes  it  is  more  sandy 
in  texture  and  contains  a  higher  percentage  of  sand,  rock,  and  gravel.  The 
subsoil  is  a  heavy  sandy  loam  or  loam  containing  a  large  quantity  of  gravel, 
small  stones,  and  bowlders.  The  gravel  in  the  deeper  subsoil  often  occurs  in 
irregular  bands  with  occasional  pockets  of  heavy,  silty  glacial  till  compara- 
tively free  from  stones  or  gravel.  The  topography  is  rough  and  broken,  the 
type  occupying  the  mountainous  regions  forming  the  western  border  of  the 
Cascade  Range.  This  soil  supports  a  dense  growth  of  timber  and  underbrush. 
Its  rough  topography  makes  the  greater  proportion  of  the  type  of  little  or  no 
agricultural  value.  Small,  level  bench  lands  or  plateaus  occur  which  could 
be  used  for  agriculture,  but  they  are  limited  in  extent  and  the  topography  of 
the  surrounding  country  is  so  rough  that  they  are  usually  almost  Inaccessible. 
Where  the  timber  is  removed  and  the  soil  is  cleared  for  agriculture,  the  natural 
drainage  is  excessive  and  both  the  soil  and  the  subsoil  remain  in  a  dry  condition 
during  the  summer  months. 


614  SOILS   OF    THE    UNTIED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.» 

Acres. 

Everett  stony  loam 

622, 208 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY  LOAM  PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam,  like  the  stony  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group,  is  in  this 
province  confined  to  a  single  soil  type. 

It  differs  from  the  stony  loam  in  topography,  which  is  comparatively  level 
to  rolling  and  usually  of  such  a  character  as  to  permit  the  use  of  farm 
machinery.  It  is  more  accessible  and  favorably  located  and  lacks  the  excessive 
content  of  large  cobbles  and  bowlders.  It  contains  a  large  quantity  of  gravel, 
however,  which  is  sometimes  sufficient  to  impede  cultivation.  The  soil  is  well 
drained,  porous,  and  not  retentive  of  moisture  except  where  aided  by  intensive 
cultivation.  Early  tree  fruits,  small  fruits,  potatoes,  and  vegetables  are  the 
most  promising  products. 

The  soil  is  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  and  in  utilization  and  charac- 
ter of  equipment  required  is  related  to  the  soils  one  or  two  grades  lighter  in 
texture  than  the  normal  members  of  the  loam  group. 

Lynden  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  loam  or  silty  loam, 
about  10  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  quantity  of  rounded  glacial  gravel. 
The  material  varies  from  coarse  sand  to  rounded  cobbles  several  inches  in 
diameter,  but  is  principally  medium-sized  gravel,  with  a  few  small  bowlders 
scattered  over  the  surface.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  stratified  mass  of  fine 
and  coarse  gravel  and  small  rounded  cobbles.  The  interstitial  material  con- 
sists of  sand,  varying  In  texture  from  fine  to  coarse,  with  the  coarser  grades 
predominating.  The  gravel  beds  often  occur  in  layers  or  beds  from  2  to  10 
feet  thick,  and  are  sometimes  separated  by  thin  strata  of  sand.  The  topography 
is  generally  rolling,  with  more  or  less  extensive  upland  areas  of  comparatively 
level  platen  us  or  terraces.  The  natural  drainage  of  the  type  is  thorough,  and 
crops  usually  suffer  from  lack  of  moisture  during  the  growing  season.  The 
soil  is  derived  from  the  coarser  glacial  deposits  of  sand  and  gravel,  the  struc- 
ture of  which  seems  to  indicate  that  they  were  laid  down  by  flood  waters  as 
glacial  outwash  material.  The  coarsen-  material  was  later  covered  by  a  very 
shallow  deposit  of  glacial  drift,  which  forms  the  finer  materia]  in  the  surface 
soil.  The  soil  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  the  growing  of  fruits,  and  the  acreage 
devoted  to  orchards  is  increasing.  The  gravelly  texture  of  the  soil  makes  its 
cultivation  difficult,  although  fair  yields  of  potatoes  and  vegetables  have  been 
secured  on  areas  having  a  comparatively  small  amount  of  gravel  in  the  sur- 
face  soil. 

Area  and  dUtribvtion  of  the  gravelly  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Lynden  gravelly  loam Washington  4 


20,998 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

sh.t  Loam  Group. 

The  siii  Loams  are  confined  mainly  to  certain  portions  of  the  area  Included 
within  the  gladaJ  province,  and  Include  some  of  the  most  promising  soils  of 
the  region.    Various  members  of  the  group  have  beeu  developed  to  some  extent 

for  farming,  while  Others  are  :ilrnost  entirely  unutilised.  They  are  usually 
heavily  forested,  and  Clearing  the  land  for  agriculture  even  after  removal  of  the 

merchantable  timber  is  expensive.    The  topography  varies  from  comparatively 

love;  to  rolling,  and  Ls  not  genernUy  so  rough  as  to  render  the  land  unsuitable  to 
cultivation.  Drainage  is  well  established,  although  local  a  reas  of  deficient  drain- 
age  frequently  OOCUr  in  the  majority  of  the  soil  types. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  615 

The  soils  are  usually  rather  sticky  when  wet,  but  under  favorable  conditions 
of  drainage  and  management  are  friable  and  easily  cultivated  with  an  average 
farming  equipment.  The  subsoils  are  predominantly  compact  and  retentive  of 
moisture,  though  in  one  of  the  members  of  the  group  they  are  of  porous  char- 
acter, excessively  drained,  and  subject  to  drought.  Under  favorable  conditions 
of  drainage,  moisture  supply,  and  tillage  they  are  usually  well  adapted  to  gen- 
eral farm  crops  and  dairying,  to  bramble  fruits,  and  the  later  or  heavier  vege- 
tables, such  as  cabbage,  cauliflower,  onions,  and  root  crops.  Tree  fruits,  con- 
sisting of  apples,  plums,  etc..  are  generally  successful  under  favorable  condi- 
tions of  exposure  and  drainage.  Climatic  conditions  are  well  suited  to  dairy- 
ing and  to  the  production  of  oats,  clover,  timothy,  field  peas,  and  other  forage 
crops. 

The  more  porous  and  thoroughly  drained  areas  are  not  so  well  adapted  to 
general  farming  but  are  suitable  for  the  production  of  orchard  crops,  straw- 
berries and  brambleberries,  and  vegetables. 

In  general  type  of  farming  and  of  crops  to  which  the  soils  of  the  silt  loam 
group  are  adapted,  they  compare  quite  closely  with  those  of  the  loam  group. 

Clallam  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  drab  silt  loam  about  10 
inches  deep,  containing  small  amounts  of  sand  and  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil 
to  a  depth  of  36  inches  consists  of  a  gray,  compact  silty  clay  or  silty  clay  loam. 
The  type  is  derived  from  glacial  drift  and  carries  a  few  small  glacial  bowlders 
in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  It  occupies  level  to  gently  rolling  benches  near  the 
base  of  gently  rolling  uplands.  The  natural  drainage  is  generally  good,  though 
the  more  level  areas  would  be  improved  by  the  use  of  tile.  None  of  the  type 
is  cleared.  Under  a  system  of  thorough  cultivation  it  should  be  well  adapted 
to  general  farm  crops. 

Everett  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  12  to  15  inches  of  a  grayish-brown 
to  light-brown  silt  loam  with  a  high  content  of  reddish-brown  iron  concretions. 
The  dry  surface  has  an  ashy-gray  color  which  becomes  light  brown  when 
wet.  In  the  latter  condition  it  is  sometimes  rather  compact  and  contains 
sufficient  clay  to  make  it  sticky.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  gray  silt  loam  or 
silty  clay  loam  frequently  marked  with  reddish-yellow  iron  stains.  At  2  to  5 
feet  pockets  of  sand  of  various  grades  are  occasionally  encountered  embedded 
in  the  silt,  which  are  in  turn  underlain  by  coarser  sands  resting  on  a  bed  of 
gravel.  The  surface  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  and  except  for  depressions  and 
flat  areas  the  drainage  is  fairly  good,  but  in  no  case  excessive,  as  is  generally  the 
case  with  other  members  of  this  series.  Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  is 
under  cultivation,  though  much  of  it  has  been  logged  off.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  upland  soils  in  the  area.    The  chief  crops  grown  are  clover,  oats,  and  fruit. 

Lynden  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  silt 
loam  from  15  to  20  inches  deep,  containing  considerable  organic  matter.  Some 
fine  gravel,  coarse  sand  particles,  and  small  iron  concretions  or  pellets  are 
sometimes  found  in  the  soil,  but  not  in  sufficient  quantities  to  influence  its 
fine,  silty  texture.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  compact  mass  of  sands  and 
gravel.  The  sand  varies  in  texture  from  fine  to  coarse,  while  the  gravel  is 
rounded  and  varies  in  size  from  coarse  sand  particles  to  small,  rounded 
bowlders.  The  topography  is  rolling,  with  low,  rounded  hills,  and  extensive, 
comparatively  level  upland  plateaus.  Natural  drainage  is  good  and  in  some 
areas  excessive.  The  soil  is  derived  from  glacial  till  of  fine  sand  and  silt  or 
from  outwash  sediments  laid  down  over  coarse  glacial  outwash  deposits  of 
sand  and  gravel.  The  type  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  fir,  cedar,  and  hemlock. 
The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  fruit  growing  and  supports  many  small  orchards. 
Small  fruits,  especially  strawberries,  do  well,  particularly  during  a  season  of 
plentiful  rainfall.  Both  clover  and  timothy  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  and 
while  the  yields  are  not  as  large  as  on  some  other  types  the  quality  of  the  hay 
is  good.  Irish  potatoes  produce  good  yields  and  vegetables  do  well,  especially 
in  a  wet  season. 

Whatcom  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silt  loam  15  inches 
deep,  underlain  by; a  compact,  massive,  drab  or  gray  heavy  loam  or  silt  loam 
extending  to  a  depth  of  36  inches  or  more.  Some  gravel  and  small  glacial 
bowlders  are  present.  The  type  occupies  a  rolling  country  with  low,  rounded 
hills.  Drainage  is  good,  except  where  small,  shallow,  kettlelike  depressions 
occur.  It  is  of  glacial  origin.  Practically  all  the  area  of  this  type  Is  forested 
with  a  heavy  growth  of  fir,  cedar,  and  hemlock.  Where  cleared  it  is  cultivated 
intensively  to  fruits,  vegetables,  and  berries  with  excellent  results.  Tt  is  also 
suited  to  general  farming. 


616  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

• 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

142, 016 

Everett  silt  loam 

Washington  5 

36, 864 

Lynden  silt  loam 

Washington  4 

Washington  5 

22, 144 

....              512 

Clallam  silt  loam 

Total 

201. S36 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Group. 

silty  clay  phase. 

This  phase  includes  the  soils  of  the  Glacial  province  of  clay  texture,  contain- 
ing in  addition  a  sufficiently  large  amount  of  silt  to  influence  the  soil  in  its 
adaptation  to  agriculture.  While  heavy  and  of  high  water-holding  capacity,  the 
soil  possesses  the  smooth  texture  of  the  silt  loams,  and  is  usually  more  friable 
under  cultivation  than  those  of  normal  clay  texture. 

In  this  province  the  silty  clays  occur  under  two  series,  each  of  which  is  repre- 
sented only  by  the  silty  clay  member,  which  constitute  the  heaviest  soils  yet 
recognized  in  the  Glacial  province. 

The  topography  is  comparatively  level  to  gently  undulating  and  favorable  to 
cultivation.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established,  but  sometimes  locally  deficient. 
The  subsoil  is  of  heavy,  compact  character  and  retentive  of  moisture. 

The  silty  clay  loams  are  sticky  when  wet  and  require  rather  thorough  cul- 
tivation and  careful  management.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  they 
can  be  worked  without  great  difficulty,  but  require  heavy  farming  equipment. 
They  are  adapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  farming,  and  are  usually  devoted  to  crops 
of  hay,  grain,  and  dairy  products.  The  later  vegetables,  most  of  the  tree  fruits, 
and  small  fruits  may  by  careful  management  and  a  careful  selection  of  sites 
be  grown  for  home  use. 

Salkum  silty  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  silty  clay 
from  10  to  14  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact,  reddish-brown  silty  clay.  In 
local  areas  of  poor  drainage  the  soil  frequently  assumes  a  dark-brown  color,  the 
subsoil  grading  into  yellowish  brown  or  showing  mottlings  of  yellow  and  gray. 
A  deposit  of  weathered  basaltic  and  andesitic  glacial  gravel  underlies  the  type 
to  a  considerable  depth.  The  type  occupies  old  eroded  terraces  varying  in  topog- 
raphy from  nearly  level  to  gently  rolling.  The  type  as  a  whole  is  of  friable 
character  under  cultivation,  and  it  is  well  drained,  friable,  and  retains  moisture 
well,  but  a  few  of  the  more  level  areas  or  shallow  depressions  would  be  im- 
proved by  artificial  drainage.    It  is  well  adapted  to  grains  and  grasses. 

Winlock  silty  clay. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  about  12  inches  consists 
of  a  dark-gray  to  black,  friable  silty  clay.  This  is  underlain  to  a  depth  of 
36  inches  by  a  brown,  dark-brown,  or  mottled  gray  and  yellowish-brown  silty 
clay.  At  an  average  depth  of  4  to  10  feet  the  soil  material  is  underlain  by  a 
compact  mass  of  partially  decomposed  basaltic  gravel  and  cobbles.  The  type 
occupies  old  glacial  terraces,  and  has  a  level  to  gently  rolling  topography. 
The  natural  drainage  is  fair,  except  on  a  few  of  the  more  level  areas  or  in  slight 
depressions,  which  remain  in  a  wet  condition  until  late  in  the  spring  or  summer. 
In  these  areas  the  restricted  drainage  has  resulted  in  the  accumulation  of  a 
large  amount  of  organic  matter,  and  the  soil  is  of  rather  refractory  character. 
As  ;i  wnole  t!io  type  is  highly  esteemed  for  general  farming  and  the  production 
of  hay  and  grains. 


An  "  mni  dUtribution  <-f  the 

silty  clays. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

\\ 'ushington  7 

141,568 



25,088 

166,666 

.  to  Dumber  in  thifl  column  seo  p.  733. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  617 

LAKE-LAID  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  derived  from  lake-laid  material  are  encountered  most  frequently  in 
the  humid  regions  of  the  Northwestern  States,  where  they  occupy  local  glacial 
lake  basins,  depressions  in  river  flood  plains  or  terraces,  or  poorly  drained 
and  obstructed  valleys  of  minor  streams.  They  are  mainly  derived  from  eroded 
material  of  upland  glacial  soils  deposited  in  shallow  water.  The  individual 
areas  are  of  limited  extent  and  generally  poorly  drained.  Much  of  the  areas 
covered  are  uncleared  of  native  timber  or  swamp  growth,  and  utilized  only  for 
grazing.  When  drained  they  are  usually  suitable  for  the  production  of  hay 
crops,  potatoes,  and  small  fruits  and  vegetables. 

In  the  more  southern  semiarid  and  arid  districts  the  province  includes  lim- 
ited areas  of  soils  not  yet  mapped,  deposited  in  the  waters  of  local  closed 
drainage  basins.  These  areas  frequently  contain  injurious  accumulations  of 
alkali  salts,  are  poorly  drained  or  subject  to  periodical  inundation,  and  are  not 
of  great  agricultural  importance. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERIES. 

Bellingham  series. — The  soils  vary  from  dark  brown  or  drab  to  black  in 
color  and  are  high  in  organic  matter.  The  deeper  subsoil  is  mottled  drab  or 
light  gray,  usually  compact  and  poorly  drained,  and  contains  occasional  pockets 
of  gravel  or  sand.  The  soil  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  mainly  from  material 
washed  down  from  the  uplands  and  deposited  in  the  shallow  basins  and  de- 
pressions during  the  period  when  they  were  covered  by  waters  or  shallow  lakes. 
The  soils  occupy  the  shallow  upland  basins  which  occur  at  intervals  through- 
out the  glacial  region  of  western  Washington.  Many  of  the  basins  are  wholly 
surrounded  by  rolling  hills  and  ridges.  The  drainage  waters  from  the  adjacent 
uplands  keep  them  in  a  wet,  poorly  drained  condition.  The  large  amount  of 
organic  matter  found  in  the  soil  owes  its  origin  to  the  decay  of  a  rank  growth 
of  swampy  vegetation  under  poorly  drained  conditions.  The  members  of  this 
series  seldom  support  any  large  timber  growth,  willows,  alders,  and  grasses 
comprising  the  characteristic  vegetation.  When  artificially  drained  cabbage, 
cauliflower,  peas,  beets,  and  potatoes  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Bellingham  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1  Acres. 


Bellingham  silt  soil Washington  4,  5 i      108,224 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Custer  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black  in  color  and  the  subsoils 
gray  to  brown.  They  comprise  the  sedimentary  glacial  basin  soils,  which  are 
underlain  by  sandy  material.  The  types  have  been  formed  by  the  gradual  filling 
up  of  these  basins  by  material  washed  from  the  surrounding  glacial  uplands. 
These  soils  occupy  shallow  basins  which  were  formerly  small  lakes  or  ponds. 
The  basins  were  covered  originally  by  a  deposit  of  sand,  over  which  was 
deposited  later  the  finer  material,  consisting  mainly  of  fine  sand,  silt,  and  clay, 
which  was  laid  down  in  the  quiet  waters  of  the  lake  or  ponds.  The  subsoil 
contains  a  high  percentage  of  iron,  which  frequently  cements  the  sand  into  a 
compact  mass.  Small  iron  concretions  and  aggregates  are  of  common  occur- 
rence throughout  the  soil  mass,  while  beds  of  bog  iron  ore  are  occasionally 
encountered  in  the  subsoil.  The  large  amount  of  organic  matter  present  in  the 
soil  is  derived  from  the  slow  decay  of  the  rank  growth  of  swampy  vegetation 
under  poorly  drained  conditions.  In  some  localities  the  surface  soil  is  covered 
by  a  shallow  deposit  of  Peat  or  Muck.  The  surface  of  these  basins  is  level  to 
gently  undulating,  and  artificial  drainage  is  necessary  on  all  of  the  soils  in  the 
series  before  they  can  be  profitably  utilized  for  agriculture.  When  drained  and 
well  cultivated  these  soils  are  very  productive.  The  principal  crops  grown  are 
oats,  hay,  Canada  field  peas,  and  Irish  potatoes.  Vegetables  and  fruits  and 
small  fruits  have  also  been  grown  to  a  limited  extent. 


618  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Custer  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Custer  loam 

Washington  4 

do 

8,704 
8,960 

silt  loam 

Total 

17,664 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

'Ebeys  series. — The  soils  of  this  series  are  derived  from  glacial  material 
eroded  from  upland  glacial  drift  and  outwash  soils  of  the  Everett  series  and  re- 
deposited  in  shallower  water  and  at  a  higher  elevation  than  the  finer  sediments 
of  the  soils  of  the  Bellingham  series,  which  often  occupy  lower  depressions 
adjoining  areas  of  this  soil.  The  areas  were  probably  at  one  time  covered  by 
the  waters  of  glacial  lakes  or  served  as  broad  glacial  channels  emptying  into  the 
heads  of  small  bays  or  inlets.  The  large  amount  of  organic  matter  present  in 
the  soil  is  due  to  the  decay  of  native  vegetation  under  conditions  of  poor  drainage. 
The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling  and  drainage  usually  well  established. 
The  soil  is  of  dark  to  black  color,  carries  much  organic  matter,  and  is  under- 
lain by  a  gray,  sandy  subsoil.  Gravel  is  frequently  present  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil.    These  soils  are,  as  a  rule,  very  productive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Ebeys  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ebeys  sandy  loam 

Washington  5 

4,864 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Tower  series. — The  soils  are  of  dark-gray,  drab,  or  black  color  and  contain 
an  excessive  amount  of  organic  matter,  frequently  rendering  them  of  somewhat 
mucky  character.  The  subsoils  are  yellowish  brown  or  gray  to  drab,  compact, 
and  frequently  mottled  with  red  and  yellow  iron  stains.  Pockets  of  sand  and 
gravel  are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  series  occupies  small,  shallow  upland 
depressions  or  lake  basins,  often  without  outlet,  and  poorly  drained  valley 
flats  occurring  in  areas  of  old  elevated  and  eroded  terrace  deposits.  They 
are  frequently  surrounded  by  areas  of  undulating  to  rolling  topography  and 
subjeci  to  drainage  waters  from  surrounding  soils.  The  surface  varies  from 
level  to  hummocky,  and  the  soils  are  usually  poorly  drained  and  sparsely 
timbered  or  covered  with  shrubs  and  bushes.  The  soils  are  of  lacustrine  origin, 
having  been  deposited  in  shallow  lakes  or  ponds  or  in  poorly  drained  ami 
floodtMl  areas.  The  material  is  mainly  nonglaciai  and  principally  of  basaltic 
character  and  derived  from  adjacent  residual  soils  or  old  terrace  deposits 
Where  drained,  these  soils  are  productive  and  adapted  to  hay.  oats,  and  pota- 
toes. In  general  characteristics  they  resemble  the  Bellingham  series  occurring 
in  the  Northwestern  glaciated  regions. 

Lrea  and  distribution  of  the  %oiU  of  the  Tower  serif*. 


Soil  name. 


Tower  fin.-  s.iixly  loam 

cluy  loam 

cl.iy 


Total. 


mjton  7. 

do 

lo 


.   to  number  in  t'fi.s  OOlumil   I 


Acres. 


1,536 

M.H4S 
768 


17,  m 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  619 

THE    SOIL    TYPES    AND   THEIR    USE. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

Soils  of  sandy  loam  texture  have  been  encountered  under  but  one  series  of 
soils  derived  from  lake-laid  material.  This  series  is  represented  solely  by  the 
sandy-loam  type  which  is  confined  to  the  glaciated  districts  of  the  northern  part 
of  the  Pacific  Coast  region. 

The  soil  and  subsoil  material  are  of  rather  porous  character  and  under 
droughty  conditions  not  physically  favorable  to  the  retention  of  moisture.  The 
soil,  however,  contains  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter,  which  improves  its 
moisture-holding  capacity  and  texture,  and  the  type  is  well  drained  and  favor- 
ably situated  as  regards  moisture  supply.  Owing  to  these  features,  it  is  well 
adapted  to  general  farming  purposes  as  well  as  to  the  culture  of  potatoes,  forage 
crops,  and  vegetables. 

It  is  of  limited  extent,  friable,  and  easily  cultivated,  and  capable  of  being 
successfully  tilled  with  light  farming  equipment. 

The  soil  is  usually  better  adapted,  both  by  reason  of  physical  characteristics 
and  position  with  regard  to  the  occurrence  of  frosts,  to  the  growth  of  early  and 
less  hardy  vegetables  than  are  the  other  soils  of  this  province. 

Ebeys  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  15  inches  of  a  black  sandy  loam 
containing  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  36 
inches  is  a  gray,  light,  medium  to  fine  sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand.  One  phase 
of  this  type  carries  large  amounts  of  gravel  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type 
has  been  formed  by  accumulations  of  organic  matter  and  water-laid  sediments 
overlying  low-lying  deposits  of  coarser  glacial  material. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Ebeys  sandy  loam Washington  5 


State  or  area.1  Acres. 


4,8t>4 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  olumn  see  p 
Fink  Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  fine  sandy  loam  soils  of  the  Lake-laid  province.  i:i  so  far  as  recognized, 
are  represented  by  a  single  soil  type.  Drainage  Is  deficient  over  local  areas,  but 
generally  fairly  well  established. 

While  of  limited  extent,  the  soil  is-  of  Considerable  local  agricultural  ImpOI 
tance,  and  is  utilized  for  dallying,  hay  and  forage  crops,  and  potatoes,  and  to  a 
■nail  extent  for  the  production  of  vegetables  and  fruits,  mainly  for  home  n<c 
I;  is  friable,  requires  only  an  average  Canning  equipment,  ami  nnder  favorable 
conditions  of  drainage  mid  moisture  supply  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops, 

including   clover,    timothy,    and    forage    crops,    potatoes,    and    vegetables.      It    is 

somewhat  better  suited  to  general  forming  pui  i  t->  dairying  than  the 

sandy  Loam  of  the  province. 

The  culture  Of  apples,  pears,  cherries,  ami  small  fruits  can  prohahly  he  profiri 
ably  extended  in  areas  of  good  drainage.     Conditions  are  not  quite  so  favorable 
for  the  production  of  early  cherries  or  other  Stone  fruits  or  of  early   vegetables 

rith  soils  of  lighter  texture  and  better  developed  drainage. 

Tower  fine  sandy  loam.  The  soil  is  dark  gray  to  blSCk  in  color  and  from  pi 
t  >  L6  inches  deep,  and  contains  a  few  small  pockets  of  gravel  The  subsoil  is  a 
Light-brown  loam  or  silty  Loam,  often  grading  into  a  silty  Clay  losm  at  a  depth 
of  ."»«;  inches  and   resting  upon   a    deposit   of   rounded   gravel   al    depth*  of  -1    to  ♦; 

feet.  The  type  occupies  broad  basins  almost  entirely  surrounded  by  roiling 
hills.  The  topography  is  uneven,  broken  by  small,  rounded  elevations,  with 
shallow  basins  Intervening.     Natural  drainage  La  fairly  ur"«>d.  although  small 

areas  would  he  improved  by  ditching  or  tiling. 

The  type  is  utilized   mainly  for  the  production  Of  dairy  product- 
and  timothy  hay.  kale,  and  Other   for  '  «veil  drained    11     -   also 

suitable  for  potatoes,  herries    truck  cr 


620  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  a%4  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Tower  fine  sandy  loam Washington  7 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


1,536 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

Soils  of  the  loam  group  in  this  province  are  of  limited  extent  and  have  been 
recognized  under  only  one  soil  series.  Surface  drainage  is  poorly  established, 
though  counteracted  to  some  extent  by  the  porous,  permeable  subsoil.  Climatic 
and  soil  conditions  favor  the  production  of  hay,  oats,  forage  crops,  and  dairy 
products,  but  the  cool,  moist  summers  are  unfavorable  to  the  maturing  of 
wheat. 

The  soil  is  friable  under  cultivation,  but  requires  artificial  drainage  for  its 
complete  development.  A  moderately  heavy  farming  equipment  is  necessary. 
It  is  adapted  to  general  farming  and  dairying  and  when  drained  is  suitable  for 
the  production  of  potatoes,  cabbage,  onions,  cauliflower,  and  other  of  the  later 
and  heavier  vegetables.  Owing  to  physical  characteristics  of  soil,  poor  drain- 
age, and  danger  of  frosts  over  the  low-lying  areas  fruits  or  early  and  delicate 
truck  crops  do  better  on  the  fine  sandy  loams  than  on  the  loams. 

Custer  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  dark-brown  loam  from  10  to 
12  inches  deep,  silty  in  the  first  few  inches,  but  becoming  sandier  as  the  subsoil 
is  approached.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact  loamy  sand  becoming  lighter  and  less 
loamy  in  the  lower  depths.  Pockets  of  fine  gravel  and  iron  concretions  are  com- 
mon in  the  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  level  to  gently  undulating,  low,  poorly 
drained  depressions.  It  is  of  glacial  origin.  Small  cultivated  areas  produce 
fair  yields  of  oats  and  hay.  Where  thoroughly  drained  the  tyi>e  will  produce 
good  crops  of  potatoes  and  other  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Custer  loam 

Washington  4 

8.704 

>  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  silt  loams  are  more  frequently  encountered  and  extensive  than  any  of 
the  other  soil  groups  of  this  province. 

Drainage  is  poorly  established,  and  artificial  means  are  usually  necessary  in 
the  complete  development  of  any  areas  of  considerable  extent.  The  soils  contain 
■  large  amount  of  organic  matter,  which  tends  to  Improve  the  textural  and  struc- 
tural features.  They  are  usually  sticky  when  wet,  and  under  unfavorable 
Conditions  Of  drainage  and  cultivation  are  somewhat  difficult  to  handle  except 

under  careful  management  A  rather  heavy  Harming  equipment  is  required 
for  effect  Ive  cultiva  I 

The  soils  are  adapted  mainly  to  dairying  and  to  the  growing  of  oats.  hay.  and 
forage  crops,  including  held  peas,  kale,  etc.  Where  drained  and  properly  culti- 
vated they  are  adapted  to  the  commercial  production  of  the  later  and 
heavier  vegetables,  Including  cabbage,  cauliflower,  onions,  boots,  and  potatoes. 
Owing  to  the  more  frequent  occurrence  of  frosts  in  the  low-lying  depressions 
usually  occupied  by  the  soils  of  this  group  fruits  do  not   thrive. 

Tie-  silt  loams  constitute  excellent  general  farming  soils,  and  in  many  por- 
tions of  the  areas  in  which  they  occur  are  extensively  utilized  both  for  this 
purjK>se  and  for  truck  farming.  Hie  eost  of  clearing  and  preparing  the  land 
for  Cultivation,  aside  from  expense  of  draining,  is  usually  much  less  than  upon 
the  mure  elevated   types  of   the  Other  soil   provinces. 

BelUnffham  Hit  hum,  oil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  drab  or  black, 

heavy  silt    loam  about    12    i.«  l.es  deep,  Underlain  by  a  drab  or  mottled,  heavy  silt 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


621 


loam,  becoming  heavier  and  more  compact  at  a  depth  of  30  inches.  The  type 
represents  material  washed  from  neighboring  uplands  and  deposited  in  shallow 
lakes  and  ponds,  and  occurs  as  gently  undulating  depressions  or  small  basins. 
Natural  drainage  is  poorly  established.  The  type  produces  from  3  to  4  tons  of 
hay  per  acre,  and  when  tile  drained  is  a  fair  soil  for  cabbage,  cauliflower,  peas, 
beets,  and  potatoes. 

Custer  silt  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  dark-drab  silty  loam  from 
15  to  20  inches  deep,  often  mottled  with  yellow  iron  stains  and  underlain  by  a 
gray  to  brown,  compact,  loamy  subsoil.  Accumulations  of  organic  matter  are 
present  in  the  surface  soil,  and  iron  concretions,  gravel,  and  silty  clay  occur  in 
small  quantities  throughout  the  soil  profile.  The  type  is  derived  from  glacial 
lake  sediments.  It  occupies  level  to  slightly  rolling,  poorly  drained  depressions. 
Extensive  artificial  drainage  has  been  necessary  over  areas  now  producing 
large  yields  of  hay,  oats,  and  peas,  with  truck  and  small  fruit  on  the  better 
drained  portions. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Bellingham  silt  loam 

Washington  4,  5 

108,224 
8,960 

Custer  silt  loam 

Washington  4 

Total 

117, 184 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 

The  clay  loam  group  in  this  province  is  confined  to  a  single  soil  series.  It  is 
of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  nonglaciated  portions  of  western  Washington,  but 
usually  occurs  in  small  local  bodies  of  minor  agricultural  importance. 

Drainage  is  very  poorly  established,  and  considerable  expense  is  necessary 
in  preparing  the  land  for  agricultural  purposes.  The  cost  of  removing  the  timber 
is  not  excessive. 

Unless  well  drained  and  carefully  managed,  the  soil  is  of  refractory  structure 
and  requires  heavy  farm  equipment  for  the  successful  conduct  of  tillage  opera- 
tions. Much  of  the  area  covered  by  the  type  is  not  utilized  and  the  cultivated 
areas  are  as  yet  only  imperfectly  developed. 

The  soil  is  cold  and  late,  being  best  adapted  to  dairying  and  to  a  heavy  type 
of  farming.  Oats  and  hay  crops  are  the  principal  products.  Potatoes  can  be 
successfully  grown  on  the  well-drained  areas. 

It  is  not  so  well  adapted  to  the  culture  of  vegetables  as  the  soils  of  the  silt 
loam  group. 

Tower  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  grayish-brown,  heavy 
clay  loam,  about  10  inches  deep,  and  contains  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter. 
The  subsoil  is  a  clay  loam  or  clay,  compact  and  impervious  when  dry,  and 
carrying  thin  strata  of  sand  and  gravel  in  the  deeper  portions.  Poorly  drained 
areas  often  contain  accumulations  of  organic  matter  in  the  first  4  to  6  inches 
of  soil.  The  topography  is  level  to  very  gently  undulating,  while  the  low  posi- 
tion of  the  soil  and  the  impervious  character  of  the  subsoil  cause  the  natural 
drainage  to  be  very  poor.  Well-drained  and  properly  cultivated  areas  are 
adapted  to  general  farming  and  dairying.  Oats  and  hay  crops  are  the  principal 
products,  although  the  better  drained  areas  are  fairly  well  suited  to  potato 
culture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

Stace  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

14,848 

For  key  to  number  iu  this  column  see  p.  733. 


622 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Clay  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  group,  which  have  been  recognized  under  one  soil  series, 
resemble  the  clay  loam  in  general  conditions  and  extent. 

Drainage  is  very  poorly  established  and  the  soil  is  scarcely  utilized  for  pur- 
posea  other  than  pasture.  Timber  cover  is  usually  displaced  by  swamp  or 
marsh  vegetation,  willow,  etc.     The  cost  of  clearing  the  land  is  moderate. 

The  soil  is  of  heavy,  tenacious  character,  and  refractory  under  cultivation, 
requiring  a  heavy  farming  equipment  for  cultural  operations. 

Dairy  products,  hay.  and  grain  crops  give  the  best  results,  although  in  crop 
adaptation  these  soils  do  not  differ  materially  from  the  clay  loam  group. 

Tower  day. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-gray,  grayish-brown  or  drab,  waxy, 
compact  clay,  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  often  mottled  with  iron  stains.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  stiff,  compact  clay,  slightly  lighter  in  color  than  the  soil,  and  mottled 
with  yellow  or  brown  iron  stains.  The  soil  material  often  rests  upon  compact 
deposits  of  sand  and  gravel  at  a  depth  of  30  inches  to  4  feet  below  the  surface, 
and  pockets  of  this  coarse  material  are  sometimes  encountered  in  the  subsoil. 
The  topography  is  flat,  the  soil  occupying  basin-like  depressions.  Because  of 
the  compact  subsoil,  natural  drainage  is  poor,  and  the  basins  remain  in  a  wet 
condition  during  a  larger  part  of  the  year.  The  type  is  difficult  to  handle 
except  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  It  is  adapted  to  dairying  and  to  hay 
crops  and  in  the  better  drained  areas  to  eats.  The  native  vegetation  consists 
of  alders,  willows,  and  swamp  gr.  ss 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tower  clay 

Washington  7 

768 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
WIND-LAID   MATERIAL. 

The  soils  derived  from  wind-laid  material  are  of  inextensive  occurrence  and 
of  but  little  agricultural  importance.  Where  mapped  they  are  derived  mainly 
from  the  sands  of  marine  beach  deposits  drifted  landward  by  winds.  Ordi- 
narily they  are  sparsely  timbered  or  barren,  are  prevailingly  of  sandy  texture 
and  of  porous  structure,  deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  when  cleared  are 
readily  wind  blown.  They  are  utilized  only  for  grazing  or  for  the  production 
of  vegetables  for  home  use. 

Other  areas  not  yet  surveyed  occur  in  the  wide,  arid  river  valleys,  the  later 
alluvial  deposits  of  which  where  unprotected  by  vegetation  have  subsequently 
been  transported  and  redeposited  by  winds. 

DESCRIPTION    OF  THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Westport  series. — The  soils  extend  to  a  depth  of  several  feet  and  are  of  light 
yellowish  gray  to  gray,  mottled,  or  dark-brown  color.  Considerable  organic 
matter  is  often  present  in  the  immediate  surface,  imparting  a  darker  color. 
They  are  derived  from  beach  sands  subsequently  drifted  and  transported  by 
winds.  Some  portions  are  fairly  level,  but  as  a  rule  the  topography  is  char- 
acterized by  a  series  of  long,  narrow  ridges  from  10  to  40  feet  high,  with  in- 
termediate depressions  very  little  above  sea  level.  The  native  vegetation  con- 
sists of  ;i  Hhmted  growth  of  fir.  alder,  and  cedar.  The  loose,  porous  nature  of 
soili  makes  drainage  excessive,  and  crops  suffer  from  drought. 

Arm  <m<l  distribution  of  the  .soil  of  the  Westport  series. 


Westport  fine  MDd. 


State  or  area.' 


Washington  B, 


Acres. 


27,904 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  ■* 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  623 

THE   SOIL    TYPES    AND    THEIR   USE. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Only  one  member  of  the  fine  sand  group  has  been  recognized,  being  the  sole 
representative  of  the  province  confined  to  soils  of  wind-laid  origin  of  the 
Pacific  Coast  region. 

This  soil  is  of  loose,  porous  structure,  is  subject  to  wind  drifting  when  not 
protected  by  vegetation,  and  is  of  little  agricultural  importance.  Light  yields 
of  vegetables,  small  fruits,  or  of  grain  and  hay  crops  may  be  obtained  for  home 
use  in  favorable  locations,  but  the  soil  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining 
capacity  and  often  in  organic  or  mineral  plant  food  and  is  not  in  general 
suitable  to  agricultural  development. 

Westport  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  mottled  gray  and  brown 
fine  sand,  several  feet  in  depth,  so  loose  and  incoherent  as  to  be  easily  moved 
by  the  winds,  unless  protected  by  vegetation.  The  surface  few  inches  are 
darkened  by  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  The  more  level  areas  and  de- 
pressions could  be  utilized  to  a  limited  extent  in  growing  truck  crops,  grain, 
and  hay,  but,  as  a  whole,  the  type  is  unsuited  to  agriculture.  Oats,  wheat, 
and  hay  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  but  the  yields  are  light. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 

Soil  name.  State  or  area.1  Acres. 


Westport  fine  sand i  Washington  5, 7 '       27,904 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
COASTAL  PLAIN  AND   OLD   VALLEY   FILLING   MATERIAL. 

The  Coastal  Plain  province  of  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coast  is  for  the  most  part 
strongly  differentiated  from  the  surrounding  soil  provinces  in  that  the  assort- 
ing action  of  the  ocean  waves  and  currents  is  plainly  apparent  in  the  character 
and  distribution  of  the  soils;  but  on  the  Pacific  coast,  and  particularly  in  the 
great  valley — a  former  arm  of  the  sea — wave  and  current  action  was  much 
less  pronounced  in  its  effects  on  the  character  and  distribution  of  the  soil 
material,  making  it  difficult  to  distinguish  between  those  of  marine  origin  and 
those  representing  old  alluvial  valley  filling,  much  of  which  has  lost  the  char- 
acteristic fan  shape  possessed  by  most  of  the  recent  valley  material. 

In  a  general  way  the  soils  are  referred  to  the  various  groups  of  rocks  from 
which  the  parent  deposits  were  derived.  These  rocks  include  a  wide  range  of 
geological  material,  embracing  both  quartz-free  and  quartz-bearing  igneous  and 
metamorphic  rocks,  as  well  as  those  of  sedimentary  origin.  Frequently  the 
mineral  components  of  the  soil  have  been  derived  from  an  admixture  of  min- 
erals having  their  origin  in  a  variety  of  rocks. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  subject  to  a  wide  range  in  climatic  conditions, 
occurring  in  the  most  humid  as  well  as  the  more  arid  regions  of  the  United 
States.  They  also  vary  widely  in  topography,  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and 
adaptability  to  irrigation. 

In  some  of  the  lower  lying  members  drainage  is  poorly  established,  but  the 
greater  part  of  the  areas  covered  occur  as  gently  sloping  to  undulating  ter- 
races and  valley  plains. 

Some  of  the  true  marine  deposits  are  of  recent  deposition,  modified  by  wind 
action.  The  soils  derived  from  the  older  marine  terraces  and  valley  filling  are 
generally  well  weathered,  are  characterized  by  red  or  reddish-brown  color  in 
the  soil  or  subsoil  material,  and  by  the  occurrence  of  heavy,  compact  subsoils, 
frequently  with  an  absence  of  iron  cemented  hardpan. 

The  soils  of  this  group  occur  most  extensively  in  the  great  interior  valley  of 
California,  and  to  a  less  extent  in  Oregon  and  Washington.  In  the  latter  two 
States  they  are,  where  mapped,  not  extensively  utilized,  but  in  California  they 
comprise  large  areas  of  the  principal  grain-producing  lands  of  the  Coastal  Plain. 
Where  capable  of  irrigation  and  free  from  hardpan  at  shallow  depths  they 
are  here  adapted  to  a  wide  variety  of  special  fruit  crops,  particularly  peaches, 
table  and  wine  grapes,  strawberries,  and  other  small  fruits. 


624 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


The  soils  are  frequently  rendered  more  suitable  for  deep-rooted  deciduous  and 
citrus  fruit  crops  by  blasting  the  underlying  hardpan  substratum  where  this 
occurs. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SERLES. 

Alamo  series. — The  Alamo  series  consists  of  dark  reddish  brown  to  dark-drab 
or  black  soils  underlain  at  depths  ranging  from  15  inches  to  5  feet  by  a  red 
or  grayish-red,  mottled  iron  hardpan.  They  are  derived  mainly  from  the  soils 
of  the  San  Joaquin  series  and  are  formed  of  the  Pleistocene  sediments  consti- 
tuting this  series  subsequently  modified  by  extensive  and  periodical  overflows 
with  the  resulting  accretion  of  finer  river  sediments  and  organic  matter.  They 
occupy  the  lower  lying,  flat  plains  and  basins  of  deficieut  drainage,  frequently 
marked  by  intermittent  lakes,  sloughs,  and  in  places  by  the  occurrence  of  swamp 
vegetation.  They  are  usually  treeless,  except  for  a  few  willows  in  the  vicinity 
of  stream  courses.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  devoted  principally  to  grazing 
or  to  grains,  and,  on  account  of  their  position,  liability  to  overflow,  and  poor 
drainage  conditions,  are  often  cultivated  with  difficulty. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Alamo  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alamo  clay  loam  adobe 

California  12 

18,368 
32,000 

clay  adobe 

California  12, 18 

Total 

50,368 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Arago  series. — The  soils  are  prevailingly  of  light-brown  color,  compact  but 
friable  under  favorable  moisture  conditions,  and  about  15  inches  deep.  The  sub- 
soils range  from  brown  to  light  brown  in  color  and  are  rather  heavy  and  com- 
pact, usually  resting  upon  shale,  sandstone,  or  upon  gravel  beds,  outcrops  of 
which  sometimes  occur.  The  soil  material  consists  of  water-laid  marine  and 
estuarine  deposits  of  a  former  period  of  submergence,  mixed  with  later  super- 
ficial eolluvial  and  alluvial  materia]  derived  from  adjacent  slopes,  much  of  the 
original  terrace  material  having  been  removed  by  erosion.  The  series  occupies 
valley  slopes  and  remnants  of  elevated  terraces.  Drainage  is  usually  well 
established.  The  soils  are  heavily  timbered,  and  while  inextensively  developed 
are  adapted  to  the  production  of  grain  and  hay  crops,  dairying,  bramble,  and 
other  small  fruits,  and  apples. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Arago  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

8,320 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Blocklock  scries. — The  soils  are  dark  ashen  gray  to  brown  or  bluish  black 
in  color,  often  containing  considerable  organic  matter  and  becoming  almost 
black  when  wet.  They  are  underlain  by  heavy,  dark-colored  subsoils  to  a  depth 
of  .".  feet  or  more,  the  deeper  portions  consisting  of  reddish  brown  to  dark- 
brown  or  dark-gray  Bandy  material,  often  containing  ferruginous  hardpan 
Strata  or  small,  shotlike  pellets  similar  to  that  occurring  In  the  subsoils  of 
the  Empire  series.  The  types  occur  as  flat  to  gently  sloping  Coastal  Plain 
deposits  occupying  heavily  forested  to  sparsely  timbered  low  plains  near 
coastal  beaches  or  elevated  marine  terraces.  They  are  marked  by  the  frequent 
occurrence  Of  LOW,  shallow.  j>oorly  drained  depressions  tilled  with  swamp  vege- 
tation. They  represent  shore  deposits  derived  mainly  from  sandstone  and 
Shale  roCkS  of  the  Coast  Range  Mountains,  transported  and  modified  by  waves 
and  marine  currents,  with  frequent  additions  of  the  finer  wash  material  from 
adjacent  hill  slopes  or  supplied  by  flood  waters  of  minor  streams  and  by  the 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 


625 


incorporation   of  organic  matter   resulting  from   decaying   swamp  vegetation. 
The  greater  part  are  uncleared  at  the  present  time. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Blacklock  series. 


Soil  name. 


Blacklock  sandy  loam. 

loam 

clay 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Oregon  3 . 

do... 

....do... 


Acres. 


4,864 
4,480 
4,864 


14,2C8 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Copalis  series. — The  soils  are  of  yellowish-brown  to  dark-brown  color,  silty 
texture,  and  usually  of  high  organic  matter  content.  The  subsoils  are  light 
brown,  mottled  with  yellow  and  gray,  compact  and  heavy,  and  underlain  at  2 
to  5  feet  by  compact  but  loosely  cemented  gravel  similar  to  that  underlying 
the  Hoquiam  series.  The  gravels  are  often  stained  by  iron  or  manganese  oxide 
or  by  carbonaceous  material.  The  soils  are  derived  from  old,  partially  indu- 
rated or  consolidated  sedimentary  deposits  formed  mainly  from  shales  and 
sandstones,  but  including  some  basaltic  and  quartz  material.  They  occupy 
old  marine  or  valley  terraces  which  were  probably  elevated  during  Pleistocene 
times,  ranging  in  elevation  from  20  to  50  feet  above  the  present  stream  chan- 
nels. The  topography  is  level  to  gently  rolling,  the  slopes  usually  being  suffi- 
cient to  insure  good  drainage,  though  many  poorly  drained  depressions  occur. 
The  greater  part  of  these  soils  are  still  timbered  with  fir,  spruce,  cedar,  and 
hemlock.     The  timber  growth  is  inferior  to  that  of  the  Hoquiam  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Copalis  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Copalis  clay  loam Washington  5 


23,808 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Corning  series. — The  soils  are  of  reddish-brown  or  red  to  deep-red  color, 
rather  shallow,  easily  puddled,  and  hard  to  handle  except  under  proper  moisture 
conditions.  The  subsoils  are  reddish  brown  to  deep  red,  of  heavy  and  compact 
structure,  and  impervious  to  moisture.  The  soil  material  is  derived  from 
Quaternary  sedimentary  deposits  of  the  Red  Bluff  formation,  constituting  ele- 
vated terraces  or  remnants  of  an  older  valley  filling,  which  have,  however,  been 
somewhat  altered  or  reworked.  The  soils  occupy  sloping  to  undulating  or  hilly 
and  dissected  upland  terraces  and  valley  plains.  The  surface  is  frequently 
marked  by  "  hog  wallows,"  depressions,  and  local  poorly  drained  areas.  The 
members  of  this  series  are  usually  treeless.  In  origin  and  mode  of  formation, 
color,  character  of  soil  and  subsoil,  and  topographic  features  the  soils  resemble 
the  Redding  series.  The  underlying  hardpan,  however,  of  the  Redding  series 
is,  in  the  Corning  series,  either  wanting  or  of  soft  and  more  or  less  permeable 
character.  The  soil  material  is  also  generally  somewhat  deeper  than  that  of  the 
Redding  series.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  poorly  adapted  to  general  farming 
and  to  tree  fruits. 


79619—13- 


40 


626  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Corning  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Coming  fine  sandy  loam. 

loam 

gravelly  loam... 


Total. 


California  2 

California  2, 16. 
do 


1,920 
84,224 
32,128 


118,272 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Empire  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  reddish  brown  and  from  10  to  20  inches 
deep,  the  surface  material  often  containing  a  large  amount  of  organic  mat- 
ter, imparting  a  dark  color  and  silty  texture  to  the  first  few  inches.  They  are 
underlain  by  sandy  subsoils  of  gray  to  reddish-brown  color,  the  gray  and  brown 
colors  often  appearing  in  alternate  strata,  frequently  carrying  small  iron- 
cemented  pellets  or  marked  by  the  occurrence  of  thin  layers  of  ferruginous 
hardpan.  The  members  of  this  series  occur  as  Coastal  Plain  sediments  deposited 
and  modified  by  waves  and  shore  currents,  the  material  having  been  derived 
principally  from  the  sedimentary  rocks  of  the  Coast  Range,  but  to  some  extent 
from  altered  and  eruptive  rocks,  and  transported  to  the  sea  by  streams.  The 
deposits  have  been  subject  to  more  or  less  modification  since  their  formation 
through  addition  and  admixture  of  finer  material  washed  from  adjacent  slopes 
and  by  action  of  the  wind.  The  soils  of  the  series  are  generally  heavily  forested 
and  occur  as  low  to  elevated  coastal  plains  of  gently  sloping  to  undulating 
surface,  in  some  places  marked  by  dunes  and  wind-blown  ridges.  They  are 
still  largely  in  forest  or  used  for  grazing,  and  are  of  little  present  importance  as 
farming  land.  The  lighter  soils  are  best  adapted  to  forestry.  The  soils  of 
medium  and  heavy  texture  could  be  used  for  the  production  of  berries  and  other 
small  fruits,  certain  orchard  fruits,  and  in  some  cases  for  grain  and  hay  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Empire  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Empire  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam, 
clay  loam 


Oregon  3. 

do.. . 

....do... 


Total. 


5,248 
19,200 
18,112 


42,560 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hesson  series, — The  soils  are  dark  reddish  brown,  and  underlain  by  yellowish- 
brown  to  reddish-brown  subsoils  of  compact  structure.  Rounded  gravel  and 
small  bowlders  of  quartzite  or  basaltic  rocks  are  of  frequent  occurrence  on  the 
surface  and  occasionally  occur  in  the  soil  and  subsoil,  beinjr  most  numerous 
along  the  steeper  slopes.  The  series  occupies  eroded  terraces  of  undulating  to 
rolling  topography,  usually  elevated  several  hundred  feet  above  the  present 
valley  bottoms.  The  material  has  been  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  rocks, 
and  consists  of  old  alluvial  or  possibly  marine  terrace  deposits.  The  soils  arc 
well  drained,  retentive  of  moisture,  and  originally  were  heavily  forested  with  fir 
and  hemlock.    They  are  well  adapted  to  general  farming  and  orchard  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soQ  of  the  Hesson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.  > 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

37,888 

Foe  toy  to  number  in  thia  column  nc  p.  79M. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


627 


Hoquiam  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown  to  red,  from  12  to  15  inches 
deep,  and  underlain  by  compact  subsoils  of  the  same  color  as  the  soil  and  resting 
upon  loosely  cemented  sandstone,  basaltic,  quartz,  and  shale  gravel  at  depths 
ranging  from  3  to  10  feet. 

The  series  is  derived  from  beds  of  gravel  or  conglomerates,  clays,  and  soft 
arenaceous  shales  and  some  basalt,  and  represent  marine  sediments  laid  down 
in  shallow  waters.  These  beds  were  elevated  during  Pleistocene  time,  and 
have  been  but  partially  indurated  and  consolidated.  The  sediments  are  soft, 
and  as  a  result  erosion  has  been  very  rapid  on  the  steeper  slopes.  The  topog- 
raphy is  rolling  to  hilly,  the  slopes  being  less  pronounced  than  on  the  Mel- 
bourne soils.  Drainage  is  well  established,  except  over  small  depressions,  and 
cultivation  is  possible  except  on  the  steeper  slopes.  The  original  forest  growth 
consists  of  fir,  spruce,  cedar,  and  hemlock.  Some  large  tracts  have  been  cut 
over,  but  at  present  practically  none  of  the  series  is  under  cultivation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Hoquiam  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Hoquiam  clay  loam Washington  5 


204,800 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Madera  series. — The  soils  range  in  color  from  light  to  dark  reddish  brown, 
are  generally  sticky  when  wet,  readily  puddled,  and  compact  and  hard  when 
dry.  They  are  underlain  by  reddish,  ferruginous  indurated  clay  or  sandy  hard- 
pan,  at  depths  ranging  from  2  to  4  feet,  with  frequent  outcrops.  The  hardpan 
layer  is  usually  fissile  in  character,  and  carries  calcareous  incrustations  on  the 
surface  and  in  the  crevices.  The  material  is  derived  from  old  Pleistocene  de- 
posits, represented  by  the  San  Joaquin  series,  and  in  the  Madera  series  sub- 
jected to  more  advanced  weathering  and  modified  by  alluvial  material  from 
intermittent  streams.  The  soils  occupy  level  or  sloping  to  undulating  treeless 
plains,  often  containing  "hog  wallows,"  the  level  areas  and  depressions  being 
poorly  drained.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  devoted  mainly  to  the  production 
of  dry-farmed  grains  or  to  grazing,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation 
and  drainage  are  adapted  to  much  the  same  character  of  crops  as  the  soils  of 
the  San  Joaquin  series. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Madera  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Madera  sand 

Californ 
do. 

iall 

8,640 
7,168 

...do... 

74,368 
1,152 

..  do.. 

clay  loam 

do 

2,048 

Total 

93,376 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Montesano  series. — The  soils  are  of  dark  to  black  color,  carrying  a  high  per- 
centage of  organic  matter,  and  have  a  depth  of  12  to  24  inches.  The  subsoils 
are  mottled  gray,  yellow,  or  brown,  and  underlain  at  less  than  3  feet  by  com- 
pact sand,  gravel,  and  clay.  The  soils  occur  as  benches  along  streams  or  as 
depressions  in  more  rolling  areas  of  other  soils.  The  soil  material  has  been 
modified  to  a  considerable  extent  by  large  accumulations  of  organic  matter. 
Owing  to  the  impervious  nature  of  the  subsoil,  the  depressed  areas  are  often 
deficient  in  natural  drainage.  They  are  derived  from  a  compact,  parlially 
consolidated  mass  of  sands,  clays,  and  beach  gravels,  probably  elevated  during 
Pleistocene  times.  The  gravels  consist  chiefly  of  rounded  impure  sandstonos. 
with  basalt,  shale,  and  quartz  gravels  in  varying  quantities. 

With  the  exception  of  level,  mucky  areas  or  of  treeless  prairies  of  restricted 
drainage,  the  soils  of  the  series  are  forested  with  a  rather  stunted  but  dense 


628 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


growth  of  cedar,  spruce,  fir,  and  pine.     They  are  adapted  to  hay  crops,  oats, 
potatoes,  and  in  some  cases  to  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Montesano  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Montesano  silty  clay  loam Washington  5 . 

clav  loam do 


Total. 


13,056 
4,096 


17, 152 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Plcasanton  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown  to  red,  and  often  carry 
rounded  to  subangular  gravel  and  cobblestones.  The  subsoils  are  red  to  yel- 
lowish brown,  often  mottled  with  gray,  and  of  heavy,  compact  character. 
Beneath  this  there  is  nearly  always  a  layer  of  very  gravelly  clay  loam.  The 
series  is  derived  from  old  sedimentary  deposits  composed  of  clay,  silt,  and  gravel, 
probably  of  Pleistocene  age.  The  topography  ranges  from  undulating  or 
gently  rolling  to  very  hilly  and  dissected.  Except  in  areas  of  the  heavier  soils, 
the  drainage  is  inclined  to  be  excessive.  The  soils  are  free  from  alkali.  They 
are  practically  treeless  or  support  a  few  field  oaks.  They  are  usually  droughty 
and  not  well  suited  for  irrigation.  Wide  areas  covered  by  the  survey  are  used 
for  grazing.  The  more  level  areas  are  dry-farmed.  Hay,  grain,  and  grapes 
are  the  chief  products. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Pleasanton  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Pleasanton  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam. 

loam 

gravelly  clay  loam... 
clay  adobe 


California  3. 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 


3,008 
8,960 
13,120 
832 
5,568 


Total. 


31,488 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Redding  scries. — The  soils  range  from  reddish  gray  to  deep  red,  are  usually 
gravelly,  and  sometimes  carry  large  amounts  of  alkali  and  partially  indurated 
clay-iron  hanlpan.  They  are  derived  from  the  Red  Bluff  formation,  consisting  of 
early  Quaternary  alluvial  valley  deposits,  and  occupy  valley  plains  or  terraces, 
usually  well  elevated  above  present  stream  valleys  and  often  dissected  or  eroded. 
The  surface  varies  from  nearly  Hat  or  gently  atoning  to  undulating  or  rolling. 
Surface  drainage  is  usually  well  established,  but  underdraiuage  is  checked  by 
the  Impervious  BUbSOilfl  ami  hanlpan.  The  more  elevated  areas  usually  rapport 
a  growth  of  oaks.  BCTOb  pines,  and  man/.anita  or  other  scrubby  trees  and  hushes. 
Where  there  la  QOl  an  excess  of  cobbles,  or  where  not  underlain  at  shallow 
depths  by  hanlpan.  the  soils  are  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  choice  pearlies 
and  small  fruits.  The  shallow  areas  are  not  suited  to  prunes  or  other  deep- 
rooted    trei  wherries  and   bramble   fruits  yield   abundantly,   and    if   Irri- 

gated the  shallower  <oiis  noi  adapted  to  tree  fruits  conld  be  utilized  for  these 

small  fruits.      \V  iere  Irrigation  is  not  practicable  the  soils  are  used  principally 
f<>v  grazing  or  for  the  production  of  dry-farmed  wheat. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  629 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Redding  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.5 

Acres. 

Redding  gravelly  sandy  loam 

California  16 

5,504 

California  16,  17 

25,728 

California  17 

57,216 

Total 

88, 448 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

San  Joaquin  senes. — The  soils  are  prevailingly  red  and  frequently  gravelly; 
both  the  finer  soil  particles  and  gravel  are  rounded.  The  soils  are  underlain 
at  depths  ranging  from  2  to  3  feet  by  red  or  mottled  indurated  clay  or  sandy 
layers,  and  sometimes  by  gravel  and  cobbles  cemented  by  iron  salts  into  a  dense 
impenetrable  hardpan  which  occasionally  outcrops  at  the  surface.  The  soils  are 
generally  of  compact  structure,  sticky,  quite  readily  puddled  when  wet,  and 
frequently  separated  from  the  underlying  hardpan  by  subsoils  of  true  adobe 
structure.  They  consist  of  sediments  of  early  Pleistocene  age,  sometimes  modi- 
fied by  more  recent  reworking  or  by  alluvium  washed  from  adjacent  forma- 
tions. They  occupy  level  to  undulating  or  rolling  valley  plains  extending  from 
lower  rolling  foothills  down  to  level  valley  floors  and  margins  of  present  stream 
flood  plains.  The  soils  are  usually  treeless,  except  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  stream  channels.  Natural  drainage  is  restricted  by  topographic  position, 
deficient  slope,  and  the  presence  of  hardpan,  except  in  the  case  of  lighter, 
deeper  members  and  areas  occupying  higher  slopes.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  generally  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains,  but  the  lighter,  deeper,  and  better 
drained  types  are  sometimes  used  for  the  production  of  citrus  and  stone  fruits, 
figs,  grapes,  small  fruits,  and  truck  crops.  Where  properly  drained  and  irri- 
gated they  give  excellent  yields.  The  heavier  members  are  frequently  marked  by 
an  adobe-like  structure.  The  soil,  subsoils,  and  hardpan  are  usually  free  from 
alkali. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  San  Joaquin  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


San  Joaquin  sand 

sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam . 
sandy  loam  adobe . . . 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

gravelly  loam 

clay  loam 

clay  adobe 


California  3, 18 

California  3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 23. 

California  11 

California  3 | 

California  12, 18 

California  12, 13,  23 

California  12 

California  11, 15 

California  15,  18 


Total. 


45,696 
642,163 

1,152 
12,691 
35,200 
93,504 
22,848 
24,512 

5,760 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tuscan  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown,  of  shallow  depth,  and  under- 
lain by  impervious,  stratified,  and  cemented  or  partly  consolidated  deposits  of 
gray  to  reddish-brown  rounded  gravel  derived  from  basaltic  and  andesitic 
rocks.  Finer  interstitial  material  derived  from  volcanic  tuffs  and  breccias  of 
the  Tuscan  formation  is  also  found  in  places  in  the  underlying  material. 
Large  quantities  of  subangular  to  rounded  bowlders  of  volcanic  rocks  occur 
throughout  the  soil  section  and  scattered  over  the  surface.  The  slope  is  gener- 
ally sufficient  to  carry  off  surface  drainage  waters,  but  underdrainage  is  defi- 
cient owing  to  the  impervious  character  of  the  subsoil  material.  The  series 
occupies  barren,  treeless  valley  plains,  of  sloping  to  rolling  topography,  some- 
times traversed  by  intermittent  or  permanent  stream  courses.  So  far  as  mapped, 
the  soils  are  of  very  little  agricultural  value. 


630  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Tuscan  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Tuscan  stony  sandy  loam California 

stony  loam do 


25,728 
8,000 


Total. 


33,728 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
THE  SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

Sand  Group. 

Sands  derived  from  the  Coastal  Plain  and  older  alluvial  valley-filling  material 
have  as  yet  been  encountered  only  under  two  series  occupying  the  arid  plains 
of  the  southern  half  of  the  interior  valley  of  California. 

The  soil  is  of  loose,  porous  character,  deficient  in  power  to  retain  moisture, 
and  is  best  suited  to  intensively  cultivated  fruits  or  truck  crops.  Grains  or 
other  shallow-rooted  crops  can  not  be  grown  without  irrigation.  In  the  areas 
In  which  it  has  been  mapped  it  is  underlain  by  impervious  hardpan  substrata 
which  to  a  great  degree  prevent  loss  of  water  by  percolation  under  irrigation, 
but  excessive  irrigation  may  result  in  poor  drainage  and  unsuitable  subsoil 
conditions,  and  the  relatively  impenetrable  character  of  the  substrata  prevents 
the  development  of  trees,  vines,  or  of  the  roots  of  other  deep-rooted  farm  crops, 
except  when  broken  up  by  blasting.  Where  the  hardpan  closely  approaches 
the  surface  and  has  not  been  shattered  by  blasting,  the  soil  is  unsuitable  for 
trees  or  other  deep-rooted  crops. 

Under  favorable  conditions  of  depth,  subsoil,  irrigation,  cultivation,  and 
climate  it  is  excellently  adapted  to  the  production  of  early  berries,  melons, 
truck  crops,  or  stone  fruits.  Figs,  early  peaches,  apricots,  nectarines,  and 
cherries  are  the  leading  products.  Plums,  olives,  prunes,  and  oranges  are  grown 
to  some  extent.  Raisin  grapes  constitute  an  important  product,  but  are  better 
suited  to  the  other  soils  of  the  regions  in  which  the  sand  occurs.  Alfalfa  is 
successfully  grown,  but  only  to  a  limited  extent.  It  thrives  better  upon  the 
deeper  soils  of  heavier  texture. 

Grains  are  extensively  grown  in  areas  incapable  of  irrigation,  the  yields 
being  light. 

Madera  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  loose,  friable,  reddish-brown  sand  of 
medium  texture,  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  to  6  feet.  It  is  easily  tilled  and, 
unlike  most  of  the  other  members  of  this  series,  does  not  puddle  or  become 
sticky  when  wet.  It  is  underlain  by  2  feet  or  more  of  slightly  darker  colored, 
porous,  and  coarse-textured  sand.  This  gives  way  to  the  reddish  hardpan 
characteristic  of  this  series.  The  hardpan  is  slightly  less  dense  than  that 
found  beneath  the  San  Joaquin  soils,  is  lighter  in  color,  and  sometimes  cal- 
careous. The  type  is  partly  of  aeolian  origin  and  represents  material  blown 
from  dry  stream  courses  and  deposited  on  their  windward  side.  The  type 
occurs  as  long,  narrow  bodies  in  the  vicinity  of  and  parallel  to  shallow  water 
L  -nirses.  The  surface  is  undulating  and  somewhat  higher  than  surrounding 
tyi><  .  Slight  "hog  wallow"  mounds  are  sometimes  found.  It  is  somewhat 
defldeh.4.  jn  moisture-retaining  properties,  and  is  usually  devoted  to  dry-farmed 
grains. 

The  raoi-h,  levei  phnnftfl  in  which  the  hardpan  does  not  closely  approach  the 
surface  are,  ^M1(jer  irrigation,  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  olives,  grapes, 
figs,  alfalfa,  anon  rtone  fruits. 

Ban  Joaquin  *«>'.,/.— The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish  brown  <>r  dark-brown  sand 
of  coarse  to  medium,  texture,  slightly  sticky,  and  of  rather  compart  structure, 
but  loose  jukI  triable  binder  cultivation.  It' is  underlain  at  18  inches  to  6  feet 
or  more  by  a  red,  comp;..<-t,  stickv  sandy  loam  or  sandy  adobe,  grading  Into  ■ 
red  Bandy  or  clayey  iron  .hardpan.  The  type  generally  occurs  upon  treeless 
lldges  and  the  summits  of  h.  >W(.r  foothills  or  higher  undulations  of  the  valley 
plain.     The  soil    is  usually  wei.'i  drained  and   free   from  alkali,   and   in  certain 

sections  is  well  adapted  to  grapet«  and  citrus  and  deciduous  fruits. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


631 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Joaquin  sand 

California  3, 18 

45,696 
8,640 

Madera  sand 

Total 

54,336 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
COAESE    SAND   PHASE. 

Coarse  sand  has  been  encountered  in  this  province  in  but  one  area,  where  it 
is  restricted  to  a  single  soil  series.  It  is  of  loose,  porous  texture,  well  drained, 
and  of  low  moisture- retaining  power.  Under  conditions  favorable  to  frequent 
irrigation  and  under  intensive  cultivation  the  soil  is  adapted  to  early  stone 
fruits,  where  not  underlain  by  hardpan  at  shallow  depths,  and  to  early  truck 
crops.  By  the  aid  of  copious  irrigation  alfalfa  may  be  grown,  but  the  soil  can 
not  be  said  to  be  well  adapted  to  this  or  to  other  farm  crops.  Owing  to  lack 
of  irrigation  facilities  the  soil  is  generally  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grain,  with 
but  light  or  unprofitable  yields  except  in  the  most  favorable  seasons. 

Madera  coarse  sand. — The  type  consists  of  4  to  6  feet  or  more  of  a  light- 
brown  or  reddish-brown  very  coarse  sand,  carrying  some  fine,  water- worn 
gravel,  coarse  angular  sandy  and  some  micaceous  material  and  underlain  by 
the  usual  reddish  ferruginous  hardpan  of  this  series  at  any  depth  below  4 
feet.  The  hardpan  is  separated  from  the  soil  in  places  by  a  thin  stratum  of 
clay  loam.  The  type  occurs  as  narrow  bodies  along  intermittent  stream  courses, 
as  slightly  elevated  knolls  and  ridges  between  such  waterways,  or  as  small, 
irregular  bodies  intermingled  with  the  other  types  of  the  Madera  and  the  San 
Joaquin  series.  It  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  properties  and  upon  the 
higher,  excessively  drained  bodies,  yields  of  dry-farmed  grains,  to  which  it  is 
usually  devoted,  are  generally  low.  The  more  level  and  deeper  phases  of  the 
type  are,  under  irrigation,  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa  and  small 
fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

7,168 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fine  Sand  Group. 


The  fine  sands  of  the  province  are  of  limited  occurrence  and  not  of  great 
agricultural  importance.  They  have  been  encountered  in  but  one  locality  and 
under  a  single  soil  series.  Where  mapped  the  soil  has  not  been  developed  to 
agriculture  to  any  extent,  is  forested,  and  when  cleared  is  subject  to  drifting. 
It  is  not  very  productive  and  is  best  adapted  to  forestry  unless  heavily  fer- 
tilized and  protected  by  windbreaks. 

Empire  fine  sand. — This  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  reddish-brown  fine 
sand,  extending  to  a  depth  of  many  feet.  The  surface  6  to  10  inches  are 
slightly  darker  in  color,  owing  to  the  accumulation  of  organic  matter,  which 
also  gives  the  soil  the  appearance  of  having  a  heavier  texture.  When  wet  it  is 
moderately  compact,  but  when  dry  it  is  inclined  to  drift  in  exposed  places. 
Small  iron  pellets  are  numerous  throughout  the  soil  section.  The  type  occurs  in 
the  vicinity  of  coastal  beaches  or  tidal  estuaries.  It  has  an  undulating  to  un- 
even surface,  often  marked  by  ridges  or  hillocks  from  15  to  30  or  more  feet  in 
height.  The  general  character  of  the  surface  is  similar  to  that  of  sand-dune 
districts,  although  the  type  supports  a  growth  of  cedar,  fir,  spruce,  and  brush. 
Owing  to  the  rough  and  uneven  character  of  the  surface  and  to  the  liability  of 
the  soil  to  drift  when  cleared,  it  is  better  left  in  forest  than  cultivated. 


632  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Empire  fine  sand 

5,248 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sandy  Loam  Group. 

The  sandy  loarus  included  under  the  head  of  "  Coastal  Plain  and  Old  Valley 
Filling  Material "  are  widely  distributed  and  have  been  recognized  in  four 
soil  series. 

One  of  these  occurs  in  the  humid,  forested,  coastal  districts  of  southern 
Oregon,  and  is  deficiently  drained,  of  limited  agricultural  development,  and, 
under  present  conditions,  is  best  adapted  to  grazing.  The  other  members  occur 
extensively  in  the  semiarid  and  arid  interior  valleys  and  the  coastal  valleys  of 
California.  In  all  cases  the  soils  of  the  group  are  underlain  by  heavy,  compact 
subsoils  or  by  iron  hardpan,  which  restrict  the  adaptation  of  the  soil  to  crops. 
Surface  drainage  is  well  established,  but  underdrainage  is  often  inadequate. 
Not  much  of  the  land  has  been  placed  under  irrigation.  Owing  to  the  impervious 
character  of  the  subsoils  and  underlying  hardpan  the  types  when  irrigated 
require  careful  management. 

Where  not  underlain  by  hardpan  at  shallow  depths  the  soils,  owing  to  the 
heavy,  compact  subsoil,  have  a  large  capacity  for  water  and  are  retentive  of 
moisture  under  cultivation.  Restricted  underdrainage,  however,  frequently 
renders  them  cold,  late,  wet,  inclined  to  puddle,  and  not  as  well  adapted  to  early 
crops  as  would  be  the  case  if  the  subsoils  were  more  normal.  Where  shallow 
and  underlain  by  hardpan  they  are  not  wrell  adapted  to  alfalfa,  or  to  vines,  fruit 
trees,  or  other  deep-rooted  crops,  unless  improved  by  blasting,  which  is  some- 
times resorted  to  with  excellent  results.  Otherwise  they  are  utilized  mainly 
for  the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains.  Under  favorable  climatic  and  cultural 
conditions  they  are  adapted  to  berries  and  the  shallower  rooted  small  fruits. 

The  Pleasanton  Bandy  loam  has  a  retentive  subsoil,  where  true  hardpan  is 
absent.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  grains  and,  with  intensive  cultivation,  to  late 
fruits.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  wheat  and  barley  ami  of 
wine  grapes;  the  dry-wine  grape  being  successfully  grown  in  the  coastal  inter- 
mountain  valleys.  The  sand  loams  of  the  other  series  occurring  within  the 
province  are  most  widely  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains,  but  where  well  drained 
and  of  sufficient  depth  are  utilized  for  the  culture  of  figs,  olives,  small  fruits, 
table,  wine  and  raisin  grapes,  citrus  fruits,  cherries,  peaches,  plums,  and 
alfalfa. 

Blacklock  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark,  ashen-gray  to  black 
sandy  loam,  loose  and  incoherent,  and  of  fine  to  medium  texture,  6  to  12 
inches  deep.  The  organic-matter  content  is  low.  It  is  underlain  by  a  dark- 
brown  to  black  subsoil,  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more,  and  separated 
from  the  overlying  soil  by  a  ferruginous  sandy  hardpan,  from  2  to  4  inches  in 
thickness,  usually  Unpenetrable  to  plant  roots.  The  type  occurs  as  Oaf  to 
slightly  rolling  Coastal  Plain  deposits,  in  which  sinks  or  small  depressions  <>f 
deficient  drainage  occur.  The  native  vegetation  consists  of  a  stunted  growth 
.,f  tir.  cedar,  madrofia,  and  other  trees  and  shrubs.  The  type  is  practically  un- 
cleared and  is  utilized  <>niy  for  pasture.  It  is  considered  an  unproductive  and 
undesirable,  soil  type. 

Madera  .sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark  reddish 
brown  sandy  Joani.  from  1  t<>  8  feet  deep-  rather  sticky  when  wet.  inclined  to 
puddle  under  cultivation,  and  becoming  hard  and  compact  upon  exposure  to 
hot,  dry  weather.  H  is  underlain  by  a  reddish  or  reddish-brown  subsoil  and  by 
a  hardpan,  Which  Sometimes  occurs  within  1  foot  of  the  surface  and  occasionally 
Outcrops.  The  type  Often  OCCUrS  as  extensive  bodies  covering  valley  plains  or 
as  small,  elevated  or  depressed  areas  among  the  soils  of  the  San  Joaquin  series. 
The  surface  Is  Level   to  slightly  roiling,  frequently  dissected  by  Intermittent 

Btream  channels,  and  marked  by  hog-wallow  mounds  and  by  occasional  hard- 
pan  OUtCrope.  "  's  mainly  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains.  The  more  level 
and   deeper   phases,   whore   Irrigated,   are  adapted    to   vine  fruits,   figs,   berries, 

and    alfalfa. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


633 


Pleasanton  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  red  to  reddish-brown,  fine 
to  medium  sandy  loam,  heavy  and  sticky  and  inclined  to  puddle  when  wet.  It 
carries  fine  to  coarse  angular  gravel  in  varying  amounts,  and  when  dry  is  of 
light  reddish  brown  color.  The  subsoil  consists  of  8  to  14  inches  of  a  red  to 
yellowish-red  sticky  clay  or  heavy  clay  loam  of  adobe  structure,  found  at  depths 
ranging  from  18  to  36  inches.  It  is  underlain  at  3  to  4  feet  by  a  yellowish-red 
loam,  containing  pockets  of  reddish  or  yellowish  clay.  It  occupies  nearly  level 
to  rolling  and  sometimes  hilly  areas.  Drainage,  as  a  rule,  is  well  established, 
although  the  heavy  subsoil  tends  to  check  the  percolation  of  moisture.  The 
type  is  free  from  alkali  and  practically  treeless,  except  for  a  stunted  growth 
of  field  oak.     It  is  dry  farmed  to  grapes,  hay,  or  grain,  or  used  for  pastures. 

San  Joaquin  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-reel  to  dark-red  com- 
pact, medium-textured  sandy  loam,  rather  sticky  when  wet,  and  underlain  at 
a  depth  of  30  inches  or  more  by  a  red,  ferruginous  hardpan,  which,  in  places, 
outcrops.  The  hardpan  is  frequently  separated  from  the  overlying  soil  by  a 
thin  stratum  of  adobelike  structure.  The  type  covers  extensive  areas  of  high, 
treeless  valley  plains.  It  is  free  from  alkali.  The  deeper  soils  of  higher  lying 
valleys  are  generally  well  drained,  and  adapted  to  grapes  and  other  fruits  and 
grain.    Drainage  over  the  lower  lying  areas  is  usually  deficient. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Joaquin  sandy  loam 

California  3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 23. 
California  11 

642, 163 

74, 368 

4,864 

3,008 

Madera  sandy  loam 

Blacklock  sandv  loam 

Oregon  3 

Pleasanton  sandy  loam 

California  8 

Total 

724,403 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY   SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 


In  this  province  the  stony  sandy  loam  phase  has  been  recognized  in  but  one 
area  and  as  a  member  of  a  single  soil  series.  It  is  underlain  by  a  compact, 
gravelly  subsoil  and  substratum  ordinarily  impervious  to  water  and  impenetrable 
to  plant  roots.  The  stone  content  is  sufficient  to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The 
type  is  of  extensive  occurrence  and  is  used  mainly  for  grazing  during  the  winter 
and  spring  months,  when  it  affords  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses. 

Tuscan  stony  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish  to  reddish-brown, 
compact  and  rather  sandy  loam  from  3  to  12  inches  deep,  carrying  a  surface 
accumulation  of  roughly  rounded  andesitic  bowlders.  The  subsoil  consists  of 
water-worn  gravel  embedded  in  finer  material  derived  from  gray  tuffs.  The 
boil  is  subject  to  erosion  and  deep  exposures  of  the  underlying  material  occur 
in  the  ravines  and  canyons.  The  type  is  of  extensive  occurrences.  It  is  usually 
treeless,  and  owing  to  its  stony  character  and  shallow  depth  is  of  but  little 
value  save  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  stony  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  16 

25, 728 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY  SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  sandy  loams  of  this  province  have  been  recognized  in  three  soil 
series  occurring  in  semiarid  regions  of  California.  One  of  these  is  confined 
to  the  intermountain  coastal  valleys,  the  other  two  having  a  somewhat  wider 
distribution  in  the  Great  Interior  Valley  where  summer  temperatures  are 
higher  and  conditions  more  arid. 


634  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

The  gravel  content  renders  the  soil  somewhat  more  porous,  more  leachy 
under  irrigation,  and  less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  sandy  loams.  The 
loss  of  water  by  gravity  is,  however,  counteracted  by  the  heavy  subsoils  or 
impervious  hardpan,  and  in  crop  adaptation  the  soil  does  not  differ  greatly 
from  the  sandy  loams  of  the  same  series.  It  is,  however,  more  frequently  of 
rolling  or  rough  topography  and  not  so  well  situated  for  irrigation. 

In  the  Livermore  Valley,  where  a  gravelly  sandy  loam  of  the  Pleasanton 
series  has  been  mapped,  the  soil  is  generally  less  retentive  of  moisture  and 
inferior  in  agricultural  value  to  the  sandy  loam  member  of  the  series.  It  is 
utilized  for  grazing,  although  dry-wine  grapes  are  grown  upon  the  lower  slopes. 

In  the  Redding  series  the  type  is  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming  without 
irrigation.  The  deeper  areas  are  profitably  utilized  for  peaches  and  small 
fruits  under  irrigation  or  intensive  agriculture.  The  gravelly  sandy  loam  mem- 
ber of  the  San  Joaquin  series  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  grains 
without  irrrigation. 

Pleasanton  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  light  reddish  brown 
sandy  loam,  from  18  to  30  inches  deep,  and  carrying  a  large  proportion  of  gravel 
derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks.  The  gravel  content  is  sometimes  excessive, 
and  the  surface  is  strewn  with  rounded  to  angular  cobblestones.  On  the  lower 
slopes  the  soil  often  shows  a  red  tint.  The  surface  is  soft  and  spongy  when 
wet,  baking  upon  exposure.  The  subsoil  is  a  red  or  yellowish-red  gravelly 
clay  loam  ranging  in  depth  from  6  inches  to  2  feet,  underlain  by  a  gravelly 
loam  containing  a  large  quantity  of  coarse  gravel  and  cobbles.  The  subsoil 
layer  is  sometimes  absent.  The  topography  is  rough  to  hilly  and  broken  and 
deeply  dissected  by  frequent  intermittent  streams. 

The  drainage  is  excessive  and  the  type  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  prop- 
erties. The  native  timber  growth  consists  of  oaks  and  buckeye,  occurring  along 
ravines.  Little  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  and  it  is  utilized  mainly  for 
grazing.  Grapes  are  grown  successfully  on  some  of  the  lower  slopes.  The  type 
is  of  low  agricultural  value. 

Redding  gravelly  handy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-red  to  red,  sticky  sandy 
loam,  carrying  a  moderate  to  large  quantity  of  gravel,  originally  water  worn 
but  in  some  cases  reduced  to  subangular  forms  through  weathering.  The 
gravel  content  is  usually  concentrated  in  the  vicinity  of  minor  surface  depres- 
sions or  along  eroded  slopes.  At  a  depth  varying  from  12  to  24  inches  the  soil 
is  underlain  by  a  compact  and  tenacious  red  clay  loam  or  heavy  loam  generally 
free  from  gravel,  which  has  a  tendency  to  check  into  cubical  blocks  upon  ex- 
posure. The  subsoil  is  of  high  water-holding  capacity  and  seldom  extends  to 
a  depth  of  more  than  4  feet.  It  is  underlain  by  an  impervious  ferruginous 
hardpan  of  cemented  sand  and  clay,  impenetrable  to  plant  roots  and  usually 
from  1  to  6  inches  in  thickness.  This  rests  upon  masses  of  partially  consoli- 
dated or  indurated  gravel,  cobbles,  sand,  silt,  and  clay.  This  material  is 
usually  roughly  stratified  and  is  only  partially  permeable  to  plant  roots.  The 
soil  material  is  derived  from  the  weathering  in  place  of  old  alluvial  filling  mate- 
rial of  Quaternary  age.  The  surface  is  gently  to  sharply  rolling  or  hilly,  the 
type  occupying  elevated  or  hilly  dissected  terraces  and  valley  plains.  It 
usually  supports  a  growth  of  oaks  and  brush.  Dry-farmed  crops  are  grown 
with  but  indifferent  success.  Under  irrigation,  except  in  the  more  shallow 
phases,  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  berries,  peaches,  and  other 
fruits. 

Ban  Joaquin  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-red  to  deep- 
red  sticky  sandy  Loam,  carrying  considerable  quantities  of  water-worn  gravel, 
r:uiLrhi<,'  in  size  from  fine  gravel  to  cobbles  and  extending  to  a  depth  of  from 
2  to  0  or  more  feet.  It  is  underlain  by  red  hardpan,  sometimes  encountered 
within  2  feet  of  the  surface,  the  average  depth  being  ordinarily  somewhat 
greater  than  in  the  other  members  of  the  San  Joaquin  series.  The  type  occurs 
as  somewhat  pfenounced  ridges  or  elevations  occupying  valley  plains  of  sloping 
surface,  but  usually  free  from  minor  irregularities.  It  is  devoted  to  dry  farm- 
ing to  grains,  hut  under  Irrigation  it  should  prove  fairly  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  tigs,  olives,  and  possibly  the  citrus  fruits. 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  635 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pleasanton  gravelly  sandy  loam 

California  8 

8,960 

Redding  gravelly  sandy  loam 

California  16 

5,504 
1,152 

San  Joaquin  gravelly  sandy  loam 

California  11... 

Total 

15,616 

'  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
SANDY    LOAM    ADOBE   PHASE. 


Sandy  loam  adobe  has  been  encountered  in  this  province  in  but  one  area 
occurring  upon  the  arid  plains  of  the  interior  valley  of  California. 

The  adobe  structure  of  the  soil  makes  it  compact  and  sticky  and  readily  pud- 
dled when  wet.  Upon  subsequent  exposure  during  the  dry  season  it  bakes  and 
becomes  very  refractory.  When  plowed  under  proper  moisture  conditions  it 
can  be  maintained  in  a  mellow,  friable  condition,  and  it  is  then  retentive  of 
moisture. 

Where  recognized,  the  phase  is  generally  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  Under 
favorable  drainage  and  cultural  conditions  it  is  better  adapted  to  general  farm 
crops  and  late  fruits  than  is  the  sandy  loam  of  the  same  series  and  not  so  well 
suited  to  early  maturing  products.  It  loses  moisture  rapidly,  however,  when 
puddled  and  baked,  and  requires  a  more  careful  and  thorough  system  of  tillage 
and  heavier  farm  equipment  for  efficient  utilization. 

San  Joaquin  sandy  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  depth, 
and  other  general  features  to  the  San  Joaquin  fine  sandy  loam.  It  has  a  dense, 
compact  adobe  structure,  puddles  readily,  and  checks  upon  exposure.  It  be- 
comes heavier  below  the  first  foot,  and  is  underlain  by  a  red  hardpan.  It  is 
principally  devoted  to  grain  crops  under  a  system  of  dry  farming. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loam  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

San  Joaquin  sandy  loam  adobe 

California  3 

12,691 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 


The  fine  sandy  loams  derived  from  the  Coastal  Plain  and  old  valley  filling 
material  have  been  encountered  over  small  areas  in  the  humid  coastal  regions 
of  southern  Oregon  and  more  extensively  in  the  semiarid  and  arid  plains  of 
the  interior  valley  in  California. 

In  Oregon  this  group  is  represented  only  by  a  member  of  the  Empire  series. 
It  is  loose,  leachy,  and  porous,  and  inclined  to  be  droughty  during  periods  of 
dry  weather,  but  holds  moisture  better  than  the  lighter  members  of  the  same 
series.  Where  intensively  cultivated  it  is  adapted  to  berries,  early  vegetables, 
and  bush  fruits. 

In  California  the  fine  sandy  loams  are  underlain  by  compact  and  relatively 
impervious  subsoils  and  frequently  by  a  dense  ferruginous  hardpan  impene- 
trable to  plant  roots.  Their  adaptation  depends  largely  upon  the  depth  of  soil 
and  character  of  the  underlying  material.  Underdrainage  is  usually  inade 
quate  and  the  soils  inclined  to  be  cold,  wet,  and  late.  Like  other  soils  of  heavy 
texture,  they  tend  to  puddle  and  bake  unless  carefully  handled. 

Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation  the  flue  sandy  loams 
are  easily  maintained  in  a  friable  condition,  and  are  adapted  to  general  farming 
of  a  rather  heavy  type.  Owing  to  the  impervious  character  of  the  substratum, 
they  are  not  suitable  for  alfalfa  or  other  deeper  rooted  crops  or  to  vines  or  tree 
fruits,  except  in  the  deeper  areas  or  where  the  hardpan  is  broken  by  blasting. 

The  soil  is  extensively  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  Local  areas  are  used 
for  the  production  of  alfalfa,  small  fruits,  grapes,  and  orchard  fruits.  Areas  of 
San  Joaquin  fine  sandy  loam  of  good  depth  in  the  Sacramento  Valley  are  highly 


636 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


developed  under  irrigation,  where  early  Tokay  table  grapes,  strawberries,  and 
the  later  vegetables  are  grown  successfully. 

Corning  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  yellowish-brown  to  red  color,  rather 
sticky  when  wet,  and  easily  puddled,  baking  upon  exposure.  The  subsoil  is 
a  red,  compact,  heavy  loam  or  clay  loam,  the  deeper  portion  being  impervious  and 
resembling  hardpan.  The  type  is  derived  from  early  sedimentary  deposits  and 
occurs  as  undulating  or  sloping,  treeless  valley  plains,  often  marked  by  "  hog 
wallows."  Underdrainage  is  poorly  established  and  the  type  is  not  adapted 
to  deep-rooted  crops,  except  where  the  hardpan  has  been  broken  up  by  blast- 
ing. It  is  generally  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains,  but  under  irrigation  the 
deeper  areas,  or  those  improved  by  the  use  of  dynamite,  would  be  suitable  for 
the  production  of  grapes  and  tree  fruits. 

Empire  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  fine  sandy 
loam,  carrying  considerable  medium  to  coarse  sand,  and  from  15  to  18  inches 
deep.  A  surface  deposit  of  alluvial  loam,  derived  from  higher  lying  adjacent 
soils  is  often  encountered.  It  carries  considerable  organic  matter,  producing 
field  characteristics  of  a  heavier  soil,  and  is  marked  by  the  presence  of  small 
iron  nodules  and  in  places  by  a  thin  ferruginous  hardpan.  The  subsoil  consists 
of  ;i  loose  fine  sandy  loam,  usually  characterized  by  alternating  strata  of  brown 
grray  color  t<>  tiie  depth  of  36  inches  or  more.  The  soil  material  represents 
older  marine  Coastal  Plain  deposits  subsequently  elevated  as  terraces.  The  type 
occurs  as  Coastal  Plain  deposits  of  flat  or  undulating  surface,  in  places  marked 
by  low,  wind-blown  ridges  and  shallow  stream  courses.  It  is  covered  by  a 
native  growth  of  brush  and  forest  trees,  consisting  of  fir,  cedar,  spruce,  alder, 
and  madrona.  Where  not  too  porous  it  is  well  adapted  to  intensively  cultivated 
crops,  such  as  berries,  vegetables,  and  bush  fruits. 

Madera  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  reddish  brown  fine 
sandy  loam  from  4  to  6  feet  deep,  underlain  by  hardpan.  It  occurs  as  small, 
comparatively  level  areas  bordering  intermittent  stream  channels,  and  is  gen- 
erally devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  It  is  subject  to  occasional  overflow  from 
adjacent  streams,  and  owing  to  this  feature  is  not  well  adapted  to  tree  fruits. 
Under  irrigation  alfalfa,  grapes,  and  small  fruits  could  doubtless  be  success- 
fully produced  over  a  large  proportion  of  this  type. 

San  Joaquin  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  smooth,  compact,  and  somewhat 
silty  red  sandy  loam,  becoming  rather  sticky  when  wet.  It  is  underlain  at 
an  average  depth  of  36  inches  by  a  heavy  red  loam  or  clay  grading  with  depth 
into  a  red  ferruginous  clay  or  sandy  clay  hardpan.  Drainage  is  not  ordinarily 
well  established.  The  soil  is  generally  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains,  but 
in  favorable  locations  where  the  hardpan  does  not  too  closely  approach  the 
surface  it  produces  valuable  crops  of  table  and  wine  grapes  and  of  bramble  and 
other  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


San  Joaquin  fine  sandy  loam ,  California  11, 18. 

Empire  I  oe  oody  loam xISI?n  ? 

Corning  fine  sandy  loam California  2 

.me  sandy  loam California  11 


35,200 
10,200 
1,920 
1,152 


57,472 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p,  788. 

Ix>am  Group. 


i  he  mod  northern  occurrence  <  f  the  loam  group  recognized  In  this  province 
li  Pound  in  the  Blackip  f  southwestern  Oregon.    The  type  occurs  near 

the  coast  and  under  humid  conditions.     Ft  is  of  limited  extent,  poorly  drained, 
and   rapports  a   forest  growth     Clearing  and  preparing  the  land  is  more  ex- 
[Te  than  on  some  of  the  better  surrounding  soils,  and  for  this  reason  the 
type  is  not  highly  esteemed  tor  agriculture. 

the  Interior  valley  of  California  the  loam  soils  of  this  province  nre  of 
widespread  and  extensive  occurrence,  in  the  Livennore  Valley,  an  inter- 
mountain    valley    In   the  QgeS   in   California,   the   loam   member  of  the 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  637 

Pleasanton  series  is  an  important  soil  type.  In  the  interior  valley  it  occurs 
under  the  Corning,  Redding,  and  the  San  Joaquin  series. 

Where  underlain  by  heavy  subsoils  of  high  water-holding  capacity  but  with- 
out a  hardpan  substratum,  the  type  is  generally  well  drained.  It  puddles  readily 
when  wet,  has  somewhnt  restricted  underdrainage,  and  is  not  adapted  to  as 
early  crops  as  would  be  the  case  under  conditions  of  a  more  porous  subsoil  of 
lighter  texture.  Where  characterized  by  the  more  impervious  and  impenetrable 
hardpan  substratum,  the  defective  subdraiuage  and  refractory  structure  tend 
to  seriously  limit  its  adaptability  to  crops. 

With  thorough  methods  of  preparation  for  planting  and  under  intensive 
cultivation,  the  type  is  retentive  of  moisture  and  adapted  to  the  general  farm 
crops  over  the  well-drained,  deeper  areas.  Much  of  the  type,  however,  because 
of  shallow  depth  or  lack  of  irrigation  facilities,  is  suited  only  to  the  produc- 
tion of  grains  or  other  shallow  rooted  crops.  Where  irrigated  the  yield  of 
grains  is  often  light,  but  is  profitable  in  seasons  of  favorable  rainfall.  The 
deeper  soils,  where  capable  of  irrigation,  are  adapted  to  the  production  of 
late  peaches,  almonds,  berries,  or  other  small  fruits  and  to  table  and  wine 
grapes. 

For  its  efficient  utilization  this  soil  requires  a  rather  heavy  farming  equip- 
ment in  implements  and  draft  stock  applicable  to  an  intensive  or  an  ex- 
tensive system  of  agriculture,  according  to  the  character  of  crops  grown,  and 
demands  careful  management  in  cultivation  and  irrigation. 

Blacklock  loam. — This  type  varies  from  a  light  loam  with  an  appreciable 
amount  of  fine  sand  to  a  rather  heavy  loam.  The  soil  is  dark  gray  to  brown 
or  black  in  color,  and  is  usually  friable  except  in  areas  of  deficient  drainage, 
where  it  becomes  close  and  compact.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  brown  to 
black  clay  loam  or  clay  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more.  In  areas 
adjacent  to  lighter  soil  types  it  is  sometimes  marked  by  the  occurrence  of 
more  or  less  sandy  material  or  strata  of  sand  alrernating  with  clay.  The  type 
occurs  as  small,  flat,  or  gently  sloping  areas,  sometimes  marked  by  low  mounds 
or  ridges,  or  narrow,  basinlike  depressions  of  deficient  drainage.  The  soil 
material  consists  of  sediments  derived  mainly  from  sandstone  and  shale  rocks, 
transported  by  streams  and  deposited  as  alluvial  coastal  plain  sediments  dur- 
ing a  previous  period  of  submergence  and  subsequently  more  or  less  modified 
by  recent  alluvial  material.  The  forest  growth  consists  of  fir,  cedar,  alder, 
and  bushes.  Only  a  small  proportion  of  the  type  has  been  cleared  or  utilized, 
and  it  is  considered  generally  inferior  to  adjacent  types,  owing  to  expense  of 
clearing  and  preparation  for  cultivation. 

Corning  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  slightly  compact,  sticky,  reddish-brown 
to  red  loam  from  16  to  30  inches  deep,  sometimes  carrying  small  amounts  of 
gravel.  When  properly  handled  it  is  friable  and  readily  tilled.  The  subsoil 
consists  of  a  heavy,  impervious  clay  loam  or  clay,  encountered  at  an  average 
depth  of  24  inches  and  resting  upon  compact,  partially  indurated,  stratified 
beds  of  clay,  sand,  and  gravel.  The  type  occupies  a  slightly  lower  elevation 
than  the  soils  of  the  Redding  series  and  frequently  grades  by  insensible  de- 
grees into  adjacent  soils.  The  topography  is  gently  rolling  to  level,  with 
occasional  small  washes  or  ravines. 

The  type  is.  in  general,  less  hilly  and  rolling  than  the  Corning  gravelly  loam. 
It  is  usually  well  drained,  with  the  exception  of  local  depressions,  and  is  treeless, 
except  for  an  occasional  scattered  growth  of  oak.  It  is  poorly  adapted  to  dry 
farming,  but  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  would  probably  be  found 
suitable  for  the  production  of  peaches,  almonds,  berries,  figs,  and  grapes!  It  is 
less  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  prunes,  and  other  crops  requiring  deep,  friable  soils. 

Pleasanton  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light  reddish  brown  to  red  loam  carrying 
large  amounts  of  fine  to  very  fine  sand  and  varying  amounts  of  medium  to 
coarse  gravel,  mainly  of  quartz.  In  some  places  the  color  varies  from  a  bright- 
red  to  yellow.  Some  of  the  higher  lying  bodies  are  very  gravelly  and  marked 
with  surface  cobbles.  The  soil  is  sticky  and  boggy  when  wet  and  a  crust  forms 
upon  the  surface  upon  drying,  but  under  cultivation  it  is  friable.  The  subsoil 
is  a  red  or  yellowish-red.  sticky  clay  or  heavy  clay  loam  of  adobe  structure. 
Small  amounts  of  gravel  are  encountered  at  depths  ranging  from  12  to  30 
inches.  The  subsoil  is  in  turn  underlain  by  a  compact,  reddish-yellow  gravelly 
clay  loam,  usually  extending  to  6  feet  or  more.  On  the  higher  elevations  the  sur- 
face soil  is  shallow,  the  clay  loam  subsoil  In  places  being  exposed.  The  type 
occurs  mainly  along  lower  hill  slopes  and  has  a  rolling  to  hilly  topography,  often 
broken  by  ravines  and  stream  courses.  It  is  well  drained,  except  after  heavy 
rains,  when  it  becomes  boggy.     It  retains  moisture  well.     Nearly  all  of  the 


638 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


type  is  under  cultivation  and  devoted  chiefly  to  hay,  grain,  and  wine  grapes. 
Yields  of  hay  and  grain  are  light.  With  irrigation  the  soil  should  prove  suit- 
able for  alfalfa  and  fruits. 

Redding  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  8  to  12  inches  of  light-red  or  reddish-gray 
loam  carrying  small,  rounded  pebbles.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  compact,  tena- 
cious red  clay  loam,  with  little  gravel,  extending  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  where  a 
red  or  mottled  clay-iron  hardpan  is  encountered.  The  hardpan  usually  lies 
nearer  the  surface  than  in  the  Redding  gravelly  loam.  The  type  occupies 
slightly  rolling,  treeless  sections  of  the  upland  plain.  Drainage  is  deficient, 
especially  in  many  depressed  spots.  It  is  unirri gated  and  largely  devoted  to 
grazing. 

San  Joaquin  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  red,  plastic  loam  of  fine,  silty 
texture,  compact  structure,  and  inclined  to  puddle,  varying  in  depth  from  a  few 
inches  to  3  feet  or  more.  Below  the  first  foot  a  heavy,  adobe-like  structure 
usually  prevails,  the  material  merging  into  the  underlying  indurated  sandy 
clay  hardpan.  The  type  covers  extensive  areas  of  the  lower  valley  plains  and 
is  generally  treeless,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  stream  channels  and  flood  plains. 
Drainage  is  usually  poor.  The  hardpan  layer  frequently  approaches  the  sur- 
face too  closely  to  allow  profitable  crop  production.  The  soil  is  generally 
devoted  to  grazing  and  dry  farming  to  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  12, 13, 
California  2, 16 . 
California  16,  17. 
California  8 

23 

93,504 

84,224 

26,728 

13,120 

Oregon  3 

4,48C 

Total 

221,056 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  stony  character  of  the  surface  materia]  renders  the  use  of  farm  machinery 
upon  the  stony  phase  of  the  loam  group  less  effective  and  more  difficult  and 
costly  than  upon  the  loam  soil.  It  causes  the  soil  to  be  of  more  porous  chnr- 
acter  and  hotter  suited  to  fruit  crops  requiring  good  drainage  and  moderately 
early  soils  than  to  the  general  farm  crops.  In  this  province  the  phase  is  con- 
fined to  a  single  soil  scries  occurring  in  the  northern  Sacramento  Valley  in 
California.  This  type  is  characterized  by  an  impervious  gravel  hardpan  occur- 
ring ;it  shallow  depths.  Owing  to  this  feature,  the  soil  is  deficient  in  moisture- 
retaining  properties,  becoming  boggy  and  sticky  when  wet,  hut  baking  and  losing 
moisture  rapidly  upon  exposure  to  hot.  dry  weather.  It  is  barren  and  unpro- 
ductive and  does  net  differ  greatly  in  its  relation  to  agriculture  from  the  other 
members  of  the  scries     it  is  best  adapted  to  gracing. 

Tuscan  8tony  loam. — The  soil  is  reddish  to  reddish  brown  in  color,  from  18  to 
30  inches  deep,  and  carries  fewer  bowlders  and  rock  fragments  than  the  stony 
Bandy  loam  member  of  the  scries.  It  is  underlain  by  old  sedimentary  deposits 
of  impervious  str.-ita  consisting  of  rounded  basaltic  and  andesitic  gravels  and 
finer  volcanic  material  derived  from  tuffs  and  breccias.  The  surface  is  level  to 
roiling  and  traversed  by  drainage  depressions  or  by  occasional  streams.  The 
type  is  treeless  and  <if  little  agricultural  value  except  for  gracing. 

d  distribution  of  tin  stony  loam. 


name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acref . 

California  IP 

MOO 

iimtxT  in  this  oolumn  ■  •  i 


PACIFIC   COAST  EEGION.  639 

GRAVELLY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  loam  phase  of  the  loam  group  usually  occupies  a  somewhat  more 
elevated  position  than  the  nongravelly  members  of  the  same  series  and  is  more 
frequently  of  eroded  or  rolling  character.  This,  with  the  gravel  content,  tends 
to  promote  better  drainage  conditions,  together  with  the  earlier  maturity  of 
crops.  The  topographic  position  is,  with  regard  to  the  occurrence  of  frosts, 
also  usually  more  favorable  than  that  of  the  nongravelly  members  of  the  series. 

In  this  province,  however,  the  gravelly  loams,  so  far  as  recognized,  are  con- 
fined to  three  series  of  soils  occurring  in  the  semiarid  or  arid  plains  of  the 
Interior  Yalley  of  California,  all  of  which  are  characterized  by  heavy,  compact 
subsoils,  relatively  impervious  to  water,  and  in  two  of  the  series  by  a  distinct 
iron  hardpan,  usually  impenetrable  to  the  roots  of  plants.  The  adaptation  of 
the  soils  to  the  deeper-rooted  crops  is  determined  by  the  character  of  the  under- 
lying material  and  the  depth  at  which  they  occur.  The  variable  character  of 
these  features  consequently  affect  the  uses  of  the  types  to  a  marked  degree. 

Where  underlain  at  shallow  depths  by  subsoil  or  substrata  impervious  to 
water,  subdrainage  is  arrested,  and  the  soils  when  wet  become  boggy,  cold,  and 
late.  They  bake  upon  exposure  during  the  latter  part  of  the  season,  losing 
moisture  rapidly  and  making  tillage  difficult.  Under  such  conditions  the  soils 
are  adapted  only  to  grazing  or  to  the  culture  of  grains  or  other  shallow-rooted 
plants.  They  differ  from  the  loams  of  the  same  series  in  adaptation  to  crops 
only  so  far  as  local  conditions  of  topography  and  of  gravel  content  may  affect 
drainage,  early  planting,  or  the  use  of  farm  machinery. 

Where  underlain  more  deeply  by  impervious  substrata,  excessive  loss  of 
moisture  by  percolation  may  be  checked  to  the  advantage  of  the  farmer.  The 
soils  under  such  conditions  are  retentive  of  moisture  and,  when  properly  tilled, 
adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops  doing  well  on  the  loam  soils.  They  are  some- 
what better  adapted  than  the  latter  to  vine  and  other  fruits,  which  require 
only  moderately  early  soils  with  moist  but  well-drained  subsoils. 

Owing  to  the  small  extent  to  which  irrigation  facilities  have  been  developed, 
the  gravelly  loams  of  the  province  are  generally  used  for  grazing  and  for  dry 
farming.  Where  favored  by  local  conditions  of  climate,  drainage,  topography, 
and  depth  of  soil  and  subsoil  material,  almonds,  grapes,  olives,  figs,  peaches, 
and  citrus  fruits  may  be  grown. 

Coming  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-red  or  reddish-brown 
loam  of  medium  texture,  often  carrying  considerable  coarse  sand  and  varying 
amounts  of  small,  angular  or  water-worn  gravel  similar  to  that  occurring  in  the 
Redding  loam.  The  soil  is  usually  of  compact  structure,  becomes  tenacious 
when  wet,  and  bakes  upon  subsequent  exposure.  Under  favorable  conditions, 
however,  it  is  fairly  friable.  It  is  underlain  at  12  to  20  inches  by  a  compact, 
heavy,  tenacious  red  clay  or  clay  loam,  usually  free  from  gravel,  which  is  in 
turn  underlain  at  a  depth  of  24  to  48  inches  by  partially  consolidated  layers  of 
water-worn  gravel  and  clay  or  silty  material  of  yellowish-brown  color.  These 
strata  are  more  or  less  impermeable,  and  the  general  subsoil  condition  may  be 
improved  by  blasting.  The  type  occupies  a  somewhat  more  elevated  position 
than  the  surrounding  soils  and  is  frequently  marked  by  abrupt  slopes  and  ter- 
races or  by  bluffs  occurring  along  the  river  valleys  or  minor  stream  courses. 
The  regional  drainage  is  usually  favorable,  although  local  depressions  of  de- 
ficient drainage  occur.  The  underdrainage  is  deficient,  owing  to  the  impervious 
character  of  the  underlying  material.  The  type  is  at  present  utilized  mainly 
for  grazing  and  is  not  capable  of  great  development  except  under  irrigation. 
Where  irrigated  it  can  be  used  for  the  culture  of  peaches,  almonds,  grapes, 
olives,  figs,  and.  in  favorable  locations,  to  a  limited  extent,  for  citrus  fruits. 

Redding  gravelly  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  red  heavy  silty  loam,  from  6 
to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  red.  heavy,  adobelike  material  which  at  depths 
ranging  from  18  inches  to  5  feet  grades  into  gravel.  Varying  quantities  of  sub- 
angular,  rounded,  or  flattened  cobbles  and  pebbles  occur  in  the  soil.  The  type 
occurs  on  the  higher,  ancient  valley  plains  and  the  lower  foothills.  Surface 
drainage  is  well  established,  but  underdrainage  is  arrested  by  the  underlying 
hardpan.  The  type  is  devoted  to  grazing  or  dry  farmed  to  grains  with  moderate 
yields. 

San  Joaquin  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  20  inches  is  a  red 
loam,  containing  considerable  fine  gravel.  It  is  underlain  by  a  bright-red  heavy 
loam  or  clay  loam  of  adobelike  structure,  usually  containing  no  gravel  and 
extending  to  depths  of  2  to  4  feet,  where  hardpan  is  encountered.  The  type 
occupies  high,  rolling  plains  and  slopes  of  the  lower  foothills.     Surface  drain- 


640 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


age  is  good,  but  underdrainage  is  arrested  by  the  underlying  hardpan. 
type  is  devoted  to  grazing  and  dry-farmed  grains,  with  moderate  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


The 


| 


Soil  name. 


Redding  gravelly  loam 

Corning  gravelly  loam 

San  Joaquin  gravelly  loam. 

Total 


State  or  area.1 


California  17... 
California  2,  16 . 
California  12. . . 


Acres. 


57,216 
32, 128 
22,848 


112, 192 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 


The  clay  loam  soils  of  this  province  have  been  recognized  and  mapped  in  a 
large  number  of  widely  distributed  areas  in  Washington,  Oregon,  and  Cali- 
fornia. 

In  western  Washington  and  southwestern  Oregon  they  are  situated  in  humid 
regions  and  are  usually  forested.  In  the  former  Stare  types  in  three  series 
have  been  mapped.  They  are  characterized  by  a  compact,  partially  indurated 
substratum  of  gravel,  usually  occurring  at  a  depth  of  2  to  5  feet.  Agriculture 
has  been  developed  to  but  a  limited  extent.  The  purposes  to  which  the  soils  are 
best  suited  is  dependent  largely  upon  topography,  the  possibilities  of  effective 
use  of  farm  machinery  in  the  culture  of  general  farm  crops,  and  likelihood  of 
destructive  erosion.  Prevailing  soil,  topographic,  climatic,  and  economic  con- 
ditions favor  the  production  of  hay  crops,  including  clover,  timothy,  and  oats, 
and  the  practice  of  dairying  and  stock  raising.  Climatic  conditions  prevent  the 
production  of  wheat  of  hard  quality,  but  promote  a  luxuriant  growth  of  native 
grasses.  In  better-drained  areas,  potatoes,  apples,  and  bramble  fruits  should 
prove  successful.  The  steeper  slopes  should  be  protected  by  cover  crops  owing 
to  their  tendency  to  erode  in  periods  of  heavy  rainfall. 

In  the  humid  coastal  districts  of  southwestern  Oregon,  soils  of  this  group 
have  been  mapped  in  two  series,  one  of  which  is  characterized  by  a  sandy  and 
the  other  by  a  heavy  subsoil.  In  crop  adaptation  they  are  related  to  the  clay 
Loams  of  this  group  occurring  in  Washington,  the  type  underlain  by  sandy  sub- 
soils being  somewhat  less  well  adapted  to  general  farming  and  tree  fruits,  but 
Slightly  better  adapted,  under  favorable  drainage  conditions,  to  small  fruits  and 
vegetables. 

In  the  Columbia  River  Valley  at  the  base  of  the  Cascade  Range,  another  type 
of  the  group  covers  extensive  areas  of  elevated  terraces.  The  subsoil  is  com- 
pact, but  the  topography  is  rolling  and  the  areas  well  drained.  Much  of  the  land 
is  still  covered  with  a  heavy  forest  growth.  The  type  is  well  suited  to  general 
Canning  and  better  adapted  to  earlier  and  more  highly  colored  apples  and  other 
fruits  than  the  coastal  districts.  Pears  and,  in  the  better  drained  areas,  prunes 
and  cherries  are  successfully  grown. 

in  the  nitcrior  valley  of  California  the  group  is  represented  by  two  types,  both 
of  which  are  characterized  by  an  underlying  hardpan  layer.  Tins  usually  occurs 
at  shallow  depths  and  has  the  same  ill  effects  as  in  the  lighter  members  of  the 
same  series.  The  production  of  small  grains  under  an  extensive  system  of  dry 
farming  is  In  these  districts  the  principal  use  of  the  type.  The  deep-rooted  crops 
are  confined  to  small  areas  of  the  deeper  soils  or  to  areas  where  the  underlying 
hardpan  has  been  broken  by  Matting.  Areas  which  can  he  used  for  fruit  grow- 
ing are  usually  leaf  well  adapted  to  the  purpose  than  the  sandy  loam  members 
Of  the  series. 

The  profitable  utilization  of  the  soils  of  the  group  calls  for  a  farming  equip- 
ment adapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  farming. 

Araqo  otoy  loom.— The  soil  ranges  from  a  heavy  silty  clay  loam  to  a  light, 
friable  clay  loam,  about  in  inches  deep,  and  prevailingly  light  brown  in  color. 
The  soil  is  usually  free  from  gravel,  but  contains  some  fine  sand.  The  subsoil 
consists  of  a  hrown  to  light-brown  silty  clay  loam  or  clay  loam  resting  upon 
Shale  01  sandstone  or  upon  gravel  beds,  which  frequently  outcrop  at  the  sur- 
face "lie  type  occurs  on  valley  slopes,  as  remnants  of  elevated  terraces,  and 
is  heavilv  forested.     The  soil  material  has  been  derived  from  the  sedimentary, 


PACIFIC   COAST   KEGION.  641 

altered,  and  eruptive  rocks  of  the  Coast  Range,  shales  and  sandstones  predomi- 
nating, and  represents  marine  and  estuarine  deposits.  Little  of  the  type  is  at 
present  under  cultivation.  In  the  areas  farmed  bramble  fruits,  strawberries, 
potatoes,  grains,  and  hay  crops  have  proved  successful.  The  type  should  prove 
a  good  soil  for  the  production  of  apples. 

Copal  is  clan  loam. — The  seil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  dark-brown 
heavy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay  loam,  carrying  much  organic  matter,  and  from  12 
to  18  inches  deep.  It  rests  upon  a  light-brown,  yellow,  or  mottled  yellow  and 
gray  compact  clay,  almost  invariably  underlain  at  a  depth  of  2  to  5  feet  by  a 
compact  mass  of  loosely  cemented  basalt,  quartz,  sandstone,  and  shale  gravel. 
Small  quantities  of  gravel  are  also  found  in  the  soil  and  subsoil.  None  of  the 
type  is  under  cultivation,  though  it  should  prove  well  adapted  to  hay,  grain, 
and  pasturage.  Fruits  might  also  be  successfully  grown  in  the  better  drained 
areas. 

Empire  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  clay  loam,  generally  of  light  brown 
color,  free  from  gravel,  and  extending  to  an  average  depth  of  about  15  inches, 
although  the  depth  is  subject  to  some  variation  and  the  soil  may  extend  to  a 
depth  of  3  or  more  feet.  When  in  a  favorable  moisture  condition  the  soil  is 
friable  and  is  readily  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth.  It  is  underlain 
by  a  reddish-gray  to  light-brown  sandy  subsoil,  carrying  small  iron  pellets.  The 
topography  is  flat  to  undulating,  the  type  consisting  of  more  or  less  elevated 
marine  terraces  and  plains,  traversed  by  occasional  broad,  shallow  valleys 
carved  by  stream  action  and  rising  with  abrupt  slopes  to  the  terrace  level. 
The  soil  material  is  derived  from  the  rocks  of  the  Coast  Range  Mountains  de- 
posited as  marine  sediments.  It  has  been  subsequently  modified  by  the  addition 
of  fine  material  washed  from  adjacent  slopes  by  rains  or  deposited  from  flood 
waters  of  minor  foothill  streams.  The  type  supports  a  heavy  forest  growth 
and  has  been  developed  for  farming  purposes  only  to  a  small  extent.  It  is 
adapted  to  the  production  of  grains  and  hay  crops,  and  in  favorable  locations 
apples,  berries,  and  small  fruits  can  be  grown. 

Hesson  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  10  to  12  inches  consists  of  a  dark 
reddish  brown  clay  loam  carrying  rounded,  water- worn  quartzite  pebbles,  found 
most  abundantly  upon  the  surface  and  along  the  eroded  banks  of  streams. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  compact  clay,  becoming  heavier  and 
more  compact  in  the  lower  part  of  the  3-foot  section.  The  bedrock  is  of  basalt, 
but  seldom  encountered  within  6  feet  of  the  surface.  The  topography  varies 
from  comparatively  level  to  rolling.  The  soil  represents  the  highest  and  oldest 
rerraces  in  the  Columbia  River  Valley.  The  natural  timber  growth  consists 
of  fir,  hemlock,  and  some  cedar.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  general  farming 
and  to  tree  fruits,  including  prunes,  pears,  cherries,  and  apples. 

Hoquiam  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  red  heavy  silt 
loam  or  clay  loam  from  12  to  15  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown 
to  red  clay  loam  subsoil  from  3  to  10  feet  deep,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  a  com- 
pact mass  of  loosely  cemented  sandstone,  basalt,  quartz,  and  shale  gravels. 
Strata  of  impure  sandstone  are  frequently  found  embedded  in  or  overlying  the 
gravels,  and  small  amounts  of  gravel  occur  throughout  the  soil  and  subsoil. 
The  more  level  areas  of  this  type  should  be  well  adapted  to  all  crops  grown  in 
the  region,  but  especially  to  small  grains,  hay,  and  clover.  Cover  crops  are 
necessary  on  the  steeper  slopes  during  rainy  seasons  as  protection  against 
erosion.  *  Fruit  growing  should  also  prove  a  profitable  industry  in  favorable 
localities. 

Madera  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  grayish  brown  to  reddish- 
brown  sticky  and  compact  clay  loam,  from  3  to  6  feet  deep,  resting  upon  hard- 
pan.  It  is  readily  puddled  if  cultivated  when  wet,  and  is  somewhat  difficult  to 
handle  except  under  favorable  moisture  conditions.  The  type  is  of  limited 
extent  and  found  along  the  smaller  stream  courses.  It  is  devoted  principally 
to  dry-farmed  grains,  but  under  irrigation  the  deeper  phases  could  probably 
be  successfully  used  for  alfalfa. 

Montesano  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  black  silt  loam  or  silty  loam, 
from  16  to  24  inches  deep,  carrying  a  high  percentage  of  organic  matte;-.  It  is 
underlain  by  a  compact  clay  loam  or  sandy  clay  loam,  varying  in  color  from  gray 
with  yellow  mottlings  to  yellowish  brown  with  gray  mottlings.  This  material 
rests  upon  a  compact  mass  of  loosely  cemented  sand  and  gravel  at  a  depth  of 
2£  to  5  feet.  Small  amounts  of  gravel  are  frequently  found  in  both  soil  and  sub- 
soil. The  subsoil  is  mellow,  usually  well  drained,  and  easily  cultivated.  Only  a 
part  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation,  although  it  may  be  prepared  for  crops  at 

79619—13 41 


642 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


relatively  little  expense.  The  type  is  very  productive,  oats  yielding  from  45  to  75 
bushels  per  acre,  wheat  from  25  to  40  bushels,  and  hay  from  1$  to  2\  tons. 
Potatoes  and  fruits  are  also  grown. 

San  Joaquin  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  red  or  reddish-brown,  sticky 
clay  loam,  from  2  to  4  feet  deep,  decidedly  boggy  and  inclined  to  puddle  when 
wet  and  becoming  compact  and  hard  upon  subsequent  exposure  to  hot,  dry 
weather.  It  is  underlain  by  a  dense,  impervious  red  hardpan.  The  surface  is 
usually  marked  by  "  hog-wallow "  mounds  and  depressions,  but  is  otherwise 
of  less  irregular  character  than  the  San  Joaquin  sandy  loam.  It  is  generally 
dry  farmed  to  grains,  with  somewhat  lighter  yields  than  are  obtained  from  the 
San  Joaquin  loam. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Hoquiam  clay  loam 

Hesson  clay  loam 

San  Joaquin  clay  loam. 

Copalis  clay  loam 

Empire  clay  loam 

Arago  clay  loam 

Montesano  clay  loam. . . 
Madera  clay  loam 


Washington  5.. 
Washington?.. 
California  11,15. 
Washington  5.. 

Oregon  3 

do 

Washington  5.. 
California  11 


204 

37, 
24, 

23, 
18, 

8, 
4, 
2, 


800 
svs 
512 
808 
112 
320 
096 
048 


Total. 


323, 5S4 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILTY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  silty  phase  of  the  clay  loam  group  is  represented  by  one  soil  type  and 
found  in  only  one  locality  in  a  humid  region. 

The  type  is  at  present  in  forest  and  not  utilized  for  agriculture,  though  well 
adapted  to  small  grains,  berry  crops,  dairying,  and  stock  raising.  Vegetables  of 
the  heavier  type  could  also  probably  be  grown.  It  requires  a  slightly  heavier 
equipment  than  the  clay  loam  of  the  same  series. 

Montesano  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  black  silty  clay  loam,  12  to 
14  inches  deep  and  high  in  organic  matter.  It  rests  upon  a  mottled  gray,  yel- 
low, and  black  clay  loam  or  clay  which  is  underlain,  at  an  average  depth  of  30 
inches,  by  a  compact  mass  of  sand,  gravel,  and  clay,  though  this  material  may  lie 
much  nearer  the  surface.  Small  amounts  of  gravel  are  found  in  both  soil  and 
subsoil.  Under  proper  moisture  conditions  the  type  is  easily  cultivated.  In 
some  areas  the  soil  contains  so  much  organic  matter  that  it  has  the  appearance 
of  Muck.  Such  areas  are  generally  treeless  and  are  locally  termed  "  prairies." 
The  greater  part  of  the  type  supports  a  stunted  and  tangled  growth  of  cedar, 
spruce,  fir,  and  pine.  None  of  it  is  under  cultivation,  but  when  cleared  and 
drained  it  should  be  well  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  hay,  small  grains,  and 
some  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silti/  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

>■  0(  ami.1 

Ac, 

Washington  5 

to  number  in  thie  oolun 
tAVELLI    <  ! 


The  only  occurrence  Id  this  province  <»f  the  gravelly  phase  of  the  clay  Loam 

el    recognized   appears   in   a    Blngle  Boil  under   semi 

climatic  conditions  Id  the  <-«».-i st n  1  Intermountain  districts  In  California.    The 

type  here  occupies  areas  of  rough,  broken  topography,  is  not  adapted  to  the 

of  farm  machinery,  is  i  y  drained,  and  devoted  only  t<>  grazing. 

The  clay-loam  member  of  this  series  has  not  as  yel  been  encountered. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  643 

Pleasanton  gravelly  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  clay  loam 
with  considerable  amounts  of  angular  fine  to  coarse  gravel,  the  soil  becoming 
lighter  and  more  gravelly  upon  ridges.  In  places  it  is  marked  by  small  areas 
of  adobe  soil  without  gravel.  Many  small  bowlders  are  present  on  the  surface 
and  distributed  through  the  soil.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish-red  to  dark  red- 
dish brown  clay  loam,  becoming  lighter  in  texture  and  more  gravelly  at  depths 
of  4  to  5  feet.  At  6  feet  or  more  it  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-yellow  clay  loam 
of  adobe  structure.  The  topography  is  rough  and  broken,  with  numerous 
ridges,  separated  by  ravines  from  300  to  400  feet  deep.  The  surface  is  some- 
times broken  by  landslides.  Drainage  is  ordinarily  excessive  and  the  type 
nearly  barren  of  trees.  It  is  devoted  mainly  to  grazing  and  is  of  low  agricul- 
tural value. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Pleasanton  gravelly  clay  loam 

California  8 

832 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY  LOAM   ADOBE  PHASE. 

The  adobe  phase  of  the  clay  loam  group,  so  far  as  mapped,  includes  a  single 
soil  type  found  in  the  semiarid  plains  of  the  California  interior  valley.  The 
normal  clay  loam  member  of  this  series  has  not  as  yet  been  recognized. 

The  adobe  structure  of  the  type  is  pronounced.  Surface  drainage  is  poorly 
developed  and  underdrainage  checked  by  the  underlying  hardpan  layer.  These 
features  render  the  type  sticky  and  boggy  when  wet  and  make  tillage  difficult, 
except  under  favorable  moisture  conditions.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to 
pasture  or  to  the  production  of  grain  hay,  but  when  protected  from  overflow 
the  deeper  and  better  drained  areas  will  probably  be  found  suitable  for  the  pro- 
duction of  table  grapes  under  intensive  cultivation.  The  soil  has  a  high 
capacity  for  the  storing  of  moisture,  and  when  maintained  in  a  favorable  con- 
dition of  tilth  its  drought-resistant  qualities  are  greatly  increased. 

As  with  the  other  adobe  phases  of  the  soils  of  the  Pacific  coast  region,  the 
adaptation  of  the  soil  to  crops  is  to  a  large  degree  determined  by  its  structure, 
which  may  vary  widely  according  to  drainage  conditions.  It  is  adapted  to  a 
heavy  type  of  farming  and  to  the  successful  culture  of  grains  or  other  shallow- 
rooted  farm  crops  or  the  deeper-rooted  intensively  cultivated  special  crops, 
which  require  a  heavy  farming  equipment. 

Alamo  clay  loam  adobe. — This  type  is  a  dark  reddish  brown  to  dark-drab 
heavy  clay  loam  with  marked  adobe  characteristics,  underlain  at  an  average 
depth  of  30  inches  by  a  dense  red  iron  hardpan.  Because  of  its  low  position 
the  type  has  been  modified  in  places  by  standing  water  and  alluvial  wash.  It 
is  difficult  to  till,  being  practically  a  bog  when  wet  and  when  dry  cracking 
into  large  clods  which  are  broken  down  with  difficulty.  Uncultivated  land 
cracks  badly  on  the  surface  when  dry.  The  topography  is  generally  level,  with 
occasional  shallow  depressions.  Drainage  is  poor,  and  much  of  the  type  is  inun- 
dated during  periods  of  stream  overflow.  It  is  mostly  used  for  hay  and  pas- 
turage. Where  protected  from  overflow  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  Tokay  variety 
of  grapes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam  adobe. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres 

Alamo  clay  loam  adobe 

California  12.  .                  

i- 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Clay  Group.  ' 

Clay  types  are  generally  wanting  in  the  areas  mapped  in  this  province,  the 
environment  apparently  being  such  as  to  favor  development  of  the  adobe  phases 
of  the  soils  of  heavy  texture.    The  normal  clay  group  of  tb<-  is  so  far 


644  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

represented  by  a  single  soil  type,  which  occurs  in  the  humid  coastal  districts  of 
southwestern  Oregon. 

This  type  is  usually  poorly  drained,  carries  a  high  content  of  organic  matter, 
and  when  wet  is  plastic  and  refractory  in  character.  Under  favorable  condi- 
tions of  moisture  supply  and  cultivation,  however,  it  is  easily  maintained  in  a 
proper  condition  of  tilth.  It  is  adapted  to  dairying  and  to  a  heavy  type  of  gen- 
eral farming.  Artificial  drainage  and  intelligent  cultivation  are  necessary  to  its 
most  successful  utilization.  It  is  generally  of  somewhat  less  refractory  char- 
acter and  more  amenable  to  cultivation  under  average  conditions  than  the 
heavy  adobe  soils  of  the  province. 

Blacklock  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  grayish-brown  or  black 
clay,  carrying  liberal  amounts  of  organic  matter  in  the  surface  soil  but  becom- 
ing dense  and  impervious  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section.  The  soil  is 
friable  under  favorable  conditions  of  moisture,  but  heavy  and  plastic  when 
wet,  making  cultivation  difficult.  The  average  depth  of  the  soil  section  is 
slightly  over  3  feet.  The  type  occurs  as  low-lying,  poorly  drained  flats  or  de- 
pressions upon  the  Coastal  Plain.  It  probably  represents  former  marine  lagoons 
or  brackish-water  lakes  caused  by  the  imponding  of  minor  streams  by  drifting 
sands  and  the  formation  of  lagoons  by  extension  of  sand  spits  and  bars.  The 
surface  soil  material  is  largely  derived  through  deposition,  under  swamp  con- 
ditions in  the  lagoons  and  depressions,  of  the  finer  sedimentary  material 
washed  from  adjacent  slopes  by  the  flood  waters  of  minor  streams.  The  sandy 
materials  of  the  subsoils  represent  the  original  sandy  marine  deposits  of  the 
Coastal  Plain.  Drainage  is  ordinarily  deficient,  and  the  type  is  usually  covered 
with  swamp  vegetation,  including  willow  and  other  trees.  When  cleared  this 
type  is  used  mainly  for  pasture  or  the  production  of  oats,  corn  for  fodder, 
vetch,  clover,  cowpeas,  and  sometimes  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay. 


Soil  name. 


Blacklock  clay <  began  3 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


4,864 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY  ADOBE  PHASE. 

In  the  semiarid  and  arid  districts  of  California  the  adobe  structure  is  devel- 
oped to  a  greater  or  less  extent  in  most  of  the  heavy-textured  soils.  True 
clays  have  not  as  yet  been  recognized  in  these  districts,  but  the  clay  adobe 
phase  is  of  quite  frequent  and  widespread  occurrence  in  both  the  interior  val- 
leys and  in  the  coastal  valley  districts. 

The  Pleasanton  clay  adobe,  mapped  In  the  Tavermore  Valley,  is  of  rough,  dis- 
sected topography,  ool  adapted  to  the  use  of  farm  machinery,  and  of  com- 
paratively little  agricultural  importance. 

The  clay  adobes  of  the  San  Joaquin  and  Alamo  series  occurring  in  the 
interior  valley  are.  like  the  other  members  of  these  series,  characterised  by  an 
Impervious  hardpaa  layer  and  by  the  features  of  structure,  surface,  and  sub- 
drainage,   relation   to   tillage,  and   to  the  growth   of  crops  common   to   the  day 

adobe  members  of  the  Bame  series.    The  heavy,  compact,  intractable  structural 

Condition   IS,  however,  Somewhat   more  pronounced,  and  drainage  conditions  are 

•  i  well  established. 

The  soil   possesses  a    very  high  moisi  lire -reta i nin;'  capacity,  however,  when   in 

favorable  physical   condition,   and    is  adapted   to  shallow-rooted   farm   crops. 

Where  not  too  shallow,  table  grapes  could  probably  be  grown  If  intensively 
cultivated.  The  soil  requires  careful  management,  thorough  cultivation,  and 
the  heavies!  equipment  oi  implements  and  draft  stock  for  its  proper  utilisation. 
Alayno  chiy  adobe. — This  soil  consists  of  i  to  6  Beat  of  dark-gray  to  black 
day  Loam  adobe  underlain  by  a  red  iron  hardpan.  The  soil  cracks  badly  on 
drying  out,  often  to  a  depth  of  -  feel  or  more.  Natural  drainage  is  very  poor 
ii.  i  .portion  of  the  type  is  subject  to  overflow  during  the  rainy  season, 

eith.-r  by  water  backing  up  over  the  lowlands,  or  due  to  breaks  in  the  levees. 
The  soil  material  consists  of  alluvia]  sediments  transported  by  sheet  wash  or 

minor  stre.nns  and  deposited   OH    lOW-lylng,   poorly  drained.  BWampy  plains  sub- 

bo  overflow.    The  type  is  used  for  gracing  or  sown  to  grains  for  hay.    if 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  645 

protected  from  overflows,  grapes  and  certain  of  the  shallow-rooted  farm  crops 
and  fruits  would  do  well. 

Pleasanton  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  reddish  sticky  clay,  from 
18  inches  to  3  feet  deep,  containing  considerable  angular  gravel,  particularly 
on  the  ridges.  It  is  often  of  adobe  structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  reddish-yellow 
sticky  clay  or  clay  loam,  often  giving  place  to  yellowish  silty  clay  loam,  and 
underlain  by  a  gravelly  layer  at  a  depth  of  5  or  6  feet.  Sometimes  the  soil 
rests  upon  a  gray  to  yellowish-gray  silt  loam  which  is  not  underlain  by  gravel. 
The  topography  is  rough  and  broken,  with  high,  narrow  ridges,  steep  slopes, 
and  deep  ravines.  Drainage  is  excessive,  but  the  soil  is  more  retentive  of 
moisture  than  the  lighter  types  of  this  series.  The  natural  vegetation  consists 
of  a  scattering  growth  of  live  oak,  field  oak,  and  buckeye.  Much  of  the  type  is 
too  rough  for  cultivation  and  is  devoted  to  pasture.  A  small  acreage  is  used  for 
hay,  of  which  light  yields  are  obtained.    The  value  of  the  type  is  low. 

San  Joaquin  clay  adobe. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dense,  compact  red  clay  adobe 
about  3  feet  deep,  which  puddles  readily  when  wet  and  checks  upon  exposure. 
It  is  underlain  by  the  dense  red  hardpan.  The  soil  possesses  well-developed 
moisture-retaining  properties.  Drainage  of  the  type  is  restricted.  The  soil  is 
generally  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobes. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Alamo  clay  adobe 

California  12,  18 

32,000 
5,  760 

San  Joaquin  clay  adobe 

California  15, 18  .. 

Pleasanton  clav  adobe 

5,568 

Total 

43, 328 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
ALLUVIAL   FAN*  AND   VALLEY  FILLING  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  in  this  province  are  derived  from  a  great  variety  of  material,  the 
character  of  which  can  usually  be  determined  by  a  study  of  the  physiographical 
features  of  the  locality.  Much  of  it  is  transported  by  intermittent  streams, 
generally  of  high  gradient,  which  after  issuing  from  the  mountains  or  foothills 
have  had  no  permanent  channel,  but  have  shifted  from  side  to  side  as  their 
load  of  sediment  has  been  deposited,  until  the  surface  shows  a  characteristic 
fan  shape  with  its  apex  at  the  point  where  the  stream  emerges  from  the 
hills.  This  stream  ontwash  material,  being  subjected  to  short  intervals  of  water 
action,  has  different  characteristics  from  the  soils  formed  through  other 
agencies. 

The  materials  are  derived  from  a  variety  of  rocks,  similar  to  those  giving  rise 
to  the  soils  of  the  Coastal  Plains  and  Old  Valley  Filling  group.  In  addition 
some  of  the  soils  of  the  province  have  been  derived  mainly  from  glacial  material. 
Some  of  the  older  of  the  valley-filling  material  included  in  this  province  is  not 
greatly  different  from  some  of  that  included  within  the  preceding  province. 

The  soils  derived  from  glacial  material  occur  under  humid  conditions  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  glaciated  regions  of  the  Northwest.  The  other  types  of  this 
province  occur  in  subhumid  to  arid  regions.  They  are  utilized  for  a  wide  variety 
of  general  farm  and  special  crops.  Drainage  is  sometimes  poorly  developed  in 
some  of  the  soils  of  heavier  texture  occupying  comparatively  flat  valley  plains. 
The  alluvial  fan  material  and  the  soils  of  the  more  sloping  valley  plains  are 
generally  well  drained.  They  are,  as  a  rule,  admirably  adapted  to  irrigation. 
They  are  used  largely  for  small  grains  without  irrigation,  and  where  favored 
by  local  climatic  and  topographic  conditions  and  by  facilities  for  irrigation 
where  necessary  they  are  adapted  to  the  production  of  general  farm  crops  and 
citrus  and  other  fruits. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  SOIL  SEI. 

Arbuckle   scries. — The   Arbuckle   series   consists   of   light-brown    or    reddish 
brown  soils,  underlain  by  reddish-brown  to  brown   Bubsoils,  and  occurring  as 
alluvial  deposits  covering  sloping  alluvial  fans  and  plains  often  traversed  by 


646 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


intermittent  streams.  These  are  frequently  quite  deeply  intrenched  below  the 
surface  or  inclosed  by  natural  stream-built  levees.  The  soils  of  this  series 
are  derived  mainly  from  conglomerates  and  shales.  They  are  similar  in  origin 
to  the  soils  of  the  Willows  series,  but  differ  in  the  lighter  brown  or  gray  color, 
more  elevated  and  the  more  friable  structure  of  both  the  soils  and 

subsoils.  Some  of  the  types  support  a  scattered  growth  of  oak  or  chaparral 
brush,  which  is  not  the  case  with  the  Willows  soils.  They  are  often  deposited 
over  soils  of  the  Willows  series  or  other  soils  of  the  valley  plains,  are  generally 
well  drained,  productive,  and  under  irrigation  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Arbuckle  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Acres. 

Arbuckle  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Calif  or  i 
do. 

ua  25  . . 

24,000 
3  200 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

do 

18,304 

gravfilly  loam 

do 

16, 128 
1.600 

silt  loam 

do 

clay  loam 

do... 

21,632 

Total 

84,864 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Barron  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  grayish  brown  and  contain  conspicuous 
particles  of  mica,  quartz,  and  feldspar  derived  from  granite  rocks.  The  sub- 
soils are  heavy  and  compact,  varying  from  brown  to  yellowish  brown  in  color. 
The  series  occupies  sloping  to  hilly  and  rolling  areas  lying  at  the  foot  of  moun- 
tain ranges  such  as  the  Siskiyou  Mountains  in  Oregon.  The  soil  material  is 
mainly  of  colluvial  origin  or  has  been  laid  down  as  alluvial  fan  deposits.  The 
subsoil  is  residual  and  derived  from  underlying  shales.  The  soils  of  the  series 
are  well  drained,  frequently  traversed  by  small  streams,  and  support  a  forest 
growth.     Bowlders  and  rock  outcrops  are  of  occasional  occurrence. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Barron  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oregon  4 

6,52S 

do 

1.792 

Total.  .. 

8,320 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

BeUaviti  soil  and  subsoil  material  to  a  depth  of  t;  feet  or  mora 

ranges  from  ashy  gray  to  grayish  brown  in  color,  and  is  characterized  by  the 
occurrence  of  sharply  abraded  fine  material  and  subangular  to  rounded  frag- 
ments or  pebbles  <>f  pumice  and  basaltic  rock.  The  scries  occupies  stream  ter- 
races "i-  lecond  bottoms.  The  soils  are  well  drained  and  not  subject  to  (»\erflow. 
They  are  mainly  of  alluvial  origin,  the  material  consisting  Largely  of  pumice 
and  volcanic  ash,  deposited  by  streams  and  subsequently  modified  by  the  mixture 
of  colluvi.il  or  alluvial  material  from  adjacent  basaltic  slopes  and  cliffs. 

i  >n><i  distribution  of  th<-  soils  of  tin'  BeUavtota  84 


•rime. 

Bti  • 

Acres. 

California  17 

8,828 

.11  t 

3,904 

!o  numbers  in  tin  ootami)  sec  p.  7;t3. 


PACIFIC    COAST   EEGIOX. 


647 


Capay  series. — The  soils  are  fine-textured,  plastic,  and  compact,  ranging  in 
color  from  dark  gray  or  light  to  dark  brown,  and  underlain  by  compact,  light  to 
reddish-brown  or  yellowish-brown  loam  subsoils.  They  occupy  low  depressions 
or  shallow  basins  formed  by  intermittent  lakes  or  ponds  found  in  semiarid  val- 
ley plains.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown.  The  material  is  derived  predomi- 
nantly from  the  weathering  of  metnmorphic  rocks  of  the  Coast  Range  Moun- 
tains modified  by  material  washed  from  more  elevated  areas  of  the  Yolo,  Sites, 
and  other  soils  during  periods  of  freshets  and  heavy  rains.  Drainage  is  often 
deficient  and  the  surface  generally  flat  or  of  but  slight  slope.  The  soils  are 
puddled  readily,  are  often  unproductive,  and  frequently  carry  accumulations  of 
alkali  salts.    They  are  mainly  used  for  the  production  of  grain  and  grain  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Capay  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Capay  clay  loam 

California  25 

1,600 

do 

34,560 
31,232 

...do... 

Total 

67,  392 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Claivson  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  are  of  black  color,  the  soil  material 
being  characterized  by  a  noticeable  content  of  granite  particles.  The  series  is 
poorly  drained  and  occupies  sloping  to  undulating  mountain  foot  slopes  and 
lower  foothill  areas  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Siskiyou  series.  Erosion  is  not  active. 
The  soil  material  is  of  colluvial  origin  derived  from  granite  rocks.  The  subsoil 
material  is  partly  residual,  mainly  from  underlying  shales,  but  includes  some 
colluvial  material  similar  to  that  forming  the  soil.  The  subsoil  is  underlain 
usually  by  shale  and  rarely  by  granitic  rocks.  The  members  of  the  series  are 
usually  of  good  slope,  but  subject  to  seepage  from  surrounding,  more  elevated 
water-bearing  strata. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Claw  son  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Clawson  loam 

Oregon  4 

768 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Coker  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  black,  sometimes  showing  a  slight  gray- 
ish tint  when  dry.  They  are  frequently  shallow  and  underlain  by  light-brown 
to  dark-brown  or  black  subsoils  of  heavy  texture,  usually  resting  on  basaltic 
bedrock.  The  series  occurs  upon  gently  sloping  or  undulating  to  comparatively 
level  valley  slopes.  The  lower  lying  areas  are  generally  treeless  and  traversed 
by  minor  intermittent  streams.  They  are  not  subject  to  overflow.  Surface 
drainage  is  sometimes  deficient  and  underdrainage  often  restricted.  The  higher 
lying  areas  found  on  the  hill  slopes  often  support  a  fair  growth  of  forest. 
Drainage  over  such  areas  is  good.  Outcrops  of  basaltic  rock  are  frequent.  The 
soil  and  subsoil  material  is  alluvial  in  origin,  deposited  by  sheet  flood  and 
minor  streams.    The  series,  in  favorable  locations,  is  adapted  to  certain  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Coker  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area1 

Acres. 

6. 52S 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


648 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Coleman  series. — The  soils  of  the  Coleman  series  are  of  grayish-brown  or 
light-brown  to  brown  color  and  often  of  porous  structure.  The  subsoils  are 
generally  of  heavy,  compact  structure,  and  of  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown 
color.  They  occupy  sloping  to  comparatively  flat  or  low,  broad  alluvial  fans 
and  narrow  mountain  valleys.  Drainage  is  well  developed,  the  soils  being 
traversed  by  many  mountain  streams,  often  of  an  intermittent  character.  The 
soils  are  derived  predominantly  from  material  eroded  from  metamorphic  rocks. 
The  soils  are  usually  well  adapted  to  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Coleman  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Coleman  gravelly  loam Oregon  4 


5,888 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Corralitos  scries. — The  soils  are  of  chocolate-brown  or  dark-brown  color.  The 
subsoils  are  of  light-brown  to  brown  color  and  usually  occur  at  a  depth  of  about 
3  feet.  Water-worn  gravel  and  fragments  of  shale  are  found  throughout  the 
soil  section.  The  members  of  the  series  are  of  alluvial  origin,  the  material 
having  been  derived  mainly  from  shales  and  distributed  by  sheet  wash  or  by 
intermittent  mountain  streams.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  climate  they  are 
adapted  to  apples,  prunes,  apricots,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Corralitos  aeries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Corralitos  loam 

California  14 

1,408 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Danville  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  nearly  black  in  color  and  carry 
more  or  less  shale  or  angular  rock  fragments.  The  subsoils  range  from  red- 
dish brown  to  light  brown,  and  are  frequently  mottled  with  gray  and  yellow. 
They  are  of  pervious  structure  and  carry  considerable  gravel.  The  series 
occupies  smooth  areas,  with  a  gentle  slope  from  the  hills  to  the  stream  channels. 
The  soils  are  well  drained,  although  fairly  retentive  of  moisture.  The  series 
consists  mainly  of  colluvial  material  from  the  adjoining  hills,  derived  pre- 
dominantly from  sandstone  and  shale  rocks.  The  soils  are  used  principally  for 
fruit  growing  with  Borne  areas  dry-farmed  to  hay  and  grain. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  ihr  Danville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

California  8 

256 

1  For  toy  to  number  in  thlfl  column  BOB  p.  733. 


Dublin  series.— The  soils  are  of  very  dark  brown   to  black  color,  frequently 

carrying  small  amounts  of  angular  shale  gravel.    The  deeper  subsoils  are  a 

brown  to  grayish  or  yellowish-brown  color  and  of  a  heavy  texture,    The 

ipies  level  to  gently  rolling  alluvial  slopes,  fans,  and  alluvial  valleys 

traversed  by  minor  streams.    There  is  aearly  always  a  perceptible  slope  from 

the  hills  toward  the  stream  channels.     Drainage  is  Id  most  cases  well  estab- 

i.  although  some  small  flat  areas  would  be  Improved  by  the  use  of  tile. 

Alkali  Baits  are  occasionally  noted  over  Bmall  areas.    Tne  soils  are  treeless  or 

support  occasional  ralley  oaks,  willow,  or  sycamore.    They  are  used  largely  for 

production  of  haj  and  grain  and  small  amounts  of  fruit. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dublin  series. 


649 


Soil  name. 


Dublin  loam 

clay  loam 

clay  loam  adobe, 
clay  adobe 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


California  8. 

do 

do 

do 


Acres. 


1,344 

1,152 

14,848 


18, 240 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dungeness  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  gray  in  color  and  contain 
considerable  fine  sand  and  silt.  They  are  frequently  of  compact  structure  and 
friable  under  cultivation.  The  subsoils  are  lighter  in  color  than  the  soils,  rang- 
ing from  a  yellowish  gray  to  gray.  They  consist  mainly  of  compact  deposits  of 
silt  and  fine  sand  and  are  frequently  mottled  with  iron  stains.  These  soils  con- 
sist of  sediments  of  silt,  clay,  and  fine  sand,  derived  mainly  from  glacial  mate- 
rial laid  down  as  terrace  and  alluvial  fan  deposits  by  the  flood  waters  of  streams 
before  their  channels  had  been  cut  down  to  the  present  level.  The  surface  is 
gently  sloping  to  undulating.  The  soils  are  not  at  present  subject  to  overflow 
except  those  occupying  a  very  limited  area  bordering  the  stream  channels  near 
their  outlet.  They  occur  under  humid  climatic  conditions,  and  where  uncleared 
are  heavily  forested  with  fir,  cedar,  spruce,  and  pine.  They  are  adapted  to  hay 
crops,  apples,  small  fruits,  and  truck. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Dungeness  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Dungeness  fine  sandy  loam, 
silt  loam 


Washington  5 . 
....do 


8,960 
3,840 


Total. 


12,800 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Dunnigan  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  black  and  the  subsoils  light  brown 
to  brown,  of  heavy,  compact  structure.  The  type  consists  of  alluvial  outwash 
deposits  of  minor  intermittent  foothill  streams  or  laid  down  by  sheet  wash. 
The  material  is  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones.  Surface  drainage  and 
underdrainage  are  poorly  established.  The  soils  occupy  low,  flat  valley  basins, 
often  subject  to  overflow,  and  are  usually  adapted  only  to  grazing  unless  pro- 
tected from  overflow  and  drained. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Dunnigan  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Dunnigan  clay . 


California  25. 


8,576 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Esparto  series. — The  soils  range  from  light  brown  to  dark  brown  in  color, 
are  compact  and  friable,  and  from  2  to  3  feet  deep.  They  are  usually  underlain 
by  light-brown  subsoils.  They  represent  alluvial  material  derived  principally 
from  shales  and  deposited  as  flood  plains  and  alluvial  fan  sediments  during 
freshets  by  foothill  streams,  along  the  margins  of  semiarid  valley  plains,  over- 
lying the  soils  of  the  Capay  and  Yolo  series.  They  are  of  recent  origin  or  in 
process  of  formation.  Drainage  is  usually  well  established  and  the  soils  are 
free  from  injurious  amounts  of  alkali.  The  surface  is  gently  sloping  and  the 
soils  well  suited  to  irrigation  and  retentive  of  moisture.  They  are  adapted  to 
grains,  alfalfa,  apricots,  peaches,  figs,  almonds,  and  grapes. 


650  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Esparto  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

3,200 

clay  loam 

do 

8,832 

clay 

do 

11,200 

Total 

23,232 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Exeter  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  reddish  brown,  6  feet  or  more  in 
depth,  friable,  and  often  contain  considerable  fine  gravel.  They  are  somewhat 
sticky  when  wet  and  bake  quite  hard  when  dry.  No  hardpan  occurs  in  the  series. 
The  surface  is  remarkably  level  and  free  from  "  hog  wallows."  The  series 
consists  of  local  alluvial  deposits  along  stream  courses.  The  soils  are  very 
productive  and  easily  irrigated,  both  gravity  and  pumping  systems  being  em- 
ployed. They  are  adapted  to  citrus  and  deciduous  fruits,  grapes,  berries,  truck 
crops,  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Exeter  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  15 

2,240 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

1'ancher  series. — The  soils  are  friable  and  of  red  to  reddish-brown  color,  the 
subsoil  resembling  the  soil  material  in  color,  texture,  and  structure.  The  series 
is  of  alluvial  origin  and  consists  of  outwash  deposits  of  intermittent  foothill 
streams,  occupying  gently  sloping  valley  plains.  The  material  is  derived  from 
erosion  of  the  material  of  the  San  Joaquin  series  of  soils.  The  members  of 
the  series  are  generally  well  drained  and  are  particularly  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  raisin  grapes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Fancher  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California:} 

12,832 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fresno  series.  The  soils  vary  in  color  from  gray  to  Light  ash-brown,  the 
■r.  Low-lying  members  sometimes  assuming  a  dark-gray  color  ::s  a  result 
of  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  They  are  usually  free  from  gravel  and 
underlain,  generally  at  depths  of  less  than  <;  feci,  by  llght-graj  to  ashen-gray 
subsoils  of  lino  texture  and  often  of  compact  structure,  the  soil  particles  being 
of  distinctly  sharp  character,  a  layer  of  white  or  bluish-gray,  Impervious, 
calcareous,  alkali-carbonate  hardpan,  varying  in  thickness  from  a  fraction  of 
mi  inch  io  several  Inches,  separates  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  bardpan  slowly 
softens  under  Irrigation,  but  is  normally  Impenetrable  to  the  roots  of  growing 

plants.      The    soils   of    this    series    OCCUr    as    Old    alluvial    or    colluvial    deposits, 

derived  principally  from  granite  rocks,  but  carrying  some  material  of  rolcanic 
sedimentary  :1ml  metamorphlc  origin.  They  occupy  sloping  to  undulating  ami 
generally  treeless  slopes  of  low.  broad,  alluvial  fans.  The  Lighter  members  are 
frequently   windblown.    The  is  sometimes  rendered  Irregular  by  "hog 

wallows,"   wind-drifted    ridges,   or   remnants  of  older  stream   channels.     The 
bers  of  this  series  are  not  often  overflowed  by  streams,  but  are  frequently 
i  an.!  suffer  from  seepage  waters  ami  alkali  sails.     Under  favor- 
able conditions  of  Irrigation  ami  drainage  and  where  not  underlain  by  hardpan 
too  near  the  surface,  thej    are  well  adapted   to  alfalfa,  grapes,   fruits,  and 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


651 


vegetables.  They  are  extensively  devoted  to  the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains 
in  non irrigated  sections.  They  constitute  leading  deciduous  fruit  and  raisin- 
grape  producing  soils  in  the  irrigated  sections  in  which  they  occur.  The 
lighter  members  are  the  most  important  of  the  series  and  the  hardpan,  if 
present,  lies  at  considerable  depth  and  has  no  influence  on  the  soil. 


Are"  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Fresno  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Fresno  sand I  California  3,  4,  11,  13,  23. 

coarse  sand i  California  11 

loamy  coarse  sand do 

fine  sand !  California  13,  23 


sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam , 
loam 


Total. 


314, G14 

1.280 

41.344 

13,568 

do .' !      117,568 

California  3,  4,  11,  13,  23 '•      202, 143 

California  1,  13 ;        21,376 


711,893 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Hanford  series. — The  soils  are  generally  of  light  grayish-brown  or  buff  to 
light-brown  color,  the  heavier  members  carrying  considerable  organic  matter 
and  becoming  dark  gray  to  nearly  black  when  wet.  They  are  micaceous, 
smooth  to  the  touch,  friable,  and  of  porous  structure,  and  generally  free  from 
gravel  or  bowlders.  They  range  in  depth  to  6  feet  or  more.  They  are  some- 
times underlain  by  variable  interstratified  alluvial  deposits  at  less  than  6  feet. 
The  soil  material  represents  recent  alluvial  stream  deposits,  derived  mainly 
from  granitic  rocks  with  a  relatively  unimportant  admixture  of  other  material. 
The  soils  occur  usually  as  elongated  bodies  extending  in  the  direction  of  stream 
channels  and  occupying  flood  plains,  adjacent  lower  stream  terraces,  and 
alluvial  valley  plains.  The  surface  is  generally  level  to  gently  sloping,  but  is 
sometimes  marked  by  slight  ridges  or  undulations,  or  cut  by  sloughs  or  stream 
channels  often  bordered  by  willows  and  other  trees.  Such  stream  channels  often 
appear  as  partially  filled  remnants  of  older  stream  courses  or  as  intermittent 
streams  which  carry  water  only  in  times  of  flood  and  merge  into  the  sandy 
washes.  The  lower-lying  bodies  or  those  occurring  adjacent  to  stream  courses 
are  poorly  drained  or  subject  to  overflow  when  not  protected  by  levees.  The 
soils  of  this  series,  while  occasionally  subject  to  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts, 
are  productive,  and  under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  and  drainage 
are  well  adapted  to  tree  fruits,  raisin,  wine,  and  table  grapes,  nuts,  vegetables, 
and  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Hanford  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  1,  9,  10,  15,  19,  20,  22 

224, 744 

California  11 

9,21  i 

California  1,  4,  9,  10,  11 

110,234 

California  4,  11,  15 

94,548 
3,684 

coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

California  1,  4,  9,  10,  11,  15,  19,  20,  22 

silt  loam 

California  9,  20,  22 

California  1,  10,  11,  19 

31. 976 

Total 

758,321 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Kirkwood  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray,  compact,  and  readily  puddle.  The 
subsoils  are  of  grayish  or  grayish-brown  color  and  of  compact,  impervious 
character.  The  soils  are  derived  from  reworked  freshet  and  intermittent  si  ream 
wash  from  adjacent  soils  of  the  Corning  and  related  series,  deposited  over  the 
local  flat  areas  or  low-lying  depressions  of  semiarid  valley  plains  and  modified  by 
conditions  of  deficient  drainage.  They  are  generally  devoted  to  grazing  or  to 
dry  farming  to  grains. 


652  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Kirkwood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Kirtwood  silty  clav  adobe 

California  16 

1,536 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Maricopa  series. — The  soils  range  from  dark  gray,  through  the  darker  shades 
of  brown  and  chocolate,  to  black.  They  are  loose,  porous,  ordinarily  well  drained, 
and  free  from  alkali.  The  soils  represent  unassorted  colluvial  material  formed 
by  soil  creep  and  direct  washing  from  mountain  sides  and  by  the  deposits  of 
intermittent  streams.  The  material  is  largely  from  granite  rocks.  Areas  of 
these  soils  occupy  mountain  footslopes.  delta  fans,  debris  aprons,  and  sloping 
plains  of  filled  valleys.  They  also  occur  in  stream  valleys  as  the  product  of  a 
series  of  minor  secondary  fans  or  cones  emerging  from  adjacent  slopes  or  mesa 
lands.  They  are  generally  treeless  and  support  only  a  desert  vegetation,  except 
where  irrigated.  The  surface  is  frequently  broken  by  arroyos,  and  the  lighter 
members  are  gravelly  and  often  strewn  with  bowlders.  These  soil  bodies  vary 
from  small  areas  of  irregular  outline  to  broad,  extensive  uniform  sheets.  Where 
capable  of  irrigation  they  are  generally  well  adapted  to  fruits,  vines,  and 
general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Maricopa  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Maricopa  sand 

gravelly  sand  — 

sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam. 
pravelly  loam. . . 

loam  adobe 

clay  loam  adobe. 


California  24 

California  10,  19,  20 

California  9,  19 

California  9 

California  10.  19,  20,  21,  1?4 

California  9,  19 

California  3, 4,  19,21,22 


Total. 


6,430 
194, SS6 
37,312 

5,952 
47, 160 
Hi,  320 
73,316 


3S 1,376 


i  For  key  to  numbers  In  this  co  p.  733. 

Medford  scries. — The  soil  and  subsoils  range  iu  color  from  a  light  brown  to 
dark  brown  and  black,  the  coloring  becoming  darker  in  the  heavier  members. 
The  coarser  members  usually  contain  conspicuous  fine  angular  particles  of  granitic 
rock.  The  subsoils  are  usually  of  somewhat  heavier  texture  than  the  soils. 
These  types  occur  upon  valley  plains  of  gently  sloping  or  nearly  level  to  slightly 
undulating  topography.  They  are  often  traversed  by  small  intermittent  streams, 
l.ui  are  OOt  subject  to  overflow.  Drainage  is  ordinarily  well  established, 
although  at  times  deficient.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  represents 
materia]  derived  largely  from  erosion  of  the  Tolo  soils.  In  the  lighter  members 
the  material  has  boon  subject  to  addition  and  admixture  of  material  from 
granitic  rocks,  which  forms  the  soils  of  the  Siskiyou  and  of  the  Varron  series. 
The  heavier  members  Include  Less  granitic  material  and  more  sandstone  and 
■  rial.  'Idic  members  Of  the  scries  are  found  under  a  snbhnmid  climate 
and  in  their  virgin  condition  supporl  a  variable  forest  growth. 

Area  "nd  distribution  of  thi  soils  <>f  the  Metyord 


liedford  One  

lo;ll!l.  .' 

m 




..  ..Mo... 

....do.... 
....do.... 
....do.... 


3.456 

898 

8,660 

6,400 


13,504 


l  or  k<-.  to  numbers  Id  th 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


653 


Meyer  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown  in  color  and  carry  in 
places  water- worn  basaltic  gravel  in  small  quantities.  The  subsoils  are  grayish 
brown  to  yellowish  brown  and  frequently  calcareous,  the  latter  material  occur- 
ring as  soft  marly  beds,  varying  in  thickness  from  an  inch  to  a  foot  or  more. 
The  subsoils  are  underlain  by  bedrock  and  are  often  thin  or  wanting.  The 
series  occurs  upon  lower  foothills  and  mountain  slope  areas  of  hilly  to  broken 
topography.  Like  the  Phoenix  series,  the  soils  represent  materials  derived 
from  gray  sandstones  and  basaltic  rocks,  transported  by  colluvial  and  alluvial 
agencies.  The  members  of  the  series  are  generally  treeless.  The  underlying 
sandstone  rock  frequently  outcrops  in  higher-lying  areas,  and  the  shales  are 
occasionally  exposed  along  eroded  benches  in  the  vicinity  of  the  stream  courses. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Meyer  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oregon  4 

2,240 
8,960 

do 

Total 

11,200 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Modesto  series. — The  soils  are  of  grayish  to  chocolate-brown  color,  and 
usually  contain  a  noticeable  amount  of  sharp  quartz  or  granite  sand  with  a 
large  amount  of  finer  material.  The  subsoil  is  heavy  and  compact  and  occurs 
at  a  depth  of  12  inches.  It  ranges  from  gray  to  brown  in  color,  and  is  also 
marked  by  the  presence  of  coarse,  sharp  sand.  This  stratum  is  underlain  by  a 
light  gray,  silty,  calcareous  substratum,  often  cemented  into  a  calcareous  hard- 
pan,  and  similar  to  the  subsoil  material  of  the  Fresno  series.  The  surface  is 
often  uneven  and  marked  by  hog-wallow  undulations.  Surface  drainage  varies 
from  good  to  deficient.  Underdrainage  is  generally  restricted.  The  series  is 
derived  mainly  from  crystalline  rocks,  and  has  been  laid  down  as  alluvial  fan 
or  flood  plain  deposits  of  former  streams.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irriga- 
tion and  drainage  the  soils  are  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grapes,  peaches,  vegetables, 
and  berries. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Modesto  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  13 

8.896 

clay  loam 

California  11 

13,824 

Total 

22, 720 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  Bee  p.  733. 

Xorman  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black,  usually  of  compact  struc- 
ture, and  vary  in  depth  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  subsoils  are  of  yellow- 
ish or  bluish  mottlod  color  and  of  compact,  rather  impervious  character.  The 
series  occurs  in  minor  depressions  of  semiarid,  treeless  valley  plains.  The 
soils  are  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  overflow,  and  often  subject  to  accumu- 
lation of  alkali  salts.  They  represent  alluvial  deposits  of  shale  and  sand- 
stone. They  are  generally  devoted  to  grazing  and  dry-f armed  grain,  although 
much  of  the  land  is  capable  of  irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Norman  scries. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.* 

Norman  clay  adobe 

California  2 

- 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  Bee  p.  733. 


654 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Oxnard  scries. — The  soils  are  generally  of  dark  color  and  compact  structure, 
and.  though  sometimes  underlain  by  porous  subsoils  of  light  texture,  are  gen- 
erally underlain  by  heavier  subsoils.  The  Oxnard  subsoils?  however,  lack  the 
red  color  and  adobe  structure  of  the  subsoils  of  the  Placentia  series,  occupying 
similar  topographic  positions.  They  represent  alluvial  delta  plain  deposits, 
from  foothills  and  higher  adjacent  soil  bodies,  derived  mainly  from  sandstones, 
shaly  sandstones,  and  shales.  The  soils  occupy  sloping,  elevated,  and  dissected 
mesa  lands  and  plains  and  lower  level  valley  and  delta  plains.  They  usually 
occupy  a  less  elevated  position  than  the  soils  of  the  Maricopa  series,  are  gen- 
erally derived  from  less  elevated  foothills  and  ranges,  and  are  lacking  in  the 
granitic  material  of  the  former  series.  The  soils  of  the  Oxnard  series  where 
they  occur  in  southern  California  are  recognized  as  particularly  adapted  to 
the  production  of  Lima  beans,  which  industry  has  been  here  highly  developed ; 
also  to  sugar  beets,  barley,  and  vegetables,  according  to  the  texture.  The 
lighter  members  are  frequently  wind  blown  and  of  gray  to  yellowish-gray  color. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Oxnard  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  9,  19,  24 

56,520 
75,600 

California  19,  24 

California  19 

22,848 

California  19,  24 

19,813 

California  l6j  24  . . 

silt  loam 

California  24 

5,320 

California  9,  21.  24 

30,574 

California  9,  19,  20,  24 

Total 

303,524 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Phoenix  series. — The  soils  and  subsoils  of  this  series  are  of  dark-brown  to 
black  color,  of  shallow  depth,  and  marked  by  bowlders  and  occasional  outcrops 
of  parent  rock.  The  heavier  members  are  compact  and  often  of  pronounced 
adobe  structure.  The  soils  are  mainly  of  colluvial  and  alluvial  origin,  and 
represent  material  transported  by  gravity  and  water  and  occurring  as  foot- 
slope  sheet  wash  or  alluvial  material  distributed  by  intermittent  streams.  The 
material  has  been  derived  mainly  from  gray  sandstone,  but  includes  a  consid- 
erable amount  of  basaltic  material.  The  subsoils  are  of  residual  origin  and 
derived  from  underlying  gray  sandstone.  The  members  of  the  series  arc  not 
usually  subject  to  destructive  erosion.  They  are  fairly  well  drained,  although 
Bubdrainage  is  slow  in  the  heavier  types  and  surface  drainage  is  deficient  at 
times  in  lower  lying  areas. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Phoenix  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.' 

Acres. 

adobe 

do 

. 

Total 

"    5,120 

For  key  to  numbers  In  thisoohimn  see  p,  7;i.'i. 


Placentia   scries.     The   soils  arc   reddish   brown  or  brown   and    underlain   by 

heavy,  compact  red  loams  <>r  clay  loams  of  tough,  Impervious  adobe  structure. 
The  soil  material  consists  of  alluvial  outwash  deposits  of  Intermittent  or  tor- 
rential mountain  streams,  subject  to  considerable  modification  by  weathering 
subsequent    to   their    Formation.    Tiie   lighter    members   :ii'c   sometimes   wind 

blown.     They  occur  upon   fool    slopes,   mesa    lands,  and  broad,  uniformly  sloping 

alluvial  fans  and  high,  level  to  sloping  valley  plains.    They  are  derived  from 
granitic  rocks,    \vitb  the  exception  of  the  lighter  members,  they  arc  generally 
well  drained,  free  from  alkali,  and  frequently  of  Bomewhat  refractory  nt 
Bubdrainage  is  often  deficient    They  are  tilled  with  difficulty,  but  are  retentive 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


655 


of  moisture  and  include  large  areas  of  valuable  lands  devoted  to  the  produc- 
tion of  grains,  general  farm  crops,  citrus  and  deciduous  fruits,  beans,  and 
other  special  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Placentia  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Placentia  sandy  loam 

California  1,  19 

66,688 

California  1,  22 

36,454 
371,433 

25,710 
2,816 
8,916 

fine  sandy  loam 

California  9,  10,  19,  20,  21,  22 

California  22,  24 

clay  loam 

California  19 

clay  loam  adobe 

California  9,  24 

Total 

512,017 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Poplar  series. — The  soils  are  gray  to  buff-colored  and  somewhat  micaceous. 
They  are  underlain  at  a  depth  of  2  to  4  feet  by  reddish-brown  or  light-brown  sub- 
soils of  moderately  heavy  character  and  of  compact  structure.  Red  iron  hard- 
pan  sometimes  occurs  in  the  deeper  subsoils.  The  soil  material  is  of  alluvial 
origin,  derived  prevailingly  from  granitic  rocks,  and  distributed  by  streams  as 
a  comparatively  thin  superficial  deposit  of  low,  broad  alluvial  fans  over  an 
earlier  valley  filling.  In  origin  and  process  of  formation  it  resembles  the 
material  of  the  Hanford  series.  The  subsoil  consists  of  somewhat  weathered 
or  alluvial  material  of  the  San  Joaquin  series.  The  members  of  the  series 
occupy  nearly  level  or  gently  sloping  plains,  and  proper  drainage  is  maintained 
with  some  difficulty  under  irrigation.  They  are  devoted  to  grazing  or  under 
irrigation  to  alfalfa,  small  fruits,  tree  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Poplar  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  15 

5,632 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Portersville  series. — This  series  includes  reddish-brown  to  black  soil  with 
compact  calcareous  and  often  marly  subsoils  of  the  same  color  as  the  soil. 
The  material  is  of  metamorphic  origin.  The  series  occupies  sloping,  alluvial 
fans,  colluvial  slopes,  and  flat  valley  plains.  Where  irrigated,  the  land  is 
used  mainly  for  grain  crops  and  pasturage.  Under  irrigation  nearly  all  of 
the  soils  of  this  series  are  well  adapted  to  citrus  fruits.  Deciduous  fruits, 
grapes,  olives,  and  berries  also  do  well.  No  alkali  occurs  in  this  series,  but 
in  the  heavier  members  of  the  group  large  quantities  of  lime  are  encountered 
in  the  subsoil. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Portersville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Arros. 

California  15 

32,832 

California  11,  15 

9,856 

Total 

42,688 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Redwood  series. — The  soils  range  from  dark  gray  to  black  in  color,  and  are 
often  of  compact  structure  and  hard  to  handle,     xhe  subsoil  is  similar  i: 
eral  to  the  soil  material  in  color,  texture,  and  structure,  but  the  deeper  sub- 
soil is  often  of  drab  color  and  striated  with  iron  stains.     Both  soil  and  subsoil 


656 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


contain  large  amounts  of  organic  matter.  The  soils  of  this  series  represent 
old  to  moderately  recent  sediments  derived  from  crystalline,  metamorphic,  and 
sedimentary  rocks  and  deposited  in  estuaries  or  tidal  marshes,  lagoons,  or  bays 
by  minor  streams  and  sheet  erosion.  The  topography  is  slightly  sloping  to 
level.  Both  surface  and  underdrainage  are  often  deficient.  Under  favorable 
conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation  the  members  of  the  series  are  retentive 
of  moisture  and  adapted  to  onions,  cabbage,  small  fruits,  apples,  pears,  prunes, 
grains,  hay,  and  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  soil  of  the  Redwood  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  21 

30,400 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sequim  series. — The  soils  vary  from  brown  to  rather  dark  brown,  becoming 
nearly  black  in  the  surface  few  inches  when  moist,  and  containing  a  large 
quantity  of  gravel.  They  are  underlain  by  brown  to  light-gray  subsoils,  contain- 
ing gravel  and  cobbles,  mixed  with  a  large  amount  of  fine  interstitial  material 
of  light  color,  which  becomes  compact  and  impervious  under  irrigation  and 
improves  the  moisture-retaining  properties  of  the  soil.  The  soils  of  this  series 
occupy  glacial  outwash  plains,  usually  along  the  Dungeness  River  at  the  base 
of  the  Olympic  Mountains.  The  soil  material  consists  of  reworked  sediments 
brought  down  from  the  hills  and  spread  over  the  plain  as  an  alluvial  fan. 
The  topography  is  level,  with  sufficient  fall  for  irrigation  and  drainage  pur- 
poses. Except  for  a  few  small  clumps  of  fir  and  hemlock,  these  soils  are  tree- 
less, but  support  a  growth  of  native  grasses.  Although  occurring  under  humid 
conditions,  they  are  not  well  adapted  to  agriculture  without  irrigation,  but 
where  irrigated  are  productive  and  adapted  to  oats,  clover,  Canada  field  peas, 
alfalfa,  small  fruits,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Sequim  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acre8. 

2,304 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Stockton  srrir.s. — The  lighter  members  of  this  series  have  a  buff  to  reddish  or 
chocolate-brown  color;  the  heavier  members  generally  exhibit  a  pronounced 
adobe  structure,  are  usually  free  from  gravel,  and  range  from  dark  brown  to 
dark  gray  or  black  in  color.  The  soils  are  usually  underlain  by  heavy  loams 
or  clay  loams  of  lighter  color,  and  are  frequently  separated  from  the  overlying 
soil  by  a  Hi  in  crust  or  zone  of  white  calcareous  clay  hardpan  free  from  alkali. 
The  subsoils  of  the  heavier  members  have  probably  been  greatly  modified  by 
weathering  and  by  the  incorporation  and  decomposition  of  organic  matter  re- 
sulting from  swamp  or  marsh  conditions.  This  series  occupies  extensive  areas 
of  the  Lower,  nearly  level  valley  plains  sometimes  traversed  by  small  foot- 
hill streams.  The  soils  are  treeless  or  are  marked  by  occasional  groves  of 
valley  oak.  Drainage  La  usually  restricted.  The  heavier  members  are  difficult 
to  ii  adle,  owing  to  their  heavy  texture  and  structure,  and  are  devoted  mainly 
to  the  production  <><:  -rains  and  hay. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Stockton  series. 


657 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  23 

2,560 
16,512 
8,512 

do 

California  13 

clay  loam  adobe 

clay  adobe 

California  23 

53,312 

California  12,  13,  23 

82,688 

Total 

163,584 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sunol  series. — These  soils  are  of  a  brownish  color,  showing  a  slightly  reddish 
hue  when  wet,  and  carrying  angular  rock  and  shale  fragments.  This  material 
rests  upon  a  brown  to  light-brown  heavy  subsoil,  which  becomes  heavier  with 
depth.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  sloping,  and  the  drainage  is  thorough, 
though  not  excessive.  No  alkali  is  present.  The  soils  consist  largely  of  alluvial 
material.     They  are  dry  farmed  to  grain  and  hay. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Sunol  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sunol  loam 

California  8 

448 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sutter  series. — The  soils  are  yellowish  to  dark  brown  or  nearly  black.  They 
extend  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more,  or  are  underlain  at  less  depth  by  subsoils 
of  yellowish,  brown,  or  black  color  or  by  bedrock.  They  consist  of  stream- 
outwash  material  derived  from  andesitic  rock.  The  lower-lying  areas,  consti- 
tuting alluvial  plains,  sometimes  occur  as  flats  or  depressions  subject  to  over- 
flow by  back  water  from  adjacent  large  streams.  Drainage  as  a  rule  is  ample. 
While  these  soils  are  largely  undeveloped  and  devoted  chiefly  to  grazing  or  to 
the  production  of  grains,  certain  types  are  well  adapted  to  the  production  of 
alfalfa,  almonds,  and,  in  some  cases,  to  melons  and  tree  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sutter  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Sutter  sandy  loam 

California  12. 
do 

11,264 

10, 048 

do 

1,600 

do 

1,024 

Total 

23,936 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Ulmar  series. — These  soils  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown  in  color,  areas  on 
the  ridges  often  taking  a  reddish  tinge  when  wet.  The  subsoils  are  of  reddish- 
yellow  or  red  color,  and  rest  upon  either  a  calcareous  sandy  hardpan  or  a  very 
compact,  impervious  stratum,  which  in  turn  is  underlain  by  a  compact,  yellow 
clay  loam  or  clay.  The  series  occurs  upon  alluvial  valley  plains,  alluvial-fan 
slopes  or  foot  slopes,  and  includes  some  colluvial  material.  The  topography  is 
generally  level,  with  small  ridges  along  old  stream  channels  and  a  few  "  hog- 
wallow  "  areas.  Drainage  over  much  of  the  series  is  somewhat  excessive. 
Some  areas  contain  considerable  alkali.  The  soils  consist  of  materia]  trans- 
ported by  minor  intermittent  streams  and  by  sheet  wash.  This  material  is 
derived  mainly  from  shale  and  sandstone,  but  hns  probably  been  modified  more 
or  less  by  swampy  conditions.  The  soils  are  treeless,  and  are  used  for  pas- 
turage or  dry-farmed  grain  and  hay.     Small  areas  are  devoted  to  truck  crops. 


'9019—13- 


42 


658  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Ulmar  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Ulmar  fine  sandy  loam . . 
loam 

832 



3,584 

Total 

4,416 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

WiUoiCS  series. — The  soils  range  in  color  from  brown  to  reddish  brown  or 
dark  chocolate  brown  and  are  free  from* gravel.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown 
to  reddish  brown,  or  sometimes  yellowish,  and  mottled  with  gray.  They  are 
compact,  relatively  impervious  structure,  and  often'  contain  lime  and  gypsum. 
They  are  derived  mainly  from  calcareous  shales,  sandstone,  and  shaly  sand- 
stone rocks,  and  occur  along  the  stream  courses  and  flood  plains  of  small  inter- 
mittent foothill  streams  traversing  valley  slopes  and  plains.  The  surface 
ranges  from  gently  sloping  to  flat,  and  the  heavier  members  are  often  poorly 
drained,  subject  to  overflow,  and  contain  alkali  salts.  In  places  the  soil  mate- 
rial of  these  types  has  been  deposited  in  the  waters  of  overflow  basins  or  in- 
termittent lakes.  Where  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali  they  are  well 
adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  grains,  and,  with  the  exception  of  those 
areas  of  extremely  heavy  texture,  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Willows  series. 


Soil  name. 


Willows  loam 

silty  clay  loam . 

clay  loam 

clay 

clay  adobe 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


California  2,  25. 
California  2 — 
California  2.  25, 



....do 


Acres. 


6,720 
24,896 
68,  92S 

141,184 


ins.  704 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  sec  p.  733. 

Yob  This    scries    embraces   alluvial    soils   of   brown    or   dark-brown 

color  underlain  by  lighter-brown  subsoils.  The  types  have  boon  derived  from 
schists  and  other  metamorphic  rocks,  with  some  material  from  shaly  sand- 
stones and  Shales,  the  materials  having  been  deposited  ;'S  delta  and  Hood-plain 
alluvium  by  the  Larger  Btrei  ms  entering  the  interior  valley  of  California.  They 
are  distinguished  from  the  soils  of  the  Willows  series  and  of  the  Arbuckle 
series  by  their  prevailing  dark  color,  the  more  remote  source  of  material  from 
Which  they  are  derived,  and  by  the  frequent   occurrence  of  proves  or  scattered 

epech  alley  <>ak.    They  are  usually  deep,  free  from  injurious  quantities 

of  alkali,  triable  ander  cultivation,  productive,  and  adapted  to  a  wide  range 
of  crops,     where  capable  of  irrigation  fruits,  vegetables,  and  forage  crops  can 
own. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Yolo  scries. 


Soil  name. 


n'lv  Loam 



sili  Loam 

day  loam 






Total 


California  '2 

California  2,  25 

Callforn 
Californi 

California  15,  26 

California  '..'•"> 

do 


numbers  in  u. 


Acres. 


II. MO 

31, 2M 

11.(172 

PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  659 

THE   SOIL  TYPES  AND  THEIR  USE. 

Sand  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  sand  group  derived  from  alluvial  fan  and  recent  valley 
filling  material  of  the  Pacific  coast  are,  where  mapped,  confined  mainly  to  the 
interior  valley  and  to  the  southern  coastal  regions  of  California. 

The  group  is  best  adapted  to  early  truck  and  early  stone  fruits  under  irriga- 
tion. Of  the  vegetables  grown  watermelons  constitute  an  important  product 
in  the  interior  valley,  or  in  areas  away  from  the  cool,  moist  climate  of  the 
coastal  region.  Sweet  potatoes  are  grown  to  some  extent,  and  locally  cucum- 
bers, eggplant,  muskmelons.  lettuce,  radishes,  and  other  truck  crops  are  pro- 
duced for  early  market,  though  the  most  of  these  products  yield  somewhat  more 
abundantly  on  slightly  heavier  soils.  Early  peaches  and  table  or  raisin  grapes 
are  quite  extensively  grown,  particularly  upon  the  sands  of  the  Fresno  and 
Hanford  series;  the  grapes  are  also  being  used  for  the  manufacture  of  heavy 
wines.  Apricots  and.  in  certain  areas,  cherries  constitute  another  important 
crop,  but  are  somewhat  less  profitable  than  where  grown  upon  the  fine  sand, 
sandy  loam,  or  fine  sandy  loam  groups.  Lima  beans,  peas,  and  English  walnuts 
are  successfully  grown  upon  the  types  near  the  coast,  but  are  less  certain  and 
profitable  in  the  interior.  The  group  is  much  too  coarse  in  texture,  porous  in 
structure,  and  deficient  in  power  to  retain  moisture  to  be  adapted  to  farming 
without  irrigation.  Profitable,  though  not  heavy,  crops  of  alfalfa  are  obtained 
with  copious  irrigation.  Citrus  fruits,  sugar  beets,  and  early  strawberries 
are  grown  to  some  extent  upon  the  sand  of  the  Oxnard  series,  but  these  crops 
do  not  constitute  important  products  of  the  sand  group.  The  production  of 
citrus  fruits  is  confined  to  the  southern  coast  districts,  while  deciduous  fruits 
are  of  importance  mainly  in  the  interior. 

The  sands  occurring  in  this  province  have  been,  where  favored  by  facilities 
for  irrigation,  highly  developed,  and  contribute  to  the  early  fruit  and  vegetable 
products  of  the  Pacific  coast  region. 

Fresno  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  medium  to  coarse  micaceous  sand  of 
light-gray  or  light-brown  color  and  porous,  loose  incoherent  structure,  6  feet 
or  more  in  depth.  It  is  generally  underlain  by  a  light-colored  loam  or  sandy 
loam.  The  type  is  composed  of  old  alluvial  sediments,  usually  covering  exten- 
sive areas.  It  occupies  the  higher,  treeless  valley  plains,  with  a  .nearly  level 
to  slightly  rolling  surface.  The  soil  is  generally  well  drained,  free  from  alkali, 
and  ordinarily  free  from  gravel.  The  type  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  truck,  and 
stone  fruits  under  irrigation. 

Hanford  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-gray  to  brown,  micaceous  loose,  porous 
sand  of  medium  fine  to  coarse  texture,  generally  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and 
underlain  by  stratified,  alternating  stream  deposits.  The  type  is  composed  of 
recent  stream  sediments  occurring  as  irregular,  elongated  bodies,  frequently 
slightly  elevated  or  depressed,  marking  former  stream  channels,  or  as  broad, 
extensive  bodies  covering  lower  stream  terraces  and  delta  plains.  The  sur- 
face soil  is  sometimes  more  or  less  drifted  by  winds.  It  is  generally  free  from 
gravel,  and  is  usually  well  drained,  except  where  subject  to  overflow  from 
adjacent  streams.  It  is  a  fair  fruit  and  truck  soil  if  well  irrigated,  but  is 
often  leachy  and  deficient  in  organic  matter. 

Maricopa  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  sand  of  medium  texture,  (> 
feet  or  more  in  depth,  carrying  considerable  coarse,  sharp,  sandy  particles,  and 
sometimes  marked  in  the  lower  part  of  the  soil  section  by  partially  stratified 
layers  of  fine  sands  and  loams.  It  is  loose  and  porous  and  usually  carries 
more  or  less  rounded  or  partially  rounded  gravel,  the  fragments  grading  in 
size  from  pellets  to  cobbles.  The  type  represents  colluvial  and  partial1; 
sorted  alluvial  material  distributed  by  intermittent  streams  and  occurring  as 
small,  narrow  bodies  along  the  course  of  arroyos,  or  as  broader  areas  covering 
mountain  debris  aprons  or  smaller  secondary  fans,  or  as  fan-shaped  plains 
bordering  bluff  linos  and  mesa  lands.  The  surface  Is  usually  gently  sloping. 
but  is  sometimes  broken  or  hilly,  slightly  wind  drifted,  or  tnn  nter- 

mittent  stream  channels  or  arroyos.     The  soil  is  adapted        Cr       .   rines,  and 
general  farm  crops  where  favorably  situated  for  irrigal 

Oxnard  sand. — Tin-  soil  is  a  yellowish-gray  to  brownish  sand  of  porous,  i 
incoherent,  structure,  and  of  medium  to  fine  texture.     It  is  generally  6  feet  or 
more  in  depth  and  underlain  by  indurated  sand,  or  in   low,  level  delta   plains 
by  heavier  material.     The  type  occupies  delta  plains,  uiesi  lands,  and  undulat- 


660 


SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


ing  hills.  In  exposed  .areas  the  soil  is  often  wind  blown,  successful  cultivation 
being  possible  only  with  the  aid  of  windbreaks.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to 
lima  beans  and  English  walnuts.  On  areas  containing  a  moderate  quantity  of 
alkali  sugar  beets  are  successfully  grown,  while  in  southern  California  grapes 
and  citrus  and  deciduous  fruits  are  produced. 

Area   and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  3.  4,  11,  13,  23. . . 

314  61i 

llmford  sand 

California  1,  9,  10,  15,  19,  20,  22 

224  744 

( > \nard  sand 

California  9.  19,  24 

56,520 

M  ricopa  sand 

California  24 

6,430 

Total 

602  308 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

M.I.Y    SAND    PB 

The  gravelly  sands  of  this  province  are  as  yet  represented  by  a  single  soil 
type,  occurring  in  but  few  areas.  It  is  of  loose,  porous  structure  and  often 
deficient  in  organic  matter,  but  in  many  places  favorably  situated  for  irriga- 
tion. It  does  not  differ  greatly  in  adaptation  to  crops  from  the  normal  mem- 
bers of  the  sand  group  and  is  best  considered  as  an  unimportant  phase  of  the 
former. 

Maricopa  gravelly  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  rather  light  to  dark-gray 
sand  of  medium  to  tine  texture,  carrying  an  appreciable  quantity  of  coarse,  sharp 
particles  and  fine  granitic  gravel.  It  is  generally  0  feet  or  more  in  depth.  In  its 
virgin  condition  the  soil  is  somewhat  compact,  but  under  cultivation  it  becomes 
of  a  loose  and  permeable  character  and  washes  readily  under  irrigation.  This 
soil  frequently  packs  firmly  in  roads  and  forms  a  bed  resembling  macadam. 
The  type  is  formed  largely  of  unassorted  colluvial  granitic  material,  distributed 
by  torrential  and  intermittent  streams  as  broad,  gently  to  abruptly  sloping 
fans  and  debris  aprons.  Drainage  is  generally  good  and  the  soil  free  from 
alkali.  When  favorably  situated  for  irrigation  it  is  well  adapted  to  vine, 
citrus,  and  deciduous  fruits.  Without  irrigation  grain  crops  can  sometimes 
be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sand. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.' 


Maricopa  gravelly  sm  l California 


194,880 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  968  p.  733. 
.  OABSI   sand    ril  \si  . 

The  coarse  sand  phase  of  the  sand  group,  In  so  far  as  recognised  by  the  Soil 

aextensive  occurrence     Small  areas  occur  in  southern  Oregon 

under  a  subhuo  d  climate.    The  surface  soil  is  of  coarse,  open,  porous  texture 

and  droughty.     Che  subsoil  of  these  Oregon  areas  is  compact  and  retentive  of 

moisture. 

Other  Ineztenslve  areas  of  the  coarse  sand  phase  of  the  sand  group  occur  in 

the  more  arid  San  Joaquin  Valley  In  California,  where  types  of  this  texture 

been  mapped  In  the  Fresno  and  Hanford  series.    The  phase  is  here,  owing 

to  the  coarse  texture  and  open  structure  of  both  soil  and  subsoil,  less  well 

adapted   to  farming  without    Irrigation  than  are  the  normal   sands  of  these 

Under  irrigation  it  requires  more  water  and  more  frequent  Irrigation 

i  M   than   the  sands,  although   in  crop  adaptation   it   li 

similar  to  the  normal   soils. 

Barron  ooarte  sand.— The  soil  material  is  usually  from  12  to  24  inches  deep, 
but  may  extend  to  the  depth  of  8  feet  or  more  with  but  little  variation  In  char- 
acter of  the  ma  irriea  an  excessive  amount  of  fine  angular  granitic 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  661 

fragments  of  the  size  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel.  Beneath  this  surface 
stratum  occurs  a  yellowish-brown,  sticky  clay  loam  derived  from  the  under- 
lying shale,  which,  however,  is  seldom  encountered  at  a  depth  of  less  than 
6  feet.  Rock  outcrop  is  rare.  The  type  is  friable  and  easily  tilled.  Drainage 
is  ordinarily  good  and  the  soil  retentive  of  moisture  under  cultivation.  The 
type  is  adapted  to  small  fruits  and  to  apples,  pears,  peaches,  and  cherries. 

Fresno  coarse  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  yellowish-gray 
coarse  sand,  becoming  light  brown  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section  and 
extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  It  occurs  as  narrow  or  irregular  bodies, 
often  of  small  extent,  occupying  sloping  or  nearly  level  valley  plains.  Like  the 
other  members  of  the  Fresno  series,  it  is  underlain  by  alkali  hardpan,  usually 
below  a  depth  of  6  feet. 

Drainage  is  ordinarily  well  established,  although  lower  lying  bodies  would, 
under  irrigation,  accumulate  seepage  waters.  The  type  is  not  retentive  of 
moisture  nor  as  well  adapted  to  dry-farming  methods  as  the  other  members  of 
this  series.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation,  peaches,  vines,  fruits,  and 
alfalfa  could  be  grown. 

Hanford  coarse  sand. — The  type  consists  of  6  feet  or  more  of  coarse  micaceous 
sand  ranging  in  color  from  light  brown  to  grayish  brown.  Bodies  lying  imme- 
diately adjacent  to  stream  courses  or  to  other  types  of  coarse  texture  carry  fine 
water-worn  gravel.  The  type  occurs  as  scattered  bodies  of  elongated  outline 
occupying  valley  plains  and  often  found  adjacent  to  stream  channels.  It  is 
of  minor  agricultural  importance,  owing  to  its  coarse  texture  and  lack  of 
irrigation. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres, 

California  11. 

9,216 

6,528 
1,280 

California  11. 

Total 

17, 024 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
LOAMY  COARSE   SAND   PHASE. 

This  should  properly  be  considered  as  a  phase  of  the  coarse  sand.  In  this 
province  it  has  been  recognized  only  in  a  single  area  occurring  under  arid  con- 
ditions and  as  a  member  of  the  Fresno  series.  It  carries  a  greater  amount  of 
fine  mineral  fragments  than  the  coarse  sand  member  of  the  series  and  is  more 
retentive  of  moisture.  It  is  better  adapted  to  dry-farmed  crops  and  requires  less 
water  for  efficient  production  of  irrigated  crops.  The  crop  adaptation  under 
irrigation  is  practically  the  same,  but  owing  to  lack  of  these  facilities  and  to 
local  conditions  of  poor  drainage  forcing  the  accumulation  of  alkali  salts  over 
portions  of  the  area  it  has  not  been  developed  to  any  extent  and  is  utilized 
mainly  for  grazing  or  dry  farmed  to  grain. 

Fresno  loamy  coarse  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish  coarse  loamy 
sand,  from  1  to  6  feet  deep,  carrying  a  large  amount  of  very  fine  sand.  The 
color  becomes  slightly  darker  in  the  lower  part  of  the  soil  section.  The  type  is 
fairly  uniform  in  character,  except  where  it  merges  into  surrounding  soils.  It 
is  underlain  by  the  bluish  calcareous  alkali  hardpan  characteristic  of  the 
Fresno  series.  It  occupies  gently  sloping  valley  plains,  the  surface  being  uni- 
form, except  for  occasional  sloughs,  stream  channels,  or  evidences  of  erosion. 
The  higher  lying  or  deeper  phases  are  well  drained  and  under  irrigation  are 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  grapes,  alfalfa,  peaches,  figs,  and  small  f rui t s. 
The  lower  lying  phases  or  those  in  which  the  hardpan  closely  approaches  tin4 
surface,  are  frequently  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  accumulation  of 
alkali,  or  swampy,  and  devoted  principally  to  grazing.  Owing  to  the  pres- 
ence of  a  much  larger  amount  of  very  fine  sand,  the  type  is  generally  better 
adapted  to  the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains  than  is  the  Fresno  coarse  sai   I 


662  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loamy  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

41,344 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Fine  Sand  Group. 

Ilie  soils  of  the  fine  sand  group  are  subject  to  much  the  same  limitations 
and  modifications  through  natural  or  artificial  conditions  as  are  those  of  the 
sand  group.  They  are  almost  equally  well  suited  to  the  production  of  water- 
melons, peaches,  and  the  early  truck  crops,  and  are  in  general  to  be  preferred 
for  the  production  of  general  truck  crops,  grapes,  apricots,  early  cherries,  and 
other  fruits,  beans,  and  muskmelons.  In  favorable  situations  hardy  vegetables 
may,  with  irrigation,  be  grown  the  year  around.  The  group  is  also  better 
suited  to  the  production  of  alfalfa  than  the  sands,  but,  except  in  the  more 
moist  coastal  districts,  it  is  not  generally  adapted  to  agriculture  without  irriga- 
tion. Owing  to  lack  of  irrigation  facilities  the  grains  are  sometimes  dry 
farmed,  the  yield  being  light  and  failures  frequent  except  in  favorable  seasons. 
In  the  more  humid  sections  along  the  coast  potatoes,  pumpkins,  and  root  crops 
are  successfully  grown,  to  a  certain  extent  without  irrigation. 

The  soils  of  this  group  should  be  ranked  with  those  more  highly  esteemed  for 
the  production  of  early  truck  crops  and  the  stone  fruits. 

Fresno  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray,  buff,  or  light-brown,  smooth,  micaceous 
fine  sand,  slightly  sticky  when  wet,  and  of  loose,  porous  structure.  The  soil 
is  generally  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  but  is  sometimes  less,  and  in  such  cases  is 
underlain  by  a  light-gray  loam  or  sandy  loam  of  fine  ashy  texture,  frequently 
carrying  alkali  carbonate  concretions  or  hardpan.  The  surface  is  smooth  to 
slightly  broken  and  uneven.  The  type  covers  extensive  areas  or  occurs  as  long, 
narrow  bodies.  Drainage  is  generally  good.  Under  irrigation  alfalfa,  truck, 
and  fruits  enn  be  successfully  grown. 

Hanford  fine  sand. — The  soil  is  a  light-buff,  yellowish,  or  light-brown, 
micaceous  fine  sand,  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  is  generally  underlain  by 
sand,  fine  sandy  loam,  or  loam.  The  soil  is  usually  free  from  gravel  or  other 
coarse  material,  has  a  loose,  porous  structure,  and  a  peculiar  smooth,  greasy 
feel  imparted  by  the  high  content  of  mica.  The  typo  consists  of  recent  river 
deposits  covering  low  delta  plains  and  occurs  as  irregular,  elongated,  and 
sometimes  slightly  elevated  ridges  near  former  or  present  stream  channels. 
The  low-lying  areas  are  often  poorly  drained  and  marked  by  willows  or  other 
timber  growth  in  the  vicinity  of  streams.  Tin4  higher  areas  arc  well  drained. 
When  properly  Irrigated  and  drained  it  is  a  valuable  soil  for  alfalfa,  potatoes, 
root  crops,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands- 


Soil  name. 

Stat*-  or  area.1 

ArlVS. 

California  I,  -i.<>.  in,  n 

California  13,  ->:> 

110,284 

l.i.r.os 

Total 

132,802 

1  For  key  to  cumbers  in  thiaooluxnn 

Sandy  Loah  Gboi  p. 

th.'  sandy  loam  group  occur  most  extensively  in  the  southern  half 

of  the  Greal  [nterior  Valley  of  California  and  in  the  local  valleys  and  alluvial- 

•  coast  in   ih'1  southern  pari   of  that   State.     Unimportant 

found  in  northern  California  and  southern  Oregon. 

in  the  more  northern  areas  the  Bandy  loam  s..iis  of  the  province  are  utilized 

mainly  for  grazing  or  tin-  production  of  grains,  although  under  Irrigation  they 

.ire  adapted  to  peaches,  cherries,  almonds,  and  other  fruit  crops,  and  truck. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  663 

In  some  local  areas  where  mapped  such  products  may  be  grown  without  irriga- 
tion. The  extensive  areas  of  the  sandy  loam  group  in  the  San  Joaquin  Valley 
are  extensively  devoted  to  the  production  of  table,  raisin,  and  heavy-wine  grapes, 
medium-early  truck  crops,  melons,  berries,  and  stone  fruits,  chiefly  peaches, 
apricots,  and  prunes.  Citrus  fruits  and  cherries  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent, 
but  the  latter  are  successfully  and  more  extensively  grown  in  the  coastal 
valleys.  The  citrus-fruit  industry  has  not  been  developed  to  any  degree  of 
importance  upon  soils  of  this  group  in  the  interior  of  the  State.  Pears  con- 
stitute an  important  crop  in  the  less  well  drained  localities,  although  the  pro- 
duction of  this  crop  in  the  interior  valleys  has  been  greatly  curtailed  by  the 
blight. 

Alfalfa  constitutes  an  important  crop  and  gives  fair  yields  with  copious 
irrigation.  In  the  districts  south  of  the  Great  Interior  Valley  citrus  fruits  are 
grown  successfully,  while  in  the  vicinity  of  the  coast,  particularly  in  the 
Ventura  district,  lima  beans  and  sugar  beets  are  extensively  produced.  The 
soils  are  rather  light  textured  to  produce  maximum  results  with  the  sugar 
beet  or  other  root  crops.  In  the  more  southern  and  coastal  districts  of  Cali- 
fornia grapes,  truck  crops,  and  deciduous  fruits  also  constitute  characteristic 
products  of  the  sandy  loam  soils. 

The  group  is  usually  superior  to  the  lighter  soils  in  power  to  retain  moisture 
during  periods  of  drought,  but  is  not  generally  well  adapted  to  fruits  or  grains, 
forage,  or  other  general  farm  crops  except  under  irrigation.  It  is  of  greatest 
value  in  the  production  of  moderately  early  fruits  and  truck  crops  under 
intensive  cultivation,  and  for  use  in  a  light  type  of  general  farming  combined 
with  dairying,  stock  raising,  or  the  production  of  special  crops.  Areas  of  soils 
of  this  group  in  which  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  are  used  for  the 
production  of  grapes  and  deciduous  fruits  without  irrigation. 

Barron  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  gray  to  grayish  brown  and  from  12  to  30 
inches  deep.  The  subsoil  consists  of  brown  or  yellowish-brown  clay  loam, 
grading  into  partially  decomposed  shale  below  3  feet.  The  soil  represents 
alluvial  deposits,  mainly  granitic  material,  laid  down  by  intermittent  streams 
or  as  alluvial  slopes  lying  below  soils  of  the  Siskiyou  series.  The  subsoil  is 
largely  of  residual  origin,  from  shales.  The  type  is  not  farmed  to  any  extent, 
although  suitable  areas  can  be  used  for  the  production  of  fruits  and  apples. 

Bellavista  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  variable  type,  but  consists  principally  of  a 
light,  ashy-gray,  sandy  loam,  from  1  to  3  feet  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact 
sandy  clay  of  adobe  structure,  often  containing  gravel.  It  occupies  level,  gently 
sloping,  or  slightly  depressed  valley  plains,  and  is  ordinarily  well  drained.  The 
soil  material  is  derived  from  the  erosion  of  beds  of  volcanic  ash  and  tuffs 
mixed  with  gravel  distributed  by  intermittent  streams.  It  is  mostly  devoted 
to  grazing  or  dry  farming  of  grains. 

Exeter  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  or  reddish-brown 
sandy  loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  containing  considerable  gravel,  somewhat 
sticky  when  wet  and  inclined  to  bake  when  dry.  No  hardpan  occurs  in  this 
type.  The  surface  is  remarkably  level  and  free  from  hog  wallows.  The  type 
is  of  alluvial  origin  and  is  found  along  the  stream  courses.  The  material  is 
mainly  formed  of  wash  from  the  surrounding  San  Joaquin  soils  with  an  admix- 
ture of  some  material  from  the  Portersville  soils.  It  is  very  productive  and 
easily  irrigated,  both  gravity  and  pumping  systems  being  employed.  All  citrus 
and  deciduous  fruits,  grapes,  berries,  truck  crops,  and  alfalfa  thrive. 

Fresno  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  gray  compact 
sandy  loam  from  3  to  6  feet  deep,  containing  considerable  coarse  sand.  It  is 
sticky  and  inclined  to  puddle  when  wet,  but  proves  friable  if  cultivated  under 
proper  moisture  conditions.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  fine,  compact  gray  san  ly 
to  silty  loam  grading  with  depth  into  a  white  alkali  carbonate  harpan.  The 
topography  is  nearly  level  to  slightly  sloping  and  the  type  is  known  locally  as 
"white-ash"  land.  The  lower  lying  bodies  are  often  poorly  drained.  Seepage 
of  irrigation  waters  often  makes  the  land  boggy  and  favors  the  accumulation 
of  alkali  salts.  It  is  an  excellent  soil  for  alfalfa,  vines,  and  fruits  when  w 
drained  and  irrigated. 

llanford  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish,  micaceous  sandy  loam  of  meo" 
to  rather  fine  texture,  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and  friable  and  easily  cnlti 
when  moist.     The  type  occurs  as  irregular  bodies  or  narrow  strips,  and  : 
sents  a  mixture  of  the  coarser  Bandy  Banford  material  with  finer  alluvium. 
It  is  sometimes  slightly  Impregnated  with  alkali  and  suffers  from  accumulations 
of  seepage  waters.     It  is  considered  a  valuable  soil  for  the  production  of  gr 
pears,  primes,  and  other  fruits. 


664 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Maricopa  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  medium  to  rather  fine  textured 
light-gray  to  brown  sandy  loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  a 
compact  sandy  loam  of  adobe  structure,  often  marked  in  the  lower  portion  by 
layers  of  sand,  sandy  loam,  or  silt  loam.  The  soil  is  loose  and  friable  under 
cultivation.  The  type  consists  of  colluvial  and  partially  assorted  alluvial  mate- 
rial covering  mountain  footslopes,  sloping  plains,  debris  aprons,  and  sloping 
valley  plains  formed  by  wash  from  secondary  fan  deltas.  The  soil  is  usually 
well  drained  and  free  from  alkali.  Where  irrigated  it  is  adapted  to  fruits  and 
general  farm  and  truck  crops. 

Oxnard  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  black  sandy  loam, 
generally  of  loose,  open  structure,  but  sometimes  compact  and  with  a  tendency 
to  break  into  clods.  It  is  from  4  to  5  feet  in  depth  and  is  underlain  by  a 
heavy,  sandy  loam  or  loam.  The  type  is  derived  mainly  from  sandstone  and 
shale  and  occupies  gently  sloping  alluvial  fans,  elevated  plains,  and  rolling  hills. 
Small  gravelly  areas  occur  in  the  more  elevated  locations.  In  the  lower  lying 
situations  the  surface  soil  contains  large  accumulations  of  organic  matter. 
Where  free  from  alkali,  the  type  is  adapted  to  lima  beans,  grains,  and  sugar 
beets,  and  where  favorably  located  it  is  a  good  soil  for  fruits.  Drainage  is 
generally  well  established,  except  over  local  areas,  which  often  contain  harmful 
accumulations  of  alkali  salts. 

Placentia  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  coarse,  compact,  reddish-gray  to  reddish- 
brown  sandy  loam  from  1  to  4  feet  deep,  rather  sticky  when  wet,  and  containing 
considerable  sharp  sand  and  fine  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact,  adobelike, 
red  sandy  loam  or  heavy  loam  sometimes  grading  into  a  sandy  loam  of  some- 
what looser  structure  in  the  lower  part  of  the  soil  section.  The  type  occupies 
rolling,  hilly  to  gently  sloping,  or  nearly  level  areas,  in  places  only  slightly 
elevated  above  more  recent  alluvial  deposits.  Under  irrigation  the  soil  is 
adapted  to  alfalfa  and  fruits. 

Sutter  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  from  30  inches  to  6  feet  or  more 
of  a  dark-brown,  rarely  black  sandy  loam.  When  less  than  6  feet  deep  the 
soil  is  underlain  by  a  brown  or  yellow  sticky  loam.  The  surface  soil  often  car- 
ries a  considerable  amount  of  sharp  angular  rock  fragments.  Drainage  over 
the  greater  part  of  the  type  is  good,  although  small  areas  are  occasionally  flooded 
during  the  rainy  season.  The  soil  consists  of  alluvial-fan  material  washed  from 
the  slopes  of  adjacent  hills  and  subsequently  modified  by  flood  waters.  The 
soil  material  is  derived  mainly  from  andesitic  rocks,  tuffs,  and  breccias.  No 
alkali  is  found  in  this  type.  It  is  used  mainly  for  grain  which  is  sown  for  hay. 
Fruits  should  do  well.  Alfalfa  yields  from  4  to  6  tons  per  acre  without  irri- 
gation.   Peaches  and  almonds  are  successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


or  area.1 


Acres. 


Fresno  sandy  loam 

Hanford  sandy  loam . . 
Oxnard  sandy  loam. . . 
Placentia  sandy  loam . 
Maricopa  sandy  loam.. 

suti.r  landy  loam 

Bellavistu  and?  loam. 
Exeter  sandy  loam. . 
Harron  sandy  loam.... 


Total. 


California  13,23... 
California  4,  11,  15. 
California  19,  '-'4. . . 

California  1,  19 

(  allfondaO.  19 

California  12 

California  17 

California  15 

•i  4 


117,568 
94,  MS 
75,600 

37,312 
11,264 
3,328 
2,240 


410,340 


P'or  key  to  number!  in  this  column  M6  ]•■  78  '•■ 


<  i:\\  I  ll  v    s  wi.v    I  o\\i    I'll  \s,  . 


The  gravelly  sandy  loam  phase  of  the  sandy  Loam  group  has  been  n 
nlzed  in  Hire.'  areas,  one  of  which  occurs  in  the  Olympic  Peninsula  In  Wash- 
ington  and   the  other  two   In   the  semiarld   plains  of  the  Sacramento   Vi 
in  California,     in  no  case  In  which  tins  phase  occurs  has  the  true  sandy  loam 
of  the  same  scries  been  recognized     n  La  possible  that  the  dominant  agenc  i 
in  the  formation  of  these  soils  are  such  thai   the  sandy  loam  members  will 

in  all  cases  be  characterised   by   th (curi  fravel,  constituting  the 

gravelly  sandy  loams 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGIOX.  665 

The  gravel  content  normally  increases  the  porosity  of  the  soil  structure  and 
renders  the  crops  grown  more  susceptible  to  drought.  In  the  case  of  the 
Sequim  gravelly  sandy  loam  in  northwestern  Washington  this  feature  is  so 
marked  that  the  type  can  be  profitably  farmed  only  under  irrigation.  It  pre- 
sents the  anomaly  of  being  devoted  to  hay,  forage,  and  fruit  crops,  and  pota- 
toes under  irrigation  in  an  area  subject  to  humid  climatic  conditions. 

Where  heavy  subsoils  exist  the  soils  of  this  group,  even  in  areas  of  deficient 
rainfall,  are  retentive  of  moisture  and  as  well  adapted  to  the  production  of 
nonirrigated  crops  as  are  the  normal  soils  of  the  group  under  similar  conditions. 

In  considering  the  purposes  to  which  the  gravelly  sandy  loams  are  adapted, 
the  character  of  subsoils  is  of  even  more  importance  than  climatic  environment. 

Arbuckle  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish  or  light-brown 
gravelly  sandy  loam  from  18  to  36  inches  deep,  underlain  by  reddish-brown 
gravelly  clay  loam.  The  light  texture  of  the  surface  soil  and  the  heavy,  com- 
pact character  of  the  subsoil  causes  a  more  or  less  boggy  condition  during  wet 
weather  and  early  in  the  spring,  the  surface  often  becoming  somewhat  hard 
and  compact  upon  drying.  The  topography  varies  from  fiat  to  undulating,  the 
surface  being  often  broken  by  deeply  eroded  stream  channels  or  sloughs.  In 
the  vicinity  of  streams  a  growth  of  blue  oak,  digger  pine,  and  chaparral  occurs. 
The  soil  is  utilized  for  the  production  of  grain  and  a  limited  area  is  cultivated 
to  grapes  without  irrigation.  The  deeper  phase  of  the  soil  is  well  adapted 
under  irrigation  to  the  production  of  fruits,  vegetables,  and  vines. 

Sequim  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  black 
loam  or  heavy  sandy  loam  12  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  a  large  amount  of 
glacial  gravel  and  stones.  The  subsoil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  heavy  sandy 
loam,  which  grades  at  20  to  30  inches  into  a  lighter-colored  material  contain- 
ing a  high  proportion  of  cobbles  and  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  usually  more 
gravelly  than  the  soil.  Below  30  inches  and  sometimes  at  a  lesser  depth,  the 
cobbles  and  gravel  are  mixed  with  a  high  percentage  of  fine  rock  flour,  which, 
when  saturated  with  water,  cements  into  a  hard  mass,  thus  preventing  the 
downward  passage  of  water.  Over  the  greater  part  of  the  type  the  stones  and 
bowlders  are  present  in  sufficient  numbers  to  interfere  seriously  with  cultiva- 
tion. Where  the  land  is  cropped  they  have  usually  been  removed.  Nearly  all 
of  this  type  near  Sequim  has  been  placed  under  irrigation  with  excellent 
results.  The  crops  grown  consist  of  clover,  oats,  Canada  field  peas,  and  alfalfa. 
Apples,  pears,  cherries,  plums,  strawberries,  blackberries,  and  raspberries  are 
also  grown.  Oats  yield  60  to  85  bushels  per  acre  and  potatoes  200  bushels 
per  acre. 

Yolo  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  of  loose,  open  structure  and  light- 
brown  color.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  in  color,  texture,  and  structure. 
Both  soil  and  subsoil  material  contain  a  large  amount  of  rounded  or  flattened 
gravel  of  dark-colored  metamorphic  rocks.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  depos- 
ited as  stream-outwash  material  upon  sloping  valley  plains.  The  material 
forming  the  type  is  derived  mainly  from  metamorphic  rock.  It  is  well  drained, 
poorly  supplied  with  organic  matter,  and  deficient  in  power  to  hold  moisture. 
Under  copious  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to  vegetables  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.i 

Acres. 

California  25 

24,000 

California  2 

11,840 

\V  ashington  5 

2,304 

Total 

38, 144 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
COABSE  SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 

The  coarse  sandy  loam  soils  of  this  province  are,  so  far  as  mapped,  repre- 
sented by  a  single  type  occurring  in  the  arid  portions  of  the  interior  valley  of 
California. 

The  type  is  more  porous  than  the  sandy  loam  soils  of  the  province  and  less 
able  to  withstand  long-continued  drought  or  neglect  of  irrigation  or  cultivation. 


666  -       F    THE   UNITED    STATES. 

In  crop  adaptation  it  is  intermediate  between  the  sand  and  the  Bandy  loam 
gro  :;  a 

Hanfor<:  indy  loam. — This  type  of  6  feet  or  more  of  a 

micaceous  coarse  Ban  m.     It  -   scattered 

bodit-  outline  upon  valley  plains,  and  in  origin  and  mode  of  forma- 

tion is  f  i   to  the  other  members  of  the  Hanford  series.     The  surface  is 

generally  level  and  the  .^e  from  alkali.     It  is  somewhat  better  adapted 

to  the  production  a   under  dry-farming  methods  than  is  the  Hanford 

-d.  and  under  irrigation  it  is  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  peaches 

I  and  distribution  of  the  course  sandy  loom. 


Hanford  coarse  sandy  loan California  11;  Oregon  4. 


3,5S4 


:  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
1ABDT    LOAM    ADOBE   Pil 

•m  adobe,  so  far  as  it  has  been  mapped,  is  confined  to  the  more 
arid  portions  of  the  interior  valley  of  California  and  to  the  southern  California 
It  will  probably  not  be  encountered  except  under  conditions  of  re- 
:^d  rainfall. 

_    to  peculiar  characteristics  of  structure  the  soil  has  a  high  water- 
:y  and  is  retentive  of  moisture  under  conditions  imposed  by  long- 
continued  drought.     This  eff<  !t  is  fl  -  to  place  the  soil  in  its  adaptation  to 
in  the  loam  or  clay  loam  group.     It  constitutes  a  fair  general-farming 
jQth  with  and  without  irrigation,  and  while  an  excellent  soil  for  deciduous 
a  favorable  climatic  conditions  and  irrigation,  is 
: :  nit  products  than  is  the  sandy  loam. 
Placental   sandy  loam   adob?. — The  type  consists  of  a  dense,  compact,  and 
-  reddish-brown  or  red  sandy  loam  adobe  from  3  to  6  feet  deep,  earn- 
ing considerable  quantities  of  coarse  angular  sand  or  fine  gravel.     It  is  under- 
lain by  lighter  loams  or  sands  of  loose  porous  structure.     The  soil  is  refractory, 
and  tends  to  check  and  crack  upon  exposure.     It  is  often  overlain  by  a  few 
inches  of  sticky,  compact  sandy  loam,  which  grades  into  the  stiff,  dense  adobe 
structure  of  the  typical  soil.     The  type  occurs  in  small  to  extensive  areas  cover- 
ing  :.                 la  and   remnants   of  elevated   sloping  valley   plains.     Alkali   is 
onally  present  in  small  quantities.     Drainage  is  well  established  and  the 
of   moisture.     The  type  is  dry  farmed   to   grains  or  used   for 
a. 

ttribmtion  of  the  sandy  loam  a<: 


= ...  :.^:--  -is.-:  ■  MM  - 


Placentia  sandy  foam  adobe California  1,  22. 


A    :-:a. 


,4M 


•cey  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
.   UP. 
fine  sandy  loams  of  this  pr«'vi-  under  a  wide  range  of  climatic 

of  the 

Other  hern 

- 

.leys, 
•rnia, 

_ 
■•  of  moisture. 

:ties, 
•e  more  ; 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  667 

ably  employed  for  the  production  of  special  crops,  such  as  fruits  and  late  truck 
or  forage  crops  and  alfalfa  in  connection  with  stock  raising  or  dairying.  In 
the  nonirrigated  regions  most  of  the  deciduous  fruits  and  garden  vegetables 
may,  with  careful  cultivation,  be  grown  for  home  use.  Commercial  fruit  and 
vegetable  production,  without  irrigation,  except  in  the  more  northern  areas 
or  in  the  moist  coastal  valleys  subject  to  summer  fogs  and  cool  moist  winds,  is 
uncertain.  Grapes,  grown  mainly  for  table  use  or  for  the  manufacture  of 
wines,  are  successfully  grown  without  irrigation  throughout  the  districts  of 
limited  rainfall  and  of  high  summer  temperature,  and  in  local  areas  peaches, 
apricots,  and  almonds  are  similarly  produced. 

In  the  northwestern  humid  areas  the  group  is  devoted  mainly  to  oats,  hay, 
and  dairying,  but  is  also  adapted  to  apples,  berries,  and  staple  truck  crops. 
In  the  subhumid  regions  of  southern  Oregon  it  is  adapted  to  the  culture  of 
apples,  pears,  and  cherries,  both  with  and  without  irrigation.  In  the  more 
northern  portion  of  the  interior  valley  of  California  it  is  utilized  mainly  for  the 
production  of  wheat  and  barley,  but  under  irrigation  is  adapted  to  and  yields 
more  profitable  returns  when  devoted  to  alfalfa,  deciduous  fruits,  such  as  plums, 
prunes,  grapes,  berries,  and  truck  crops.  In  the  southern  half  of  the  interior 
valley  the  fine  sandy  loams  include  leading  soils  for  the  production  of  pears, 
plums,  cherries,  figs,  prunes;  table,  wine,  and  raisin  grapes;  apricots,  late 
peaches,  small  fruits,  melons,  sweet  potatoes,  and  other  medium  early  to  late 
vegetables.  The  group  is  also  profitably  devoted  to  alfalfa,  dairying,  forage 
crops,  and  sometimes  to  grains.  In  the  coastal  valleys  the  soils  of  this  group 
are  less  extensively  devoted  to  alfalfa  and  forage  crops,  being  used  preferably 
for  cherries  and  other  deciduous  fruits.  English  walnuts,  and,  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  cities,  truck  crops.  In  some  of  the  nonirrigated  sections  of  the  coastal 
valleys  grains  are  extensively  grown.  In  the  more  southern  coastal  valleys 
and  alluvial-fan  slopes  the  fine  sandy  loams  are  utilized  mainly  in  connection 
with  a  highly  developed  intensive  system  of  agriculture  and  are  highly 
esteemed  for  the  culture  of  citrus  fruits,  truck  crops,  winter  vegetables,  and 
the  deciduous  fruits.  Areas  incapable  of  irrigation  are  devoted  to  grain  and 
In  favorable  locations  to  grapes. 

The  group  should  be  rated  as  essentially  adapted  to  citrus  and  the  later 
stone  fruits,  truck  crops  for  market  or  for  preserving  or  canning  purposes, 
and  to  alfalfa  and  the  lighter  type  of  general  farm  crops.  Sugar  beets  have 
been  grown  upon  these  soils  only  to  a  small  extent,  but  should  prove  moderately 
successful.  The  agricultural  value  of  the  soils  of  the  group  is  sometimes 
Impaired  by  poor  drainage  and  the  occurrence  of  alkali  salts. 

Arouckle  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  brown  fine  sandy 
loam,  underlain  by  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  fine  sandy  loam  or  sandy  loam  be- 
coming yellowish  brown  in  the  lower  portion  and  often  marked  by  stratified  de- 
posits or  silty  material.  The  average  texture  of  the  6-foot  section  is  a  fine  sandy 
loam.  Pockets  or  strata  of  gravel  are  often  encountered  at  various  depths.  The 
topography  is  comparatively  level  and  the  soil  as  a  whole  is  well  drained: 
Where  irrigated  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  truck  crops  and  fruits. 

Bellavista  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  of  light  ashy-gray  color,  sticky  and 
porous,  and  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  carries  a  large  amount  of  water-worn 
gravel  and  pumice  cobbles.  The  soil  material  is  derived  mainly  from  basaltic 
rock  and  pumice  stone.  The  type  is  generally  timbered.  Only  inextensive 
areas  have  been  mapped.     It  is  adapted  to  apples  and  pears. 

Dungeness  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  lighl  brownish 
gray,  silty.  fine  sandy  Loam  of  close,  compact  structure,  about  12  incites  deep. 
It  contains  more  organic  matter  than  the  Dungeness  silt  loam  and  is  slightly 
darker  colored.  The  subsoil  from  12  to  36  inches  varies  from  a  yellowish- 
gray  fine  sandy  loam  to  a  compact  gray  silt  loam.  Frequently  both  soil  and 
subsoil  are  marked  with  reddish-brown  iron  stains.  The  type  represents  glacial 
OUtwash  material.  It  is  easily  worked,  but  has  a  tendency  to  run  together  if 
plowed  when  too  wet.  The  topography  is  uniformly  level,  with  sufficient  slope 
to  insure  good  surface  drainage.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  could  be 
profitably  irrigated.  Only  a  small  area  is  under  cultivation,  although  over 
much  of  it  the  forest  has  been  removed.  Oats,  clover,  alfalfa,  and  glasses  are 
grown.  In  addition  to  these  crops,  apples,  blackberries,  raspberries,  straw- 
berries, and  truck  crops  could  be  grown. 

Fcmcher  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown,  mica< 
fine  sandy  loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  of  friable  and  porous  structure 
sometimes  gravelly.    The  type  is  derived  from  rather  recent  alluvial  material 
deposited  by  foothill  streams,  and  occurs  as  small  bodies  about  minor  Btream 


668  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

sinks,  flood  plains,  or  gently  sloping  valley  plains.     Drainage  is  fairly  good. 
It  is  an  excellent  soil  for  fruits  and  general  crops. 

Fresno  fine  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  light-gray,  compact,  fine  sandy  loam, 
rather  sticky  when  wet,  and  readily  puddled.  The  soil  is  generally  6  feet  or 
more  in  depth,  with  the  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section  frequently  of  a  some- 
what lighter  texture.  It  is  marked  at  a  depth  of  from  2  to  4  feet  by  a  stratum 
of  heavy,  dense,  white  calcareous  hardpan  containing  alkali  carbonates.  The 
type  occurs  as  irregular  bodies  near  the  margin  of  valley  plains.  The  surface 
varies  from  level  to  slightly  depressed.  Drainage  is  poor  and  alkali  accumula- 
tions prevalent.  Where  well  drained  and  properly  irrigated  and  cultivated  the 
type  is  adapted  to  fruits.  Alfalfa  can  be  grown  where  the  underlying  hard- 
pan  does  not  too  closely  approach  the  surface. 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  is  a  light-gray,  light-brown,  or  buff  to 
dark-drab  micaceous  fine  sandy  loam,  3  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  of  porous 
to  moderately  compact  structure,  the  underlying  material  grading  from  loose 
sand  to  heavy  loam.  The  soil  material  is  composed  of  recent  deposits  of  river 
flood  and  delta  plains.  The  surface  is  generally  low,  level,  and  frequently  tim- 
bered or  covered  with  willows  and  brush.  In  the  vicinity  of  lower  depres- 
sions and  flood  plains  of  larger  streams  it  is  sometimes  deficiently  drained  or 
subject  to  overflow  where  not  protected  by  levees.  The  soil  is  generally  pro- 
ductive under  cultivation  where  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali.  Where 
favorably  situated  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  general  farm  crops,  fruits,  English 
walnuts,  small  fruits,  asparagus,  celery,  and  truck  crops. 

Maricopa  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown,  loose, 
porous,  fine  sandy  loam,  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  containing  consid- 
erable water-worn  gravel.  It  is  underlain  by  sands  and  rounded  gravels,  some- 
times cemented  into  a  calcareous  hardpan.  The  type  consists  of  torrential 
stream  deposits  occurring  upon  mountain  foot  slopes,  mesa  lands,  and  upper 
valley  plains,  frequently  more  or  less  modified  by  subsequent  weathering  and 
the  addition  of  alluvial  wash.  Drainage  is  good  and  the  soil  is  well  drained 
and  free  from  alkali.  Under  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grains,  citrus, 
deciduous,  and  small  fruits. 

Medford  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  light  brown  in  color  and  from  12  to  30 
inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  darker  brown  subsoil  carrying  conspicuous 
amounts  of  fine  angular  granitic  particles  giving  a  texture  approaching  a  coarse 
sandy  loam.  The  surface  is  usually  of  good  slope  and  well  drained.  The  type 
supports  a  heavy  growth  of  pine,  oak,  and  laurel.  It  is  somewhat  deficient  in 
moisture-retaining  capacity,  but  is  well  adapted  to  peaches,  cherries,  and  apples. 
Pears  are  grown  with  fair  success,  but  are  better  suited  to  the  heavier  soils. 

Oxnard  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  greenish-gray,  rather  sticky,  micaceous 
fine  sandy  loam  12  to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  rather  heavy,  sticky  gray 
sandy  loam  or  loam.  The  sand  particles  are  fine  and  the  sand  has  a  greasy,  soft 
feel.  If  plowed  dry  the  soil  breaks  up  into  large  clods,  but  when  moist  it  is  loamy 
and  easily  cultivated.  The  surface  is  smooth  and  level.  The  type  is  derived 
from  the  weathering  of  an  argillaceous  sandstone.  The  greater  part  of  the 
type  is  well  drained,  but  some  portions  contain  alkali,  owing  to  inadequate 
drainage  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  wheat,  and  with  irrigation  should  pro- 
duce good  yields  of  alfalfa. 

Plaoentia  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light  yellow  to  grayish-brown  or 
reddish-brown,  sticky,  somewhat  plastic  loam  of  fine  sandy  texture  and  of 
rather  compact  structure  from  IS  inches  to  3  feet  deep.  It  is  inclined  to  puddle 
and  bake  and  when  dry  breaks  into  clods,  bul  L» friable  when  plowed  under  proper 

moisture  Conditions,  Coarse,  sharp  sand  and  sometimes  small  quantities  of 
rather  tine  angular  or  partially  rounded  gravel  arc  present   in  the  surface  soil. 

'1  he  SUbSOil  consists  of  a  stiff,  tenacious  red  sandy  clay  or  heavy  loam,  compact. 

Impervious,  and  approaching  a  hardpan  or  adobe  structure.    It  checks  upon 

exposure,  and  is  sometimes  panel  rated  with  difficulty  by  tender  roots.  In 
places  it   shows  a  gray  to  drab  color,  and  where  exposed  gives  rise  to  the  adODS 

soils  of  the  Placentia  series.  Occasionally  the  soil  reaches  a  depth  greater  than 
:;  feel  or  is  underlain  by  sandy  loam  or  loams  of  less  dense,  compact  structure. 
This  type  consists  mainly  of  colluvial  soil  creep  and  of  wash  from  torrential  and 

Intermittent    streams,    and   occasionally   over   small    areas  of   residua]    material. 

The  type  occurs  as  extensive  areas  covering  sandstone  and  granitic  foothills 

and    mountain    fOOtSlopeS,    delta    fans,    and    Bloping    valley    plains.     The    higher 

ire  frequently  rough,  broken  by  rock  outcrop,  deeply  cut  by  ravines 
and  arroyos,  and  lie  above  the  reach  of  Irrigation  waters.  The  soil  is  pro- 
ductive, easily  Irrigated,  ami  is  devoted  to  grains,  citrus  and  deciduous  fruits, 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


669 


walnuts,  grapes,  alfalfa,  and  general  farm  crops.  The  type  is  one  of  the  im- 
portant orange  soils  of  California. 

Poplar  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  buff-colored 
micaceous  fine  sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  24  to  48  inches  and  underlain 
to  6  feet  or  more  by  a  reddish  to  yellowish-brown  heavy  loam  or  light-clay 
loam.  The  soil  material  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  from  granitic  rocks,  and 
is  similar  to  that  of  the  Hanford  series.  The  subsoil  consists  of  material  of 
the  San  Joaquin  series,  more  or  less  modified  by  weathering.  The  red  iron 
hardpan  characteristic  of  the  San  Joaquin  series  is  seldom  encountered  within 
a  depth  of  6  feet.  Where  this  type  occurs  near  the  San  Joaquin  soils  drainage 
is  somewhat  deficient  and  the  surface  soil  inclined  to  be  heavy.  Where  sur- 
rounded by  the  Hanford  soils  the  surface  soil  approximates  somewhat  the  Han- 
ford fine  sandy  loam.    It  is  an  excellent  alfalfa,  fruit,  and  truck  soil. 

Ulmar  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  loose,  friable,  brown  to  light- 
brown,  medium  to  fine  sandy  loam,  sometimes  tinged  with  red,  varying  in  depth 
from  2  to  6  feet.  It  is  underlain  by  a  slightly  lighter  colored,  coarser  sandy 
loam  of  heavier  texture,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  a  yellowish  sandy  hardpan. 
The  surface  is  marked  in  many  places  by  hog  wallows  or  interrupted  by  old 
stream  channels.  The  type  is  formed  principally  by  modifications  of  the  mate- 
rial giving  the  Ulmar  loam,  through  the  addition  of  colluvial  and  alluvial  ma- 
terial washed  from  adjacent  bodies  of  Contra  Costa  sandy  loam.  Alkali  salts 
are  often  present,  sometimes  in  considerable  quantities.  The  vegetation  consists 
of  greasewood  and  salt  grass.  The  type  is  extensively  devoted  to  grazing. 
Some  portions  are  utilized  for  dry  farming  to  grain  and  hay  with  light  yields. 

Yolo  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  15  inches  or  more  of  rather  light 
fine  sandy  loam  of  light-brown  color,  underlain  by  brown  sand  or  fine  sandy 
loam  frequently  marked  by  strata  of  loam,  silt  loam,  or  sand.  In  the  vicinity 
of  overflow  basins  the  subsoil  is  sometimes  a  clay.  A  thin  mantle  of  wind-blown 
sand  or  of  silty  material  is  sometimes  present.  Occasionally  the  soil  extends 
to  a  depth  of  6  feet.  The  surface  is  level  to  slightly  undulating  and  the  soil 
well  drained  and  retentive  of  moisture.  Willow,  cottonwood,  and  alder  grow 
along  the  streams.  The  type  is  formed  of  recent  alluvial  deposits  by  intermit- 
tent foothill  streams.  It  is  largely  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains,  but  is  adapted 
to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  alfalfa,  peaches,  apricots,  almonds,  grapes,  sugar 
beets,  and  truck  crops  being  successfully  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Placentia  fine  sandy  loam 

California  9,  10, 19,  20,  21,  22 

371,433 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam 

California  1,  4,  9, 10, 11,  15, 19, 20,  22 

California  3  ,4,  11,  13,  23 

208,602 
202, 143 

Oxnard  fine  sandy  loam 

California  19 

22,848 
18,432 
12,832 
8,960 
5,952 
5,632 
3,456 

Y  olo  fine  sandy  loam 

California  2,  25 

Fancher  fine  sandy  loam 

California  3 

Washington  5 

California  9 

California  15 

Medford  fine  sandy  loam 

Oregon  4 

Arbuckle  fine  sandy  loam 

California  25 

3,200 

Ulmar  fine  sandy  loam 

California  8 

832 

Bella  vista  fine  sandy  1  oam 

Oregon  4 

576 

Total 

864,898 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY   FINE    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  phase  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  has  been  recognized  in  but 
one  locality,  occurring  under  subhumid  conditions. 

The  soil  is  somewhat  deficient  in  power  to  retain  moisture  during  periods  of 
drought,  but  under  irrigation  or  intensive  cultivation  does  not  differ  essentially 
in  its  adaptation  to  crops  from  the  normal  fine  sandy  loams. 

Medford  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  to  light  brown  in  color, 
of  slightly  micaceous  character,  and  from  10  inches  to  2  feet  deep.  It  contains 
varying  amounts  of  water-worn  to  subangular  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  brown  to 
nearly  black  and  of  rather  compact  structure  and  moderately  heavy  toxture. 


670  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

It  frequently  contains  fine  angular  fragments  of  light-colored  granitic  rock. 
The  type  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  alfalfa,  but  is  also  well  adapted 
to  apples,  pears,  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Medford  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam Oregon  4 . 


320 


i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

The  loams  of  the  alluvial  fan  and  recent  valley  filling  material  of  the 
Pacific  coast  region  have  been  mapped  under  a  considerable  range  of  climatic 
conditions.  The  more  northerly  and  humid  areas  mapped  occur  in  southern 
Oregon,  where  irrigation  is  practiced  only  as  supplementary  to  the  natural 
rainfall.     Other  areas  occur  in  the  uonirrigated  co  fcricts  in  California. 

where  the  crops  are  subject  to  less  extremes  of  heat  and  aridity  than  obtain 
in  the  interior  valleys  and  where,  though  little  or  no  rain  falls  during  the 
summer  season,  the  effects  of  droughts  are  ameliorated  by  fogs  and  cool,  moist 
winds.  The  -roup  is  found  most  extensively  developed  in  the  Great  Interior 
Valley.  Important  but  somewhat  less  extensive  areas  occur  in  the  semiarid 
to  arid  districts  of  southern  California. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  usually  retentive  of  moisture  unless  underlain 
by  heavy  and  impervious  subsoils  or  substrata.  The  texture  is,  moreover, 
such  as  to  favor  cultural  operations  under  normal  conditions  of  drainage,  while 
the  soil  possesses  the  more  compact  properties  of  the  heavier  soils  and  requires 
less  frequent  and  copious  irrigation  and  less  constant  cultivation  than  the  types 
of  the  lighter  groups.  Their  adaptation  to  general  farm  crops  is  apparent, 
the  production  of  early  fruit  and  of  truck  crops  being  of  less  importance. 
Hay  crops,  consisting  of  timothy  and  the  clovers,  where  temperature  and 
moisture  conditions  are  favorable,  as  well  as  alfalfa,  are  profitable.  Of  the 
fruits,  pears,  plums,  and  prunes  are  most  successfully  and  widely  grown, 
although  almonds,  apricots,  and  peaches  for  the  later  market  or  for  drying 
or  canning  purposes  maintain  an  important  rank  in  the  products  of  intensively 
cultivated  areas. 

Later  maturing  vegetables,  consisting  of  cabbage,  cauliflower,  onions,  betas. 
etc.,  a.s  well  as  small  fruits,  are  grown  for  local  markets  or  for  shipment 
toes  and  oilier  products  grown  most  profitably  on  the  lighter  soils  for 
early  market  yield  larger  returns  when  grown  on  the  loam  soils  for  later  market 
or  for  canning  purposes.  In  the  <-,>:istal  valleys,  subject  to  favorable  climatic 
conditions,  I  berries,  lima  beans.  English  walnuts,  and  fall  and  early  winter 
apples  are  important  crops.  Wine,  table,  and  raisin  grapes  are  produced 
in  commercial  quantities,  and  ti.urs  and  olives  are  grown  to  some  extent.  In  the 
more  southern  districts  the  loams  constitute  important  citrus-fruit  producing 
soils,  while  nearly  all  the  deciduous  fruits  and  egl  I  Dies  of  the  more  northern 
districts  are  grown  with  good  results. 

soils  <>f  lids  group  fulfil]  the  requirements  of  general  purpose  types  u|N>n 
whicl  Canning,  dairying,  the  culture  of  nearly  all  fruits  and  vegetables 

for  home  use.  or  the  commercial  production  of  the  Inter  stone  Fruits  or  of  apples. 
J,    citrus    fruits    in    favorable    Localities,    and    staple    truck   crops   and    small 

fruits,  may  be  undertaken.    Poor  drainage  conditions  and  excess  ^>f  alkali  salts 

are  somewhat  more  common  than  upon  the  soils  of  the  preceding  group. 

/Lrbuckle  loam,    The  soil  of  :i  light-brown  to  reddish-brown  friable 

loam  -f  to  ::o  Inches  deep.    The  subsoil  consists  <»f  a  brown  or  reddish-brown 

s.-'iMp  loam  or  loam,  oft. mi  grading  in  the  lower  lying  bodies  into  a  clay  loam 
or  clay,    a  small  p<  •  of  gravel  is  usually  present  in  both  soil  and  sni>- 

soil.       The    topography    is    doping    to    Slightly    rolling   and    drainage    well    estal>- 

llshecL    The  soil  It  often  marked  by  the  presence  of  a  plow  sole  at  a  depth  of 

4   to  6   Inches.     Grain   is  the  principal  crop,  but    raisin  urr:ipes  and  almonds  have 
i    to  :i    limited  extent     The  type  IS   favorably   Situated   for  irrigation, 

and   :  dapted   to  alfalfa,  fruits,  kaflr  and  Egyptian 

corn,  sorghum,  ami  sugar  tx 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION.  671 

Clawson  loam. — The  soil  varies  in  depth  from  3  to  6  feet  and  is  often  of  com- 
pact and  refractory  structure,  which  gives  it  the  characteristics  of  a  heavier 
type  in  the  field  than  is  represented  by  mechanical  analysis.  Under  favorable 
conditions  of  drainage  it  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  pears,  vegetables,  and  hay 
crops. 

Corralitos  loam. — This  is  a  smooth,  mellow,  chocolate-brown,  micaceous  loam 
3  feet  in  depth,  underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  yellowish-brown  micaceous  loam 
extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  It  is  uniform  in  texture,  of  good  capil- 
larity, free  drainage,  and  excellent  moisture-retaining  powers.  The  type  is  of 
alluvial  origin,  being  derived  from  the  weathered  product  of  shale  rocks  form- 
ing the  adjacent  hills,  deposited  by  minor  streams  traversing  alluvial  fans  or 
slopes  or  by  sheet-wash.  It  is  well  suited  to  orchard  and  garden  crops,  par- 
ticularly apples,  prunes,  and  apricots. 

Dublin  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  friable  heavy 
loam,  with  considerable  sand  and  enough  clay  to  make  it  decidedly  sticky, 
the  structure  approaching  adobe  in  some  places.  It  is  underlain  at  depths 
ranging  from  2  to  3  feet  by  a  dark  grayish  brown,  heavy  loam  or  silty  loam, 
extending  to  6  feet.  Pockets  of  sand  or  sandy  loam,  or  thin  strata  of  these, 
sometimes  occur  in  the  subsoil.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  and 
drainage  well  established.  A  few  oaks,  with  some  willows  and  sycamores,  occur 
along  stream  channels.  The  type  is  mainly  dry-farmed  to  grain  and  hay.  Fruit 
is  grown  to  a  limited  extent  with  fair  yields. 

Esparto  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  loam  or  silty  loam,  about 
24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  light-brown  loam  or  clay  loam.  Both  soil  and 
subsoil  are  of  compact  structure,  the  soil  being  friable  under  cultivation.  The 
type  occupies  valley  plains.  The  surface  is  gently  sloping,  insuring  good 
natural  drainage.  It  is  utilized  extensively  for  the  production  of  tree  fruits, 
white  wine  grapes,  apricots,  almonds,  plums,  olives,  and,  to  a  small  extent,  for 
figs.     Under  irrigation  it  is  also  well  adapted  to  alfalfa. 

Fresno  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  reddish-brown,  compact  and  sticky  heavy 
loam  of  very  fine,  smooth  texture,  from  3  to  3£  feet  in  depth.  The  lower  por- 
tion of  the  soil  section  is  marked  by  iron  concretions  and  dense,  impenetrable 
strata  of  calcareous  alkali-carbonate  hardpan,  underlain  by  fine  light-gray 
loam.  The  type  occupies  lower  valley  plains  and  slight  depressions  of  smooth, 
level  surface.  It  is  frequently  strongly  charged  with  alkali  and  is  poorly 
drained. 

Hanford  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  black  micaceous  loam, 
underlain  at  the  depth  of  2  to  5  feet  by  a  heavy  loam  or  light  clay  loam  of 
yellowish  or  reddish-brown  color.  The  soil  sometimes  approaches  a  clay  loam 
in  texture  and  represents  recent  alluvial  deposits  laid  down  in  quiet  water. 
The  heavier  reddish-brown  subsoil  consists  usually  of  older  Pleistocene  sedi- 
mentary material  giving  the  soils  of  the  San  Joaquin  series.  The  type  pos- 
sesses well-developed  moisture-retaining  properties  and  is  adapted  to  the  pro- 
duction of  grapes  and  small  fruits. 

Medford  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  to  dark  brown,  slightly  sticky  when  wet, 
and  from  16  to  40  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy,  compact  clay  loam  of 
grayish-brown  to  dark-brown  color,  often  containing  numerous  small  angular 
granitic  fragments  of  light  color.  The  surface  is  uniformly  sloping  and  well 
drained.     It  is  retentive  of  moisture  and  adapted  to  alfalfa,  apples,  pears,  etc. 

Modesto  loam. — The  type  consists  of  grayish  to  chocolate-brown  loam  carry- 
ing coarse  sharp  quartz  or  granitic  sandy  material  as  a  characteristic  feature 
with  a  relatively  large  amount  of  silt.  It  is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  12  inches 
by  a  heavy  loam  or  clay  loam  of  adobe  structure,  marked  by  the  presence  of 
coarse  sharp  sand,  which  is  in  turn  underlain  at  3  to  5  feet  by  the  gray,  silty 
calcareous  subsoils  of  the  Fresno  series,  often  cemented  into  a  calcareous 
hardpan.  This  soil  is  probably  formed  by  deposition  from  older  stream 
channels  subsequently  modified  by  water  through  deficient  drainage.  The  type 
is  subject  to  considerable  variation  in  texture,  and  small  amounts  of  alkali 
often  occur  in  the  heavier  soil  bodies,  imparting  a  dense  structure  and  puddling 
tendencies  to  such  areas.  The  surface  is  often  uneven  and  marked  with 
wallow''  or  other  small  mounds  and  depressions.  The  bodies  of  lighter  texture 
are  usually  more  elevated,  better  drained,  deeper,  and  of  more  ue 
surface.  They  are  friable  and  easily  cultivated,  and  are  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  alfalfa,  grapes,  peaches,  vegetables,  and  berrl 

Oxriard  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  or  dark-colored  sticky  loam,  3  to 
6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  sometimes  of  a  compact,  refractory  structure.  The 
type  consists  of  the  finer  material  derived  from  sh  lies  and  sandstones  and  the 


672  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

wash  from  higher-lying  soil  types  or  deposits  from  stream  flood  waters.  It 
occupies  level  flood  plains  and  higher  sloping  plains  near  the  foothills.  Drain- 
age is  generally  good  except  over  areas  subject  to  overflow.  Alkali  is  some- 
times present.  The  type  is  generally  devoted  to  lima  beans  and  English 
walnuts. 

Placentia  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  or  reddish-brown  loam,  from  1 
to  6  feet  or  more  In  depth,  often  gravelly,  and  of  somewhat  compact  structure. 
It  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  heavy  loam  of  compact,  dense,  adobelike 
structure,  or  in  small  residual  areas  by  disintegrating  rock.  The  type  is 
similar  in  topography,  origin,  mode  of  formation,  and  crop  adaptation  to  the 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam,  but  has  a  somewhat  finer  and  heavier  texture. 

Suuol  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown  heavy  loam  or 
light  clay  loam  from  24  to  36  inches  deep  and  carrying  small  amounts  of 
angular  rock  fragments.  It  is  underlain  by  a  lighter  brown  loam  or  clay  loam, 
becoming  heavier  in  texture  with  depth.  The  surface  is  slightly  sloping.  The 
type  consists  chiefly  of  alluvial  material,  formed  by  stream  sediments  derived 
from  soils  of  Pleasanton  series.  The  topography  is  slightly  sloping  and  the 
soil  well  drained  and  friable.    It  is  farmed  to  hay  and  grain. 

Sutter  loam. — This  type  consists  of  18  inches  to  6  feet  of  a  gray,  sticky, 
loam  often  carrying  considerable  quantities  of  fine  angular  gravel,  underlain 
by  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam,  frequently  having  many  of  the  charac- 
teristics of  the  adobe.  The  soil  is  largely  colluvial,  derived  from  material 
washed  from  adjacent  slopes  and  modified  by  alluvial  agencies  or  overflows. 
Drainage  is  ordinarily  good,  as  the  type  occupies  gentle  slopes.  The  soil  is 
sometimes  cultivated  to  grain  which  is  used  for  hay,  but  the  greater  propor- 
tion of  it  is  still  uncleared. 

Ulmar  loam. — Tbe  type  consists  of  a  brown  to  dark-brown  loam  from  15 
to  24  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  yellowish-brown  sticky  clay  resting  at  36 
incbes  or  more  upon  an  impervious  yellow  sandy  clay  hardpan.  The  surface  soil 
contains  a  large  amount  of  sand,  is  spongy  when  wet,  and  inclined  to  puddle  and 
crack  unless  cultivated  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  The  soil  material 
is  of  colluvial  and  alluvial  origin,  derived  largely  from  the  brown  soils  of  the 
Altamont  series,  and  modified  by  material  from  the  Contra  Costa  and  Diablo 
series.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level  except  where  interrupted  by 
stream  channels  or  depressions.  Percolation  is  retarded  by  the  hardpan  and 
drainage  retarded  by  the  flat  surface.  The  soil  is  retentive  of  moisture.  It 
is  utilized  chiefly  for  grazing  or  for  hay  and  grain.  Much  of  the  land  is  now 
being  sold  in  tracts  and  planted  to  small  fruits  and  truck,  which  are  successfully 
grown  under  irrigation  or  on  bodies  free  from  alkali. 

Willows  loam. — The  soil  is  a  slightly  compact,  friable,  light-brown  to  light- 
gray  loam  from  10  to  18  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact,  light-brown  to 
light  chocolate  brown  clay  loam  of  compact,  adobelike  structure.  The  type 
occupies  sloping  valley  plains  near  minor  foothill  streams,  the  surface  often 
being  somewhat  uneven,  eroded,  and  marked  by  hog  wallow  mounds.  It  is 
adapted  to  dry  farming  to  grains  and,  under  irrigation,  to  the  production  of 
alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  vines,  and  fruits. 

YoU)  loam.  The  BOil  is  a  dark-brown,  tight-textured  silty  loam  .-bout  24 
inches  deep  and  usually  free  from  gravel.  The  upper  part  of  the  subsoil  con- 
Of  ;i  Sandy  silt  loam  resting  upon  a  clay  loam  or  clay,  with  occasional 
beds  or  pockets  Of  gravel  found  at  a  depth  of  4  to  6  feet.  Both  soil  and  sub- 
soil are  subjecl  to  decided  variations  in  texture.  The  type  occupies  low, 
flai  topped  or  gently  undulating  ridges,  or  occurs  as  narrow  strips  bordering 
Btream  ralleys.  Natural  drainage  is  good,  excepl  In  the  case  of  Bhallow  de- 
>ne  when-  water  sometimes  accumulates  during  a  wot  season,  The  type 
e  from  alkali  sails,  is  well  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  and  is  de- 
:  to  general  farm  crops  and  to  fruits,  Including  peaches,  almonds,  prunes, 

Rnd  grapes. 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION. 


673 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Yolo  loam 

California  2,  13,  23,  25. 
California  22,  24 

49,920 

Placentia  loam . . . 

25,710 

California  1,  13 

21,376 

Oxnard  loam 

California  19,  24 

19,812 

Arbuckle  loam 

California  25 

18,304 

Sutter  loam 

California  12 

10,048 

Modesto  loam 

California  13 

8,896 

Harifnrd  loam 

California  15 

7,488 

Willows  loam 

California  2,  25 

6,720 

Ulmar  loam 

California  8 

3,584 

Esparto  loam 

California  25 

3,200 

Medf ord  loam 

Oregon  4 

2,560 
1,408 

Corralitos  loam 

California  14 

Dublin  loam 

California  8 

896 

768 

Sunol  loam 

Calfiornia  8 

448 

Total 

181,138 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  loam  soils  of  the  Pacific  coast  region  derived  from  alluvial 
fan  and  recent  valley  filling  material  are  of  more  widespread  occurrence  than 
the  group  phases  previously  noted.  They  occur  under  climatic  conditions 
ranging  from  subhumid  to  strictly  arid. 

Owing  to  their  pronounced  gravel  content  they  are  of  somewhat  more 
porous  structure,  and  are  more  easily  maintained  in  a  favorable  condition  of 
tilth  but  are  somewhat  less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  loams.  Drainage  is 
ordinarily  better  and  while  adapted  to  many  different  crops,  according  to  local 
conditions  of  temperature,  precipitation,  topography,  and  irrigation,  in  the 
general  adaptation  they  are  more  like  the  soils  of  fine  sandy  loam  or  gravelly 
fine  sandy  loam  texture  than  the  normal  loams.  They  are  superior  to  the 
loams  for  the  production  of  early  products,  but  less  well  adapted  to  dry- 
farming  products. 

Arbuckle  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  light  grayish  brown  loam 
from  2  to  3  feet  deep  containing  varying  quantities  of  water-worn  gravel. 
It  is  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown  loam  or  clay  loam,  slightly  compact  and 
carrying  more  or  less  gravel.  It  occupies  slopes  bordering  streams  or  broad 
undulating  areas  slightly  elevated  above  the  general  level  of  the  country.  The 
natural  drainage  is  good.  The  soil  is  formed  of  the  coarser  material  deposited 
by  the  flood  waters  of  the  streams  traversing  the  valley  plains.  Grain  is  the 
principal  crop,  but  fruits  and  raisin  grapes  are  produced  to  some  extent. 

Coleman  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  gray  to  brown,  ranging  from  12  to  24 
inches  in  depth,  and  carries  considerable  quantities  of  subangular  to  water- 
worn  gravel,  the  fragments  ranging  from  1  to  1^  inches  in  diameter.  The  sub- 
soil is  light  brown  and  carries  considerable  gravel.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to 
irrigation.  It  generally  supports  a  growth  of  laurel,  pine,  oak.  and  brush  where 
uncleared.  It  is  low  Id  organic  matter,  and  is  somewhat  deficient  in  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  unless  effectively  cultivated.  Under  irrigation  or  effective 
cultivation  it  is  well  adapted  to  small  fruits,  peaches,  apples,  and  pears. 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown 
or  almost  black  sandy  loam,  grading  in  texture  from  coarse  to  rather  fine,  and 
6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  is  of  loose,  porous,  and  somewhat  leachy  structure, 
although  over  limited  areas  it  assumes  a  somewhat  compact  structure  in  its 
virgin  condition.  It  carries  a  considerable  quantity  of  fine,  subangular,  or 
waterworn  gravel,  and  where  less  than  6  feet  in  depth  is  underlain  by  sands 
or  gravel  and  cobbles,  sometimes  cemented  by  lime  into  a  hardpau.  The  type 
generally  occurs  as  extensive  bodies  covering  mountain  footslopes,  rolling  foot 
hills,  and  broad,  abrupt  to  gently  sloping  debris  aprons  and  fan-shaped  plains. 
The  type  consists  of  colluvial  and  partially  assorted  alluvial  wash  and  material 
distributed  by  torrential  streams.  It  sometimes  occurs  as  narrow  bodies  fol- 
lowing the  courses  of  minor  intermittent  streams.  The  surface  is  in  some 
places  irregular  and  often  cut  by  arroyos  and  strewn  with  angular  and  rounded 


79619—13- 


43 


674 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


bowlders.  The  type  is  derived  mainly  from  granitic  rocks.  Drainage  is  estab- 
lished, and  the  type  is  free  from  alkali.  Owing  to  its  elevated  position  and  its 
irregularities  of  surface,  it  is  often  incapable  of  irrigation  and  is  devoted  only 
to  grazing  or  dry-farmed  to  grain  or  vine  crops.  In  California  extensive  areas 
are  irrigated  and  produce  heavy  yields  of  grains,  grapes,  and  citrus  and  stone 
fruits. 

Oxnard  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy  silt  loam  or  a  light  clay 
loam  ranging  from  dark  brown  to  drab  or  gray,  generally  6  feet  or  more  in 
depth,  and  light  and  friable  under  cultivation.  The  lower  portion  of  the  sec- 
tion is  usually  of  light  gray  color.  The  soil  in  many  places  is  gravelly  and 
carries  considerable  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravelly  particles.  The  type  consists 
mainly  of  colluvial  and  alluvial  material  deposited  over  sloping  plains  by  tor- 
rential mountain  streams.  The  materials  are  derived  largely  from  siliceous 
and  bituminous  shales,  the  gravel  being  made  up  of  light  or  light-brown  chalky 
or  flinty  fragments.  The  soil  is  well  drained,  free  from  alkali,  and  is  generally 
devoted  to  grains,  particularly  to  barley  and  to  lima  beans  and  walnuts. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Maricopa  gravelly  loam . 
Oxnara  gravelly  loam. . 
Arbuckle  gravelly  loam . 
Coleman  gravelly  loam. . 


California  10,  19,20,21,24.... 

California  10,  24 

California  25 

Oregon  4 


47,100 
16,270 
16, 128 
5,888 


Total. 


85,446 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


LOAM    ADOBE  PHASE. 


The  loam  adobe  soils  of  this  province  occur  under  conditions  of  semiarid  or 
arid  climate  in  the  southern  portions  of  the  Pacific  coast  region.  The  adobe 
structure  renders  the  soils  of  high  moisture-holding  capacity,  but  sticky  when 
wet,  and  they  readily  puddle.  Upon  subsequent  exposure  they  quickly  bake  and 
assume  a  compact  refractory  structure,  except  where  the  adobe  structure  is  pro- 
nounced, and  a  finely  granulated  surface  is  produced  by  checking.  While  some 
times  poorly  drained,  the  soil  is,  under  effective  methods  of  tillage  and  artificial 
drainage  where  necessary,  capable  of  being  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of 
tilth.  In  the  uses  to  which  the  soil  may  be  most  effectively  devoted  it  corre- 
sponds more  closely  to  the  soils  of  the  clay  loam  than  to  the  loam  group  and 
la  best  adapted  to  general  farming  requiring  heavy  farming  equipment.  Favor- 
ably situated  areas  are,  however,  under  Intensive  methods  of  Ullage,  success- 
fully devoted  to  the  production  of  citrus  fruits,  olives,  and  in  some  cases  to 
English  walnuts,  although  the  latter  crop  generally  gives  better  results  upon 
lighter  and  more  friable  soils. 

Maricopa  loam  adobe. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown,  compact,  plastic 
and  sticky  ad<>l>c  soil  of  loam  texture,  from  2  to  (>  feet  or  more  in  depth  and 
Underlain  by  tIght-COlored,  compact  loam  adobe  structure  or  by  Indurated  sand 
<a    disintegrating  granitic  rock.     The  type  consists  mainly  Of  COllUVial   material 

modified  by  recent  weathering,  erosion,  and  the  addition  of  One  alluvial  mate- 
rial washed  from  surrounding  hills.  It  occupies  rolling  hills  and  sloping  plains 
and   is  generally  devoted  1"  citrus  fruits,  grains,  olives,  walnuts,  etc. 

Stockton  loam  adobe.  The  soil  is  usually  black  Id  color,  consisting  of  a  dense, 
sticky  loam  adobe  usually  black  but  Including  small  grayish  spots  perhaps  about 
90  Inches  deep  and  carrying  In  many  places  angular  rock  fragments  and  Light- 
colored  Coarse  Band.      It    is  underlain  by  a   Light  yellOW  or  bufl  Bilty  clay  loam. 

The  type  is  inclined  to  puddle  and  crack   unless  handled   under  proper  moisture 

conditions     n  is  derived  from  old  stream  alluvium  modified  by  the  Lncorpora 
tion  of  Large  quantities  of  organic  matter  and  by  wash  from  adjoining  soil  areas. 

Jt   occupies  the  lower  valley  plains  and  is  BOmet  iuics  partially  limbered.     Drain- 

;  ge  is  generally  deficient    The  type  produces  fair  yields  of  general  farm  crops 

under  careful   cultivation. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  675 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loam  adobes. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maricopa  loam  adobe 

California  9,  19 

16,320 

Stockton  loam  adobe. ... 

California  23 

2,560 

Total 

18,880 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  silt  loams  of  this  province  are  encountered  from  the  humid,  heavily 
forested  districts  of  the  Olympic  Peninsula  in  Washington  to  the  arid  desert 
valleys  and  slopes  of  southern  California.  They  are  of  much  less  extent  in 
occurrence  than  the  soils  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  and  loam  groups. 

Ordinarily  they  are  of  rather  compact  structure,  being  inclined  to  puddle  and 
becoming  hard  and  cloddy  on  drying  out,  making  tillage  operations  difficult 
unless  plowed  under  the  right  moisture  conditions.  Where  well  drained  they 
are  mellow  and  friable,  working  up  readily  into  an  excellent  seed  bed  anil 
easily  maintained  in  good  tilth.  They  are  retentive  of  moisture  unless  allowed 
to  puddle  and  bake,  are  well  adapted  to  dry  farming,  and  require  a  minimum 
amount  of  water  under  irrigation. 

In  this  group  of  soils  the  general  farm  crops,  such  as  the  small  grains,  forage 
crops,  including  particularly  sorghum,  broom  corn,  and  root  crops,  potatoes,  and 
alfalfa,  are  successfully  grown.  Timothy  and  clover  do  well  under  favorable 
climatic  conditions  and  are  grown  to  some  extent  in  the  more  northern  areas. 
Dairying  and  stock  raising  are  favored  by  the  type  of  crops  to  which  the  soils 
are  adapted.  Corn  is  grown  to  a  limited  extent.  Its  place  is  taken  by  other 
crops  better  suited  to  the  climatic  conditions.  Sugar  beets  have  not  been  exten- 
sively grown,  but  the  silt  loam  types  of  this  province  are  well  adapted  to  their 
production.  Where  irrigated,  the  soils  are  more  profitably  devoted  to  alfalfa, 
dairying,  stock  raising,  or  to  the  culture  of  special  intensively  cultivated  crops. 
The  cereals  are  grown  extensively,  usually  without  irrigation. 

Where  well  drained  the  soils  are  also  excellently  adapted  to  stone  and  other 
fruits,  such  as  prunes,  pears,  and  cherries,  while  almonds,  apricots,  oranges, 
lemons,  apples,  and  English  walnuts  do  well.  Vegetables  intended  for  the  later 
or  winter  markets  or  for  drying  or  preserving  are  grown  to  some  extent.  The 
production  of  lima  beans  is  a  highly  developed  industry  in  certain  of  the  coast 
districts  of  California.  Hops  and  asparagus  are  successfully  grown  and  are 
well  suited  to  the  soils  of  silt  loam  texture. 

This  group  of  soils  is  preeminently  adapted  to  general  farming,  with  the  pro- 
duction of  moderately  heavy  crops,  the  home  production  of  fruits  and  vege- 
tables, and  the  commercial  production  of  certain  tree  fruits  and  late  vegetables. 

Arbuckle  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellow  or  reddish-brown  loam  24  inches 
deep  which  usually  contains  a  small  quantity  of  water-worn  gravel.  It  is 
friable  when  cultivated,  but  has  a  tendency  to  form  compact  surface  crusts 
when  in  a  dry  or  baked  condition.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  dark-red  clay 
loam,  loam,  or  sandy  loam.  The  type  occupies  broad  slopes  near  the  base  at 
lower  foothills,  and  has  good  natural  drainage.  It  is  utilized  principally  for 
the  production  of  dry-farmed  wheat  and  barley.  Under  careful  cultivation  it 
should  prove  well  adapted  to  grapes,  almonds,  and  apricots. 

Dungeness  silt  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  "of  15  inches  consists  of  a  gray  silt 
loam  of  compact  structure.  When  dry  the  surface  is  almost  white,  owing  partly 
to  the  lack  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  varies,  but  is  most  frequently  a 
compact,  gray,  or  yellowish-gray  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay,  usually  mottled 
with  reddish-brown  iron  stnins.  If  plowed  in  the  proper  moisture  condition 
the  soil  breaks  up  loose  and  mellow,  but  the  high  silt  and  clay  content  renders 
it  quits  sticky  when  wet.  The  surface  is  uniformly  level  and  the  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  good.  In  some  cases  the  water  table  is  so  near  the  surface 
as  to  give  the  effect  of  subirrigation.  The  greater  part  of  the  type  is  covered 
with  a  heavy  stand  of  fir,  cedar,  spruce,  and  pine.  It  is  well  adapted  to  oats, 
clover,  alfalfa,  grasses,  truck,  and  berries  of  all  kinds.  Oat  hay  yields  from 
3  to  5  tons  per  acre  and  alfalfa  and  other  hay  crops  from  2*  to  4  tons  per  acre. 


676 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Hanford  silt  loam. — The  type  is  a  brown,  gray,  or  buff  fine  smooth  silt  loam, 
often  micaceous,  free  from  gravel,  and  underlain  by  a  dark-colored  silty  clay 
loam  or  by  light  river  sands.  It  is  sticky  when  wet  and  has  a  compact  struc- 
ture, but  is  friable  and  easily  cultivated  when  in  proper  moisture  condition. 
The  type  consists  of  recent  or  present  sediments  formed  along  river  flood  plains 
and  delta  plains,  is  frequently  subject  to  overflow,  and  is  sometimes  poorly 
drained  and  tilled  with  alkali.  It  frequently  supports  a  dense  growth  of 
willows  or  small  timber.  Fruits,  potatoes,  beans,  sugar  beets,  asparagus,  hops, 
alfalfa,  and  general  farm  crops  can  be  grown  when  protected  from  overflow 
and  the  land  properly  drained. 

Oxnard  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  compact  sticky  silt  loam,  6  feet  or  more 
In  depth,  inclined  to  puddle  and  bake,  but  friable  under  cultivation.  The 
material  consists  of  the  lower  stream  sediments  drained  from  sandstone  areas. 
It  is  usually  rich  in  organic  matter  and  occupies  nearly  level  or  slightly  undu- 
lating flood  and  delta  plains.  Drainage  is  often  poorly  established,  the  subsoil 
heavy  and  impervious.  Where  well  drained  and  favorably  situated  the  type  is 
devoted  to  lima  beans,  corn,  and  barley  without  irrigation,  and  to  lima  beans, 
walnuts,  and  fruits  under  irrigation. 

Stockton  silt  loam. — The  type  is  a  smooth,  micaceous,  light-brown  silt  loam 
0  feet  or  more  in  depth,  of  fine  texture  and  rather  compact,  but  friable  under 
cultivation.  It  rests  over  a  light-colored  calcareous  clay  hardpan.  The  mate- 
rial is  derived  from  recent  stream  sediments.  The  type  occupies  nearly  level 
valley  plains  and  slopes  and  in  places  supports  a  light  forest  growth.  Drainage 
is  fairly  well  established  except  in  a  few  small  low-lying  areas.  This  is  an 
excellent  soil  for  fruits,  vines,  grains,  and  general  farming. 

Yolo  silt  loam. — The  type  is  subject  to  considerable  variation  in  texture,  but 
where  typically  developed  consists  of  3  feet  or  more  of  light-brown  heavy  silt 
loam  uuderlain  by  a  brown  silty  clay.  Strata  of  fine  sand  or  silt  sometimes 
occur  in  the  deeper  subsoil.  The  soil  is  generally  friable  under  cultivation, 
but  if  worked  when  wet  has  a  tendency  to  puddle.  It  consists  of  alluvial  de- 
posits from  intermittent  streams.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  sloping 
and  the  natural  drainage  is  good.  A  growth  of  cottonwood  and  willow  is  found 
along  the  streams.  When  irrigated  the  type  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of 
crops,  including  fruits,  grain,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  and  vegetables.  It  is  at 
present  devoted  principally  to  dry-farmed  grain. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Foil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Hanford  silt  loam. . . 
Stockton  silt  loam. . 

Yolo  silt  loam 

Oxnard  silt  loam 

Dungeness  silt  loam. 
Arbucklesilt  loam. . 


California  9, 20, 22. 

California  23 

California  25 

California  24 

Washington  5 

California  26 


58,929 
16,612 
13,504 

",:?2t> 
3,840 

i .  tm 


99,705 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
8ILTY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 


Silly  clay  loams  in  this  province  have  been  mapped  in  two  localities,  one 
occurring  in  'he  suhhumid  districts  of  southern  Oregon,  the  other  under  some- 
what more  arid  conditions  in  the  Interior  valley  of  California.    The  silty  clay 

loan   soils  are  flner  in   texture  and  closer  and   more  COmpad    in  structure  than 
llu-  silt    loams,  and  have  a  greater  water-holding  capacity.     They  are.  as  a   rule, 

more  readily  puddled  and  require  more  frequent  and  thorough  tillage  to  main- 
lain  :i  good  tilth. 

Under  favorable  locaJ  conditions  of  climate,  drainage,  and  irrigation,  the  clay 
loams  are  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  alfalfa,  and  to  late  pears,  vegetables, 
and  sugar  heels,    in  adaptation  to  cropa  they  bold  a  position  Intermediate  be 

l  ween  the  silt   lo;:m  ;ind  the  clay   lo;im  -roups.     They  are  not  of  extensive  occur 

rence  ;"'«i  are  at  present  used  mainly  for  pasture  and  dry  farming  to  grains. 

uteyer  tUtp  clay  i»<i»t.  The  soil  is  usually  l-  to  .".<>  inches  deep  and  under- 
lain by  yellowish  brown  clay  loam,  silty  clay  loam,  or  by  a  Bubstratum  of  sand- 
stone'and  shale.    The  type  Is  practically   treeless  and  moderately  to  steeply 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  677 

sloping.  Drainage  is  fairly  well  established  and  the  soil  retentive  of  moisture. 
The  more  shallow  areas  are  best  adapted  to  grain  production  or  to  grazing. 
Where  of  sufficient  depth  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  pears  and  small  fruits. 

Willows  silty  clay  loam. — This  soil  varies  in  color  from  a  light  ashy  gray 
when  dry  to  a  dark  brown  or  nearly  black  when  wet.  It  consists  of  a  sticky, 
compact  silty  loam  from  15  inches  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  underlain  by*  a 
heavy,  compact,  reddish-brown  or  brown  adobelike  clay  loam.  During  the  dry 
season  the  surface  often  becomes  baked  and  checked.  It  occupies  small  depres- 
sions in  valley  plains  and  is  generally  devoted  to  dry  farming  or  to  grazing. 
When  drained  and  carefully  irrigated  it  should  be  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar 
beets,  or  to  other  root  and  forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Willows  silty  clay  loam 

24,896 
2,240 

27,136 

Meyer  silty  clay  loam . . . 

Total 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Geoup. 

The  clay  loam  soils  derived  from  the  alluvial  fan  and  recent  valley  filling 
material  occur  most  extensively  in  the  northern  half  of  the  interior  valley  of 
California.  Important  but  less  extensive  areas  have  been  mapped  in  the 
southern  half  of  the  Great  Interior  Valley,  in  the  local  coastal  valleys,  and  in 
the  more  arid  districts  of  southern  California. 

The  soils  of  this  group  are  often  poorly  drained  and,  owing  to  heavy  texture 
and  impervious  or  compact  structure,  are  usually  readily  puddled;  they  bake 
upon  subsequent  exposure  to  hot,  dry  weather,  and  are  difficultly  maintained  in 
good  tilth.  When  puddled  they  lose  moisture  quickly,  although  of  marked 
water-holding  capacity.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  with  in- 
telligent management  and  thorough  cultivation  they  are  retentive  of  moisture 
and  well  adapted  to  agriculture  without  irrigation.  When  irrigated  they  re- 
quire but  a  moderate  amount  of  water.  In  dry-farming  districts  they  are  best 
suited  to  crops  that  cover  the  entire  surface  or  to  crops  that  permit  frequent 
intertillage  throughout  the  period  of  their  growth. 

In  the  poorly  drained  and  nonirrigated  districts  they  are  generally  devoted 
to  grazing  or  dry-farmed  grains.  Under  present  conditions  much  of  the  area 
of  the  group  is  only  suitable  for  such  purposes.  Where  capable  of  irrigation, 
grains  produce  heavier  and  the  yields  are  more  certain.  Alfalfa  then  becomes 
a  profitable  crop  and  dairying  and  stock  raising  with  the  production  of  forage 
crops  a  leading  industry.  Sugar  beets  can  also  be  profitably  grown  under 
irrigation  upon  the  better  drained  areas;  grapes  mainly  for  wines  can  be 
grown  without  irrigation.  The  soils  of  the  group  are  too  heavy  for  deciduous 
tree  fruit  culture,  excepr  in  local  areas  of  the  more  friable  character,  where 
almonds,  late  peaches,  apricots,  plums,  prunes,  and  figs  are  grown  to  some 
extent,  mainly  for  drying  purposes.  In  southern  California  lima  beans,  nuts, 
and  citrus  fruits  are  successfully  grown  upon  a  relatively  small  acreage. 

This  group  of  soils  requires  heavy  farm  machinery.  It  should  be  considered 
a  suitable  soil  for  the  commercial  development  of  fruit  or  truck  growing  only 
under  unusually  favorable  local  conditions. 

Arbuckle  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  clay  loam  carrying  small 
amounts  of  gravel,  grading  at  3  feet  into  a  lighter  color,  the  deeper  subsoil 
being  a  yellowish  brown,  compact  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  topography  varies 
from  flat  to  gently  sloping  with  good  natural  drainage,  except  upon  some  of 
the  lower  flat  areas,  where  artificial  drainage  is  sometimes  necessary.  The 
soil  is  formed  by  the  deposition  of  the  finer  material  carried  by  foothill  streams 
modified  by  more  recent  material  washed  from  adjacent  types  occupying  a  more 
elevated  position.  Alkali  occurs  in  harmful  amounts  in  some  of  the  poorly 
drained  areas,  but  the  soil  is  usually  productive.  Wheat  and  barley  are  the 
principal  crops.     Tree  fruits  and  grapes  are  grown  to  some  extent,  and  with 


678  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

irrigation  the  type  is  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  alfalfa,  fruit,  and  dairy 
farming. 

Capay  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  gray  to  brown,  friable  clay  loam, 
in  places  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feet,  and  sometimes  carrying  a  small 
amount  of  fine  gravel  in  the  surface  foot.  The  normal  color  of  the  subsoil  is 
similar  to  that  of  the  soil.  Upon  lower  slopes  the  subsoil  below  30  inches 
usually  consists  of  a  heavy  reddish-brown  clay.  The  type  is  of  recent  alluvial 
origin  and  occurs  along  intermittent  streams.  It  is  well  drained  and  free 
from  alkali.     Grain  crops,  almonds,  and  grapes  are  successfully  grown. 

Dublin  day  loam. — The  soil  is  a  very  dark  brown  to  black  light-textured 
clay  loam  or  heavy  silty  clay  loam  with  more  or  less  angular  gravel.  It  is 
underlain  at  1  to  2  feet  by  light-brown  silty  loam  or  light  clay  loam  of  silty 
character,  becoming  lighter  in  color  and  texture  with  increasing  depth,  usually 
grading  into  a  loam  at  4$  to  5  feet.  It  occurs  along  lower  hill  slopes  and  is 
well  drained  and  retentive  of  moisture.  It  is  treeless  except  for  an  occasional 
valley  oak.  The  type  is  mainly  dry  farmed  to  hay  and  grain  with  good  yields. 
Peaches,  apricots,  and  prunes  are  grown  to  a  limited  extent,  but  the  rainfall 
is  too  limited  to  insure  certain  crops  without  irrigation. 

Esparto  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light  brown  clay  loam  with  an 
average  depth  of  3  feet,  underlain  by  a  silty  clay  loam  or  clay  loam,  generally 
slightly  heavier  than  the  surface  soil  and  lighter  in  color,  which  grades  into 
a  compact  clay  at  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  It  occupies  slightly  elevated 
ridges  of  comparatively  level  topography  but  with  sufficient  slope  to  insure  good 
natural  drainage  and  to  render  the  land  well  suited  to  irrigation.  The  soil  is 
friable  and  easily  maintained  in  a  good  condition  of  tilth,  while  the  heavy  sub- 
soil conserves  moisture.  The  type  is  well  adapted  to  grain  crops,  both  wheat 
and  barley  giving  good  yields.  Alfalfa  and  fruits,  including  apricots,  peaches, 
figs,  and  almonds,  are  grown  to  some  extent.  Grapes  have  also  been  grown 
with  good  success. 

Hanford  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  fine,  smooth,  and  moderately 
porous  buff  or  gray  to  dark-brown  micaceous  clay  loam,  from  2  to  6  feet  deep. 
It  is  underlain  by  fine  sand  or  fine  sandy  loam  stratified  in  places  with  fine, 
strearu-deposited  sediments.  The  soil  is  usually  friable,  but  is  very  sticky 
when  wet  and  easily  puddled.  The  type  is  composed  of  recent  stream  sedi- 
ments and  covers  low,  level  areas  over  stream,  flood,  and  delta  plains.  The 
soil  in  places  contains  alkali  and  is  poorly  drained.  It  is  rich  in  organic  matter. 
Where  properly  drained  it  proves  a  highly  productive  soil. 

Modesto  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  compact,  dark-gray  to  nearly 
black,  fine  silty  clay  loam  from  2  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  grading  into 
light  brown  below  L8  Inches.  It  is  of  rather  sticky  character  and  somewhat  sus- 
ceptible  to  puddling.  It  grades  imperceptibly  into  the  Hanford  clay  loam.  A 
bluish-gray  alkali  hardpan  similar  to  that  underlying  the  Fresno  series  may  be 
encountered  at  any  depth  below  18  inches.  The  type  occurs  as  elongated  bodies 
lying  parallel  to  the  larger  streams  and  occasionally  subject  to  overflow.  The 
surface  is  of  slightly  uneven  character  and  marked  by  frequent  sloughs  and 
water  courses,  drainage  being  generally  somewhat  deficient.  The  type  fre- 
quently carries  excessive  amounts  of  alkali  salts  and  is  devoted  mainly  to 
grazing.  Areas  of  limited  extent  in  which  drainage  and  hardpan  conditions 
omewhal  better  than  the  average  of  the  type  are  suited  to  the  production 
of  alfalfa  and  possibly  of  fruits. 

Osmard  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  n  fairly  compact,  tenacious  brown 
to  oearly  black  clay  loam,  frequently  gravelly  and  underlain  at  depths  rang- 
ing from   Li   to    I    feet  by  a    COmpad    and    heavier   phase  of  the  s.une  material, 
ler  cultivation  the  surface  soil  is  moderately  triable.     The  type  is  derived 
mainly  from  sandstone  and  shale  materials  and  occupies  delta  and  alluvial  Can 

plains,  or  more  elevated   Sloping  Or   undulating  alluvial    plains.      Sonic  eolluvial 

materia]  is  mixed  with  the  alluvium,  n  is  rich  in  organic  matter,  is  some- 
times poorly  drained,  and  occasionally  contains  alkali  Under  favorable  con- 
ditions it   Is  adapted  to  barley,  sugar  heels,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Placentia  clay  i<>um.    The  son  is  a  compact,  plastic,  reddish-brown  day  loam. 

6  feel  or  ni.c-o  in  depth,  puddling  readily  when  wet  and  baking  when  dry.  The 
subsoil    is    red.      The    type   consists   of   I  he    liner    material    washed    from    higher 

surrounding  soil  types  and  occupies  small  areas  in  local  depressions  or  lower 

valley  slopes.  Ii  Is  sometimes  poorly  drained  and  contains  alkali,  but  is  other- 
wise'adapted  to  the  same  crops  as  the  Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 

Stockton   day   loam,— The  soil    is   light    brown,   smooth,   and   silty   in  texture, 
and    from   18  to  24    indies  deep.     It    is  sticky   when   wet .   puddling  readily  and 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 


679 


cracking  to  a  moderate  extent  upon  exposure  to  dry  weather,  but  friable  and 
easily  cultivated  under  favorable  field  conditions.  It  is  underlain  by  a  subsoil 
of  adobe  structure  and  at  a  depth  of  4  to  5  feet  by  light-yellow,  silty,  fine 
sandy  loam.  The  type  is  free  from  alkali  and  the  hardpan  is  often  found  at 
considerable  depth.  It  occupies  smooth,  gently  sloping,  easily  cultivated  flood 
plains.  It  is  devoted  principally  to  dry-farmed  grain  crops,  but  is  believed  to  be 
well  adapted  to  grapes,  peaches,  prunes,  figs,  and,  under  irrigation,  to  alfalfa, 
berries,  and  truck  crops. 

Willows  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  3  to  6  or  more  feet  of  a  heavy 
clay  loam  of  light  chocolate-brown  color  and  of  compact  structure,  baking  and 
checking  somewhat  during  the  dry  season.  Where  less  than  6  feet  in  depth  it 
is  underlain  by  a  reddish-brown,  heavy,  compact  clay.  The  type  occupies  fiats 
or  drainage  depressions  of  valley  plains.  The  more  elevated  and  better  drained 
bodies  are  productive  and  usually  dry  farmed  to  grains.  Under  proper  cultiva- 
tion, irrigation,  and  drainage  the  type  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of 
alfalfa,  grains,  sugar  beets,  forage  crops,  and  in  favorably  situated  locations  to 
grapes. 

Yolo  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  or  chocolate-brown  com- 
pact clay  loam,  often  becoming  lighter  in  color  and  heavier  in  texture  with 
depth  until  at  3  feet  it  has  the  texture  of  a  heavy  clay  loam  or  clay.  The 
surface  is  flat  or  gently  undulating,  and  the  natural  drainage  of  the  type  as 
a  whole  is  good.  Artificial  drainage  would  in  some  cases  increase  the  value  of 
the  more  level  areas.  The  type  is  an  important  fruit  and  alfalfa  soil,  the 
larger  yields  being  obtained  under  irrigation.  The  chief  crops  grown  are 
barley,  wheat,  and  hay.  The  better  drained  areas  are  also  adapted  to  wine  and 
raisin  grapes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Willows  clay  loam 

California  2,  25 

68,928 

California  1, 10, 11, 19 

31,976 
31,296 

California  15, 25 

Oxnard  clay  loam 

California  9, 21, 24 

30,574 

Arbuckle  clay  loam 

California  25 

21,632 

Modesto  clay  loam 

California  11 

13,824 
8,832 

Esparto  clay  loam 

California  25 

Stockton  clay  loam 

California  13 

8,512 
2,816 
1,600 

Capay  clay  loam 

California  25 

Dublin  clay  loam 

California  8 

1,344 

Total 

221,334 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  gravelly  clay  loams  of  this  province  have  been  recognized  in  but  one 
locality  and  are  represented  by  a  single  soil  type.  Owing  to  the  content  of 
gravel  the  structure  is  more  porous  than  that  of  the  normal  clay  loam  group. 
It  is  more  readily  permeated  by  moisture,  more  easily  maintained  in  a  favorable 
condition  of  tilth,  is  better  drained,  and  requires  a  somewhat  less  heavy  farm 
equipment  in  draft  stock  and  machinery.  While  adapted  to  a  rather  light 
type  of  general  farming,  it  is  suitable,  under  favorable  local  conditions,  t<>  the 
production  of  pears,  apples,  and  other  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Medford  gravelly  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  to  almost  black,  sticky  and 
compact,  and  from  18  to  24  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  light-brown  to 
dark-brown  heavy  clay  loam  or  clay.  The  dark-colored  soil  material  may 
extend  to  a  depth  of  6  or  more  feet  with  but  little  change  in  color  or  texture. 
Considerable  water-worn  to  subangular  gravel  is  associated  with  the  typo. 
Its  physiographic  features  usually  favor  irrigation.  Drainage  is  sometimes 
poorly  developed.  The  type  comprises  gently  sloping  valley  floors  and  repre- 
sents old  flood-plain  deposits.  It  is  traversed  by  minor  stream  courses,  but  is 
not  subject  to  overflow  or  erosion.  It  is  adapted  to  pears,  apples,  small  fruits, 
grains,  and  alfalfa. 


680  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 


Medford  gravelly  clay  loam Oregon  4 ;         6, 400 


State  or  area.1  Acres. 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY   LOAM    ADOBE   PHASE. 

The  clay  lonm  adobe  soils  of  this  province  are  of  widespread  occurrence 
throughout  the  semiarid  portion  of  the  Pacific  coast  region. 

The  soil  is  normally  of  compact,  tough,  and  relatively  impervious  character. 
Over  poorly  drained  areas  it  is  cold,  wet.  and  late,  percolation  and  subdrainage 
taking  place  very  slowly.  It  is  readily  puddled  and  upon  subsequent  exposure 
during  hot,  dry  periods  bakes  and  checks  to  a  pronounced  degree.  The  check- 
ing, however,  is  frequently  carried  so  far  as  to  develop  a  loose  surface  condi- 
tion, which  arrests  loss  of  moisture  by  evaporation.  The  soil  has  an  exceedingly 
high  water-holding  capacity,  and  while  of  more  compact  character  and  more 
readily  puddled  than  the  soils  of  the  clay  loam  class  is  more  easily  maintained  in 
the  granular  condition  favorable  to  good  tillage  and  the  retention  of  moisture. 
It  requires  a  heavy  farming  equipment,  deep  plowing,  and  careful  management. 
The  adaptation  of  the  clay  loam  adobe  phase  to  crops  depends  predomi- 
nantly on  the  soil  structure.  Where  not  maintained  in  a  granular  structure 
by  natural  or  cultural  means  the  soil  loses  moisture  quickly  and  is  of  exceeding 
refractory  character.  Under  favorable  conditions  it  is  better  adapted  to  gen- 
eral farm  crops  than  the  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group,  and  under  favorable 
local  conditions  of  drainage  and  climate  is  widely  utilized  for  the  production 
of  deciduous  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Where  irrigated  the  clay  loam  adobes  require  but  little  water,  and 
under  intensive  cultivation  they  are  used  successfully  for  the  production  of 
fruits  or  other  cultivated  crops  without  irrigation. 

Some  of  the  areas  mapped  are  highly  developed,  wine  grapes,  sugar  beets, 
small  fruits,  vegetables,  pears,  citrus  fruits,  and  alfalfa  being  the  principal 
[•inducts.  The  more  extensively  farmed  areas  are  devoted  mainly  to  the  small 
grains  and  sugar  beets. 

Danville  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark  brown  or  black,  light-textured 
clay  loam  from  24  to  36  inches  deep,  with  varying  quantities  of  angular  frag- 
ments of  shale  or  other  rocks.  It  is  underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  slightly 
reddish  brown  loam  or  clay  loam  of  somewhat  lighter  texture  than  the  soil, 
frequently  mottled  with  gray  or  yellow.  The  type  is  composed  of  alluvial 
stream  outwash  material  from  adjacent  adobe  hills  spread  over  valley  floors  by 
intermittent  streams.  It  is  well  drained  and  gently  sloping.  The  soil  is  re- 
tentive of  moisture.     It  is  dry  farmed  to  hay,  grain,  and  fruit. 

Dublin  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black,  heavy-textured 
flay  loam  from  18  to  24  inches  deep,  carrying  small  fragments  of  shale  and 
other  rooks.  When  dry  ami  cultivated  the  surface  has  a  rodtlish-br<>\vn  tint. 
The  top  soil  is  underlain  by  a  compact  clay  loam  slightly  lighter  in  color  and 
grading  ;ii  depths  of  4  to  5  feet  into  a  yellowish-brown  or  yellow  sandy  clay 
loam  or  silty  loam  extending  to  a,  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  The  topography  is 
slightly  rolling  with  gentle  slopes.  The  soil  is  well  drained  and  friable  under 
cultivation.      M    is  dry   farmed   to  grain  and   hay  with   fair  yields. 

Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray,  dark-brown,  or  nearly 
black  adobe,  generally  <-f  Bne  silty  clay  loani  texture,  sometimes  carrying  con- 
siderable line  gravel.  It  is  from  :;<•  Inches  to  6  fed  or  more  in  depth,  and  is 
usually  Underlain  by  a   tine  sandy  loam  or  tine  sand,  and  occasionally  by  coarse 

sand  and  gravel.  The  type  occurs  about  the  edge  of  foothills  and  extends  into 
the  bottom  lands  it  Is  derived  largely  from  granitic  material,  it  is  retentive 
,,r  moisture  and  adapted  to  grain  crops  ami  sugar  beets,    where  favorably 

situated,  grapes,  orchard  fruits,  and  vegetables  can  he  grown.  This  is  an  ex- 
cellent   loos-,    friable   soil    if    Irrigated    and    properly    cultivated,    but    assumes   a 

dense,  compact,  refractory  structure  if  allowed  to  bake,  it  is  generally  free 
from  alkali. 

O&nard  day  loam  <i<i"t><  .  The  iy|.--  consists  of  a  compact  and  plastic  black 
,  r  dart  brown  Clay  loam  adobe,  from  8  to  8  feet  or  more  in  depth,  and  under- 
lain  by    heavy    loam,   sand,   and   sandy    lO&m   or  disintegrating   rock.     It  occurs 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION. 


681 


as  alluvial,  colluvial,  or  residual  material,  occupying  level  or  sloping  valley 
plains  and  rolling  foothills.  The  material  forming  the  soil  is  derived  mainly 
from  shales  and  crystalline  rocks.  The  soil  is  difficult  to  till,  but  is  retentive 
of  moisture  and  productive.  It  is  usually  dry  farmed  to  grains  or  is  devoted  to 
the  production  of  fruits,  sugar  beets,  or  vegetables  under  irrigation. 

Phoenix  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  of  pronounced  refractory  adobe  struc- 
ture, becoming  very  sticky  when  wet  and  baking  and  checking  upon  subsequent 
exposure.  Water-worn  gravel  is  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  soil  varies  from 
12  to  30  inches  in  depth.  This  layer  is  composed  of  stream  outwash  or  alluvial- 
fan  material  derived  from  sandstone,  shale,  and  to  some  extent  from  basalt. 
The  deeper  subsoil  is  residual  from  shale  and  sandstone.  This  soil  is  found  in 
the  Rogue  River  Valley.  Oreg.  It  is  adapted  to  pears,  small  fruits,  and.  when 
irrigated  and  of  favorable  depth,  to  alfalfa. 

Placentia  clay  loam  adobe. — The  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  or  brown, 
compact  adobe  soil  of  clay  loam  texture,  from  2  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth, 
underlain  by  compact,  heavy  loam,  coarse  granitic  sand,  and  fine  angtflar 
gravel.  Below  the  surface  foot  the  color  is  often  of  a  more  pronounced  red  and 
the  adobe  structure  more  evident.  The  type  consists  mainly  of  alluvial-fan 
or  alluvial-slope  material  derived  from  disintegrating  granitic  rock.  It  occurs 
upon  rolling  hills  and  sloping,  elevated,  and  somewhat  dissected  valley  plains, 
is  well  drained  and  free  from  alkali,  and  is  usually  dry  farmed  to  grains  or 
devoted  to  fruits  under  irrigation. 

Portersville  clay  loam  adobe. — The  type  is  a  heavy,  dark-brown  clay  loam 
adobe,  from  2  to  6  feet  deep.  At  depths  varying  from  3  to  5  feet  the  subsoil 
becomes  light  brown  in  color  and  often  contains  a  high  lime  content  closely 
resembling  marl  or  hardpan.  Metamorphic  rock  fragments  also  occur  through- 
out portions  of  the  subsoil,  and  in  places  the  surface  soil  closely  approaches  a 
stony  loam  adobe.  This  type  is  locally  known  as  "  dry  bog."  It  is  an  excellent 
citrus  fruit  soil,  some  of  the  best  orchards  in  the  area  being  found  on  this  type. 

Stockton  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  black,  heavy  clay  loam  of  fine  silty 
texture  and  of  exceedingly  stiff,  dense,  adobe  structure.  It  is  usually  about  3 
feet  in  depth  and  underlain  by  a  light-brown  or  yellowish  silty  clay  loam  fre- 
quently separated  from  the  overlying  soil  by  a  thin  layer  of  white  calcareous 
clay  hardpan  free  from  alkali.  The  soil  puddles  readily  and  bakes  and  checks 
upon  exposure  when  not  cultivated  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  It  is 
exceedingly  sticky  and  of  a  stiff,  waxy  consistency  when  wet.  The  soil  contains 
a  large  quantity  of  organic  matter  and  under  proper  cultivation  is  capable  of 
absorbing  and  retaining  a  large  supply  of  moisture  throughout  long  periods  of 
drought.  The  type  is  composed  of  old  alluvium  sediments  modified  by  weather- 
ing and  the  addition  of  organic  matter.  It  occupies  extensive  areas  of  the 
lower  valley  plains  and  is  either  treeless  or  else  supports  occasional  groves  of 
valley  oak  and  light  timber.  The  surface  is  nearly  level  and  drainage  some- 
what restricted.  The  soil  is  moderately  friable  and  produces  excellent  yields  of 
grain,  hay.  and  general  farm  crops  under  careful  cultivation. 

Sutter  clay  loam  adobe. — The  type  consists  of  a  chocolate-brown  clay  loam 
with  pronounced  adobe  characteristics,  often  carrying  a  surface  mantle  of  2  or 
3  inches  of  a  grayish-brown  loam.  Drainage  is  good.  Grain  for  hay  is  the 
chief  crop.  The  location  insures  protection  from  injurious  frosts,  and  where 
water  can  be  secured  for  irrigation  the  soil  can  be  used  for  citrus  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam  adobes. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Oxnard  clay  loam  adobe ;  California  9, 19,  20,  24 

Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe 

Stockton  clay  loam  adobe 

Portersville  clay  loam  adobe 

Placentia  clay  loam  adobe 

Sutter  clay  loam  adobe 

Dublin  clay  loam  adobe 

Phoenix  clay  loam  adobe 

Danville  clay  loam  adobe 


Total 


California  3,  4,  19,  21,22. 

California  23 

California  15 

California  9,  24 

California  12 

California  8 

Oregon  4 

California  8 , 


Acres. 


76,580 

73,316 

53,312 

32, 832 

8,91(1 

l,t>00 

1,152 

576 

2tt 


248,544) 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  73o. 


682  SOILS   OF    THE    TJiaTED   STATES. 

Clay  Group. 

The  clays  of  this  province  so  far  as  mapped  are  confined  to  broad  areas  of 
the  Sacramento  Valley  in  California. 

They  are  usually  of  heavy,  compact  structure  and  some  of  the  types  are 
poorly  drained  and  carry  excessive  quantities  of  alkali  salts.  Such  areas  are 
at  present  devoted  mainly  to  pasture,  although  portions  in  which  the  alkali 
content  is  insufficient  to  cause  injury  or  is  confined  to  the  subsoils  are  used  for 
the  shallow-rooted  grain  crops.  Irrigation  has  been  developed  only  to  a  small 
extent,  as  much  of  the  poorly  drained  or  alkaline  areas  can  be  reclaimed  only 
by  the  expenditure  of  large  sums  of  money. 

Better-drained  districts  are  utilized  mainly  for  pasture  or  for  the  production 
of  grains  without  irrigation,  though  grapes  and  alfalfa  can  be  grown  in  favor- 
able locations.  When  the  land  is  well  prepared,  with  thorough  cultivation 
and  Irrigation,  it  may  be  used  for  alfalfa  and  ensilage  crops,  in  connection  with 
dairying  and  stock  raising.  Sugar  beets  may  also  be  grown  on  a  commercial 
scale,  but  at  a  cost  of  somewhat  greater  effort  than  upon  the  soils  of  lighter 
texture. 

The  clay  group  as  a  unit  is  too  heavy  and  compact  in  structure  to  be  adapted 
to  the  production  of  fruits  or  vegetables,  except  for  local  or  home  use.  It  is  best 
adapted  to  heavy  farming,  dairying,  and  stock  raising,  and  is  most  economically 
utilized  in  tracts  of  moderate  size,  improved  where  necessary  by  artificial  drain- 
age, and  farmed  with  machinery  and  draft  stock  of  heavy  character. 

Capay  clay. — The  type  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  heavy  tenacious  clay, 
about  3  feet  deep,  sometimes  tinged  with  red,  and  underlain  by  a  heavy  reddish- 
brown  or  yellowish-brown  clay.  The  surface  is  sometimes  covered  with  a  very 
shallow  deposit  of  light  loamy  character.  The  type  is  usually  of  refractory 
nature,  plastic  when  wet,  and  readily  puddled.  Occasional  sloughs  and  creeks 
which  have  cut  deep  channels  and  built  up  low  ridges  along  their  banks  by 
the  deposition  of  material  at  times  of  floods  break  the  surface.  The  level 
topography  causes  the  natural  drainage  to  be  poor,  and  alkali  is  occasionally 
found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  in  sufficient  quantities  to  be  harmful  to  crops. 
The  type  is  used  mainly  for  the  production  of  such  crops  as  grain  and  hay. 
Favorably  situated  bodies  are  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  forage  crops  under  irri- 
gation. 

Dunnigan  clay. — This  type  consists  of  a  sticky  gray  to  black  clay  about  3  feet 
deep  underlain  by  a  light-brown  to  brown  clay.  The  soil  is  Inclined  to  puddle, 
assuming  a  yellowish  or  grayish  to  white  color  on  drying  into  a  hard  crust 
The  topography  is  comparatively  level,  the  surface  being  slightly  uneven,  owing 
to  the  presence  of  "  hog  wallow  "  depressions.  Areas  of  this  soil  occupy  a  posi- 
tion between  lower  overflow  basins  and  upper  valley  slopes  and  are  subject  to 
i  in  nidation  at  times  of  flood.  The  soil  is  formed  of  finer  material  derived  from 
shales  and  sandstones  deposited  from  flood  waters  and  modified  by  alluvial  wash 
from  adjacent  higher  slopes.  Alkali  is  usually  present  in  injurious  amounts. 
The  type  is  used  only  for  pasture.  Not  only  does  the  land  require  artificial 
drainage,  but  it  will  be  necessary  to  protect  it  from  overflow  by  the  construction 
of  dikes. 

Esparto  clay. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  clay  from  '2  to  3  feet 
deep  undelain  by  a  Light-brown  clay  or  clay  loam,  becoming  lighter  in  texture 
nt  a  depth  <>f  4  feel  and  grading  al  0  feet  into  a  silty  clay  Loam  or  silt  loam. 
The  topography  varies  from  tint  on  the  lower  levels  to  sloping  along  streams  ami 

;it    the   h:i^<-  of'  tlio   foot  lulls. 

The  natural  drainage  is  fairly  good.  The  type  is  extensively  devoted  i 
production  of  dry  farmed  grain,  barley  being  the  principal  crop.  Alfalfa  is 
grown  "ii  b  sin;iii  area  under  Irrigation.  Much  of  the  type  can  be  Irrigated 
and  devoted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  Bugar  beets,  forage  crops,  and  general 
farm  crops.  Fruits,  Including  peaches,  apricots,  almonds,  flgs,  and  grapes,  are 
grown  to  a  small  extent 

Butter  day.  The  type  consists  of  a  few  Inches  of  brown  clay  Loam,  under- 
lain by  a  heavy  silty  clay,  brown  In  the  upper  section  and  grading  to  a  yellow- 
lab  color  in  iii«-  Bubsoil.  The  Burface  haa  i  uniformly  good  slope  and  is 
traversed  by  occasional  Btream  washes,  some  grain  is  grown,  but  except  in 
s.-.-isons  of  heavy  rainfall  it  is  cut  for  hay.  Alfalfa  wot  id  probablj  Bucceed  on 
well-drained  areas  and  some  varieties  of  grapes  can  be  grown,  except  on  the 
highest  elevations. 

Willows  olay.  The  soil  rarles  considerably  in  texture,  color,  depth,  and 
structure,  merging  gradually  into    the  surrounding  types.    The  soil  consists  of 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


683 


a  reddish-brown,  compact,  impervious,  tenacious  clay  of  adobelike  structure, 
about  6  feet  deep.  The  soil  section  is  often  marked  at  this  depth  by  calcareous 
concretions  or  by  a  thin  stratum  of  calcareous-clay  hardpan.  The  type  occurs 
as  extensive,  poorly  drained,  alkaline  areas,  barren  of  tree  growth,  occupying 
lower,  nearly  level  valley  plains.  It  is  more  or  less  subject  to  overflow  during 
the  rainy  season  and  is  generally  devoted  to  grazing. 

Yolo  clay. — The  type  is  a  chocolate-brown  clay  G  feet  or  more  in  depth,  the 
subsoil  becoming  lighter  iD  color  and  more  silty  in  texture  at  a  depth  of  3  feet. 
When  wet  the  soil  is  sticky  and  readily  puddled.  The  topography  is  level  to 
undulating.  Drainage  over  the  greater  proportion  of  the  type  is  good,  although 
some  of  the  lower  lying  areas  where  alkali  is  found  would  be  improved  by  the 
use  of  tile  or  ditches.  Wheat  and  barley  are  the  principal  crops  grown. 
Alfalfa  is  successfully  grown  on  this  type. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Willows  clay... 

Capay  clay 

Yolo  clay 

Esparto  clay . . . 
Dunnigan  clay . 
Sutter  clay 


California  2,  25 . 
California  25 . . . 

do 

do 

do 

California  12... 


46,976 
34,560 
29,888 
11,200 
8,576 
1,024 


Total. 


132,224 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILTY    CLAY   PHASE. 


The  silty  clay  group  in  this  province,  so  far  as  recognized,  is  represented  by 
a  single  type  confined  to  a  single  locality.  Drainage  is  well  developed  and 
the  type  somewhat  more  friable  and  more  readily  maintained  in  good  tilth 
than  is  the  case  with  the  clay  member  of  the  same  series.  The  soil  is  as  well 
or  better  adapted  to  heavy  farm  crops  than  the  clays,  and  is  more  suitable  for 
sorghum  or  other  forage  and  root  crops,  including  sugar  beets.  Late  vegetables 
and  table  and  wine  grapes  are  also  grown.  A  heavy  farm  equipment  is  required. 
■  Yolo  silty  clay. — The  type  consists  of  3  to  6  feet  of  smooth,  silty  chocolate- 
brown  clay,  easily  handled  and  friable  under  cultivation.  The  topography  is 
flat  to  gently  undulating,  with  sufficient  slope  to  insure  good  natural  drainage. 
The  type  originally  supported  a  heavy  growth  of  oak  and  other  timber.  It 
ranks  as  an  unusually  productive  soil,  the  principal  crops  being  wheat  and 
barley.  Alfalfa  is  also  grown  to  a  limited  extent.  Fruit  and  grapes  are  grown 
successfully  and  the  soil  seems  well  adapted  to  beans,  sorghum,  sugar  beets, 
Egyptian  corn,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

11,072 

For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILTY   CLAY   ADOBE   PHASE. 

The  silty  clay  adobe  group  is  represented  by  a  single  type  which  has  so  far 
been  mapped  in  one  area  of  limited  extent.  Surface  drainage  and  underdrain- 
age  are  restricted  and  the  type  is  utilized  for  grazing  or  the  production  of  grains 
without  irrigation.  Where  typically  developed  it  should  not  differ  essentially 
in  crop  adaptation  or  in  equipment  required  from  the  silty  clay  soils. 

Kirkwood  silty  clay  adobe. — This  type  consists  of  a  smooth  dark-gray  to 
nearly  black  silty  clay  of  marked  adobe  structure  sometimes  approaching  .) 
heavy  silty  clay  loam.  It  is  inclined  to  puddle  and  crack  and  difficult  to 
handle  except  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  The  type  occurs  as  extensive 
bodies,  associated  with  soils  of  the  Corning  scries  occupying  more  elevated 
separations.    The  surface  is  level  to  gently  sloping.    For  brief  periods  following 


684  SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

heavy  rains,  a  water- loosed  condition  frequently  prevails,  owing  to  inadequate 
underdrainage  due  to  retarded  percolation  in  the  subsoils.  The  type  is  de- 
\oted  to  grain  farming  or  grazing,  with  fairly  good  results.  It  is  not  adapted 
to  fruits  or  other  crops  without  irrigation,  but  would  probably  become  suitable 
for  the  production  of  pears,  alfalfa,  and  certain  other  farm  crops  and  fruits 
under  favorable  drainage  and  irrigation  conditions. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  adobe. 

Soil  name. 

•'  or  area.1 

Acres. 

KL'kwood  silty  clay  adobe 

1,536 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

CLAY    ADOBE   PHASK. 

The  clay  adobe  soils  of  this  province  are  widely  distributed  throughout  the 
semiarid  regions  of  southern  Oregon  and  the  interior  and  coastal  districts  of 
California.  They  depart  but  little  from  the  clay  loam  adobes  in  structural 
features,  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and  crop  adaptation.  They  are,  however, 
more  frequently  poorly  drained  and  more  highly  impregnated  with  alkali  salts. 
They  are  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops,  but  require  the  heaviest  kind  of 
farm  equipment  and  careful  management.  A  large  proportion  of  the  areas 
covered  is,  owing  to  poor  drainage  or  to  lack  of  irrigation  facilities  and  to  the 
usual  well-developed  moisture-retaining  capacity  of  the  soil,  devoted  to  grazing 
or  dry  farmed  to  grains. 

The  clay  adobe  soils  are,  under  favorable  climatic,  drainage,  and  cultural 
conditions  suitable  for  the  production  of  alfalfa,  and  citrus  fruits,  but  are 
scarcely  adapted  to  other  fruit  crops.  Winter  apples  are  grown  to  some  extent 
in  the  Rogue  River  Valley.  Oreg.,  but  are  less  successful  upon  soils  of  such 
extremely  heavy  character  than  pears.  Citrus  fruits  are  very  successfully 
grown  in  the  Port ersvi lie  district  of  California. 

Capay  clay  adobe.—  The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  or  grayish-brown 
clay  of  adobe  structure  about  3  feet  deep,  underlain  by  light-brown,  heavy  clay 
often  resting  upon  a  stratum  of  coarse  Band  at  a  depth  of  6  feet.  The  type 
occupies  the  lower,  level  valley  plains  and  natural  drainage  is  often  deficient. 
Alkali  is  frequently  present  in  sufficient  amounts  to  be  injurious  to  crops. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  of  grasses,  wild  oats,  and  various  alkali  weeds. 
Qrain  is  the  principal  crop,  producing  favorable  yields  in  favorable  seasons. 

Coker  clay  adobe. — The  type  is  of  heavy,  compact  adobe  structure,  ranging  in 
depth  from  30  inches  to  6  feet  or  more.  It  is  sticky  when  wet,  readily  puddled, 
and  checks  upon  exposure.  Subangular  to  water-worn  fragments  of  basaltic 
rock  are  occasionally  found  in  the  soil  section.  Drainage  is  generally  fairly 
well  established.  In  the  Rogue  River  Valley.  Oreg.,  the  type,  where  not  too 
shallow,  is  well  adapted  to  pears. 

Dublin  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark  Slate  colored  to  black,  heavy  clay  loam 
from  12  to  15  inches  deep,  underlain  by  dark-brown  to  black,  compact  clay, 
grading  at  3  to  5  feet  to  a  yellowish  or  yellowish-gray  compact  clay  loam,  silty 
clay  loam  or  coarse  sandy  loam  with  occasional  pockets  of  gravel.  The  soil  is 
less  friable  under  cultivation   than  other  adobe  typos  occurring  upon  tbe  hills. 

It  OCCUrS  along  upper  valley  slopes  near  the  bills  and  over  tlats  along  minor 
hill  streams.  The  greater  proportion  of  the  type  is  comparatively  level  to 
gently   Sloping.      Drainage   is  sometimes  deficient.      It    is  of  alluvial  origin   and 

formed  by  mixture  of  wash  from  the  Diablo  clay  adobe  with  stream  alluvium 

from  the  same  source.  A  large  portion  of  the  type  carries  alkali  salts,  some- 
times in  excessive  amounts,  It  is  generally  treeless  and  devoted  to  dry  farm- 
ing to  hay  and   grain  or  to   pasturage 

dford  clay  adobe.  The  soil  is  normally  black,  heavy,  and  tenacious,  with 
an  adobe  structure,  it  usually  extends  t<>  the  depth  of  6  or  more  feet  with 
hut    little    variation    in   color   or   texture.     II    occupies  gentle   slopes   or  nearly 

level  areas.    Drainage  la  poorly  developed,     in  the  Rogue  River  Valley,  Oreg., 

it  is  devoted  t<'  apples,  peart,  and  to  alfalfa,  but  it  is  soniowh.il  too  heavy  to 
he   BUlted   t(»  apples. 

\h),rr  clay  <i<l<  l»  The  soil  is  dark  in  color,  ranges  in  depth  from  6  inches 
to  <'.   feci    or   more,  and   is  of  adobe  Structure.     The  subsoil    is  yellowish   brown 

and  in  local  sjM.ts  calcareous.    W'th  thorough  culture  areas  of  the  deeper  soil 
.veil  adapted  U 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


685 


Norman  clay  adobe. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  or  black  tenacious 
clay  adobe  from  3  to  6  feet  deep,  which  puddles  when  wet  and  cracks  when 
dry,  sometimes  to  a  depth  of  2  to  3  feet.  It  is  underlain  by  a  yellowish  or 
bluish,  mottled,  rather  impervious  clay  or  clay  loam.  It  occupies  minor  de- 
pressions of  valley  plains  and  sometimes  is  encountered  in  the  foothills.  Drain- 
age is  poorly  established  and  the  type  is  subject  to  overflow.  It  is  alluvial  in 
origin,  the  material  being  derived  from  sandstones  and  shales.  Occasional  ac- 
cumulations of  alkali  occur.  It  is  devoted  to  grazing  and  dry  farming  and 
can  be  irrigated. 

Phoenix  clay  adooe. — The  type  ranges  in  depth  from  12  inches  to  6  feet  or 
more,  often  carries  water-worn,  basaltic  gravel,  and  has  a  reddish  tint,  which 
becomes  darker  with  depth.  Rock  outcrop  is  frequent.  Drainage  is  ordinarily 
well  established,  except  over  low-lying  areas.  The  soil  represents  stream- 
outwash  material  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones  and  to  some  extent  from 
basalt,  the  deeper  subsoil  being  residual  in  origin  and  from  conglomerate  rock. 
In  the  Rogue  River  Valley,  Oreg.,  the  type  constitutes  an  important  apple  and 
pear  soil,  being  better  adapted  to  the  latter  fruit. 

Portersville  clay  adobe. — The  type  consists  of  a  heavy  clay  adobe,  ranging 
in  color  from  dark  brown  to  black,  and  in  depth  from  4  to  6  feet.  It  is  known 
locally  as  "  dry  bog  "  from  its  tendency  to  check  and  clod  when  dry.  The  dark- 
brown  color  is  more  pronounced  near  the  borders  of  the  clay  loam  adobe  of  the 
gravel  series.  This  type  occurs  on  the  lower  portions  of  the  foothills  below  the 
Portersville  clay  loam  adobe  type.  On  account  of  its  topography  and  heavy 
texture,  portions  of  this  type  when  planted  to  citrus  trees  often  require  artificial 
drainage,  otherwise  it  is  considered  an  excellent  citrus  soil.  The  unirrigated 
portions  are  dry  farmed  to  grain. 

Redwood  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  black  and  of  compact,  refractory  adobe 
structure.  It  becomes  very  sticky  when  wet  and  bakes  and  checks  upon  ex- 
posure, but  under  favorable  moisture  and  cultural  conditions  is  of  moderately 
friable  character.  The  subsoil  is  of  black  to  dark-gray  or  drab  color.  The 
type  occurs  upon  low,  flat  plains  adjacent  to  stream  estuaries  or  salt-water 
tidal  marshes.  It  is  often  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  the  occurrence  of 
marine  salts  and  alkali.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  climate,  moisture,  and 
drainage  it  is  well  adapted  to  heavy  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  onions,  cauli- 
flower, and  to  hay  and  grain  crops,  apples,  pears,  berries,  and  sugar  beets. 

Stockton  clay  adobe. — The  soil  consists  of  a  chocolate-brown  to  nearly  black 
heavy  clay  loam  or  clay  adobe,  similar  to  the  Stockton  clay  loam  adobe  in  depth, 
character  of  underlying  material,  structure,  drainage,  and  other  general 
features.  It  differs  from  the  Stockton  clay  loam  adobe  in  its  somewhat  lighter 
color  and  lower  organic  matter  content.    It  is  a  productive  soil. 

Willows  clay  adobe. — TUris  type  consists  of  a  dense,  compact,  dark  chocolate 
brown  clay  of  adobe  structure,  free  from  gravel  and  6  feet  or  more  in  depth. 
The  lower  portion  of  the  soil  section  is  somewhat  lighter  in  color  and  marked 
by  calcareous  concretions  and  semiporous  concretions.  The  soil  becomes  very 
sticky  when  wet,  puddles  readily,  and  bakes  upon  exposure  during  droughts. 
It  occurs  as  extensive  areas  covering  treeless  valley  plains  and  is  frequently 
poorly  drained,  subject  to  overflow,  contains  alkali,  and  is  cultivated  with 
difficulty.  With  artificial  drainage  and  careful  irrigation  and  cultivation  grains, 
alfalfa,  and  forage  crops  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobes. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


W  Mows  clay  adobe 

Stockton  clay  adobe. . . 

Capay  clay  adobe 

Redwood  clay  adobe. . . 

Dublin  clay  adobe 

Portersville  clav  adobe. 

Meyer  clay  adobe 

Coker  clay  adobe 

Norman  clay  adobe 

l'hoenix  clay  adobe 

Medford  clay  adobe 


Total. 


California  2,  25 

California  12,  13,23. 

California  25 

California  21 

California  8 

California  11, 15.... 

Oregon  4 

do 

California  2 

Oregon  4 

do 


141, 184 
82,688 
31,232 
30,400 
14,848 

S,960 
6,528 
6,208 
1,544 


337,216 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


686  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

RIVER  FLOOD-PLAIN  MATERIAL. 

The  soils  of  the  River  Flood  Plain  province  have  been  derived  from  a  great 
variety  of  materials  transported  and  worked  over  by  the  large  rivers  and  perma- 
nent streams,  which,  during  high  stages  or  flood  seasons,  assort  and  spread  out 
the  soil  material  in  terraces  or  flood  plains  along  their  normal  channels.  The 
materials  have  thus  been  subjected  for  considerable  time  to  river  influences 
and  the  poorly  established  drainage  of  bottom  lands,  with  the  result  that  the 
soils  have  general  characteristics  and  properties  not  possessed  by  other  groups 
of  soils. 

The  soils  of  this  province  occur  under  a  wide  range  of  climate,  varying  from 
extremely  humid  to  arid.  Some  of  the  streams  traversing  the  glaciated  regions 
of  the  northwest  are  of  exceptional  character  in  that  they  are  at  the  present 
time  carrying  and  depositing  sediment  contributed  by  active  glaciers,  while  in 
certain  parts  of  California  and  Oregon  large  quantities  of  sediment  are  in 
times  of  flood  contributed  by  the  erosion  products  of  hydraulic  mining 
operations. 

Some  of  the  soils  occupy  gently  sloping  to  undulating,  well-drained  terraces, 
situated  above  the  present  flood  plain.  Others  are  confined  to  the  recent  or 
present  flood  plains  and  are  poorly  drained  or  subject  to  overflow  where  not 
protected  by  levees. 

In  the  humid  areas  the  soils  of  the  province  are  devoted  mainly  to  grain  and 
hay  crops  and  more  intensively  to  hops,  potatoes,  truck  crops,  berries,  and  tree 
fruits.  Extensive  areas  are  still  uncleared  and  not  yet  utilized  for  agriculture. 
In  the  subhumid  and  arid  districts  they  are  quite  extensively  developed,  except 
where  subject  to  periodical  overflow.  Here  they  are  devoted  to  alfalfa,  small 
grains,  sugar  beets,  and  fruits  and  vegetables. 

The  soils  of  this  province  constitute  the  most  important  types  of  the  truck- 
ing, asparagus,  pear,  prune,  sugar  beet,  and  other  special  industries  of  the 
Pacific  coast. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE   SOIL   SERIES. 

Agate  series. — The  soils  are  of  light-brown  or  reddish-brown  to  brown 
color  with  subsoils  consisting  predominantly  of  basaltic  and  siliceous  pebbles 
and  cobbles  with  the  finer  interstitial  material  ranging  from  gray  or 
light-brown  to  brown  color.  This  material  may  be  indurated  or  partially 
consolidated  and  is  generally  separated  from  the  soil  by  a  thin  layer 
of  impervious,  ferruginous  hardpan.  The  series  occupies  comparatively  level 
to  sloping  valley  plains,  frequently  traversed  by  poorly  drained  intermittent 
stream  courses,  and  is  sparsely  timbered  or  treeless.  The  surface  varies  from 
smooth  to  irregular  and  is  marked  by  "hog-wallow"  mounds  and  depressions. 
Gravel  and  bowlders  occur  throughout  the  type,  sometimes  in  excessive  amounts. 
The  fragments  consist  mainly  of  basaltic  rock,  usually  rounded,  but  include  a 
iarge  proportion  of  subangular  fragments  of  agate  and  chert.  The  members 
of  the  series  are  derived  from  old  alluvial  deposits  constituting  remnants  of  an 
early  valley  filling.  They  are  usually  well  drained,  but  owing  to  the  impervious 
subsoil  material  lower  lying  areas  may,  under  Irrigation,  require  artificial 
drainage.  They  are  often  separated  from  lower  adjacent  alluvial  soils  by  ter- 
The  surface  topography  is  generally  favorable  to  the  distribution  of 
Irrigation  water,  and  where  the  friable  surface  soil  is  not  too  shallow,  the  soils 
can  be  used  for  the  production  of  Irrigated  crops. 

Anderson  series. — The  series  consists  of  reddish-gray  or  light-red  alluvial 
soils  occupying  valley  terrace  plains  of  recenl  date  and  the  bottoms  i>\~  inter- 
mittent stream  valleys  They  usually  contain  subangular  to  rounded  gravel 
and  are  underlain  at  loss  than  6  feel  by  beds  of  stream  gravel  or  In  places  by 
compact  clay  and  clay  loam.  They  often  support  a  considerable  growth  of 
brush  and  timber.  The  surface  varies  from  level  to  sloping  with  Frequent 
terraces.  Erosion  has  been  active  over  many  of  the  types.  The  soils  are  of 
porous  structure  and  well  drained,  although  the  lower  lying  bodies  are  sometimes 
subject  to  overflow.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin.  Where  not  too  gravelly 
they  are  adapted  t<»  the  production  of  peaches,  grapes,  pears,  prunes,  and 
small  fruits,  fn  so  far  ms  mapped  they  are  relatively  Lnextensive  and  of 
secondary  agricultural  Importance. 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Agate  series. 


687 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Agate  gravelly  sandy  loam . 
gravelly  loam 


Oregon  4. 
do... 


Total. 


4,416 
24, 704 


29,120 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Anderson  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Anderson  fine  sandy  loam 

California  17 

3,520 
14,528 

gravelly  loam 

do 

Total 

18,048 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Antelope  series. — In  character  of  underlying  gravelly  material,  the  oc- 
currence of  hardpan,  depth  of  soils,  and  location  the  members  of  this  series 
are  similar  to  the  Agate  soils.  They  are  distinguished  from  the  latter  by  the 
dark-brown  to  black  color  of  the  soil  material  and  by  their  lower  topographic 
position.  The  types  usually  occur  in  the  vicinity  of  intermittent  streams  and 
have  been  modified  by  alluvial  wash  from  more  elevated  soils,  and  by  deficient 
drainage.  The  soil  material  is  derived  mainly  from  basaltic  and  andesitic 
rocks.  The  soils  are  fairly  well  drained  and  treeless.  On  account  of  the 
shallow  soil  and  hardpan,  they  are  not  very  productive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Antelope  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Antelope  clay , 

clay  adobe. 


Oregon  4. 
do... 


1,792 
2,423 


Total. 


4,224 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Bear  series. — The  soils  are  reddish  brown  and  underlain  by  darker-brown, 
sticky  loam,  resting  upon  a  substratum  of  water-worn  gravels  and  sands  at  a 
depth  of  4  to  6  feet  or  more.  The  higher  lying  areas  are  well  drained  and  free 
from  overflow,  but  lower  lying  areas  are  subject  to  occasional  inunduation  dur- 
ing flood  periods.  The  series  occupies  river  flood  plains.  The  surface  is  gen- 
erally level  and  sometimes  gullied.  The  material  is  similar  in  origin,  topo- 
graphic position,  and  mode  of  formation  to  that  of  the  Sacramento  series.  The 
lower  lying  areas  support  a  growth  of  native  grasses.  The  soils  are  well  adapted 
to  alfalfa,  grapes,  stone  fruits,  truck  crops,  and  hops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Bear  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  17 

California  12 

10,816 

Total                                          

19,200 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


688 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Camas  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  dark  brown,  the  dark  coloring 
being  quite  pronounced  upon  the  surface  over  local  areas,  and  contain  numerous 
small  iron  pellets.  The  subsoils  are  light  brown  or  brown  to  reddish  brown, 
shallow,  and  underlain  by  stratified  gravel  and  bowlders.  The  series  occupies 
recent  alluvial  stream  terraces  of  level  to  gently  sloping  or  undulating  topog- 
raphy and  include  alluvial  fan  material.  Basaltic  outcrops  and  angular  frag- 
ments occur  along  the  steeper  terrace  slopes.  Drainage  is  well  established  and 
in  places  excessive.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  usually  contain  variable  quantities 
of  gravel  and  bowlders,  mainly  quartzite  and  basalt.  The  soils  support  a  light 
stand  of  fir,  hemlock,  and  some  cedar.  Some  of  the  types  are  fairly  well  adapted 
to  the  general  farm  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Camas  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Camas  gravelly  sandy  loam . 
stony  gravelly  loam, 
silt  loam 


Washington  7. 

....do 

....do 


2,048 

512 

10,490 


Total. 


13,056 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Chehalis  series. — The  soils  are  of  recent  alluvial  origin,  occupying  stream 
valleys  traversing  the  humid  regions  of  residual  basaltic  soils  and  those  of  the 
Hoaquiam,  Melbourne,  Copalis,  and  Montesano  series.  They  vary  from  gray  or 
drab  to  reddish  brown,  some  of  the  heavier  types  containing  very  much  organic 
matter  and  showing  a  dark-brown  to  black  color.  The  heavier  members  are  of 
compact  structure.  The  subsoils  vary  from  yellow,  gray,  or  mottled  to  light 
brown,  dark  brown,  or  reddish  brown  to  black  in  color,  the  heavier  members 
being  usually  of  compact  structure.  The  soils  of  this  series  are  derived  from  ma- 
terial eroded  from  the  silty  soils  occupying  the  uplands  and  redeposited  in  the 
river  valleys  by  flood  waters.  The  lighter-textured  soils  occur  near  the  main 
stream  channels  where  the  coarser  material  was  laid  down  in  the  swifter  cur- 
rents, while  the  heavier  clay  or  clay  loam  occupy  the  broad,  shallow  basins, 
farther  back  from  the  streams,  or  estuary  deltas  which  remain  in  a  flooded 
condition  for  long  periods  after  each  freshet.  Most  areas  of  these  alluvial  soils 
are  at  present  subject  to  overflow  at  times  of  high  water.  The  topography  of 
these  valleys  is  almost  level,  and  sloughs  or  abandoned  stream  channels  are 
frequent,  but  the  greater  proportion  of  the  land  has  a  sufficient  elevation  above 
the  present  stream  level  to  insure  good  natural  drainage.  The  Chehalis  soils 
are  very  productive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Chehalis  series. 


Soil  name. 


.  tlis  loam 

silty  clay  loam. 

cl:iy  loam 

cl;iy... 

silty  clay 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Washington  5,  7. 

do 

Washington  7... 
Washington  5,  7. 
do 


Acres 


2,304 

151,296 
34,660 

5,  120 


247,808 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  Me  p.  73  '■■ 


Columbia  scries. — The  soils  range  in  color  from  gray  to  buff  and  are  dis- 
tinctly (hirkcr  when  wet;  they  are  generally  micaceous,  free  from  gravel,  and 

.nt.iiii  ;i  large  amount  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoils  are  similar  to  the  soli 
material,  showing  outcrops  of  yellow  and  brown  and  are  underlain  by  a  sub- 
stratum <>r  fine  sandy  material.  The  material  is  derived  from  the  weathering 
aalc  and  add  Igneous,  metamorphlc,  and  sedimentary  rocks,  much  of 
which  has  been  transported  from  great  distances.  The  series  occupies  present 
or  recent  river  flood  plains  and  estuarlne  deltas.    The  soils  are  sometimes  sub- 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


689 


ject  to  overflow,  and  the  lower  depressions  are  poorly  drained.  The  surface 
varies  from  level  to  irregular,  and  sloughs  and  lagoons  are  of  frequent  occur- 
rence. The  soils  usually  support  a  growth  of  cottonwood  and  willows  in  the 
vicinity  of  stream  channels.  Under  varying  climatic  conditions  they  are 
adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  hay,  grain,  truck  crops,  hops,  sugar 
beets,  prunes,  and  other  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Columbia  series 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Columbia  sand 

California  18 

1,408 
23,808 

14,720 

California  12, 16, 25;  Washing- 
ton 7. 
California  2, 16,  17 

fine  sandy  lnam. ,    .... 

Total 

39,936 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Coquille  series. — The  soils  are  light  reddish  brown  or  brown  to  dark  bluish 
gray,  and  usually  free  from  gravel.  The  heavier  members  often  show  a  dark 
or  black  color  when  wet,  due  to  accumulations  of  organic  matter  or  underlying 
or  imbedded  strata  of  peat.  They  are  underlain  by  subsoils  of  light-brown  or 
reddish-brown  to  bluish-gray  or  drab  color,  ranging  in  texture  from  porous 
sandy  material  to  impervious  clays,  the  heavier  material  being  frequently 
mottled  with  iron  stains.  The  soils  of  this  series  occur  as  recent  alluvial  stream 
deposits,  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones.  They  occupy  flood  plains  of 
stream  valleys,  are  usually  timbered  or  covered  with  brush,  and  are  fre- 
quently subjected  to  overflow.  The  heavier  members  are  poorly  drained  and 
marked  by  the  occurrence  of  swamp  and  marsh  vegetation,  including  willows 
and  rushes.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  cultivation,  they  are 
adapted  to  the  production  of  grains,  hay  crops,  potatoes,  berries,  and  small 
fruits,  vegetables  and  leguminous  crops.  Tree  fruits  do  better  upon  the  adjacent 
upland  soils. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Coquille  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Coquille  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam . 

silt  loam , 

silty  clay  loam . . 


Oregon  3 . 

do.... 

....do.... 
....do.... 


2,688 

4,736 

26,816 

8,320 


Total. 


42,560 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Doty  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  or  yellowish  brown  to  reddish  brown 
and  carry  rounded  gravel  and  cobbles.  The  subsoils  are  of  yellowish  brown  to 
reddish  brown  and  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  rounded  bowlders  and  gravel, 
mainly  of  basaltic  character  and  encountered  at  a  depth  of  3  to  G  feet.  The 
series  occupies  level  to  undulating  or  sloping  terraces  bounded  by  steep  terrace 
slopes.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  the  soils  are  free  from  overflow. 
Like  the  Nasel  series,  they  represent  mainly  alluvial  deposits,  but  include 
locally  some  colluvial  material,  derived  from  the  soils  of  the  Olympic  and 
Melbourne  series.  They  differ  essentially  from  the  Nasel  soils  in  the  darker 
color  of  the  top  soil,  a  larger  organic  matter  content,  and  in  the  predominantly 
coarser  character  of  the  substratum.  The  series  is  subject  to  humid  climatic 
conditions  and  supports  a  forest  growth,  mainly  of  fir,  hemlock,  and  cedar. 
The  soils  are  adapted  to  oats,  hay,  potatoes,  and  dairying. 


79619—13- 


44 


690  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Doty  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Dotv  silty  clay  loam 

20,992 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Eld  series. — The  soils  are  of  reddish-brown  to  red  color  and  of  heavy  silty 
texture  with  occasional  iron  concretions  and  gravel.  They  are  usually  friable 
under  cultivation.  The  subsoil  is  of  heavy  compact  character  and  silty  texture 
and  of  reddish-brown  to  gray  color  with  mottlings.  The  soils  are  alluvial  in 
origin,  the  material  of  which  they  are  formed  having  been  derived  from  the 
residual  soils  of  basaltic  hills,  in  some  cases  influenced  by  material  from  sur- 
rounding soils.  '  They  occupy  recent  stream  bottoms  and  lower  terraces.  The 
topography  is  level  and  drainage  well  established,  though  some  areas  would 
be  improved  by  ditching  or  tiling.  The  soils  are  forested,  and  when  cleared  are 
adapted  to  hay  and  grain.  Where  well  drained,  potatoes,  truck  crops,  and 
fruits  can  be  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Eld  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Eld  silty  clay  loam 

Washington  5 

4,352 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  738. 

Elder  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray,  friable,  and  often  carry  considerable 
Quantities  of  dark-colored,  water-worn  gravel.  The  subsoils  are  subject  to 
considerable  variation,  but  are  usually  of  light  texture,  stratified,  porous,  and 
often  gravelly.  The  soils  represent  recent  alluvial  material  derived  from  meta- 
morphic  rocks  occupying  stream  flood  plains  and  lower  terraces,  traversing 
semiarid  valleys.  They  are  often  subject  to  overflow,  and  in  many  places 
forested  with  oak,  willow,  and  brush.  The  surface  is  level  to  slightly  ridged 
or  eroded  and  is  frequently  marked  by  sloughs  or  stream  channels.  The  soils 
are  often  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  subject  to  drought.  The 
heavier  members  are  well  adapted  to  dry  farming  and,  under  irrigation,  suited 
to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  small  fruits,  vegetables,  tree  fruits,  and  certain 
types  to  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Elder  series. 


Soil  name. 


Elder  fine  sand 

gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 

silt  loam 

silty  ^lay  loam 


Total . 


State  or  area.1 


California  2.. 
California  16. 

....do 

....do 


For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Acres. 


1,866 

832 
3,392 
1,600 


7,680 


Elma  series. — The  soils  are  characteristically  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  color,  occupying  level  to  very  gently  Sloping  alluvial  stream  terraces 
and  valley  slopes  along  small  Stream*.  The  subsoil  consists  of  light-brown  or 
brown  to  reddish  brown  material  of  porous  to  compact  structure,  frequently 
underlain  i»y  glacial  gravels  which  occasionally  appear  at  the  Burface.  They  are 
derived  from  One  material  washed  down  from  the  adjacent  upland  occupied  in- 
itio silty  residual  soils  and  deposited  over  areas  originally  covered  with  glacial 
gravel!  and  worked  somewhat  by  eolluvial  material.  The  soil  is  therefore 
diluvial  and  the  substratum  glaciaL     In  some  areas  the  liner  material  has  been 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 


691 


laid  down  as  a  shallow  alluvium  covering  the  coarse  gravelly  deposits,  while 
in  other  cases  the  silt,  clay,  and  fine  sand  have  become  mixed  with  the  glacial 
material,  forming  a  soil  which  contains  a  large  amount  of  small  gravel  and 
small  rounded  cobbles  throughout  the  3-foot  section.  The  soils  of  this  series 
as  a  whole  have  good  natural  drainage  and  are  very  productive.  The  original 
covering  consists  chiefly  of  fir,  with  some  spruce,  cedar,  hemlock,  and  alder. 
Although  sometimes  inclined  to  drought,  the  soils  are  adapted  to  the  production 
of  tree  fruits,  potatoes,  oats,  and  hay  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Elma  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  5 

3.584 

do. " 

3,840 

Total 

7,424 

/                                                                              1 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Evans  series. — The  soils  are  of  buff  to  light-brown  color,  micaceous,  and 
underlain  at  a  depth  of  3  to  6  feet  by  water-worn,  stratified  material,  consisting 
of  sands  and  gravels.  The  series  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  second  bottoms 
or  alluvial  valley  plains  of  recent  formation  and  traversed  by  intermittent 
streams.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  mainly  from  greenstone  and 
granitic  material,  usually  by  erosion  of  the  Tolo,  Siskiyou,  and  Barron  soils, 
deposited  as  low,  broad  alluvial  fan  or  as  flood  plain  material  by  streams,  often 
of  intermittent  character.  They  usually  support  a  forest  growth.  Drainage  is 
well  established,  but  low-lying  bodies  are  sometimes  subject  to  periodical  over- 
flow. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Evans  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Oregon  4 

1,920 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

*  Feather  series. — The  soils  are  of  light  reddish-brown  to  brown  or  dark- 
brown  color,  6  or  more  feet  in  depth,  with  but  little  variation  in  character  of 
material  other  than  the  frequent  occurrence  of  pockets  or  thin  strata  of  fine 
sand  and  fine  sandy  loam  in  the  deeper  portion  of  the  soil  section.  The  series 
occurs  upon  low,  flat  areas  of  recent  or  present  river  flood  plains,  the  surface 
often  being  pitted  or  eroded  and  marked  by  sloughs  or  lagoons.  Drainage  is 
usually  deficient,  and  the  types  are  frequently  subject  to  overflow  where  not 
protected  by  levees.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin,  some  of  the  material,  how- 
ever, having  been  deposited  from  still  waters  in  overflow  basins.  They  occur 
under  semiarid  climatic  conditions  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  streams  are  quite 
heavily  eroded.  Much  of  the  area  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing,  but  where 
protected  from  overflow  the  soils  are  productive  and  adapted  to  a  wide  range 
of  crops,  including  alfalfa,  pears,  small  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 

Area  aw4  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Feather  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Feather  loam 

California  12 

8,704 

silt  loam 

do 

3,584 

Total 

12,288 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


692 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Felida  <eries. — The  soils  are  of  grayish-brown  to  dark-gray  color,  often  becom- 
ing black  when  wet.  They  are  free  from  gravel.  The  subsoils  are  compact,  light 
brown,  with  gray  mottlings,  and  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  compact,  stratified 
silt,  clay,  and  fine  sand,  with  occasion;)  1  pockets  of  rounded  gravel.  The  series 
occupies  elevated  eroded  terraces,  traversed  by  deep  stream  valleys,  and  is 
derived  from  basaltic  and  andesitic  material.  Drainage  is  good,  except  over 
occasional  low  areas,  and  the  soils  are  productive.  Tree  fruits  and  general 
farm  crops  give  moderate  yields. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Felida  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

61,606 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Oridley  series. — The  soils  are  reddish-brown,  contain  water-worn  gravel, 
and  where  less  than  6  feet  deep  are  underlain  by  dark-brown,  reddish-brown, 
or  nearly  black  heavy  compact  subsoils,  with  intermittent  occurrences  of 
reddish  to  grayish  calcareous  iron  hardpan.  The  hardpan  is  of  less  dense 
and  impervious  character  than  that  underlying  the  subsoils  of  the  San  Joaquin 
series.  The  series  occupies  level  to  gently  undulating  valley  plains,  including 
shallow  depressions  without  drainage,  and  was  originally  forested  with  various 
species  of  oak.  The  materials  forming  the  soils  consist  principally  of  late 
Pleistocene  sediments,  modified  by  addition  of  recent  stream  alluvium.  They 
are  derived  mainly  from  the  more  elevated  soils  of  the  San  Joaquin  series, 
but.  in  part  from  wash  from  the  foothill  slopes.  The  heavier  members  of  the 
series  are  poorly  drained,  and  some  of  the  types  are  at  times  subject  to  over- 
flow. The  series  embraces  some  of  the  most  highly  prized  soils  of  the  region 
for  the  production  of  peaches,  pears,  apricots,  prunes,  and  table  wine,  and 
raisin  grapes.  Extensive  areas  are,  however,  still  undeveloped  and  devoted 
chiefly  to  grazing  or  to  the  production  of  grains. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Gridley  series. 


SoU 


Gridley  sandy  loam 

loam 

silty  clay  loam. 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


California  12. 

do 

...do 


Acres. 


5,120 

65,728 
13.184 


*4,032 


For  key  to  number  in  this  coluniD  see  p.  733. 


llovcut  .scr/c.s.— The  *oils  are  of  liuhl  reddish  brown  color  and  are  underlain 
by  dark-red  subsoils.  Water-worn  gravel  is  sometimes  present  in  the  vicinity 
<.f  si  ream  courses,  hut  is  not  of  general  occurrence.  The  surface  is  slightly 
sloping  and  drainage  is  fairly  well  established.  The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin, 
;iik1  occupy  stream  hottoms  and  recent  tlood  plains  or  lower  terraces.  They 
are  Utilized  mainly  for  pasture  and  hay  crops,  hut  ire  well  adapted  to  the 
growing  of  truck  crops,  alfalfa,  small  fruits,  and  deciduous  tree  fruits.  In- 
cluding fljrs 

irea  and  distribution  of  the  >-ot7  „f  tiu>  Honoui  wries. 


. 

State  or  u 

\crvs 

California  12 

•j.sirt 

i  For  key  to  iiuiiiIhTJi'  thl  *  p.  733. 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION. 


693 


Kelso  series. — The  soils  are  grayish-brown  to  reddish-brown,  with  light- 
brown  to  reddish-brown  subsoils,  often  mottled  with  gray,  and  underlain  by  a 
substratum  of  stratified  gray  silt,  clay,  and  sand,  containing  pockets  of  fine 
water-worn  gravel.  The  series  occurs  as  comparatively  recent  alluvial  terraces, 
having  an  elevation  of  40  feet  or  more  above  the  present  flood  plains.  The 
topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and 
formed  of  material  washed  from  adjacent  soils,  in  part  glacial  and  in  part 
residual  from  basalt,  shale,  and  sandstone  rocks.  With  the  exception  of  few 
small  depressions,  the  drainage  is  good.  The  soils  are  retentive  of  moisture. 
The  forest  growth  consists  of  a  heavy  stand  of  fir,  with  a  scattering  of  hemlock 
and  cedar. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Kelso  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area. 


Acres. 


Kelso  silty  clay  loam Washington  7 


14,080 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Lauren  series. — The  soils  are  reddish-brown  to  light  or  dark  brown,  the 
surface  being  strewn  with  soft  iron  pellets.  The  subsoils  are  of  light-brown  to 
brown  color,  sometimes  slightly  mottled,  and  underlain  by  a  porous  substratum 
of  stratified  sand  and  gravel.  The  series  occupies  elevated  terraces  lying  above 
present  stream  valleys  and  probably  of  alluvial,  though  possibly  of  marine, 
origin.  The  material  deposited  in  these  terraces  has  been  derived  mainly 
from  basaltic  rocks.  They  have  been  subject  to  considerable  erosion,  the  sur- 
face ranging  from  gently  sloping  to  undulating  or  rolling,  and  are  dissected  by 
deep,  narrow  stream  valleys.  The  soils  of  the  series  are  well  drained.  They  are 
deficient  in  power  to  retain  moisture.  They,  however,  occur  under  humid  cli- 
matic conditions,  and  in  their  native  condition  support  a  growth  of  fir,  hemlock, 
and  cedar.  The  soils  are  generally  productive  and  adapted  to  general  farming, 
vegetables,  and  tree  fruits,  according  to  type. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Lauren  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Lauren  sandy  loam 

gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam . 

fine  sandy  loam 

Bilt  loam 


Washington  7. 

do 

do 

do 


22,016 

23,040 

20, 736 

2,04& 


Total. 


67,840 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Livermore  series. — The  soils  range  from  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  color, 
often  assuming  a  reddish  tinge.  The  subsoil  is  of  the  same  color  as  the  soil,  but 
lighter  in  texture  and  gravelly  in  the  lighter  members.  The  deeper  members 
have  more  compact  subsoils.  The  surface  is  comparatively  level,  although 
interrupted  by  occasional  terraces  or  by  depressions  of  former  stream  channels. 
The  soils  occupy  stream  terraces,  and  are  treeless  except  for  a  few  valley  oaks. 
They  are  devoted  chiefly  to  hay,  grain,  and  wine  grapes,  with  small  areas  in 
fruit,  alfalfa,  and  truck  crops. 


694  soils  or  the  united  states 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Marcuse  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  una.1 


Acres. 


Livermore  gravelly  sandy  loam '  California  8. 

fine  sandy  loam do 

silty  fine  sandy  loam do 

loam do 

silt  loam California  21 . 

clay  loam California  8. 

clay do 


Total. 


9,600 
448 
832 

3,520 

31,104 

576 

2,432 


48,512 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Marcuse  series. — The  soils  are  of  grayish  or  dark-gray  color,  usually  from 
2  to  3  feet  in  depth,  and  underlain  by  plastic  reddish-brown  subsoils.  They 
occupy  flat  river  flood  plains,  are  poorly  drained,  and  subject  to  annual  over- 
flow. Alkali  salts  are  frequently  present  in  injurious  amounts  and  the  land 
is  generally  utilized  solely  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Marcuse  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Marcuse  clay  loam California  12 


14, 592 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Marysville  series. — The  soils  are  of  light-brown  color,  from  18  to  48  inches 
deep.  They  are  underlain  by  reddish-brown,  compact,  sticky  subsoils  of  heavy 
texture,  which  in  turn  are  underlain  by  a  mottled  gray  ferruginous  hard  pan. 
The  ha rd pan  is  rarely  encountered  at  a  depth  of  less  than  40  inches  and  may 
not  occur  within  the  6-foot  section.  The  series  occupies  low,  nearly  level, 
treeless  valley  plains  of  semiarid  character  and  of  deficient  drainage.  Where 
not  protected  by  levees  they  are  sometimes  subject  to  overflow.  Underdrainage 
is  poorly  developed.  Where  protected  from  overflow  and  drained  these  soils 
are  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grapes,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Marysville  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

California  12 

Acres. 


8,000 


For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Uaytcood  series. — The  soils  are  of  gray  or  grayish-brown  to  yellowish  brown 
color  and  friable,  although  some  of  the  types  are  Inclined  to  become  puddled 
under  unfavorable  drainage  and  moisture  conditions.  The  Lighter  members  are 
underlain  by  water-worn  gravels  a1  a  depth  of  18  inches  to  8  feet  or  more.  The 
heavier  members  rest  upon  a  rather  compact  and  heavy  but  friable  subsoil, 
usually  Of  yellowish  or  yellowish  brown  color.  The  soils  consist  of  reworked  ma- 
terial derived  from  earlier  sedimentary  deposits  forming  high  terraces  in  tilled  in 
valleys.     The    soils    OCCUpy    second     bottoms    and    comparatively     low     terrace 

plains  covering  valley  slopes,  and  are  frequently  marked  by  Intermittent  stream 
channels.  The  topography  la  gently  sloping.  This  scries  is  of  more  recent  date 
of  formation  than  the  related  Tehama  series,  which  it  resembles  In  certain 
features.  Some  of  the  members  arc  occasionally  subject  to  overflow  by  flood 
waters  of  intermittent  streams,  hut  are  usually  well  drained  and  free  from 
overflow.  The  soils  are  treeless  or  support  a  scattering  growth  of  valley  oak, 
or  in  i|H.  vicinity  of  sire.nn  channels  of  willow  ami  cottonwood.  The  heavier 
members  are  retentive  of  moisture  and  well  adapted  to  dry  farming.  Under 
Irrigation  the  series  is  suitable  for  b  wide  variety  of  crops,  Including  alfalfa, 
ill  fruits. 


PACIFIC   COAST   KEGION.  695 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Haywood  series. 


Soil: 

aame. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Maywood  gravelly  sandy  loam 

California  16. 
do 

2,048 
1,536 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

do. 

8,576 
2,368 

silt  loam 

\^\"  .\"^ .'.['.  ^"  "'..[." .... 

do. 

do. 

silty  clay  loam 

384 

Total 

14, 912 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Merced  series. — The  soils  are  of  dark-brown  to  dark-gray  or  drab  color,  with 
light  brown,  gray,  or  drab  subsoils.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  somewhat 
micaceous.  The  series  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  mainly  from  granitic 
or  related  crystalline  rocks.  It  occupies  river  flood  plains  and  lower  terraces, 
usually  of  flat  surface.  The  soils  are  frequently  poorly  drained  and  subject  to 
overflow  during  times  of  high  water  and  often  contain  injurious  amounts  of 
alkali  salts.  Sloughs  and  remnants  of  former  stream  channels  are  of  frequent 
occurrence.  Where  protected  from  overflow  and  drained  the  members  of  the 
series  are  adapted  to  grain,  hay,  and  other  general  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Merced  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Merced  silty  clay  loam 

California  13 

21,696 

1  For  key  to  number  in  thie  column  see  p.  733. 

Mocho  series. — The  series  consists  of  light-brown,  dark-gray,  grayish-brown, 
or  drab  friable  and  porous  soils,  frequently  containing  water-worn  gravel  and 
varying  in  depth  from  1  to  6  feet.  The  subsoils  are  extremely  variable  and 
usually  consist  of  alternating  layers  of  gravels,  sands,  fine  sands,  silty  fine 
sands,  silts,  and  clays,  the  latter  of  a  brown  or  black  color.  The  surface  is 
nearly  level,  although  occasionally  interrupted  by  abandoned  stream  channels. 
Drainage  of  the  lighter  types  is  excessive.  Small  amounts  of  alkali  are  some- 
times present.  The  series  comprises  alluvial  flood-plain  and  alluvial  stream- 
valley  terrace  soils.  They  are  largely  treeless,  except  for  a  little  oak,  sycamore, 
and  willow  along  the  streams,  and  are  used  for  pasturage  or  dry-farmed  grain 
and  hay.     Small  areas  are  used  for  truck,  fruit,  sugar  beets,  and  hops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Mocho  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Mocho  sandy  loam California 

fine  sandy  loam do 

gravelly  fine  sandy  loam do 

loam do  — 


2.048 
512 

3,136 
576 


Total. 


6,272 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Nasel  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black  and  contain  large  amounts 
of  organic  matter.  The  subsoils  are  heavy,  light  brown  to  yellow  and  gray, 
often  mottled,  and  underlain  at  depths  of  less  than  6  feet  by  a  compact  sub- 
stratum of  gravel  and  bowlders,  with  some  interstitial  sandy  material.  In 
some  types  the  subsoil  is  absent,  the  gravels  immediately  underlying  the  soil. 
The  soils  include  some  collnvial  material  and  are  derived  mainly  from  the 
material  of  the  Melbourne  and  Olympic  series.  The  series  occurs  upon  old 
terraces  lying  along  streams  traversing  areas  of  Olympic  and  .Melbourne  soils. 
They  lie  from  10  to  -10  feet  above  the  valley  bottoms  and  are  above  overflow. 
The  surface  is  level  to  gently  undulating,  the  terraces  descending  to  adjacent 


696 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


bottoms  or  lower  terraces  by  steep  slopes.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Tbe 
forest  growth  consists  of  fir,  hemlock,  cedar,  and  spruce.  The  soils  are  deficient 
in  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and  subject  to  drought  during  the  summer 
season.  Under  favorable  moisture  conditions  they  are  adapted  to  oats,  hay,  and 
forage  crops,  potatoes,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Nasel  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Nasel  gravelly  clay  loam . 
silty  clay 


Washington  7. 
do 


6,656 
15,872 


Total. 


22,528 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Neal  series. — The  soils  are  light  brown  to  black,  from  1  to  3  feet  deep,  the  ma- 
terial extending  to  2  to  6  feet  or  more  with  but  little  change  in  character.  They 
are  usually  underlain  by  yellowish  to  brown  compact  subsoils  of  heavy  texture, 
resting  upon  gray  to  brown  shales.  The  lighter  colored  subsoils  may,  however, 
be  thin  or  wanting  or  may  be  replaced  locally  by  water-worn  gravels.  The  series 
occupies  flood-plains  and  second  bottoms  of  recent  formation,  crossed  by  small 
streams  but  seldom  subject  to  overflow.  The  soil  material  is  of  alluvial  origin 
and  derived  by  erosion  of  greenstones,  basaltic,  granitic,  shale,  and  sandstone 
rocks.  The  subsoils  are  in  part  residual  from  the  underlying  shales.  The 
members  of  the  series  are  timbered  with  cottonwood,  willow,  etc.,  and  occur 
under  subhumid  climatic  conditions. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Neal  series. 


SoU 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Neal  fine  sandy  loam, 
silty  clay  loam., 
clay  adobe 


Oregon  4. 

do... 

do... 


2,368 
1,984 
1,280 


Total. 


5,632 


»  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Pajaro  series. — The  soils  vary  in  color  from  light  brown  to  gray,  and  in 
texture  from  sand  to  a  clay  loam  adobe.  They  are  alluvial  in  origin  and  con- 
sist mainly  of  material  derived  from  shales  and  sandstones.  The  subsoils  are 
Ughl  yellow  to  black.  The  lighter  types  occupy  the  valleys  of  small  streams 
and  the  margins  of  larger  streams,  while  the  heavier  types  occur  in  the  poorly 
drained  sections  usually  near  the  hills  bordering  the  valleys.  The  topography 
is  level,  the  soil  bodies  occurring  in  long,  narrow  strips  approximately  parallel 
to  the  stream*.  The  larger  part  of  these  soils  is  well  suited  for  irrigation  and 
they  are  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  crops,  including  vegetables,  fruits,  alfalfa. 
garden  Beeda,  and  grain*. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Pajaro  s<  > 


Boll  name. 


Pajaro  sand 

sitiKly  loam 

Inn'  s:imly  loam. 

loam 

silt  loam 

loam  adobe. 

silly  clay 


Total. 


t  area.1 


California  M. 

do 

to 

do 

do 


For  key  to  Dumber  iii  tins  column  soe  p.  733. 


Aores. 


.Tin 
8,840 
8,048 
5,1 'JO 
L088 
4,800 

640 


17,866 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


697 


Puget  series. — The  soils  are  brown  to  grayish  brown  or  drab  and  frequently- 
mottled  with  iron  stains.  With  the  exception  of  the  lighter  members,  they 
are  of  rather  compact  and  tenacious  structure,  containing  a  large  amount  of 
organic  matter  and  are  usually  friable  under  cultivation.  The  subsoils  are 
light  brown  to  drab  or  gray,  marked  with  iron  stains,  and  in  the  heavier  mem- 
bers consist  of  compact  deposits  of  silt  and  clay.  This  is  underlain  by  a  fine 
sandy  substratum,  which  does  not  always  appear  within  the  depth  of  3  feet. 
The  series  occupies  flood-plains  in  the  vicinity  of  estuaries  or  stream  outlets. 
The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin  and  derived  from  glacial  material.  The  lighter 
textured  soils  occur  near  the  main  stream  channels  where  the  coarse  particles 
are  laid  down  by  the  swifter  currents.  Farther  back  from  the  stream  the 
coarser  sandy  deposits  have  been  covered  by  a  layer  of  fine  silt  laid  down  in 
the  quieter  waters,  while  in  low  depressions  where  flood  water  collects  the  silt 
and  clay  sediments  are  usually  many  feet  deep  and  no  coarse  sandy  material  is 
found  in  the  subsoil  to  a  depth  of  3  to  5  feet.  The  soils  of  the  river  valleys 
often  support  a  growth  of  cedar  and  other  trees.  They  are  very  productive  and 
are  classed  among  the  very  best  soils  of  the  Puget  Sound  region.  Oats,  forage 
and  hay  crops,  truck  crops,  and  fruits  all  do  well. 


Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Puget  series. 

Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Puget  fine  sandy  loam 

Washington  4,5,7 

128,704 

106, 176 

1,280 

83,968 

silt  loam 

do 

silty  clay  loam 

Washington  5 

silty  clay 

Washington  4,  5 

Total 

320, 128 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sacramento  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray,  drab,  or  black,  often  contain 
large  quantities  of  organic  matter,  and  are  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  When 
the  material  is. less  than  6  feet  in  depth  the  subsoils  are  variable  and  consist 
of  gravel,  sand,  or  heavy  compact  silt,  usually  drab  or  brown  in  color.  The 
series  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  river  flood  plains  often  marked  by  sloughs 
and  frequently  subject  to  overflow  where  not  protected  by  levees,  sometimes 
forming  extensive  fresh-water  "  tule  "  marshes.  The  lighter  members  occupy 
the  slightly  higher  elevations  of  natural  stream-built  levees.  The  surface  varies 
from  irregular  to  smooth.  The  material  consists  of  recent  alluvial  flood-plain 
deposits  from  shifting  stream  currents  or  from  slack  flood  waters  transported 
for  long  distances,  a  large  proportion  of  which  in  some  cases  consists  of  debris 
resulting  from  hydraulic  mining.  It  is  derived  predominantly  from  altered 
sedimentary  and  eruptive  rocks,  including  slates,  schists,  diabase,  amphibolites, 
etc.,  and  includes  a  large  amount  of  material  from  granitic  or  other  quartz- 
bearing  rocks.  Alkali  salts  are  sometimes  encountered,  but  the  affected  areas 
are  small.  The  better  drained  types  support  a  vigorous  growth  of  valley  oak, 
and,  in  the  vicinity  of  stream  courses,  a  dense  growth  of  sycamore,  cotton- 
wood,  willows,  vines,  briers,  and  shrubs.  Where  protected  by  levees  the  soils 
are  productive  and  adapted  to  the  intensive  production  of  sugar  beets,  truck 
crops,  beans,  hops,  potatoes,  and  alfalfa,  and  prunes,  pears,  and  other  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Sacramento  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  i 


Acres. 


Sacramento  sand 

sandy  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam, 
fine  sandy  loam... 

loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

clay 

silly  clay 

clay  adobe 


California  13,  26 

California  13 

do 

California  12,  18,  25 

California  17 

California  2,  12,  13,  16, 17,  18,  25. . . 
California  2, 16,  25;  Washington  7. 

California  12,  23,  25 

California  2,  25 

California  25 


7,488 
4,664 
26,304 
35,776 
4,480 
177,920 
100,928 


Total . 


633,216 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  page  733. 


698 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Salem  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  black  in  color  and  underlain  by 
compact,  reddish-yellow  subsoils  or  by  sands  and  gravels.  The  series  occurs 
upon  level  valley  plains  and  stream  bottoms  as  recent  alluvial  deposits,  which 
are  derived  from  basaltic  rocks.  Grains,  fruits,  truck  crops,  and  hops  are  the 
principal  crops.  Some  of  the  types  are  forested.  The  sois  are  well  drained. 
but  occasionally  subject  to  overflow. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Salem  series. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Salem  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

clay  loam 

clav  adobe 


Oregon  4. . . 
Oregon  4,  5. 
Oregon  5- . . 

....do 

Oregon  4. . . 
do 


3,904 
6,912 
13, 120 
78,656 

4.736 
4.352 


Total. 


111.680 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Salinas  series. — The  soils  vary  from  light  or  dark  gray  to  black,  and  from 
30  inches  to  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  sometimes  carrying  gravel  from  granites, 
schists,  gneiss,  and  other  rocks.  The  subsoils  are  of  lighter  gray  color,  com- 
pact and  heavy,  and  usually  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  light-colored,  porous 
sands  or  sandy  loams.  In  certain  areas  the  subsoil  is  wanting,  the  soil  resting 
directly  upon  granitic  rocks,  while  in  other  areas  the  heavy  subsoils  are  under- 
lain by  stratified  water-worn  gravel.  The  soils  occupy  river  terraces.  Sugar 
beets  and  grains  are  extensively  grown. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Salinas  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  10 

18,400 

do 

Total 

29,980 

1  For  key  to  number  in  tins  column  see  p.  733. 

Sams  series. — The  soils  are  of  light-brown  to  dark-brown  color,  free  from 
granitic  material,  and  of  friable  structure.  The  subsoils  are  similar  to  the  soil 
in  color,  but  of  heavy  texture  and  rather  compact  structure.  The  series  occu- 
pies valley  plains  or  second  bottoms  of  sloping  to  undulating  topography. 
traversed  by  small  intermittent  mountain  streams.  The  soils  are  well  drained, 
free  from  overflow,  and  usually  timbered  whore  not  farmed.  The  soil  material 
i>  of  alluvia]  origin,  and  derived  mainly  from  greenstone  and  sandstone,  with 

Some  materia]  from  basalt     The  members  occur  under  conditions  of  B  SUbhumid 
climate  and  ;ire  usually  well  adapted  to  irrigation. 

Irea  and  distribution  of  the  soU  of  the  sums  series. 


Soil  name. 

Stat*  or  urea.1 

■  !1    1 

lo  number  in  tl tj  B  !>•  788. 


Santa  "Rita  scries.  The  soils  are  gray  to  dark  <ir:ii>  or  nearly  black,  fre- 
quently containing  pockets  "f  One  sand  and  gravel,  and  underlain  by  dark  gray, 
brown,  or  drab,  heavy,  silty  subsoils.  The  series  occupies  comparatively  level 
valley  plains,  traversed  by  intermittent  streams,  the  surface  being  sometimes 
Interrupted  by   low  ridges  and  depressions  which  mark  old  stream  courses. 


PACIFIC    COAST   KEGIOX. 


699 


The  natural  drainage  in  many  cases  is  poor,  and  in  order  to  secure  the  best 
results,  ditch  or  tile  drains  are  necessary.  In  much  of  the  area  of  these  soils 
alkali  is  found,  the  quantity  in  some  places  being  sufficient  to  injure  crops. 
The  soils  are  of  alluvial  origin  but  have  been  modified  considerably  by  swampy 
conditions.  The  materials  forming  the  soils  are  calcareous  shale  and  sandstone. 
The  types  are  generally  treeless  and  marked  by  swamp  vegetation.  They  are 
utilized  mainly  for  pasture  or  are  dry  farmed  to  hay,  grain,  hops,  sugar  beets, 
and  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Santa  Rita  series. 


Soil  name. 

State 

or  area.1 

Acres. 

Rfl 

California  8 . 
do 

832 

silty  clay  loam 

1,344 
3,456 

do 

Total 

5,632 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Sifton  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown  to  gray  or  black,  frequently  gravelly, 
and  contain  a  high  proportion  of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  has  a  coarse,  por- 
ous structure,  and  consists  mainly  of  rounded,  stratified  gravels  and  cobbles,  with 
but  a  limited  amount  of  interstitial  material.  The  series  occupies  old  alluvial 
or  marine  elevated  terraces  bordering  present  river  valleys.  The  surface  is 
level  to  gently  undulating  and  marked  by  low  mounds  and  ridges.  Drainage 
is  excessive  and  the  soils  are  subject  to  drought,  although  they  appear  to  have 
at  some  time  been  modified  by  conditions  of  deficient  drainage.  The  areas 
occupied  by  the  series  are  sparsely  timbered  and  locally  known  as  prairies. 
The  soils  are  devoted  quite  extensively  to  prunes. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Sifton  series. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

11,520 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Tassajero  series. — The  soils  are  dark  brown,  slightly  mottled  with  gray, 
and  frequently  assume  a  reddish  tinge  over  cultivated  areas.  The  subsoils  are 
heavy,  slightly  lighter  in  color,  and  underlain  at  a  depth  of  4  to  5  feet  by  a  dark- 
brown  to  nearly  black,  heavy,  compact  substratum.  The  surface  is  generally 
level  or  gently  sloping,  and  the  soils  well  drained,  containing  little  or  no  alkali. 
The  members  of  this  series  are  composed  of  alluvial  material  derived  from 
sandstone  and  shale  material.  They  occupy  narrow,  intermittent  stream 
valleys  and  have  been  deposited  by  stream  waters.  The  series  is  practically 
treeless,  except  for  an  occasional  valley  oak.  The  soils  are  dry-farmed  to  hay 
and  grain,  with  a  few  small  tracts  in  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soil  of  the  Tassajero  -series. 


Soil  name. 


Tassajero  clay  loam . 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


California  8 . 


832 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Tehama  series. — The  soils  are  of  yellowish-brown  or  reddish-gray  color,  com- 
pact structure,  and  under  efficient  cultural  methods  fairly  friable.  The  sub- 
soils are  of  heavy,  compact,  and  Impervious  structure,  but  without  rrue  hard- 
pan  Buch  as  occurs  beneath  the  Redding  soils,  although  underlain  by  a  compact 


700 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


substratum  of  s;ind.  silt,  clay,  and  gravel.  They  differ  little  in  color  from  the 
soil.  They  represent  old  alluvial  deposits  occupying  treeless  plains,  at  present 
somewhat  elevated  above  minor  stream  courses,  and  are  marked  by  terraces 
and  li  hog  wallows."  Erosion  has  been  moderately  active.  The  series  is 
usually  well  drained  and  devoted  to  dry  farming  to  grains.  Under  irrigation 
the  soils  are  adapted  to  alfalfa,  truck  crops,  and  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Tehama  series. 


Soil  name. 


Tehama  gravelly  loam . 

silt  loam 

clay 


Total. 


State  or  area. 


California  16. 

do 

do 


4,032 

29,888 

1,536 


35,456 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Toutle  series. — The  soils  are  grayish  brown,  light  brown,  or  light  gray  in 
color,  some  of  the  types  containing  small,  iron-cemented  pellets.  The  subsoils 
are  of  light-gray  to  light-brown  color.  The  series  consists  of  porous,  stratified 
stream-terrace  deposits,  derived  from  glacial  outwash  material  consisting 
principally  of  pumice,  and  of  vesicular  basaltic  and  andesitic  fragments.  The 
material  hns  been  deposited  along  stream  courses,  which  formerly  provided  an 
outlet  for  the  glacial  waters  or  melting  ice.  The  soils  occupy  valley  terraces 
of  level  to  undulating  character,  free  from  overflow,  and  are  forested  principally 
with  fir,  hemlock,  and  cednr.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  in  the  types 
of  coarser  texture  is  excessive. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Toutle  series. 


Soil  name. 


Toutle  gravelly  coarse  sand . 

very  fine  sand 

coarse  sandy  loam . . 


Total. 


State  or  area.1 


Washington  7 . 

....do 

....do 


Acres. 


10, 240 
1,280 
2,304 


13,824 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

Vina  series. — The  soils  are  dark  gray  to  chocolate  brown  in  color,  carrying 
andesitic  gravel  and  bowlders  and  underlain  in  places  at  less  than  6  feet  by 
indurated  and  andesitic  bowlders  <ind  gravel  or  occasionally  by  finer  sedimen- 
tary material  derived  from  volcanic  tufaceous  deposits.  The  soil  consists  of 
recent  alluvial  deposits  occupying  flood  plains,  the  material  being  formed 
mainly  by  erosion  of  the  Tuscan  soils.  The  members  of  the  series  are  BOme- 
tinies  subject  to  overflow  and  poorly  drained.  They  often  support  a  growth  of 
native  trees  consisting  of  valley  oak,  willow,  and  cottouwood.  Dry  farming  to 
grains  is  the  principal  form  of  agriculture,  but  where  not  too  shallow  moat 
of  the  types  are  well  adapted,  with  Irrigation,  to  the  production  of  alfalfa, 
grapes,  tree  and  small  fruits,  and  track  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  soils  of  the  Vina  series. 


Soil  i! 

st.it.'  ir  ;irea.« 

kat  b. 

California  i« 

do      

5,440 

do 

6,848 

do      

4,028 

25,084 

'  For  key  to  nnmbar  la  tin..  ( atoms  sac  p.  788. 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  701 

THE   SOIL    TYPES    AND   THEIR   USE. 

Sand  Group. 

The  agencies  active  in  the  formation  of  the  soils  in  most  of  the  larger  flood 
plains  in  this  province  are  more  favorable  to  the  deposition  of  the  finer  sedi- 
ments. The  more  extensive  areas  of  the  coarser  material,  consisting  predomi- 
nantly of  the  various  grades  of  sand,  are  most  commonly  developed  immediately 
along  the  stream  courses,  where  they  are  subject  to  overflow.  They  are  usually 
barren,  nonagricultural,  and  in  many  places  of  wind-blown  character.  Such 
areas  have  been  generally  mapped  as  Riverwash.  The  better  types  of  the  sand 
group  in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region  are  thus 
confined  to  rather  small  areas.  They  occur  along  the  recent  flood  plains  of 
streams  traversing  the  interior  and  coastal  valleys  in  California. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  of  loose,  porous  structure,  are  often  wind-blown, 
where  not  protected  by  trees  or  other  vegetation,  deficient  in  organic-matter 
content,  and  of  low  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Lower  lying  areas  are  fre- 
quently subject  to  overflow  where  not  protected  by  levees,  but  the  soil  is  other- 
wise well  drained.  Except  under  favorable  natural  conditions  of  moisture  sup- 
ply, they  require  frequent  irrigation.  They  are  easily  tilled,  and  where  irrigated 
or  of  good  moisture-retaining  capacity  and  not  subject  to  overflow,  are  adapted 
to  early  stone  fruits,  grapes,  early  small  fruits,  and  truck  crops. 

Under  irrigation  a  copious  water  supply  is  necessary,  as  much  water  is  lost  by 
seepage.     Frequent  cultivation  is  also  necessary  to  conserve  moisture. 

Relatively  small  areas  of  the  soil  are  successfully  utilized  for  the  production 
of  early  peaches,  cherries,  apricots,  almonds,  and  table  or  raisin  grapes.  The 
yields  of  fruit  or  early  vegetables  are,  however,  lighter  than  upon  the  heavier 
textured  soils,  and  are  obtained  at  greater  expense  in  cultivation  and  fertiliza- 
tion.   This  is  offset  to  some  degree  by  earliness  of  maturity. 

The  group  requires  light  farming  equipment,  and  is  not  adapted  to  general 
farming  or  to  the  heavier  or  later  vegetables  or  fruits. 

Columbia  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-gray  to  grayish-brown  sand  of 
loose  porous  structure.  The  subsoil  is  of  similar  color  or  slightly  lighter  than 
the  surface  material  and  differs  but  little  from  it  in  texture  or  structure.  The 
deeper  portions  or  substratum  may  be  of  porous  gravel  or  occasionally  of  loam 
or  silt  loam.  The  type  is  of  recent  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  areas  of  stream 
bottoms  or  lower  terraces  of  limited  extent.  The  surface  is  in  places  barren 
of  vegetation  and  wind-blown:  in  others  the  soil  supports  a  heavy  growth  of 
forest  trees,  vines,  and  brush.  It  is  derived  from  a  wide  variety  of  igneous, 
metamorphic,  and  sedimentary  rocks.  Lower  lying  areas  are  subject  to  over- 
flow and  the  type  is  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  in  moisture-retaining 
capacity.  Where  protected  from  overflow  and  favored  by  climatic  conditions 
or  by  facilities  for  irrigation,  it  is  adapted  to  early  truck,  vine,  and  tree  fruits. 
It  is  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  raisin  or  table  grapes,  peaches, 
cherries,  and  apricots. 

Pajaro  sand. — The  type  consists  of  a  loose,  incoherent,  light-brown  sand.  6 
feet  or  more  in  depth,  mixed  with  fine  gravel  and  silt.  It  is  derived  mainly 
from  sandstones  and  shales.  The  type  is  porous  and  is  too  dry  for  orchard 
purposes.  The  surface  is  level.  Willows,  weeds,  and  native  grasses  are  the 
common  vegetation. 

Sacramento  sand. — This  is  a  loose,  incoherent,  medium  to  fine  sand  of  light- 
gray  to  dark-gray  color,  extending  to  a  depth  of  2  to  6  feet  or  more.  Where  of 
less  depth  than  6  feet  it  is  underlain  by  stratified  sediments.  It  is  usually  asso- 
ciated with  breaks  in  river  levees  or  points  at  which  flood  waters  leave  the 
stream  channels,  and  where  accumulated  is  the  first  product  of  deposition.  The 
surface  is  marked  by  mounds  or  ridges,  and  may  be  barren  of  vegetation  or 
covered  with  a  growth  of  young  cottonwoods  or  willows.  It  is  of  little  agricul- 
tural value  and  requires  protection  from  overflow  and  leveling,  in  which  case 
favorably  situated  bodies  may  in  time  be  rendered  capable  of  cultivation  to 
intertilled  truck  crops. 


702 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres.  • 

California  13,25 

7,488 
1,408 

Pajaro  sand 

320 

Total 

9,216 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


GRAVELLY  COARSE   SAND   PHASE. 


The  gravelly  coarse  sand  has  in  this  province  been  encountered  in  one  area 
and  is  represented  by  a  single  soil  type  covering  a  small  area.  It  is  of  loose, 
porous,  leachy  structure,  droughty,  and  except  in  the  immediate  surface  defi- 
cient in  organic  matter.  It  has  not  been  developed  to  any  extent.  Although 
occurring  in  a  humid,  heavily  forested  region,  irrigation  would  probably  be 
necessary  to  render  crop  yields  certain  or  profitable,  although  the  production  of 
early  truck  crops  may  prove  possible  under  intensive  methods  of  cultivation. 

Toutle  gravelly  coarse  sand. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  coarse  sand 
of  porous  structure,  10  to  12  inches  deep,  containing  a  considerable  amount  of 
rounded  pumice  or  andesitic  and  basaltic  gravel.  The  soil  is  usually  covered 
with  2  or  3  inches  of  organic  matter,  imparting  a  dark  color  to  the  surface. 
The  subsoil  is  an  ashy  gray,  coarse,  incoherent  sand,  containing  a  larger 
quantity  of  glacial  gravel,  cobbles,  and  bowlders  than  the  soil.  Small  quan- 
tities of  white,  silty  rock  flour  often  occur  in  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type 
occupies  low  terraces  with  steep  slopes  and  has  a  level  to  gently  undulating 
topography.  The  natural  drainage  is  thorough  and  sometimes  excessive,  and 
the  type  subject  to  drought.  Below  the  immediate  surface  the  organic  matter 
content  is  low. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  coarse  sand. 


Soil  name. 

Btate  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washington  7 

10,240 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Fine  Sand  Group. 

The  fine  Bands  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  and  River  Terraces,  so  far  recog- 
nized, are  confined  to  two  soil  series  mapped  extensively  in  the  Columbia  and 
Sacramento  River  valleys. 

Tliis  group  Of  BOilS,  except  where  protected  by  levees,  is  usually  subject  to 
overflow.  The  soil  usually  occurs  In  the  Immediate  vicinity  of  the  Stream 
channels  and  except  in  ureas  of  recent  deposition  or  where  subject  to  de- 
structive erosion,  is  usually  covered  with  forest  ;iu<l  often  with  :i  dense  and 
tangled  growth  <>f  vines  and  brush.  Under  such  circumstances  clearing  is  rather 
difficult  and  expensive  and  in  regions  of  deficient  rainfall  considerable  leveling 
is  often  required  to  prepare  the  land  for  irrigation.  When  cleared  unprotected 
areas  are  sometimes  locally  subject  to  drifting. 

In   the   more  humid   regions   the  soil    is  devoted   to  grazing  and   to   hay  crops. 

owing  to  Long  periods  <>f  overflow  and  wet  condition  during  much  of  growing 

season.      Vegetables   ;in.     bOWever,   successfully    grOWO    to   some   extent. 

In    the    more   Southern    areas   occurring   in    the    Interior    Valley  of  California. 

the  soil  is  utilized  mainly  tor  pasture,  or  dry-farmed  to  grains,  although  where 
protected  from  overflow  if  is  well  adapted  to  early  vegetables,  hops,  ami  early 
stone  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  early  truck  farming,    where  of  sufficient  depth 

alfalfa  may  be  profitably  grown,  although  the  heavier  and  more  moist  soils 
are  better  adapted   to   this   purpose. 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  703 

While  not  extensively  developed,  the  members  of  this  group  constitute 
important  soils  for  the  intensive  cultivation  of  truck  and  fruit  crops.  They 
are  in  this  respect  much  superior  to  the  soils  of  the  sand  group  and  can  be 
efficiently  utilized  for  such  purposes  in  small  tracts  with  the  aid  of  a  com- 
paratively cheap  and  light  farming  equipment. 

Columbia  fine  sand. — This  type  consists  of  a  light,  incoherent,  yellowish-brown 
or  buff  fine  sand  varying  in  depth  from  18  inches  to  several  feet,  underlain  by  a 
light-colored  fine  sand  or  sometimes  by  heavier  deposits.  The  soil  is  usually 
subject  to  annual  overflow  and  the  texture  is  frequently  altered  by  fresh  accre- 
tions of  silt  or  fine  sand.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  and  areas  not  pro- 
tected from  overflow  are  annually  increasing  in  extent  through  deposition  of 
material  during  times  of  floods.  The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to 
irregular  or  eroded.  The  older  areas  of  this  type  support  a  growth  of  willows, 
Cottonwood,  and  grasses,  while  those  of  more  recent  origin  are  devoid  of  vegeta- 
tion, except  where  sand  has  been  deposited  around  already  established  trees. 
Very  little  of  the  type  is  cultivated,  owing  to  the  liability  of  annual  inunda- 
tion. The  agricultural  value  of  the  land  depends  upon  levees.  In  some  locali- 
ties the  soil  is  used  for  fruits,  grapes,  hay.  and  truck  crops  where  not  too 
deficient  in  organic  matter,  and  under  favorable  climatic  or  irrigation  conditions 
it  is  adapted  to  truck  growing  and  to  small  fruits. 

Elder  fine  sand. — The  soil  to  a  depth  varying  from  6  inches  to  3  feet  is  a 
friable,  dark-drab,  micaceous  fine  sand,  underlain  by  river  sands  and  gravels 
to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more.  The  surface  is  characterized  by  small  ridges, 
mounds,  and  little  pits.  The  type  occurs  as  bottom  lands,  lying  but  little  above 
the  stream  channels,  and  is  subject  to  overflow  and  destructive  erosion  during 
times  of  floods.  Underdrainage  is  good.  The  timber  growth  consists  of  massive 
oaks  and  willows.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to  dry  farming  or  pasture.  If 
protected  from  overflow,  the  deeper  areas  are  well  adapted  to  alfalfa,  vege- 
tables, and  some  classes  of  fruit. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sands. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  12,  16,  25;  Washington  7 

23,808 
1,856 

Elder  fine  sand 

California  2 .* 

Total 

25,664 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
VERY    FINE    SAND    PHASE. 

Soils  of  very  fine  sand  texture  are  somewhat  unusual  and  are  represented  in 
the  province  by  a  single  type.  While  the  immediate  surface  is  characterized 
by  a  large  amount  of  organic  material,  the  deeper  soil  and  subsoil  is  of  loose, 
porous  character,  deficient  in  organic  matter  and  in  moisture-retaining  capacity. 
The  type  has  not  been  developed  extensively  for  agriculture  and  is  of  little  im- 
portance. Although  occurring  under  humid  climatic  conditions,  irrigation  would 
probably  be  necessary  to  the  profitable  use  of  the  soil  for  farming.  In  the 
moister  areas  early  vegetables,  stone  fruits,  and  small  fruits  can  be  grown  to 
some  extent  under  intensive  cultivation. 

Toutle  very  fine  sand. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  grayish-brown  very 
fine  sand,  8  to  12  inches  deep,  carrying  sufficient  organic  matter  in  the  surface 
2  or  3  inches  to  impart  a  dark  color  and  loamy  texture.  The  subsoil  consists 
of  a  light-gray  fine  sand,  extending  to  a  considerable  depth  and  underlain  by 
coarse,  water-worn  gravel.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  frequently  marked  by 
brown  iron  stains,  and  carry  small  iron-cemented  pellets  and  some  small  gravel, 
consisting  chiefly  of  pumice  or  very  porous  andesite  and  basalt.  Small  amounts 
of  white  material,  resembling  rock  flour,  are  in  many  places  seen  throughout 
the  3-foot  section.  Where  cuts  occur  in  this  type  the  material  is  seen  to  be 
distinctly  stratified.  The  type  occupies  terraces  lying  20  to  30  feet  above  the 
present  stream  channel,  of  level  to  undulating  topography.  Drainage  is  usually 
excessive,  which,  with  the  prevailing  low  organic-matter  content  below  the 
immediate  surface  and  the  porous  character  of  the  soil,  renders  the  type  of  low 
moisture-retaining  capacity  and  subject  to  drought. 


704  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  very  fine  sand. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Tnntlft  very  firm  <?an<i  .... 

1,280 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Sandy  Loam   Group. 

The  soils  of  the  sandy  loam  group  are  widely  distributed  aud  occur  under  a 
number  of  soil  series.  They  vary  greatly  in  climatic  environment,  character 
of  underlying  material,  drainage,  irrigation,  and  power  to  retain  moisture. 

In  the  humid  coastal  districts  of  southwestern  Oregon  the  sandy  loams  are 
of  small  extent.  Only  one  series  is  represented,  the  soil  occupying  stream  ter- 
races or  old  flood  plains,  lying  well  above  present  stream  channels.  It  is  well 
drained,  and  owing  to  its  porous  structure  and  topographic  position,  is  of  low 
moisture-retaining  power,  making  constant  cultivation  imperative  during  dry 
periods.  It  is  devoted  quite  extensively  to  potatoes  and.  under  favorable  con- 
ditions, to  strawberries,  early  truck  crops,  and  bush  fruits.  Forage  crops,  par- 
ticularly corn,  kale,  vetch,  and  cowpeas.  do  well.  Tree  fruits  are  not  very 
successful. 

In  the  Columbia  River  Valley  in  Washington  another  member  of  the  group  is 
found  occupying  old  elevated  terraces  and  underlain  by  a  porous,  gravelly,  and 
sandy  substratum.  Drainage  is  often  excessive.  The  type  is  utilized  mainly  for 
the  production  of  forage  crops,  hay,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

In  the  subhumid  and  semiarid  coastal  valleys  of  California  small  areas  of 
sandy  loams  of  two  series  have  been  recognized.  Drainage  is  excessive  in  both 
cases  and  the  soils  are  devoted  to  grains,  hay,  forage,  truck,  and  fruit  crops. 
In  the  Livermore  Valley,  lying  some  distance  from  the  coast  and  entirely  in- 
closed by  the  ridges  of  the  Coast  Range,  the  greater  part  of  the  type  is  utilized 
for  grain  production.  It  is  too  porous  to  be  well  adapted  to  this  purpose  and 
the  growing  of  peas,  early  cabbage,  potatoes,  and  other  truck  crops  has  proved 
more  remunerative.  These  products  are  grown  by  intensive  cultivation  but 
without  irrigation.  In  the  Pajaro  Vallev,  lying  much  nearer  the  coast,  the 
sandy  loam  soils  of  the  province  have  proven  particularly  well  suited  to  the 
production  of  fall  and  winter  apples,  cherries,  plums,  prunes,  pears,  English 
walnuts,  strawberries,  brambleberries,  cantaloupes,  early  tomatoes,  cucumbers, 
etc.     Alfalfa  is  also  successfully  grown. 

In  the  interior  valley  of  California  the  sandy  loams,  representing  two  im- 
portant soil  series,  are  generally  well  drained,  although  sometimes  subject  to 
overflow  where  not  protected  by  levees.  They  are  devoted  to  pasture,  dry- 
farmed  grains,  and  in  part  to  the  production  of  grapes,  alfalfa,  fruits,  and  vege- 
tables. They  are  best  suited  to  early  peaches,  table,  wine,  and  raisin  grapes, 
strawberries  and  brambleberries,  apricots,  melons,  and  early  truck  crops. 

While  suitable  for  the  production  of  alfalfa  and  forage  crop*  under  irriga- 
tion or  where  favored  by  natural  condition*,  moisture  supply,  proximity  to 
market,  and  good  transportation,  the  soils  of  the  group  are  more  profitably 
employed  in  the  production  of  intensively  cultivated  early  vegetables,  berries, 
stone  fiuits.  grapes,  potatoes,  and,  in  local  areas,  early  apples.  While  of  low 
moisture-i^lding  capacity  they  are  friable  and  capable  of  sustaining  a  highly  de- 
veloped inlei.sive  system  of  agriculture,   for  which  purpose  they  require  only   a 

moderate  farm  equipment 

Ooquille  $andy  loom  This  type  constats  of  a  loose,  porous  Bandy  loam  from 
15  Inches  to  •''>  Peel   >r  more  In  depth  and  varying  from  reddish-brown  to  light 

brown.      It    is  generate   underlain  at   about  8  feet  by   loose  sandy  loam  or  sand, 
sometimes  grading  Into  heavy   silt    loam  or  clay.      Bome  areas  are  covered  by  a 

shallow   layer  of  sand.      :»,,.  type  occurs   QDOn   the  more  elevated   bottom   lands 
well    above    the    streams.      -,  *js    thoroughly    drained,    but.    owing    to    its    open 

t  ■■■.luic.  somewhat  droughty.    r\  owes  its  origin  to  the  deposition  by  flood  waters 

Of    i  he   coarser   grades   of   sedin.M,(    derived    mainly    from    shale   and    sandstone 

With  frequent  Intensive  euiii\:iti.,,  to  conserve  soil  moisture  the  type  is  well 
adapted  (•>  potatoes,  berries  and  smaj  fruits,  vegetables,  ami  leguminous  crops 
(fridley  tandy  i>»i»i.     rids  type  conj^^a  of  a  reddish-brown  sandy  loam,  from 

2A    to   6    feet    deep,    frequently    containin,    f}ne   water  worn    -ravel.      Where    the 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


705 


sandy  loam  is  less  than  6  feet  in  depth  it  is  underlain  by  dark-brown  sticky 
loam.  Occasionally  a  gray,  calcareous  hardpan  is  found  at  or  below  4  feet. 
The  surface  is  level  to  slightly  rolling  and  the  elevation  is  greater  than  that  of 
surrounding  soils.  Drainage  is  good,  although  the  type  may  be  overflowed 
occasionally  for  a  short  time  at  periods  of  very  high  water.  The  original 
growth  of  oak  has  been  largely  removed  and  the  soil  devoted  to  pasture  and 
grain,  with  some  orchards  and  vineyards.  It  is  an  excellent  peach  soil  and  is 
adapted  to  grapes,  alfalfa,  and  berries. 

Lauren  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  brown  to  reddish-brown  color  and  has 
an  average  depth  of  12  to  15  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  sandy  loam 
which  becomes  lighter  in  color  and  slightly  coarser  in  texture  as  the  depth 
increases.  At  an  average  depth  of  4  to  6  feet  the  subsoil  grades  into  a  compact, 
stratified,  coarse  loamy  sand  and  fine  gravel,  which  continues  to  a  depth  of 
many  feet.  The  topography  varies  from  level  to  gently  rolling.  Drainage  is 
thorough  and  along  the  slopes  often  excessive.  This  type  is  well  adapted  to 
fruits,  vegetables,  hay,  and  forage  crops. 

Mocho  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  variable  in  character,  but  consists  in  general 
of  a  brown  to  grayish -brown,  light-textured  sandy  loam.  It  sometimes  consists 
principally  of  alternating  strata  of  fine  sand,  silty  fine  sandy  loam,  or  coarse 
sand.  Gravel  often  occurs.  Where  less  than  6  feet  deep  the  soil  is  underlain 
by  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam  or  clay  at  depths  of  3  to  5  feet.  The  type 
is  easily  cultivated  and  of  wide  distribution,  occurring  as  long,  narrow  strips 
along  creeks  or  stream  channels.  It  is  alluvial  in  origin  and  still  in  process 
of  formation.  The  surface  is  generally  of  gentle  slope,  but  often  broken  by 
ridges  and  depressions  representing  abandoned  stream  channels.  Drainage  is 
rather  excessive,  except  in  low-lying  heavy  phases,  which  remain  waterlogged 
during  the  wet  season.  Alkali  in  small  amounts  is  sometimes  present.  A 
growth  of  sycamore,  oaks,  and  willows  occurs  on  some  of  the  older  bodies. 
The  type  is  devoted  to  grazing  or  dry  farmed  to  grain  or  hay,  with  limited 
areas  devoted  to  fruits  or  truck  crops. 

Pajaro  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-brown  sandy  loam  6  feet 
or  more  in  depth,  occasionally  containing  small  gravel,  sometimes  accumulated 
in  pockets  in  the  subsoil.  The  dark  surface  soil  extends  to  30  inches,  below 
which  the  subsoil  becomes  lighter  in  color  and  texture.  The  type  is  well 
drained,  easily  tilled,  and  retentive  of  moisture.  It  occurs  principally  in  the 
long,  narrow  valleys  of  minor  streams.  It  is  light  in  color  and  texture  near 
the  mountains,  becoming  darker  and  heavier  as  the  lower  portion  of  the  valley 
is  approached.  In  the  larger  valleys  it  is  usually  found  associated  with  other 
lighter  soils  of  this  series  near  the  streams.  This  soil  is  well  suited  to  berries, 
garden  truck,  and  apples. 

Sacramento  sandy  loam. — Where  typically  developed  this  soil  consists  of  a 
gray  to  chocolate  brown,  smooth,  micaceous  sandy  loam,  often  carrying  a  large 
amount  of  fine  sand  and  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  may  be  underlain  by 
coarser  sands  and  gravel  at  less  depth.  Like  other  members  of  this  series,  the 
type  is  subject  to  much  variation  in  color,  depth,  and  texture.  It  occurs  as 
elongated  to  moderately  extensive  bodies,  the  smaller  tracts  often  being  cut  by 
sand  ridges  and  marked  by  uneven  topography.  It  is  frequently  subject  to 
overflow,  but  where  well  drained  and  protected  by  levees  it  is  well  adapted  to 
truck  crops,  berries,  melons,  and  orchard  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Lauren  sandy  loam 

22,016 
5  120 

Gridley  sandy  loam 

California  12 

Sacramento  sandy  loam 

California  13 

4,864 
3,840 
2,688 
2,048 

Pajaro  sandy  loam 

Coquille  sandy  loam 

Mocho  sandy  loam 

Total 

40,576 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


79619—13- 


45 


706  SOILS    OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 

GRAVELLY    COARSE    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

Only  one  type  of  the  gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam  phase  has  been  recognized. 
This  is  found  in  the  Columbia  River  Valley.  Like  the  sandy  loam  of  the  same 
series,  it  occupies  elevated  river  terraces  and  is  underlain  by  a  porous  sub- 
stratum of  coarse  texture.  Owing  to  the  coarser  texture  and  more  open  struc- 
ture of  the  soil  material  it  is  somewhat  more  droughty  than  the  sandy  loam. 
It  is,  however,  friable,  and  with  intensive  cultivation  is  readily  maintained  in 
a  state  of  tilth  favoring  the  retention  of  moisture.  Under  irrigation  it  would 
require  more  water  than  the  normal  sandy  loams  and  would  be  better  adapted 
to  extremely  early  fruit  or  truck  crops.  The  range  of  crops  which  might  be 
successfully  grown  upon  it  is  narrower  than  in  case  of  the  soils  without  gravel. 
It  is  used  for  the  production  of  prunes.  It  is  also  well  adapted  to  cherries, 
early  pears,  and  apples,  small  fruits,  potatoes,  and  the  lighter  vegetables. 

Lauren  gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  reddish- 
brown  coarse  sandy  loam  12  inches  deep,  containing  fine  and  coarse  gravel. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  a  coarse  sandy  loam  also  carrying  a  large  amount  of 
coarse  gravel.  The  gravel  content  of  both  soil  and  subsoil  varies  considerably 
over  areas  of  small  extent.  In  some  places  it  is  so  abundant  that  the  entire 
subsoil  to  a  depth  of  several  feet  consists  of  a  compact  mass  of  rounded 
gravel,  while  in  adjacent  areas  both  the  soil  and  the  subsoil  are  comparatively 
free  of  this  material.  The  entire  type  is  underlain  at  an  average  depth  of  4 
to  6  feet  by  a  stratified  deposit  of  coarse  sands  and  gravel,  often  cross  bedded. 
The  coarse,  porous  character  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  causes  the  drainage  of 
some  of  the  areas  occupying  slopes  to  be  excessive.  It  is  quite  extensively  de- 
voted to  the  production  of  prunes.  Under  intensive  cultivation  it  is  well 
adapted  to  pears,  apples,  cherries,  small  fruits,  potatoes,  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  an-a.1 

Acres. 

Lauren  gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam 

2.'5.  <M0 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY    SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loams  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  and  River  Terraces  have 
been  encountered  more  frequently  than  the  nongravelly  sandy  loams.  The  soil 
is  in  all  cases  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  gravel  or  sand  or  by  subsoils  of 
coarse,  porous  character. 

In  the  ciso  of  the  Agate  series  the  substratum  is  of  cemented  or  indurated. 
Impervious  character.  With  this  exception  the  underlying  material  of  the 
gravelly  Bandy  loams  is  porous  and  readily  permeable  to  water.  The  soils  are 
deficient    in    moisturo-retainini:   capacity,    are    usually    excessively   drained,    and 

where  not  favored  by  an  abundant  rainfall,  give  low  yields,  unless  Irrigation 
and  intensive  cultivation  are  practiced. 

They  are  normally  Slightly  less  retentive  of  moisture  than  the  members  of 
the  Loam  group  and.  when  the  water  table  lies  at  BUfficienI  depth,  are  somewhat 

better  adapted  to  fruits  requiring  thoroughly  drained  soils.    They  are  rarely 

subject    t<>  overflow  and   generally  occupy   stream   terraces   lying  well   above 
present  stream  channels. 

In   the  humid  districts  of  western   Washington   the  soils  of  this  -roup  occupy 
of   limited    extent,   and   only    small    portions  of   the  area    covered    have   as 

vet  been  converted  into  farms.    Hay,  potatoes,  and  small  fruits,  grown  mainly 

for  home  use,  ure  the  principal  products. 

in  the  Columbia  River  Valley  in  Washington  the  gravelly  sandy  loams  are 
adapted  i"  prunes,  early  vegetables,  and  small  fruits,  which  are  successfully 
grown  in  the  more  favorable  locations  through  the  practice  of  intensive  cultiva- 
tion, though  in  the  ultimate  and  more  complete  development  t>i~  the  soils  Irriga- 
tion   Will    become  Jieeessa  r.V. 

outhern  ( tregon  gravelly  loam  types  in  two  series  have  been  recognized,  one 
of  which  occu]  mi  bottoms  and  lower  terraces,  the  other  occurring  upon 

the  older  and  more  elevated  terraces.    The  former,  where  of  sufficient  depth 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  707 

and  favored  by  conditions  of  moisture,  is  suitable  to  the  production  of  apples, 
pears,  vegetables,  and  small  fruits.  It  has  not  been  developed  extensively  and 
is  not  of  great  agricultural  importance.  The  higher  lying  type  is  underlain  by 
an  impervious  hardpan  substratum  impenetrable  to  roots,  is  shallow,  has  a  low 
moisture-retaining  power,  and  is  utilized  mainly  for  grazing.  Under  irrigation 
it  may  prove  suitable  for  the  production  of  small  fruits  or  shallow-rooted  crops, 
and  possibly,  by  blasting,  to  early  stone  or  other  tree  fruits. 

In  the  Interior  Valley  of  California  soils  of  gravelly  sandy  loam  texture, 
representing  two  important  series,  are,  when  irrigated,  excellently  adapted  to 
the  production  of  alfalfa,  early  vegetables,  fruits,  and  olives.  The  areas  are, 
however,  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  or  for  the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains, 
irrigation  systems  not  having  been  installed  to  any  extent.  In  the  Livermore 
Valley  in  California  one  member  of  the  group  is  extensively  devoted  to  the 
culture  of  dry-wine  grapes  without  irrigation. 

The  gravelly  sandy  loams  are  capable  of  being  efficiently  handled  with  light 
farming  equipment  and  in  small,  intensively  cultivated  tracts. 

Agate  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  ranges  in  depth  from  a  few  inches  to 
1\  feet,  usually  containing  small  water-worn  gravel,  cobbles,  or  basaltic  frag- 
ments. The  organic-matter  content  is  low  and  the  surface  is  uneven  and  irregu- 
lar. Portions  of  the  type  as  mapped  support  a  heavy  growth  of  manzanita 
and  ceanothus,  with  some  pine  and  oak.  Owing  to  the  prevailing  shallow  char- 
acter of  the  type  it  is  best  adapted  to  shallow-rooted  crops. 

Hear  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish- 
brown,  open  and  porous  light  sandy  loam  carrying  varying  quantities  of  rounded 
or  flattened  gravel  or  cobbles,  and  underlain  by  beds  of  water-worn  cobbles  or 
gravels.  It  is  often  subject  to  overflow  from  adjacent  streams.  The  type 
occurs  as  extensive  bodies  of  uneven  or  eroded  surface.  Crops  can  be  grown 
only  under  copious  irrigation. 

Elma  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown,  dark-brown, 
or  nearly  black  gravelly  sandy  loam  carrying  considerable  fine  silty  material 
and  at  times  large  amounts  of  organic  matter.  A  few  rounded  glacial  cobbles 
are  strewn  over  the  surface  and  distributed  throughout  the  soil  section.  It  is 
underlain  by  a  brown  or  reddish-brown  gravelly  loam  with  a  high  percentage 
of  rounded  glacial  rocks  and  coarse  gravel.  The  soil  is  both  glacial  and  alluvial 
in  origin.  The  coarser  material  which  makes  up  the  greater  portion  of  the 
subsoil,  as-  well  as  a  small  part  of  the  soil,  represents  glacial  deposits,  while 
the  finer  material  is  derived  from  later  deposits  of  colluvial  and  alluvial  ma- 
terial. The  type  is  of  limited  extent,  being  found  only  along  the  minor  streams. 
It  is  comparatively  level,  porous,  and  inclined  to  be  excessively  drained.  Much 
of  the  type  has  been  logged  off.  but  only  a  small  area  is  under  cultivation. 
Where  drainage  is  not  excessive  the  type  produces  fair  crops  of  hay,  potatoes, 
and  small  fruit. 

Camas  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  a  depth  of  6  to  12  inches  is  dark 
brown  and  contains  a  variable  amount  of  rounded  gravel,  mica,  and  small 
bowlders.  The  subsoil,  to  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more,  is  a  light-brown  or  brown, 
imperfectly  stratified  sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand,  which  carries  a  much  higher 
percentage  of  gravel  than  the  soil.  The  soil  material  has  been  deposited  by 
swift  streams  flowing  at  higher  levels  than  at  present.  The  surface  soil  has 
been  modified  to  some  extent  by  fine  material  from  the  adjacent  uplands  and 
by  the  accumulation  of  organic  matter.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently 
undulating.  Owing  to  its  position  and  the  porous  character  of  the  subsoil, 
drainage  over  the  greater  proportion  of  the  type  is  excessive.  The  soil  sup- 
ports an  inferior  and  stunted  growth  of  fir.  The  type  N  deficient  in  moisture- 
retaining  capacity  and  subject  to  drought,  but  where  capable  of  irrigation  is 
best  adapted  to  fruit. 

Livermore  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  is  a  very  dark  brown  or  reddish-brown 
gravelly  loam  2  to  3  feet  in  depth.  The  gravel  is  flattened  or  angular  and  is 
derived  from  many  different  rocks.  The  subsoil  is  slightly  lighter  in  color,  and 
contains  more  coarse  gravel  and  cobbles,  which  Increase  in  quantity  with  depth. 
often  merging  into  beds  of  coarse  gravel  and  cobbles  ;it  6  feet.  The  type  is 
associated  with  soils  of  the  Pleasanton  series  and  occu]  les  benches  and  ter- 
races along  stream  courses.  The  snrface  is  level.  Drainage  is  excessive  and 
the  type  is  generally  treeless.  A  large  part  of  it  is  farmed  to  grain  and  bay, 
yields  being  light  except  in  favorable  seasons,  it  is  also  extensively  devoted 
to  wine  grapes,  and  under  irrigation  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  fruit,  ai 
farm  crops. 


708 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


May  wood  gravelly  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  sandy 
loam  with  a  varying  content  of  water-worn  gravel  and  coarse  sand.  It  is  of 
rather  porous  nature  and  extends  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more,  though  some- 
times underlain  at  any  depth  below  18  inches  by  beds  of  incoherent  stream 
gravel  or  occasionally  by  a  clay  loam  subsoil.  The  soil  is  friable  and  easily 
cultivated,  but  occasionally  puddles  slightly  if  handled  when  too  wet.  The  type 
occurs  as  inextensive  areas  bordering  flood  plains  of  intermittent  streams. 
The  surface  is  level  or  broken  by  occasional  remnants  of  stream  channels. 
Drainage  is  well  established.  The  type  is  practically  treeless.  The  soil  is  of 
alluvial  origin  and  of  rather  recent  formation.  It  is  used  in  the  production 
of  dry-farmed  grains,  and  in  some  cases  peaches  have  been  successfully  pro- 
duced without  irrigation.  Irrigation  is  necessary  to  its  extensive  development, 
when  it  can  be  used  for  the  cultivation  of  olives,  peaches,  alfalfa,  and  various 
other  farm  and  fruit  crops. 

Salem  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  and  subsoil  are  of  light-brown  to  dark- 
brown  color  and  underlain  by  a  gravel  substratum  varying  in  depth  from  1  to 
4  feet  or  more  and  of  loose,  open  structure.  Water-worn  basaltic  gravel  is  found 
throughout  the  soil  section,  often  representing  50  per  cent  of  the  surface 
material.  The  surface  is  often  somewhat  uneven,  requiring  leveling  for  irri- 
gation. The  type  occurs  adjacent  to  stream  channels  and  to  a  great  extent 
occupies  present  stream  bottoms.  It  supports  a  dense  growth  of  forest.  Where 
deep  enough  and  where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  it  is  adapted  to 
apples,  pears,  alfalfa,  and  grains. 

Sifton  gravelly  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  brown  to  black,  from  10  to 
3  2  inches  deep,  and  contains  a  large  amount  of  rounded,  water-worn  gravel 
throughout  the  section.  The  subsoil  is  a  compact  mass  of  rounded,  water- worn 
gravel  and  cobbles,  the  interstitial  material  consisting  of  medium  to  coarse 
sandy  loam  or  loamy  sand.  In  places  the  subsoil  consists  almost  wholly  of 
rounded  bowlders  and  cobbles.  The  topography  is  gently  undulating,  broken 
by  numerous  low  ridges  with  broad,  shallow  basins.  The  coarse,  gravelly 
texture  of  the  subsoil  causes  drainage  to  be  excessive.  The  type  is  sparsely 
timbered,  easily  cleared,  and  with  careful  cultivation  to  conserve  moisture  is 
adapted  to  prunes,  early  vegetables,  and  small  fruits. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sifton  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Livcrmore  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Bear  gravelly  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

Salem  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Klma  gravelly  sandy  loam 

May  wood  gravelly  sandy  loam . 
Camas  gravelly  sandy  loam 


Washington  7. 

California  8 

California  17... 

Oregon  4 

do 

Washington  5. 
California  16... 
Washington  7. 


11.520 
9,600 

4,41(5 
3,004 
3,584 
2,048 

2.048 


Total. 


45,604 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


COABSE    SANDY    LOAM    PHASE. 


The  coarse  Bandy  loam  phase  of  the  sandy  loam  group  of  this  province  is 
represented  by  two  soil  types. 

The  soils  are  normally  of  appreciably  coarser  texture  and  more  open,  per- 
vious structure  than  the  normal  members  of  the  sandy  loam  group,  and  have  a 
much  lower  power  to  retain  moisture  during  periods  of  drought 

in  the  Toutle  series,  characterised  by  b  porous  gravelly  substratum,  tho  soil, 
although  occurring  in  a  moderately  humid  and  hoavii-  forested  region,  is 
droughty  and   not    woii   adapted   to  agriculture  without    Irrigation,  although 

sonic   of   the   earlier    truck    and    fruit    crops   can    be    grown    with    the    natural 

moisture  Supply  under  intensive  methods  of  cultivation.     I'.ut   little  attempt    has 

i   been  made  to  use  the  type  for  fanning. 

The  course  sandy   Loam    in    the   Sacramento  series,  while  of  coarse  texture. 

Under    Certain    moisture    conditions    BSSUmeS    a    moderately    close    and    compact 

structure.    OwinR  to  this  physical  peculiarity  and  to  the  fact  thai  the  subsoil 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


709 


is  somewhat  heavier,  the  soil  is  superior  to  that  previously  described  in  mois- 
ture-retaining properties,  and  under  similar  conditions  of  environment  does  not 
differ  essentially  in  adaptation  to  crops  from  the  sandy  loam  of  the  same 
series. 

Sacramento  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish  or  yellowish  to 
dark  chocolate  brown,  somewhat  micaceous  sandy  loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth, 
carrying  a  large  quantity  of  coarse,  sharp  sand  and  fine  gravel.  It  is  usually 
loose  and  incoherent  when  dry,  but  somewhat  sticky  when  wet,  becoming  com- 
pact and  forming  a  hard,  smooth  surface  somewhat  inclined  to  clod  under 
field  conditions.  The  soil  generally  extends  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more, 
although  the  subsoil  is  sometimes  slightly  heavier  in  texture  and  in  color  than 
the  soil.  The  type  is  derived  mainly  from  the  sand  and  gravel  beds  of  the 
lower  foothills  forming  the  basis  of  the  lighter  members  of  the  Arnold  series, 
and  with  the  exception  of  the  sandy  and  incoherent  bodies  is  well  adapted  to 
the  production  of  almonds.  Under  irrigation  strawberries  and  brambleberries 
can  be  grown.  Olives,  melons,  and  vine  and  truck  crops  are  also  grown  upon 
this  type  with  considerable  success. 

Toutle  coarse  sandy  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  10  to  12  inches 
consists  of  a  brown  to  grayish-brown,  light-textured  coarse  sandy  loam.  The 
upper  layer,  from  1  to  3  inches  thick,  often  contains  a  large  amount  of  de- 
composing vegetable  matter,  which  imparts  a  dark  color  and  loamy  texture. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  light-brown,  light  sandy  loam  of  coarser  texture  than 
the  surface  soil.  The  material  ordinarily  extends  to  a  considerable  depth 
below  the  surface,  resting  on  deposits  of  coarse  gravel  and  small  cobbles. 
Rounded,  waterworn  gravel  is  found  in  both  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type 
occupies  elevated  terraces  rising  10  to  50  feet  above  the  present  level  of  the 
streams.  The  topography  is  level  to  gently  undulating.  The  coarse,  porous 
texture  of  the  soil  and  subsoil  cause  the  type  as  a  whole  to  be  excessively 
drained,  of  deficient  moisture-retaining  capacity,  and  subject  to  drought.  The 
native  timber  growth  consists  mainly  of  fir  and  hemlock. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  coarse  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

California  13 

26.304 

2,304 

Total 

28, 608 

i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


Fine  Sandy  Loam  Group. 


The  fine  sandy  loam  group  is  represented  in  a  large  number  of  soil  series. 
There  is  a  wide  variation  among  the  individual  types  in  climate,  drainage,  irri- 
gation conditions,  possibility  of  overflow,  character  of  native  vegetation,  and 
economic  and  transportation  conditions  as  affecting  the  development  of  special 
agricultural  industries. 

The  soils  of  the  group  are  usually  porous  and.  when  favorably  situated,  well 
drained.  They  are  friable,  readily  maintained  in  good  tilth,  and  are  retentive 
of  moisture  under  intensive  cultivation.  Lower  lying  areas  are  frequently  sub- 
ject to  overflow  unless  protected  by  levees.  The  soils  often  support  a  dense 
cover  of  timber  and  clearing  is  difficult  and  expensive.  Leveling  and  preparing 
the  land  for  irrigation  also  require  considerable  labor  and  expense. 

They  are  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa  and,  when  devoted  to  dairy- 
ing or  stock  raising,  forage  crops.  The  heavier  grain  and  grass  crops  can  be 
grown  with  moderate  success.  In  general  these  soils  are  superior  to  those  of  the 
sandy  loam  group  for  all  general  farming  purposes,  and  demand  only  a  light  or 
moderate  farm  equipment  in  machinery  and  draft  stock.  They  are  adapted  to 
the  intensive  culture  of  moderately  early  fruits,  small  fruits,  and  staple  vege- 
tables. Where  climate,  subsoil,  and  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  the  line 
sandy  loams  of  this  province  are  particularly  well  suited  to  the  growing  of 
peaches,  prunes,  pears,  plums,  cherries,  apples,  grapes,  hops,  asparagus,  sugar 
beets,  and  tomatoes,  and  are  in  certain  areas  highly  developed  to  the  culture  of 
these  products  upon  an  extensive  commercial   scale     The  soils  of  this  group 


710  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 

constitute  one  of  the  most  important  assets  of  the  Pacific  coast  in  the  production 
of  special  fruit  and  truck  crops. 

Anderson  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-red  to  grayish- red 
fine  sandy  loam  from  3  to  6  feet  deep,  carrying  a  moderate  amount  of  small 
subangular  or  water-worn  gravel.  It  occurs  as  narrow  strips  in  bottoms  and 
as  narrow  valley  slopes  subject  to  partial  overflow.  It  represents  alluvial 
deposits  from  the  adjacent  red  soils  of  the  uplands.  With  or  without  irrigation 
the  type  is  adapted  to  grapes,  peaches,  pears,  small  fruits,  grains,  and  alfalfa, 
though  these  crops  all  do  better  where  irrigation  is  practiced. 

Columbia  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  grayish,  grayish  brown,  or  buff,  some- 
what micaceous,  and  of  porous  structure.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  fine  sandy 
loam  or  fine  sand  of  similar  or  of  somewhat  lighter  color  than  the  soil,  though 
in  places  underlain  at  a  depth  of  3  to  6  feet  by  stream-laid  sands  and  gravels 
or  streaked  with  lenses  of  finer  sediments.  The  type  is  of  recent  alluvial  origin 
and  occupies  stream  bottoms  and  lower  terraces.  It  is  derived  from  a  wide 
variety  of  rocks,  including  both  acid  and  basic  igneous  and  metamorphic  forma- 
tions with  some  of  sedimentary  origin.  The  surface  varies  from  smooth  and 
nearly  level  to  uneven,  being  sometimes  eroded,  cut  by  sloughs  or  stream  chan- 
nels, and  in  places  marked  by  dunes.  It  frequently  supports  a  dense  growth  of 
cottonwood.  willow,  or  other  trees,  with  vines  and  brush.  It  is  usually  well 
drained,  where  not  subject  to  overflow,  and  is  rather  low  in  power  to  hold 
moisture,  except  in  areas  having  a  high  water  table.  Where  protected  from 
overflow  and  where  the  rainfall  is  adequate  or  irrigation  practiced  it  is  utilized 
for  the  production  of  grains,  alfalfa,  peaches,  and  prunes.  It  is  well  adapted 
to  early  truck  and  orchard  fruits. 

Coquille  fine  sandy  loam. — This  type  consists  of  12  inches  or  more  of  a  friable, 
buff  or  brown  fine  sandy  loam,  underlain  by  a  sandy  loam  of  fine  to  coarse 
texture,  grading  at  3  feet  or  more  into  a  loose,  porous  sandy  loam  or  sand. 
Occasionally  the  soil  occurs  as  a  surface  mantle  overlying  associated  types  with 
heavier  subsoils.  It  occupies  the  more  elevated  flood  plains  and  supports  a 
native  growth  of  timber  and  brush.  It  is  generally  well  drained.  In  origin 
and  mode  of  formation  it  is  similar  to  the  Coquille  sandy  loam.  It  is  retentive 
of  moisture  and  well  adapted  to  corn,  potatoes,  truck,  aud  leguminous  crops 
and  bramble  fruits. 

Evans  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  light  brown  in  color,  distinctly  mica- 
ceous, and  frequently  carries  water-worn  gravel.  The  type  is  traversed  by 
intermittent  streams  and  is  well  drained.  Lower  lying  areas  are  occasionally 
subject  to  overflow.  The  type  generally  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  trees  and 
brush.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  irrigation  or  rainfall  it  is  well  adapted 
to  alfalfa,  peaches,  and  truck  crops. 

Lauren  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  brown  to  slightly  reddish  brown  and 
from  10  to  15  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  light -brown  or  slightly  mottled 
fine  sandy  loam  or  silty  fine  sandy  loam,  which  becomes  heavier  with  depth. 
often  grading  at  .')  to  4  feet  into  a  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay.  A  large  quantity 
of  small  mica  flakes  is  found  in  the  subsoil.  In  some  localities  the  surface  of 
the  areas  occupied  by  this  type  consists  of  a  series  of  small,  shallow  basins  with 
intervening  low  mounds.  This  is  an  Intermediate  type  between  the  Lauren 
Sandy  loam  and  the  I-Vlida  silt  loam  and  does  not  conform  strictly  in  all 
respect^  to  the  Lauren  series.  Unlike  the  other  members  of  the  series,  the 
deeper  subsoil  of  this  type  is  underlain  by  compact,  stratified  deposits  of  silts. 
clays,  and  tine  sands,  which  contain  little  or  no  eoarse  material.  Drainage  is 
usually  well  developed,  hut  occasionally  deficient  in  local  depressions  or  in  the 

more  level   areas.      The  type   is  adapted   to   prunes  and   Other  tree  fruits,   small 

fruit,  and  vegetables, 
Livermore  fine  sandy  i<><im.    The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown, 

fine  sandy  loam  about  2  fret  deep,  the  red  tint  becoming  more  pronounced  when 
wet.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  brown  or  yellowish  Bandy  loam,  o\'  liner  tex- 
ture than  the  surface  soil,  grading  into  a  yellowish  medium  sand  or  loamy 

sand  ;il   depths  of  ."»  and  <",  feet      In  some  areas  both   the  soil   and   subsoil  carry 

gravel.  The  type  is  well  drained  and  treeless.  Hay  and  -rain  are  the  prin- 
cipal crops,  yields  being  somewhat  lighter  than  on  the  Livermore  loam.    Under 

Irrigation  the  type  COUld  be  Utilized  for  small   fruits,  truck,  and  alfalfa. 

Maytoood  fine  sandy  loam.    The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-gray  One  sandy 

loam  from  24  t<»  :;<»  Inches  deep,  >>\'  friable  structure  and  carrying  moderate 

amount!  of  water  \v«»rn  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  usually  Composed  <>f  loam  or 
gravelly  loam.  thOUgb  in  places  gravel  bods  or  a  light  clay  loam  underlie  the 
soil.      The    type   OCCUrS    B8    narrow,    elongated    bodies   occupying    minor    stream 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  711 

valleys.  The  topography  is  level,  but  frequently  marked  by  shallow,  winding 
stream  beds  or  by  remnants  of  former  stream  courses.  It  is  separated  from 
adjacent  types  by  well-defined  terraces,  or  merges  into  surrounding  soils  by 
definite  degrees.  It  occasionally  supports  a  scattered  growth  of  valley  oak 
and  during  rainy  periods  a  luxuriant  growth  of  native  grasses.  It  is  generally 
devoted  to  the  production  of  dry-farmed  grains.  The  production  of  fruits  with- 
out irrigation  has  been  developed  to  a  slight  extent  and  with  only  partial  suc- 
cess. Under  irrigation  alfalfa,  peaches,  prunes,  apricots,  and  other  fruits, 
melons  and  truck  crops  can  be  grown  profitably. 

Mocho  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-textured,  porous,  brown 
to  grayish-brown,  fine  sandy  loam.  18  to  24  inches  deep,  carrying  small  amounts 
of  gravel.  It  is  underlain  by  thin,  alternating  strata  of  grayish-brown  fine 
sandy  loam  and  fine  sand,  marked  with  gray  or  yellow  and  becoming  quite  silty 
in  the  lower  portion  of  the  section.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  except  where 
marked  by  depressions  and  ridges  along  former  stream  channels.  Drainage 
is  well  established.  The  type  is  entirely  under  cultivation  and  devoted  prin- 
cipally to  sugar  beets  and  hops. 

Neal  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  of  variable  texture,  from  1  to  6  feet  or  more 
in  depth,  and  carries  in  places  thin  lenses  of  fine  gravel,  and  coarse,  sandy, 
granitic  bowlders  are  sometimes  present.  The  topsoil  is  normally  underlain  by 
a  lighter  colored  material  of  heavy  texture,  by  shales,  or  locally  by  water-worn 
gravel.  The  surface  is  sloping  and  frequently  uneven.  Drainage  is  fairly  well 
developed  and  the  type  rarely  subject  to  overflow.  It  is  adapted  to  grains, 
alfalfa,  and  tree  fruits. 

Pajaro  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown,  micaceous,  fine 
sandy  loam  varying  in  depth  from  18  inches  to  6  feet,  the  depth  being  greater 
near  the  streams  which  have  laid  the  material  down.  The  soil  usually  rests 
upon  a  subsoil  of  black  loam  or  silt  loam.  This  type  is  easily  tilled,  holds 
moisture  well,  and  is  adapted  to  apples,  small  fruits,  alfalfa,  and  garden 
products. 

Pit  yet  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  brown  fine  sandy  loam  from 
12  to  15  inches  deep,  sometimes  marked  by  iron  stains,  is  friable,  and  rather  in- 
coherent. The  subsoil  is  lighter  in  color  and  texture  and  iron  stained.  It  is 
sometimes  marked  by  layers  of  clay  or  sandy  clay.  It  occurs  in  stream  valleys 
as  low  ridges  or  level  areas.  Drainage  is  good,  but  the  type  is  sometimes  sub- 
ject to  overflow.  Willow  is  the  characteristic  tree  growth.  This  soil  is  exten- 
sively cultivated  and  devoted  mainly  to  forage  crops  and  pasture,  although 
well  adapted  to  fruits. 

Sacramento  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  loose,  porous,  micaceous, 
fine  sandy  loam  of  light  yellowish  brown  or  light-gray  color,  usually  6  feet  in 
depth,  though  sometimes  less.  It  is  frequently  gravelly,  is  underlain  by  river 
sands  or  gravels,  and  occurs  as  inextensive,  long,  narrow,  or  irregular  bodies. 
The  surface  is  often  eroded  or  uneven.  The  areas  support  a  dense  growth  of 
vines,  brush,  and  forest  trees.  The  type  is  subject  to  overflow.  It  merges 
gradually  into  adjacent  soil  types  and  when  cleared,  leveled,  and  placed  under 
irrigation  is  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  truck  crops,  and  fruits. 

Salem  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  fine  sandy  loam  and  is  underlain 
by  a  subsoil  of  similar  character.  This  rests  upon  a  substratum  of  water-worn 
gravels,  sometimes  compact  and  cemented  in  its  deeper  portion,  and  occurring 
usually  at  depths  between  18  inches  and  6  feet.  The  soil  in  many  places  con- 
tains small  quantities  of  water-worn  gravel,  often  in  the  form  of  thin  lenses 
or  strata.  The  type  occupies  bottom  lands  and  is  of  somewhat  irregular  sur- 
face. Drainage  is  good  and  overflows  infrequent.  The  type  is  alluvial  in 
origin,  occupying  stream  bottoms  and  terraces.  It  supports  a  heavy  growth  of 
forest  trees  and  underbrush.  It  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  apples,  pears,  small 
fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Vina  fine  sandy  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  or  grayish-brown  to 
nearly  black,  friable,  fine  Bandy  Loam  of  somewhat  micaceous  character,  6  or 
more  feet  in  depth.  The  type  is  of  uniform  character  throughout  and  ordinarily 
free  from  gravel.  The  topography  is  smooth,  and  level  or  slightly  sloping.  Gen- 
tle depressions  of  deficient  drainage  are  of  occasional  occurrence.  This  soil  sup- 
ports a  vigorous  growth  of  willow,  cottonwood,  and  underbrush.  Irrigation  can 
be  practiced  over  most  of  the  typo.  Dry-farmed  grains  give  good  yields,  but 
the  type  is  better  adapted  to  alfalfa,  peaches  and  other  fruits,  grapes,  melons, 
and  truck  crops  under  irrigation. 


712 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  fine  sandy  loams. 


Soil  name. 


Puget  fine  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  fine*  sandy  loam. 

Lauren  fine  sandy  loam 

Columbia  fine  sandy  loam.. . 

Vina  fine  sandy  loam 

Salem  fine  sandy  loam 

Coquille  fine  sandy  loam 

Anderson  fine  sandy  loam... 

Neal  fine  sandy  loam 

Pajaro  fine  sandy  loam 

Evans  fine  sandy  loam 

Maywood  fine  sandy  loam... 

Mocho  fine  sandy  loam 

Livermore  fine  sandv  loam. . 


Total 232,704 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Washington  4.5,7 >      128, 704 

"'776 
736 
720 
r68 
912 
736 
520 
368 
048 
920 
536 
512 
448 


California  12.  18,  25. 

Washington  7 

California  2, 16, 17. 

California  16 

Oregon  4,5 

Oregon  3 

California  17 

Oregon  4 

California  14 

Oregon  4 

California  16 

California  8 

do 


35,; 
20, 
14,: 

8,' 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
GRAVELLY   FINE   SANDY   LOAM    PHASE. 

The  gravelly  fine  sandy  loams  of  this  province  have  been  mapped  over  a 
small  area,  and  are  represented  by  only  two  types.  These  soils  are  in  both 
cases  underlain  by  porous,  gravelly  subsoils  and  are  leachy  and  deficient  in 
moisture-holding  capacity.  They  are  more  difficult  to  handle  than  the  non- 
gravelly  soils  of  fine  sandy  loam  texture,  and  under  irrigation  require  more 
frequent  and  larger  applications  of  water. 

The  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam  soils  occur  under  semiarid  conditions  in  the 
interior  and  coastal  valleys  of  California.  They  are  devoted  mainly  to  graz- 
ing or  dry  farming,  or  to  grains  or  grain  hay,  the  yields  usually  being  light. 
They  are  not  well  adapted  to  general  farming,  but  under  irrigation  give  good 
results  with  peaches,  apricots,  and  other  stone  fruits  suited  to  the  lighter  soils, 
and  to  early  truck  crops  and  small  fruits.  Alfalfa  can  be  successfully  grown 
with  copious  irrigation.  The  gravel  in  the  soil  adapts  it  to  a  distinctly  lighter 
type  of  farming  than  the  fine  sandy  loams  of  the  same  series. 

Elder  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  typically  of  a  dark-gray 
fine  sandy  loam  carrying  water-worn  gravel,  often  in  excessive  amounts.  The 
soil  frequently  extends  to  the  depth  of  6  feet  or  more,  but  may  be  underlain  at 
any  depth  below  18  inches  by  stratified  deposits  of  sand.  silt,  and  gravel.  The 
type  occupies  stream  bottoms  but  slightly  elevated  above  the  present  water 
level.  The  surface  is  broken  or  uneven  and  often  traversed  by  gullies  or  rem- 
nants of  former  stream  channels.  The  type  supports  a  considerable  growth  of 
brush  with  occasional  t roes.  It  is  inclined  to  be  porous  and  leachy  and  requires 
frequent  and  copious  irrigation  for  the  profitable  production  of  crops,  of  which 
alfalfa  and  fruits  give  the  best  result. 

Mocho  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown,  dark-gray,  or 
dark  grayish  yellow  fine  sandy  loam  from  10  inches  to  3  feet  deep,  carrying  vary- 
ing amounts  of  water-worn  gravel.  It  is  underlain  by  a  hod  of  coarse  gravel, 
many   feet    in   thickness  and  with  hut  little  fine  material.     The  surface  is  com- 

paratlvely   level,   hut    Interrupted   by   occasional   abandoned   stream   channels. 

Drainage  is  excessive.  Many  large  sycamore  trees  are  distributed  over  the  type. 
It  is  derived  mainly  from  material  washed  from  the  gravelly  soils  of  the 
Pleasanton  series,  and  is  dry  farmed  to  grain  or  hay,  which  gives  light  yields,  or 
is  utilized  for  grazing. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  fine  tandy  loams. 


Soil  BUM 

State  i  r  im,i 

Acres. 

California  8 

3,136 

C:ilifi>rriia  It. 

832 

Total                                      

3,968 

to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  713 

SILTY  FINE   SANDY  LOAM   PHASE. 

This  phase  of  the  fine  sandy  loam  group  of  soils  includes  those  of  distinctly 
silty  texture.  Material  of  this  character  has  been  encountered  in  this  province 
in  but  one  locality,  where  it  is  of  small  extent.  It  is  somewhat  heavier  and 
less  porous  than  the  fine  sandy  loam  of  the  series  and,  under  favorable  condi- 
tions, somewhat  more  retentive  of  moisture. 

In  the  locality  in  which  it  occurs  it  is  devoted  to  fruits  without  irrigation, 
but  the  rainfall  is  scanty  and  the  type  rather  droughty  for  the  best  results. 
Under  intensive  cultivation  truck  crops  and  alfalfa  are  somewhat  more  profit- 
able. 

Under  irrigation,  which  has  not  yet  developed  in  the  area  mapped,  it  should 
prove  well  adapted  to  the  general  farm,  fruit,  and  truck  crops  of  the  fine  sandy 
loam  group. 

Livermore  silty  fine  sandy  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  fine  sandy  loam 
about  3  feet  deep,  ranging  from  brown  to  slightly  reddish  brown.  The 
subsoil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  brown,  light-textured  fine  sandy  loam.  The 
topography  is  level  to  slightly  rolling,  with  frequent  depressions  marking  aban- 
doned stream  channels.  Valley  oaks  are  scattered  over  virgin  areas.  Consid- 
erable areas  are  planted  to  tree  fruits,  the  yields  often  being  light  or  the  fruit 
of  small  size  on  account  of  lack  of  moisture.  A  small  acreage  is  occupied  by 
alfalfa  and  truck  crops.    The  type  is  not  irrigated. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  fine  sandy  loam. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Livermore  silty  fine  sandy  loam California  8 


1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Loam  Group. 

The  loam  soils  occupy  extensive  areas  of  the  River  Flood  Plains  and  Terrace 
province  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region  and  have  been  recognized  in  various  parts 
of  the  province.  They  are  subject  to  a  wide  range  in  climate,  drainage  condi- 
tions, and  character  of  underlying  material. 

In  western  Washington  the  loams  are  devoted  to  oats,  clover,  timothy  hay, 
hops,  fruits,  and  truck  crops.  The  climate  and  soil  conditions  favor  dairying 
and  the  production  of  hay  and  oats.  Hops,  apples,  pears,  plums,  small  fruits, 
and  the  later  and  hardier  truck  crops  constitute  the  principal  intensively  culti- 
vated products.  In  certain  districts  only  those  fruits  and  vegetables  that  can 
resist  occasional  light  summer  frosts  can  be  safely  grown. 

In  Oregon  the  group  is  represented  by  a  single  soil  type.  It  is  rather  deficient 
in  moisture-holding  capacity,  but  is  well  adapted  to  hay  crops,  including  clover, 
alfalfa,  and  timothy,  and  to  pears  and  apples,  small  fruit,  and  vegetable  products 
under  irrigation. 

In  California  the  soils  are  grouped  in  a  number  of  series  occurring  promi- 
nently in  the  Sacramento,  coastal,  and  coastal-intermountain  valleys.  In  the 
interior  valley  they  are  sometimes  rather  poorly  drained  and  subject  to  exten- 
sive overflow  during  periods  of  flood  where  not  protected  by  dikes.  Some 
of  the  soils  of  locally  better  moisture  conditions  are  capable  of  successful  utiliza- 
tion without  irrigation.  In  other  localities  the  soils  are  less  retentive  of 
moisture  or  so  situated  as  to  be  more  thoroughly  drained,  and  without  irrigation 
such  types  can  be  used  for  farming  only  at  the  cost  of  constant  and  intensive 
cultivation.  In  other  sections  irrigation  is  absolutely  essential  to  the  produc- 
tion of  crops.  Areas  subject  to  overflow  and  poorly  drained  are  used  mainly 
for  pasture. 

Where  moisture  conditions  are  favorable  the  loams  are  utilized  quite  exten- 
sively for  grains,  alfalfa,  and  forage  crops,  and  in  certain  localities  have  been 
highly  developed  for  the  culture  of  grapes,  tree  fruits,  hops,  and  truck  crops. 
Peaches,  almonds,  apricots,  prunes,  and  pears  are  the  most  common  of  the  tree 
fruits.  Olives  and  figs  are  grown  to  less  extent.  The  soils  are  usually  well 
adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  and  medium  early  to  late  vegetables.  Some  of 
the  members  of  the  group  are  particularly  adapted  to  certain  varieties  of  grapes. 


714  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

In  the  coastal  valleys  hops,  sugar  beets,  small  fruits,  alfalfa,  the  later  or 
heavier  vegetables,  and  stone  fruits  are  usually  grown. 

The  loam  group  of  soils  of  this  province  are  friable  and  easily  maintained  in 
good  tilth.  They  require  only  a  moderate  outlay  in  farm  equipment  and  are 
economically  and  effectively  used  in  small  tracts  under  intensive  cultivation. 
They  are  well  suited  to  the  general  farm  crops  and  to  dairying  or  stock  raising 
and  constitute  one  of  the  most  important  soil  groups  of  the  Pacific  Coast  region. 

Bear  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown,  sticky  silt  loam  from  4  to 
6  feet  deep,  grading  into  a  very  dark  brown  loam  below  4  feet.  Where  less 
than  6  feet  deep  it  is  underlain  by  water-worn,  sandy  gravel.  The  higher  lying 
portions  of  the  type  have  excellent  drainage  and  are  free  from  overflow,  but 
the  lower  areas  are  occasionally  inundated  during  flood  periods.  The  surface 
is  generally  level,  though  broken  by  occasional  gullies.  Grain  hay  is  the  prin- 
cipal crop.  Lower  lying  areas  bear  a  heavy  growth  of  native  grass,  which  is 
cut  for  hay  or  grazed  off.  The  type  is  an  excellent  soil  for  alfalfa,  grapes,  and 
stone  fruits,  and  can  also  be  used  for  hops. 

Chchalis  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  yellowish-brown  to  dark-brown  loam 
12  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  dark-brown  sandy  loam.  Near  the  stream  banks 
the  soil  is  often  a  fine  sandy  loam,  while  farther  back  it  merges  gradually  into 
a  silt  loam.  The  tyi>e  is  slightly  rolling  along  the  streams,  becoming  nearly 
level  farther  back.  Drainage  as  a  whole  is  good.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to 
fruits  and  truck  crops  capable  of  withstanding  slight  midsummer  freezes. 
Hops  also  do  well.     Practically  all  of  the  type  is  under  cultivation. 

El  ma  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  brown  heavy  loam  about 
12  inches  deep.  The  dry  cultivated  surface  assumes  a  grayish  tinge.  It  is 
underlain  by  a  lighter  colored  sandy  clay  loam  which  becomes  heavier  in  tex- 
ture and  more  compact  as  depth  increases.  At  3  to  8  feet  an  incoherent  mass 
of  coarse  glacial  gravels  is  encountered.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  contain  many 
mica  flakes.  The  type  includes  small  areas  of  sandy  loam  and  fine  sandy  loam. 
The  topography  is  level  and  the  land  easily  cultivated.  The  Elma  loam  is 
derived  chiefly  from  alluvium  overlying  glacial  material.  The  type  occurs  as 
small,  Irregular  bodies  along  minor  streams  emptying  into  the  Chehalis  River. 
A  large  part  of  it  is  under  cultivation.  It  is  well  adapted  to  oats,  hay,  clover, 
apples,  pears,  plums,  and  small  fruits. 

Feather  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  6  feet  or  more  of  a  deep-brown  loam 
with  a  smooth,  silty  texture.  The  natural  drainage  over  the  greater  part  of 
the  type  is  poor,  water  accumulating  on  it  from  surrounding  types.  When  the 
river  levees  break  these  areas  are  flooded.  The  type  is  alluvial  in  origin  and 
subject  to  modification  at  each  period  of  flood.  Owing  to  danger  from  over- 
flows a  large  part  of  this  soil  has  never  been  cultivated.  It  supports  a  heavy 
growth  of  gra ss  and  is  used  for  pasture.  Where  drained  and  protected  from 
overflows  the  soil  is  very  productive. 

Qridley  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light  reddish  brown  loam  from  2  to  6 
fool  deep,  underlain  by  :i  heavy,  sticky,  dark  reddish  brown  clay  loam.  Most  of 
the  type  rests  upon  a  gray,  calcareous  hardpan  at  an  average  depth  of  3  feet, 
overlain  in  most  eases  by  a  layer  of  compact  Clay  loam  encountered  below  the 
soil.  The  type  occupies  a  slightly  uneven  plain  with  numerous  shallow  depres- 
sions, having  no  outlet.  Both  surface  drainage  and  subdrainage  are  deficient, 
owing  to  lack  of  surface  channels  and  the  impervious  underlying  hardpan.  The 
depressed  spots  usually  contain  water  during  the  rainy  season.  Artificial  drain- 
age is  necessary  for  the  Intensive  development  of  the  type,  which  is  occasion- 
ally Inundated  from  river  overflow.     Under  favorable  drainage  conditions  the 

typo  is  well  adapted  to  fruits,  including  peaches,  pears,  apricots,  apples,  grapes, 
and   tigs.      Alfalfa  does  well. 

Eonoui  loam.  -The  type  consists  of  a  light  reddish  brown  loam  'J  feet  deep, 

Underlain  by  a  very  dark  red  loam  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  feel  or  more. 
Water-WOrn  gravel  is  sometimes  present  in  this  soil  near  stream  courses,  but 
is  not  an  essential  feature  of  the  type.  The  surface  is  level  and  the  natural 
drainage  fair.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin.  It  is  used  mainly  for  pasture  and 
hay.  hut  is  fairly  well  adapted  to  the  growing  of  truck  crops,  alfalfa,  and 
fruits. 

Uvermore  loam.     The  soil  is  brown  or  slightly  reddish-brown  loam,  of  rather 

silty  texture,  containing  relatively  large  proportions  of  sand  of  the  tine  and 

Very  line  grades.  Varying  quantities  of  gravel  are  usually  present  in  the  soil. 
II  Is  retentive  of  moisture.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown,  yellowish  brown,  or  reddish- 
veil.. w  Silty  to  tine  sandy  loam,  slightly  lighter  than  the  soil  hut  becoming 
heavier  at  2|   to  :;  feet   and   sometimes-  grading  to  yellowish  Bill    loam  at   6  or  i\ 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION.  715 

feet.  The  surface  is  generally  level  or  broken  by  old  stream  channels.  The 
type  often  supports  a  few  valley  oaks.  It  is  generally  well  drained  and  devoted 
mainly  to  hay  and  grain,  which  produce  good  yields.  Grapes,  tree  fruits,  and 
almonds  are  grown.  The  two  latter  often  suffer  for  moisture,  the  land  not  being 
irrigated. 

May  wood  loam. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-gray  or  yellowish-gray,  smooth, 
silty  loam  from  24  to  30  inches  deep,  underlain  by  a  compact  yellowish  clay 
loam.  Gravel  beds  are  occasionally  encountered  at  a  depth  of  about  6  feet, 
marking  the  courses  of  former  drainage  ways.  The  type  is  friable,  coarsely 
cultivated,  and  retentive  of  moisture. 

The  surface  is  of  uniform,  slightly  sloping  character,  and  less  frequently 
marked  by  local  depressions  than  most  of  the  other  members  of  this  series. 
It  is  traversed  by  occasional  minor  washes  or  shallow  intermittent  stream 
courses.  Originally  the  type  was  extensively  dry  farmed  to  grains,  but  large 
areas  have  been  subsequently  laid  out  in  orchards  with  indifferent  success.  In 
the  most  favorable  locations  it  is  capable  of  developing  successful  dry-land 
orchards,  but  only  where  accompanied  by  efficient  methods  of  preparation  and 
cultivation  of  the  land  and  by  the  selection  of  crops  and  varieties  adapted  to 
prevailing  conditions.  Under  irrigation  it  is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  fruit 
and  general  farm  crops. 

Mocho  loam. — The  soil  is  subject  to  considerable  variation,  but  typically  con- 
sists of  a  dark-brown  or  dark-drab  loam,  or  in  places  sandy  clay  loam,  of 
silty  texture,  and  18  to  24  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  alternating  strata 
of  grayish-brown  sand,  fine  sand,  and  silty  fine  sand  grading,  at  3  to  5  feet, 
into  a  heavy  black  clay  or  dark-drab  silty  clay  loam  mottled  with  yellow  and 
gray.  The  material  is  of  alluvial  origin.  Land  of  this  type  is  comparatively 
level  and  is  devoted  to  the  production  of  fruits,  hay,  and  grain.  Potatoes  and 
truck  crops  have  also  been  successfully  grown. 

Pajaro  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  heavy,  dark-brown  to  black  micaceous 
loam  from  12  to  18  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  to  a  depth  of  6  feet  or  more 
by  a  light-yellow  silt  loam,  becoming  more  micaceous  with  depth.  The  mica 
in  the  top  soil  is  largely  obscured  by  the  large  content  of  humus.  Although 
the  soil  is  heavy,  on  account  of  the  high  percentage  of  humus  and  lime,  it  is 
usually  easily  cultivated.  Long,  irregular  bodies  of  this  soil  extend  along  the 
Pajaro  River.     It  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  onions,  and  small  fruits. 

Sacramento  loam. — The  soil  consists  typically  of  a  rather  heavy,  sticky  sandy 
loam  or  loam  carrying  more  or  less  gravel  and  extending  to  a  depth  of  6  or 
more  feet.  It  is  sometimes  underlain  at  a  less  depth  by  stream  sands  and 
gravels.  It  occurs  as  long,  narrow,  or  moderately  extensive  bodies  in  the 
vicinity  of  former  or  present  stream  channels.  Under  irrigation  it  is  generally 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  fruits,  and,  where  not  too  gravelly, 
of  sugar  beets. 

Sams  loam. — The  soil  and  subsoil  material  are  usually  of  similar  loam  tex- 
ture and  friable  structure,  though  in  places  the  latter  is  somewhat  heavier 
than  the  overlying  material.  It  is  of  brown  color,  which  is  frequently  of  rather 
dark  tint.  Gravel  rarely  occurs.  The  surface  is  generally  uniform  and  evenly 
sloping  and  favorable  to  irrigation.  The  type  is  frequently  separated  from 
lower  lying,  alluvial  types  by  low  terrace  slopes.  It  is  somewhat  low  in 
moisture-retaining  capacity,  but  under  irrigation  is  adapted  to  pears,  apples, 
and  hay  crops. 

Santa  Rita  loam. — This  is  a  gray,  slate-colored,  or  nearly  black  loam,  some- 
times faintly  mottled  with  bluish  gray  and  brown,  about  3  feet  deep.  It  is 
underlain  by  a  gray  to  brown  loam  similar  in  texture  to  the  soil,  but  sometimes 
somewhat  mottled  with  gray  and  yellowish  brown.  The  type  is  comparatively 
level  and  well  drained.  It  is  entirely  under  cultivation  and  devoted  mainly  to 
hops,  sugar  beets,  and  fruits.  The  hop  yields  are  large  and  the  sugar-beet 
yields  good  in  favorable  seasons.  Alfalfa  is  successfully  grown  in  favorable 
localities. 

Vina  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  smooth  brown  to  reddish-brown  loam  from 
20  to  36  inches  deep,  frequently  of  somewhat  silty  character  and  carrying  small 
quantities  of  andesitic  gravel.  It  is  underlain  by  gravel  beds,  although  at  times 
the  type  rests  directly  upon  the  unweathered  parent  rock  of  schist  or  andesite. 
The  type  occurs  as  fan-shaped  bodies  in  the  vicinity  of  stream  deltas.  The  sur- 
face is  gently  sloping  and  often  marked  by  stream  courses  and  abrupt  terrace 
lines.  In  its  natural  condition  it  supports  a  growth  of  oaks  and  other  trees  and 
brush.  With  the  exception  of  the  deeper  phases,  it  is  not  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  fruits  without  irrigation,  or  to  alfalfa  or  the  fruits  requiring  the 


716 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


deeper  soils.  A  deep  silty  phase  of  this  type  has  been  encountered,  occupying 
a  somewhat  lower  position  than  the  typical  soil.  This  phase  is  of  superior 
value  for  the  production  of  both  dry-land  and  irrigated  crops  and  is  well 
adapted  to  peaches,  prunes,  grapes,  sugar  beets,  alfalfa,  and  truck  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  loams. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Gridley  loam 

California  12 

65,728 
10,816 

Bear  loam 

do 

Feather  loam 

do 

8,704 

Maywood  loam 

California  16 

8,576 

Vina  loam 

...do 

5,440 
5,120 

Sams  loam 

Oregon  4 

4,672 

Sacramento  loam 

California  17 

4,480 

Elma  loam 

3,840 

Livermore  loam 

3,520 

2,816 
2,304 

Chehalis  loam 

Washington  5,7 

Santa  Rita  loam 

California  8 

832 

Mocho  loam 

do 

576 

Total . . 

127,424 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


STONY  GRAVELLY   LOAM   PHASE. 


This  phase  includes  soils  containing  sufficient  gravel  and  larger  stone  frag- 
ments or  bowlders  to  alter  essentially  the  agricultural  value.  The  interstitial 
material  is  ordinarily  of  loamy  texture.  The  phase  is  represented  in  this 
province  by  a  single  soil  type. 

The  soil  is  underlain  by  a  porous,  gravelly  substratum,  which,  with  the  gravel 
and  stone  content  of  the  soil  itself,  renders  the  type  of  porous  texture  unre- 
tentive  of  moisture,  and  subject  to  drought.  The  type  is  of  limited  extent  and 
of  minor  agricultural  importance,  being  inferior  to  the  loams  for  the  produc- 
ing of  ordinary  crops.  It  is  unsuited  to  general  farm  crops,  but  under  irriga- 
tion or  intensive  cultivation  areas  in  which  the  stone  and  gravel  content  is  not 
too  high  could  be  utilized  for  early  apples,  stone  or  small  fruits,  and  early  truck 
crops.     It  is  not  at  present  farmed  to  any  extent. 

Camas  stony  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown 
gravelly  loam  or  clay  loam  8  to  12  inches  deep.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  to  light- 
brown  loam  or  clay  loam,  usually  more  gravelly  than  the  soil.  From  40  to  90 
per  cent  of  the  soil  mass  often  consists  of  gravel,  cobbles,  and  rounded 
basaltic  bowlders.  The  type  occurs  on  low  terraces  or  alluvial  fans  formed  at 
the  mouths  of  crooks.  The  topography,  owing  to  frequent  low  mounds  and 
shallow  depressions,  is  uneven  and  undulating.  Drainage  over  the  more  stony 
and  gravelly  areas  is  very  thorough,  but  where  the  soil  contains  a  large  pro- 
portion of  fine  material  it  retains  moisture  very  well.  The  type  supports  only 
I  stunted  and  sparse  growth  of  fir.  with  a  few  small  scrub  oaks.  It  is  of 
little  agricultural  Importance,  but  includes  some  small  areas  which  could  be 
utilised  for  fruit  culture. 

Area  and  distribution  of  thv  stonii  gravelly  loam. 


Boll  name. 

State  or  an;i  i 

Acres. 

Wuhfogton  7 

512 

1  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  seep.  733. 
GRAM  I  IV    I  HAM     PS  \S|  . 


In  the  gravelly  loam  soils  the  itone  content  is  not  as  great  as  in  the  stony 
gravelly  loams.  The  proportion  of  tragmtntal  rock  is,  however,  nifflclent  to 
modify   the  normal   physical   characteristic!  of  the  loam   soil  and   is  often 

i\o. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION. 


717 


In  the  River  Flood  Plain  province  gravelly  loams  have  been  recognized  in 
four  soil  series  mapped  in  the  semiarid  and  subhumid  districts  of  the  California 
interior  valley  and  of  southern  Oregon.  In  the  latter  region  one  of  the  series 
represented  is  characterized  by  an  impervious  hardpan  substratum,  the  other 
by  a  porous,  gravelly  substratum.  The  former  type  is  well  elevated  above 
present  flood  plains  and  under  normal  conditions  is  well  drained,  often  shallow, 
and  not  adapted  to  crops  except  under  irrigation.  When  developed  the  soil 
will  require  frequent  applications  of  water  and  careful  management  in  order 
to  guard  against  poor  underdrainage  due  to  the  impervious  hardpan  strata. 
The  shallower  areas  are  adapted  only  to  shallow-rooted  crops,  such  as  berries 
and  small  grains,  or  may  be  used  for  grazing.  The  areas  of  deeper  soil,  when 
improved  by  blasting,  will  become  suitable  under  irrigation  for  the  production 
of  peaches,  small  fruits,  and  early  truck  crops.  The  lower  lying  type  having 
a  porous  substratum  is  farmed  to  some  extent,  and  where  not  too  gravelly  is 
suitable  for  the  production  of  grains,  apples,  and  pears  under  favorable  mois- 
ture conditions. 

In  the  California  Valley  the  gravelly  loams  occupy  valley  plains  free  from 
overflow.  They  are  well  drained  and  favorably  located  for  irrigation.  The 
moisture-holding  capacity  is  low  and  they  are  not  adapted  to  dry-farmed 
crops  and  are  utilized  mainly  for  grazing.  Under  irrigation  they  are  suited  to 
the  production  of  peaches,  apricots,  olives,  prunes,  grapes,  alfalfa,  small  fruits, 
and  early  vegetables. 

The  characteristics  of  the  gravelly  loam  series  favor  the  production  of 
grapes,  moderately  early  stone  fruits,  and  small  fruits.  The  soils  are  not  so 
well  adapted  to  the  general  farm  crops,  late  tree  fruits,  or  staple  vegetables 
as  the  members  of  the  loam  group.  In  adaptation  they  are  more  closely  as- 
sociated with  the  soils  of  sandy  loam  or  fine  sandy  loam  texture  than  with 
the  loams. 

Agate  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  reddish  brown  to  brown  in  color  and  subject 
to  considerable  variation  in  depth,  ranging  from  6  inches  or  less  to  about  4 
feet.  The  fine  earth,  which  is  a  loam,  carries  much  water-worn  gravel,  the 
fragments  being  small  to  medium  size.  In  local  depressions  gravel  has  accumu- 
lated on  the  surface,  and  small  basaltic  bowlders  also  occur.  Surface  drain- 
age is  but  fairly  well  developed  and  the  subdrainage  poor.  The  surface  is 
marked  by  "  hog  wallows."  The  deeper  phases  of  the  type  support  a  scant 
growth  of  timber  and  brush;  the  shallower  areas  are  treeless.  Where  of  suffi- 
cient depth  and  irrigated  the  type  is  adapted  to  peaches,  small  fruits,  and  truck 
crops.     The  shallow  bodies  are  adapted  only  to  grazing  or  shallow-rooted  crops. 

Anderson  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  heavy,  sticky,  light-red  loam  8  to  12 
inches  deep,  carrying  a  moderate  quantity  of  small  pebbles,  cobbles,  and  fine 
gravel.  The  subsoil  varies  from  almost  pure  gravel  to  a  clay  loam.  The  type 
occupies  elevated  valley  plains  or  valleys,  has  a  nearly  level  or  gently  sloping 
surface,  and  is  usually  well  drained.  It  is  of  comparatively  recent  alluvial 
origin,  being  derived  from  the  elevated  formations  of  early  stream  gravels  and 
sediments  of  the  uplands.  Under  irrigation  it  is  well  adapted  to  peaches  and 
grapes.  Alfalfa  is  also  grown  under  irrigation,  but  most  of  the  land  is  utilized 
for  grazing. 

Salem  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  black  loam  from  a  few  inches 
to  several  feet  in  depth,  containing  a  large  quantity  of  gravel,  varying  in  size 
from  fine  gravel  to  pebbles  2  or  3  inches  in  diameter.  The  subsoil  is  practically 
the  same  as  the  soil,  except  that  it  contains  more  gravel.  It  rests  on  a  bed  of 
water-worn  gravel.  This  is  a  bottom-land  soil.  It  is  generally  well  drained  and 
covered  with  a  growth  of  brush  and  scrub  oak.  Where  not  too  gravelly  it  is 
fairly  well  adapted  to  grain  and  fruit. 

Tehama  gravelly  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-gray,  compact 
loam  from  18  inches  to  6  feet  deep,  carrying  water-worn  gravel,  coarse  sand, 
and  subnngular  rock  fragments.  It  bakes  upon  exposure  to  dry  weather,  but 
can  be  readily  handled  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  Where  less  than  6 
feet  in  depth  it  is  underlain  by  a  compact,  impervious  clay  loam  or  clay.  The 
type  is  found  as  inextensive,  elongated  bodies  bordering  the  flood  plains  of 
intermittent  streams  or  as  terraces  or  bench  lands  in  minor  stream  valleys. 
The  topography  is  level  to  slightly  sloping  and  the  surface  treeless.  Drainage 
is  good  and  the  type  mainly  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains.  The  surface  con- 
figuration favors  irrigation,  and  where  this  is  practiced  the  type  should  prove 
well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  truck  crops,  and  fruits,  particularly 
peaches,  olives,  and  apricots. 


718  SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Agate  gravelly  loam 

Anderson  gravelly  loam. 
Salem  gravelly  loam. 


Oregon  4 

California  17. 

Oregon  5 

Tehama  gravelly  loam California  16. 

Total ! 


24,704 
14,528 
13, 120 
4,032 


56,384 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Silt  Loam  Group. 

The  silt  loam  group  includes  a  large  number  of  extensive  and  widely  dis- 
tributed soils  and  constitutes  one  of  the  most  important  soil  groups  of  the 
River  Flood  Plain  province.  Owing  to  their  wide  distribution  throughout  those 
portions  of  the  States  included  within  the  Pacific  coast  region,  the  soils  vary 
widely  in  climatic  environment,  drainage  conditions,  possibilities  of  irrigation, 
and  other  features  affecting  their  utilization. 

In  the  humid,  heavily  forested  regions  of  western  Washington  and  south- 
western Oregon,  where  the  silt  loams  have  been  extensively  mapped,  they  are 
confined  to  the  river  bottoms  and  are  sometimes  subject  to  overflow.  Where 
well  drained  and  protected  from  inundation,  they  are  friable  under  cultiva- 
tion, retentive  of  moisture,  and  extensively  utilized  for  the  production  of  hay 
and  forage  crops,  dairy  products,  grains,  potatoes,  and  the  later  and  heavier 
vegetables  Small  fruits,  consisting  mainly  of  brambleberries.  are  extensively 
grown  locally,  and  yield  heavily,  but  tree  fruits  do  not  show  such  good  results. 
Of  the  grains  oats  arc  most  extensively  grown  and  produce  unusually  heavy 
yields.  Climatic  conditions  are  generally  unfavorable  to  the  production  of 
wheal  of  good  milling  quality.  Of  the  hay  crops  clover,  timothy,  and  native 
hay  arc  most  successful.  In  the  Columbia  River  Valley  In  Washington  mem- 
bers of  tic  group  occupy  stream  terraces,  generally  well  elevated  above  present 
flood  plains,  in  some  oases,  owing  to  their  elevated  position  and  porous  sub- 
stratum, they  are  excessively  drained,  but  under  intensive  cultivation  are 
usually  retentive  Of  moisture.'  They  are  extensively  utilized  for  the  production 
of  forage  crops,  dairy  products,  and  prunes.  Apples,  pears,  small  fruits,  and 
vegetables  arc  grown  to  Bome  extent,  though  the  production  of  these  fruits 
might  well  be  Increased.  The  better  drained  areas  are  not  so  well  suited  to 
hay  and  the  general  form  crops  as  those  underlain  by  more  compact  material, 
but  are  better  adapted  to  orchards  and  small  fruits. 

In  the  interior  districts  of  more  limited  rainfall  in  Oregon  the  silt  loams 
I  re  utilized  mainly  for  grazing  and  the  growing  of  wheat,  oats,  and  hops,  and 
arc  also  adapted  to  hay  and  forage  crops,  sugar  beets,  small  fruits,  and  late 
vegetables. 

In  the  Interior  California  Valley  they  occur  under  semiarid  climatic  con- 
ditions. Some  of  the  areas  encountered  lie  well  above  present  Hood  plains. 
While  Others  occupy  a  position  adjacent  to  stream  channels,  and  where  not 
protected  bv  levees  are  subject  to  periodical  overflow  and  are  poorly  drained. 
Bome  members  of  the  group  have  porous  subsoils  and  are  subject  to  excessive 
Dnder<  ■   i"  Others  the  underlying  material   is  compact   and   loss  pervious, 

making  the  soils  retentive  of  moisture.    The  low.  poorly  drained,  or  overflowed 

areas   are   utilized    mainly    for    pasture;    the   better   drained    areas   are   devoted 

lively  to  grains  without   Irrigation.     With  the  exception  of  the  areas  in 
which  drainage  Is  excessive,  the  soils  retain  enough  moisture  to  insure  fair 

average  yields,     'the  elevated   and   well-drained   areas  are   QOl    generally   suited 

to  fruits",  alfalfa,  or  special  crops,  except   uudei    Irrigation,     in  some  of  the 

lower-lying  soils  Irrigation   Is  unnecessary,  and   bops,  prunes,  grapes,  alfalfa, 

asparagus,  ."id  other  vegetables  are  profitably  grown.    The 

production  of  sugar  beets  has  in  Bome  s Ions  become  an  established  Industry. 

Forage  crops,  dairy  products,  and  pears  also  form  important  sources  of  revenue, 
particularly  in  the  lower  lying  areas  oear  the  larger  streams.    The  silt  loams 
of  the  smaller  ^alleys  aear  the  coas    are  devoted  to  grain,  alfalfa,  sugar  beets, 
prunes   apricots,  apples,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables. 
The  silt  loam  group  meets  the  requirements  of  a  soil  adapted  to  general  farm 

Crops    dairying    and    to   Bpeclal    intensively   cultivated    products.      Those   0l    the 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  719 

latter  class  include  sugar  beets,  prunes,  pears,  asparagus,  potatoes,  beans,  hops, 
the  later  vegetables,  such  as  cabbage,  cauliflower,  onions,  etc.,  small  fruits, 
apples  in  the  localities  of  suitable  climatic  conditions,  and  tomatoes,  apricots, 
and  peaches  upon  the  better  drained  or  earlier  areas  or  when  intended  for 
canning  purposes.  In  the  range  of  crops  which  can  be  profitably  grown  under 
the  varying  climatic  and  other  local  conditions,  the  soils  probably  exceed  any 
other  group  of  soils  of  the  Pacific  coast  region. 

Camas  silt  loam — The  typical  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  brown  silt 
loam  about  12  inches  deep,  often  carrying  fine  water-worn  gravel  and  spherical 
iron  pellets  scattered  over  the  surface  and  mixed  with  the  soil.  Small,  rounded 
bowlders  also  occur  in  the  soil,  but  are  seldom  found  in  sufficient  amounts 
to  interfere  with  cultivation.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  brown  to  light-brown 
silt  loam,  usually  of  compact  character,  but  sometimes  moderately  pervious,  be- 
coming heavier  with  depth,  and  grading  at  about  24  inches'  into  a  light 
yellowish  brown  silty  clay  loam.  A  small  amount  of  gravel  and  a  few  rounded 
bowlders  occur  throughout  the  subsoil.  At  an  average  depth  of  4  to  6  feet  the 
subsoil  is  underlain  by  an  imperfectly  stratified  deposit  of  gravel,  which  may 
occasionally  approach  the  surface.  Rounded  bowlders  varying  in  size  from 
cobbles  to  fragments  several  feet  in  diameter  are  found  embedded  in  this 
gravel  deposit.  Drainage  is  well  established  and  in  some  cases  is  excessive. 
The  type  is  generally  retentive  of  moisture  and  well  adapted  to  diversified 
farming,  dairying,  hay  crops,  fruits,  etc.  The  areas  in  which  the  underlying, 
porous  substratum  occurs  at  shallow  depths  are  rather  droughty  and  require 
intensive  cultivation  for  successful  crops. 

Coquille  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  grayish  or  light-brown  micaceous  silt  loam 
from  15  to  30  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  bluish-drab  or  light-brown 
heavy  silt  loam  or  silty  clay,  often  mottled  with  iron  stains  and  with  dark 
patches  due  to  undecayed  vegetable  material.  The  type  occurs  as  bottom 
lands  in  stream  valleys  and  in  the  vicinity  of  sloughs  and  inlets  entering  tidal 
bays  and  estuaries.  It  is  often  poorly  drained  or  subject  to  inundation  by  high 
tides  and  more  or  less  water-logged.  It  is  usually  covered  by  a  growth  of 
juncus,  marsh  grass,  tides,  or  salt  grass,  or  by  a  tangled  forest  growth  of  fir, 
myrtle,  and  willow.  In  the  vicinity  of  tidal  marshes  it  often  carries  excessive 
accumulations  of  marine  salts,  but  where  protected  from  overflow  by  tides  or 
streams  and  drained  it  is  productive  and  well  adapted  to  the  production  of 
potatoes,  root  crops,  vegetables,  vetch,  hay,  and  grain  crops. 

Elder  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  smooth-textured,  friable  silt  loam,  6  feet  or 
more  in  depth,  and  of  grayish  to  dark-gray  or  black  color.  The  black  color  is 
due  to  accumulations  of  organic  matter.  The  surface  is  level  or  marked  by 
occasional  remnants  of  former  waterways  or  by  minor  stream  courses.  The 
type  is  well  drained  and  not  subject  to  overflow.  It  supports  a  growth  of 
valley  oak  and  thickets  of  elder,  willow,  and  brush.  Where  cultivated  it  is 
dry-farmed  to  grains,  and  under  irrigation  is  well  adapted  to  the  production 
of  alfalfa  and  fruits  crops.  Sugar  beets,  berries,  and  other  small  fruits,  melons, 
and  truck  crops,  should  do  well. 

Feather  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  very  dark  brown 
silt  loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  Thin  layers  of  fine  sandy  loam  are  found 
throughout  the  subsoil.  The  type  is  known  locally  as  "  black  land."  The 
soil  is  formed  largely  from  stream-deposited  material,  the  areas  being  subject 
to  annual  overflow.  Small  tracts  are  cultivated  to  alfalfa  and  sorghum,  but 
the  yields  are  uncertain  on  account  of  the  floods.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to 
alfalfa,  truck  crops,  and  small  fruits. 

Fclida  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  gray  to  black  compact  silt  loam,  sticky 
when  wet,  extending  to  a  depth  of  12  to  15  inches,  and  containing  a  few  small, 
rounded,  iron-cemented  pellets  and  a  considerable  amount  of  very  fine  sand. 
The  subsoil  is  a  light-brown  to  slightly  mottled  heavy  silt  loam  which  grades 
into  a  silty  clay  loam  at  a  depth  of  3  to  4  feet.  A  noticeable  amount  of  mica  par- 
ticles is  always  present  in  the  subsoil.  Small  pockets  of  gravel  occur  in  the 
soil  and  subsoil,  but  on  the  whole  the  type  is  free  from  coarse  sands,  gravel, 
or  bowlders.  The  topography  varies  from  comparatively  level  to  gently  roll- 
ing. The  type  is  devoted  to  prunes  and  other  tree  fruits,  clover,  timothy,  forage 
crops,  and  small  fruits. 

Lauren  silt  loam, — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  slightly  reddish  brown  Loam,  com- 
pact, and  friable,  and  from  10  to  12  inches  deep.  It  is  underlain  by  a  com- 
pact, yellowish-brown  silt  loam,  which  rests  at  depths  of  20  to  30  feet  upon  a 
bed  of  gravel  and  rounded  cobbles.  The  type  occupies  valley  terraces  rising 
from  250  to  300  feet  above  the  bottoms.    The  topography   la   level   to  gently 


720  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

undulating,  but  the  slopes  toward  the  river  valley  are  steep  and  abrupt.  The 
type  as  a  whole  has  good  natural  drainage.  It  is  well  adapted  to  prunes, 
pears,  apples,  small  fruits,  and  vegetables. 

Livermore  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark-brown  silt  loam,  of 
rather  compact  structure,  becoming  sticky  when  wet.  and  tending  to  puddle  and 
bake.  With  proper  cultivation  and  favorable  moisture  conditions  it  becomes 
friable.  The  subsoil  differs  but  little  from  the  soil  material,  except  that  in 
the  deeper  portion  the  color  and  texture  are  somewhat  lighter  than  the  soil. 
The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  and  occupies  level  to  slightly  depressed  river 
flood  plain  or  terrace  areas.  It  is  derived  mainly  from  a  variety  of  nieta- 
niorphic,  crystalline,  and  sedimentary  rocks.  It  is  often  poorly  drained  and 
in  such  places  devoted  only  to  grazing.  Where  well  drained  it  is  retentive  of 
moisture  and  adapted  to  asparagus,  fruit,  grain,  and  hay  crops. 

Mary8ville  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light-brown  silt  loam  from 
IS  inches  to  4  feet  deep,  underlain  by  10  to  20  inches  of  reddish-brown  sticky 
clay  loam,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  a  mottled  gray  hardpan.  In  places  a  layer 
of  fine  gray  silty  material  is  found  overlying  the  hardpan.  The  type  is  more 
or  less  subject  to  overflow  and  the  surface  drainage  is  poor,  although  the  soil 
dries  out  rapidly  after  the  floods  subside.  Where  protected  from  overflow 
and  provided  with  artificial  drainage  it  is  adapted  to  alfalfa,  grapes,  and  stone 
fruits. 

May  wood  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  compact,  slightly  sticky,  yellow 
to  yellowish-gray  silt  loam  which  proves  friable  when  handled  under  favorable 
moisture  conditions.  It  is  usually  free  from  gravel  and  underlain  at  depths 
of  30  to  36  inches  by  a  compact  clay  loam  or  silty  loam  of  high  water-holding 
capacity.  This  in  many  places  rests  upon  gravel  beds  at  a  depth  of  6  feet  or 
more.  The  surface  is  level  and  the  type  well  drained.  It  is  of  alluvial  origin, 
occupying  minor  stream  valleys,  and  sometimes  supports  a  considerable  growth 
of  valley  oak,  with  some  willows  and  eottonwoods.  It  affords  good  grazing, 
supporting  a  fair  growth  of  native  grasses  during  the  rainy  season.  It  is 
fairly  well  adapted  to  dry-farmed  crops  and  with  careful  cultivation  has  pro- 
duced fair  returns  when  devoted  to  alfalfa  and  to  orchard  crops  without  irri- 
gation. It  is  best  adapted,  however,  to  the  production  of  such  products  under 
irrigation. 

Pajaro  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  smooth,  brown,  micaceous  silt  loam, 
becoming  more  micaceous  and  lighter  in  color  below  3  feet.  The  subsoil  extends 
to  30  feet  or  more.  Very  little  sand  and  no  gravel  is  found,  the  type  being 
uniform  in  texture.  It  is  a  fertile  soil,  well  adapted  to  apples,  and  also  to 
alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  garden  truck,  and  berries. 

Pugct  silt  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  silt  loam  8  to  20  inches 
deep,  carrying  a  relatively  large  proportion  of  sand  of  the  finer  grades.  The  sub- 
soil is  a  light-brown  to  gray  fine  sandy  loam,  often  slightly  mottled  with  yellow 
iron  stains.  The  topography  as  a  whole  is  gently  undulating.  Areas  bordering  the 
larger  streams  are  subject  to  overflow  at  times  of  high  water,  but  the  natural 
drainage  of  the  greater  proportion  of  the  type  is  fairly  good.  Artificial  drainage 
will  improve  many  of  the  areas,  especially  in  the  shallow  basins  or  depressions. 
The  fine  silty  texture  makes  the  soil  easy  to  cultivate,  and  when  thoroughly 
drained  and  well  cultivated  it  is  very  productive.  It  is  well  adapted  to  small 
fruits  ;ind  to  oats  and  other  grass  crops.  Clover,  timothy,  potatoes,  vegetables, 
and  Canadian  field  peas  produce  very  profitable  yields. 

Baoramento  silt  loam. — This  type  consists  of  a  light  yellowish  brown  to  drab, 
micaceous  silt  loam,  usually  6  or  more  feet  deep  and  of  moderately  porous  and 
friable  structure.  In  some  places  strata  of  river  sands  and  gravels  come  within 
the  6-foot  profile.  The  type  occurs  as  elongated,  narrow  bodies  near  present  or 
former  stream  channels,  or  as  broad,  extensive  areas  covering  the  river  flood 
plains.  The  more  elevated  bodies  are  well  drained,  but  those  lying  near  stream 
courses  are  often  subject  to  overflow.  The  tyi>e  tvpports  a  dense  growth  of 
vines,  brush,  and  timber,  and  is  more  or  less  eroded,  Grain  and  hops  are  grown 
by  dry-farming  methods,  and  when  protected  from  overflow  and  irrigated  the 
type  is  very  well  adapted  to  the  production  of  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  truck  crops, 
and  prunes,  pears,  or  other  fruits. 

Salem  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  black  silt  loam  is  to  21  inches  deep, 
carrying  considerable  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  yellowish  to  red  clay 
loam,  often  mottled  with  gray  and  yellow,  becoming  heavier  with  depth.  The 
type  occupies  gently  rolling  or  level  valley  land  and  is  derived  from  transported 
shale  and  sandstone  material,  modified  somewhat  by  material  derived  from 
basaltic  rocks.     Drainage  is  good,  except  in  a  few  local  depressions.     The  soil  Is 


PACIFIC    COAST   REGION. 


721 


well  adapted  to  genearl  crops,  hops,  and  small  fruits.    Wheat  yields  from  25  to  30 
bushels,  oats  from  35  to  50  bushels,  and  hops  about  1,500  pounds  per  acre. 

Tehama  silt  loam. — The  soil  is  a  yellowish-brown  to  reddish-yellow,  compact 
and  friable  silt  loam  from  10  to  20  inches  deep.  Fine  gravel  or  coarse  sand, 
distributed  by  former  washes  or  intermittent  drainage  courses,  is  formed  over 
the  surface.  The  subsoil  is  a  tenacious  brown  or  yellowish-brown  silty  clay 
loam  of  rather  impervious  character,  extending  to  the  depth  of  6  feet  or  more, 
underlain  by  compact,  partially  consolidated  sand,  silt,  and  gravel.  The  type 
occupies  slightly  lower  situations  than  the  soils  of  the  Redding  and  Corning 
series,  from  which  it  is  frequently  separated  by  pronounced  slopes  and  ter- 
races. It  is  found  on  the  upland  plains  having  a  gentle  slope  and  is  generally 
treeless,  except  in  the  vicinity  of  small  streams,  where  a  scattering  timber 
growth  is  sometimes  found.  The  surface  is  marked  in  places  by  the  courses  of 
intermittent  streams,  but  surface  drainage  is  in  general  restricted,  and  many 
poorly  drained  depressions  exist.  The  type  in  many  places  has  a  "  hog-wallow  " 
topography.  Land  of  this  type,  where  used,  is  devoted  to  dry-farmed  grains. 
With  irrigation  it  should  prove  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  and 
fruit  crops,  including  particularly  stone  fruits  and  alfalfa. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  silt  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sacramento  silt  loam. 

Puget  silt  loam 

Salem  silt  loam 

Felida  silt  loam 

Livermore  silt  loam . , 

Tehama  silt  loam 

Coquille  silt  loam 

Camas  silt  loam 

Marysville  silt  loam . 

Feather  silt  loam 

Elder  silt  loam 

May  wood  silt  loam. . 

Lauren  silt  loam 

Pajarosilt  loam 


California  2, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18,  25. 

Washington  4,  5,  7 

Oregon  5 

Washington  7 

California  21 

California  16 

Oregon  3 

Washington  7 

California  12 

do 

California  16 

do 

Washington  7 

California^ 


177, 

106, 

78, 

61, 

31, 

29, 

26, 

10, 

8, 

3, 

3, 

2, 

2, 

1, 


920 
176 
656 
696 
104 
888 
816 
4% 
000 
584 
392 
368 
048 


Total. 


543,232 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


SILTY    CLAY   LOAM    PHASE. 


The  silty  clay  loams  are  comparable  with  the  soils  of  the  silt  loam  group,  in 
extent,  range  of  climatic  conditions,  and  other  modifying  factors.  As  a  rule, 
they  are  somewhat  less  pervious  and  more  compact  in  structure,  tending  to 
puddle  when  dry  and  bake  and  crack  upon  subsequent  exposure  to  hot,  dry 
weather.  They  are  friable,  however,  and  readily  maintained  in  good  tilth  if 
worked  under  proper  moisture  conditions  They  are  normally  somewhat  more 
retentive  of  moisture  than  the  silt  looms,  and  are  rather  more  frequently  poorly 
drained,  and  subject  to  overflow. 

These  soils  do  not  differ  greatly  from  the  silt  loams  of  the  same  series  in 
crop  adaptation  They  require  a  somewhat  heavier  farm  equipment,  and  are 
adapted  to  a  slightly  heavier  type  of  farming.  Under  favorable  conditions  of 
moisture,  drainage,-  and  tillage  they  are  generally  more  favorable  for  forage 
crops  and  grains,  and  less  so  for  vegetables,  although  practically  all  the  prod- 
ucts of  the  silt  loams  of  the  province  are  grown  upon  the  silty  clay  loams  in 
certain  localities.  The  soils  lack  something  of  the  wide  capacity  of  the  silt- 
loam  group  for  growing  a  large  number  of  crops  successfully. 

In  the  humid  districts  of  Oregon  and  Washington,  grain,  clover,  timothy, 
and  forage  crops  are  most  extensively  grown,  with  hops,  potatoes,  truck  crops, 
and  small  fruits  on  the  better-drained  areas. 

In  the  subhumid  district  of  northern  Oregon  the  type  is  represented  by  a 
single  inextensive  type  not  agriculturally  important  at  present,  but  adapted  to 
grains,  alfalfa,  vegetables,  small  fruits,  apples,  and  pears. 

In  the  interior  California  Valley  the  silty  clay  loams  appear  in  a  number 
of  established  soil  series,  and  are  devoted  to  the  production  of  grains,  sugar 


79619—13- 


-46 


722  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

beets,  forage  crops,  alfalfa,  prunes,  pears,  and  vegetables,  and  locally  to  figs 
and  peaches. 

In  the  coastal  valleys  the  silty  clay  loams  have  been  encountered  only  to  a 
limired  extent,  and  are  devoted  mainly  to  grain,  grain  hay,  and  less  extensively 
to  sugar  beets  and  alfalfa. 

With  the  soils  of  the  silt  loam  group,  the  silty  clay  loams  constitute  an  exten- 
sive and  important  source  of  wealth  in  the  River  Flood  Plains  province  in  the 
development  of  its  various  forms  of  agricultural  enterprise. 

Chehalis  Bitty  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brown  to  reddish-brown 
silty  clay  loam  from  10  to  15  inches  deep.  It  is  mellow  and  friable,  and  can 
be  worked  under  a  wide  range  of  moisture  conditions.  The  subsoil  is  a  liszht- 
brown  to  reddish-brown,  mellow  silt  loam  to  silty  clay  loam,  extending  to  a 
depth  of  3  feet.  Below  this  depth  the  material  in  places  becomes  slightly 
lighter  in  color.  As  the  type  approaches  the  rivers  it  becomes  lighter  in  tex- 
ture. The  type  is  generally  level,  though  broken  in  places  by  abandoned  stream 
channels.  Except  for  a  few  wet  depressions,  the  type  is  generally  well  drained. 
In  its  natural  state  it  supports  a  heavy  stand  of  fir.  cedar,  spruce,  hemlock, 
alder,  and  vine  maple,  but  at  present  much  of  it  is  cleared  and  under  cultivation. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  soils  of  the  region,  and  well  adapted  to  all 
of  the  smjill  grains,  hops,  clover,  various  LTa^sos.  and  fruits.  Oats  yield  from 
60  to  125  bushels  per  acre,  wheat  from  30  to  50  bushels,  clover  from  2  to  3 
tons,  and  potatoes  from  200  to  300  bushels  per  acre. 

Coquillc  silti/  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  bluish-gray  to  drab  or  gray- 
ish-brown silty  clay  loam,  with  an  average  depth  of  18  inches.  It  is  smooth, 
slightly  micaceous,  and  of  close,  compact  structure,  puddling  readily  when  wet. 
and  checking  upon  exposure  to  dry  weather.  The  organic-matter  content  is 
high,  making  the  soil  friable  under  favorable  moisture  conditions. 

The  subsoil  consists  of  a  bluish-gray  or  light-brown  to  drab  silty  clay  loam 
of  close.  Impervious,  structure.  The  change  from  soil  to  subsoil  is  abrupt.  The 
greater  part  of  the  area  covered  by  the  type  is  marked  by  a  thin  stratum  of 
peat  lying  between  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  type  occupies  bottom  lands  in 
the  Coquille  Valley  and  some  minor  tributary  valleys.  It  has  a  flat  and  in 
many  places  a  depressed  surface.  It  is  sometimes  subject  to  overflow  by 
streams  or  to  submergence  by  high  tides.  Drainage  is  generally  deficient,  and 
the  soil  is  waterlogged  or  swampy  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  It  sup- 
ports a  dense  growth  of  willow  and  tules  and  other  rushes.  Where  cleared,  it 
is  devoted  mainly  to  pasturage  or  to  hay  crops.  Much  of  it  is  unreclaimed, 
but  when  drained  and  improved  it  should  be  well  adapted  to  bay  and  forage 
crops.  Including  timothy,  alsike  clover,  vetch,  kale,  and  grass  crops. 

Doty  xilfi/  el"}/  Umm. — The  soil  consists  of  a  light-brown  to  reddish-brown 
silty  Clay  loam,  having  an  average  depth  of  12  to  18  inches.  Gravel  and  cobbles 
are' often  found  scattered  on  the  surface  and  mixed  with  the  soil  mass.  The 
subsoil  is  a  day  loam.  clay,  or  silty  clay.  The  type  occupies  benches  or  ter- 
races from  8  to  26  feet  above  the  present  alluvial  valleys  along  the  larger 
streams.  A  small  proportion  of  this  type  is  overflowed  at  times  by  extremely 
high  water. 

Eld  Hlty  clay  7orn/?.— The  soil  consists  of  a  reddish-brown  to  red,  heavy 
siltv  clay  loam,  from  "14  to  24  inches  deep,  containing  a  few  iron  concre- 
tions and  a  small  quantity  of  gravel.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  silt  loam  or 
siltv  Clay  loam  Which,  over  the  better  drained  portions  of  the  type,  is  reddish- 

brown,  mottled  with  gray,  in  poorly  drained  areas  the  gray  color  frequently 
predominates.  The  soil  is  loose  and  friable,  and.  except  in  the  poorly  drained 
places,  is  easily  cultivated.    Practically  all  of  the  type  has  been  cleared.    The 

tvpe  is  adapted  1o  bay  and  grain  and  the  better-drained  areas  to  potatoes,  truck 
Crops,  ami  fruits.     The  Chief  Crops  grown  are  oats.  bay.  and   potatoes. 

Elder  Hlty  <-i»>/  loam,— The  type  consists  of  ;i  smooth,  dark-gray  silty  clay 

loam,  from   24    to  80   Inches  deep,   and    underlain   by   a    compact,    heavy    loam   in 

places  containing  water-worn  gravel.    Tins,  in  turn,  at  depths  below  6  feet,  is 

underlain  by  river  sands  and  loam.  The  surface  soil  carries  considerable 
Organic  matter.     The  type  is  dry-farmed  to  grains  with  excellent  results.     Under 

Irrigation  it  Is  adapted  to  a  wide  range  of  general  farm  and  fruit  crops. 

Oridley  Bitty  Clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  :t  dark  reddish  brown  sticky 
clay  loam  from  '-'  t<»  <'.  feel  deep,  becoming  black  in  the  subsoil  over  certain  sec- 
tions of  the  area,     a   gray  calcareous  bardpan   is  always  present   at   depths 

ranging  from  24  to  80  Inches.  The  natural  drainage  is  poor:  the  soil  remains  in 
a  saturated  condition  throughout  the  rainy  season.  The  type  once  supported  a 
heavy  growth   of  timber,   some  of  which   still    remains.     The  greater  portion    is 


PACIFIC   COAST  KEGION".  723 

now  used  for  grain  and  pasture.     Only  a  limited  acreage  is  in  other  crops,  but 
the  soils  seem  adapted  to  such  fruits  as  thrive  on  a  heavy-textured  soil. 

Kelso  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  silty  clay  loam  from  12  to  18  inches  deep, 
and  grayish  brown  to  reddish  brown  in  color,  dry,  cultivated  fields  assuming 
a  grayish  tinge.  The  subsoil  consists  of  a  brown,  reddish-brown,  or  mottled 
compact  silty  clay  loam.  The  entire  type  is  uderlain  by  a  deep  deposit  of  gray, 
stratified  silt,  clay,  and  fine  sand,  50  feet  or  more  in  depth,  resting  upon  basaltic 
rock.  Drainage  is  well  established.  Pockets  or  thin  strata  of  coarse  sand  or  gravel 
in  places  occur  at  varying  depths  and  sometimes  appear  locally  at  the  surface. 
The  soil  has  good  natural  drainage,  but  the  level  topography,  together  with  the 
compact  structure  of  the  subsoil,  prevents  excessive  drainage  and  enables  the 
soil  to  conserve  moisture.  It  is  adapted  to  potatoes,  hay  crops,  small  fruits, 
truck  crops,  and  tree  fruits. 

Maywood  silty  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  smooth  ashy-gray  silty  clay 
loam  6  feet  or  more  in  depth,  of  compact  structure,  inclined  to  check  upon 
exposure  to  dry  weather.  It  is  ordinarily  free  from  coarse,  sandy  material  or 
gravel.  The  soil  is  hard  to  handle  unless  received  under  proper  moisture  con- 
ditions. The  surface  is  level  to  gently  sloping  and  drainage  rather  poorly 
established.  The  type  is  devoted  mainly  to  grazing  and  to  the  production  of 
fruits,  consisting  of  pears,  figs,  and  peaches,  and  of  alfalfa.  Without  irrigation 
yields  are  somewhat  uncertain. 

Merced  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  brown  to  drab,  readily  puddled  when 
wet.  cracking  upon  subsequent  exposure.  The  upper  subsoil  is  of  dark-brown 
to  drab  color,  ranging  from  fine  sandy  loam  to  heavy  clay  loam,  sometimes 
calcareous.  It  becomes  lighter  in  color  with  depth.  The  material  consists  of 
flood-plain  deposits,  derived  predominantly  from  granitic  rocks.  The  topog- 
raphy is  flat  to  slightly  sloping  and  the  surface  frequently  interrupted  by 
sloughs  or  remnants  of  former  stream  channels.  Alkali  salts  are  often  encoun- 
tered in  harmful  amounts.  The  type  is  subject  to  overflow,  poorly  drained,  and 
utilized  mainly  for  grazing  purposes.  Where  protected  by  levees  and  drained 
it  is  adapted  to  heavy  vegetables,  alfalfa,  and  the  general  farm  crops. 

Neal  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  dark  brown  to  nearly  black  and  underlain 
by  a  brown  to  black  heavy  clay.  The  topography  is  level  to  slightly  undulating, 
the  type  occupying  gently  sloping  areas  well  situated  for  irrigation.  Under 
favorable  climatic  conditions  the  type  is  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  fruits.  and 
vegetables. 

Pugct  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  consists  of  a  gray  to  light-brown  silty  clay 
loam  from  10  to  15  inches  deep,  containing  a  high  proportion  of  organic  matter. 
It  is  underlain  by  a  gray  silty  clay  loam  or  silty  clay  slightly  marked  with 
iron  stains.  Both  soil  and  subsoil  are  frequently  mottled  with  yellow,  the  mot- 
tling being  more  pronounced  in  the  lower  portion.  The  topography  is  level  and 
the  surface  elevated  only  a  few  feet  above  the  streams,  making  the  type  subject 
to  overflow.  Tile  drains  in  many  areas  could  be  used  to  advantage.  The  chief 
crop  grown  on  this  soil  is  hay,  which  yields  from  11  to  3  tons  per  acre.  Oats 
yield  from  50  to  100  bushels.  Cherries,  apples,  and  other  tree  fruits  do  fairly 
well. 

Sacramento  silty  clay  loam. — This  type  is  a  dark-drab  clay  loam  6  feet  in  depth, 
containing  a  large  amount  of  fine,  micaceous,  silty  material,  generally  but  not 
always  free  from  gravel.  It  is  normally  of  slightly  compact  structure,  but  is 
friable  under  cultivation.  It  is  subject  to  oversow  where  not  protected  by 
levees  and  supports  a  fair  growth  of  brush  and  forest  trees.  It  is  dry  fanned 
to  grains,  and  under  irrigation  is  admirably  adapted  to  alfalfa,  sugar  beets, 
forage  and  truck  crops,  and  fruits. 

Santa  Rita  silty  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  to  slate-colored  silty 
clay  loam  from  2  to  3  feet  deep,  of  friable  structure,  but  sometimes  having 
adobe  tendencies.  The  subsoil  is  usually  a  lighter  textured  silty  clay  loam  or 
silt  loam  of  drab,  brown,  or  slaty-gray  color  with  blue  and  yellow  mottlings. 
This  material  extends  to  a  depth  of  4$  to  5  feet.  The  mottling  becomes  more 
pronounced  and  the  material  heavier  below  5  feet.  Occasional  pockets  or 
thin  strata  of  sandy  loam  occur.  The  surface  is  rather  Hat.  with  shallow 
depressions  along  old  drainage  channels.  Drainage  is  poor,  but  baa  been  im- 
proved by  ditches.  Alkali  is  sometimes  found  over  small  areas.  The  type  is 
nearly  all  under  cultivation  and  is  mainly  dry  farmed  to  grain  or  hay  or  pli 
to  sugar  beets.     Some  well-drained  areas  are  devoted  to  alfalfa. 


724 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  silty  clay  loams. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Chehalis  silty  clay  loam 

Sacramento  silty  clay  loam . 


Merced  silty  clay  loam 

Doty  silty  clay  loam 

Kelso  silty  clav  loam 

Gridley  silty  clay  loam 

Coquille  silty  clay  loam. . . 

Eld  silty  clay  loam 

Neal  silty  clay  loam 

Elder  silty  clay  loam 

Santa  Rita  silty  clay  loam. 

Puget  silty  clay  loam 

May  wood  silty  clay  loam . . 


Washington  5,7 

California  2, 16,  25:  Washing- 
ton 7. 

California  13 

Washington  7 

do 

California  12 

Oregon  3 

Washington  5 

Oregon  4 

California  16 

California  8 

Washington  5 

California  16 


151,296 
100,928 

21,696 

20,992 

14,080 

13,184 

8,320 

4,352 

1,984 

1,600 

1,344 


Total. 


341,440 


i  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Loam  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loain  group  are  less  extensive  within  the  River  Flood 
Plain  province  than  the  silt  loams  and  silty  clay  loams. 

As  mapped,  however,  they  are  subject  to  wide  variations  in  climate,  drainage, 
character  of  substratum,  adaptation  to  dry  farming  and  irrigation,  and  other 
modifying  factors  affecting  their  development. 

Under  humid  climatic  conditions  in  western  Washington,  where  the  clay  loam 
occurs  in  a  single  series,  the  soil  is  poorly  drained  and  devoted  to  agriculture 
only  on  a  limited  scale.     It  is  best  adapted  to  grain  and  hay  crops. 

Under  subhumid  conditions  in  southern  Oregon,  where  the  group  is  repre- 
sented by  another  single  type,  the  soil  is  underlain  by  a  pervious  gravel  sub- 
stratum, and  owing  to  this  has  some  of  the  characteristics  of  the  better-drained 
soils  of  lighter  texture.  Apples,  pears,  vegetables,  small  fruits,  grain,  and 
hay  are  the  principal  crops. 

In  the  Interior  Valley  of  California  two  clay  loams  occur,  one  of  which  is, 
however,  of  local  development.  The  soils  are  often  poorly  drained,  subject  to 
overflow,  and  one  of  the  types  contains  injurious  accumulations  of  alkali.  These 
soils  are  utilized  principally  for  grazing  and  the  production  of  grains  without 
irrigation.  Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  irrigation  they  are 
adapted  to  alfalfa,  forage  crops,  and  possibly  to  prunes  and  sugar  beets. 

In  the  coastal  valley  districts  the  clay  loams  are  devoted  mainly  to  grain 
and  grain-hay  production  without  irrigation.  Stone  fruits  are  grown  to  a 
small  extent,  but  conditions  of  moisture  supply  and  physical  character  of  the 
soils  are  not  favorable  for  these  crops. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  loam  group  have  a  narrower  range  in  adaptation  to 
crops  than  those  of  the  silt  loam  and  silty  clay  loam  groups. 

Under  favorable  conditions  of  climate,  irrigation,  and  drainage,  and  where 
well  supplied  with  moisture  naturally,  they  are  admirably  adapted  to  grains. 
hay,  forage,  and  other  general  farm  crops.  Potatoes  and  heavy  or  late  vego 
tables,  pears,  apples,  and  sugar  beetl  would  also  probably  find  conditions 
favorable  to  development  under  suitable  conditions  of  environment.  None  of 
the  latter  crops  arc  grown  extensively  as  yet. 

Over  poorly  drained  .-irons  the  soils  are  sticky  and  Inclined  to  puddle  when 
wet,  becoming  bard  and  baked  when  subsequently  exposed  to  hot,  dry  weather. 
They  require  rather  heavy  farming  equipment  for  careful  and  thorough  culti- 
vation, but  under  favorable  conditions  the  soil  may  be  maintained  in  b  friable 
Structure  They  are  adapted  to  general  forming,  dairying,  stock  raising,  and 
the  production  of  sugar  boots,  vegetables,  and  tree  fruits.     Of  the  fruits,  pears, 

apples,  and  prunes  are  best  suited  to  the  prevailing  soil  conditions. 

Ohehaiii  clay  loam-  The  soil  is  of  grayish-brown  or  drab  to  light-brown  color 
and  from  12  to  'JO  Inches  In  depth.  When  dry  the  Immediate  surface  often  as- 
sunios  a  light-gray  color.  It  is  rather  sticky  and  compact  in  structure  but  is 
generally  friable  under  cultivation.  The  Bubsoil  is  a  gray  or  mottled  gray  and 
yellow  silty  clay  or  silty  clay  loam.    The  soil  Is  usually  of  lighter  color  and  the 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION. 


725 


subsoil  of  heavier  texture  than  the  Chehalis  silty  clay  loam.  Drainage  is 
deficient.    The  type  is  heavily  forested  and  adapted  to  grains  and  grasses. 

Livermore  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  very  dark  brown  to  nearly  black  clay 
loam  3  to  4  feet  in  depth.  A  small  amount  of  gravel  is  sometimes  present. 
The  soil  has  a  tendency  to  bake  and  check  upon  drying.  The  subsoil  is  a  gray- 
ish or  yellowish  brown  clay  loam,  somewhat  lighter  in  texture  than  the  soil 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  section  but  becoming  heavier  and  more  compact  with 
depth.  The  topography  is  comparatively  level,  though  the  surface  is  interrupted 
by  depressions  of  former  stream  channels.  The  type  is  well  drained  but 
retentive  of  moisture.  It  is  devoted  mainly  to  grain  and  grass  with  good 
results. 

Marcuse  clay  loam. — The  type  consists  of  24  to  36  inches  of  grayish  clay  loam, 
underlain  by  a  sticky,  reddish-brown  loam.  It  is  of  sedimentary  origin,  repre- 
senting material  deposited  by  overflow  waters,  and  is  being  added  to  with  each 
annual  inundation.  The  type  is  impregnated  with  alkali  and  is  used  only  for 
grazing  during  the  dry  season.     The  natural  drainage  is  very  poor. 

Salem  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  loam,  of  compact 
structure,  and  sticky  when  wet.  The  subsoil  is  a  brown  to  dark-brown  clay 
loam,  underlain  at  depths  of  18  inches  to  6  or  more  feet  by  a  substratum  of 
compact,  water-worn  gravel.  The  surface  is  gently  sloping  and  well  adapted 
to  irrigation.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  derived  mainly  from  basaltic 
material  and  occupies  flood  plains  and  stream  terraces.  Drainage  is  well 
established.  The  type  is  adapted  to  grains,  alfalfa,  pears,  apples,  vegetables, 
and  small  fruits. 

Tassajero  clay  loam. — The  soil  to  an  average  depth  of  3  feet  consists  of  a 
dark-brown,  light-textured  clay  loam,  showing  mottlings  of  gray  and  brown 
when  wet  and  becoming  lighter  in  color  at  2  feet.  The  dry  cultivated  surface 
is  of  reddish-brown  color.  In  places  the  material  approaches  an  adobe  in 
structure.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter  colored  clay  loam  or  sandy  clay  loam,  merg- 
ing into  a  faintly  mottled,  heavy,  nearly  black  loam  at  4£  to  5  feet.  The  type 
is  gently  sloping  and  generally  well  drained  It  is  derived  from  material 
washed  from  areas  of  sandstone  and  shale.  It  is  entirely  under  cultivation 
and  devoted  chiefly  to  grain  and  hay.  Some  peaches,  prunes,  and  apricots  are 
grown,  but  the  fruit  is  of  inferior  size,  owing  to  lack  of  moisture. 

Vina  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  light-brown  to  dark  chocolate  brown,  smooth- 
textured  clay  loam  from  2  to  6  feet  deep. 

It  is  sticky  when  wet,  puddles  readily,  and  cracks  slightly  upon  subsequent 
exposure.  It  is  underlain  at  depths  below  24  inches  by  a  slightly  lighter- 
colored  clay  loam  or  heavy  loam,  which  in  turn  rests  upon  andesitic  conglomerate 
or  tuff  of  the  Tuscan  series.  The  type  is  important,  though  not  of  great  extent. 
The  topography  varies  from  nearly  level  to  gently  sloping,  and  the  surface 
drainage  is  somewhat  restricted  and  in  occasional  shallow  depressions  rather 
deficient.  Overflows  by  flood  waters  of  intermittent  streams  occur  in  some 
places.  The  type  supports  growths  of  valley  oak,  brush,  and  wild  grasses.  It 
is  devoted  principally  to  dry-farmed  grain,  but  is  better  adapted  to  intensive 
agriculture  under  irrigation  than  to  alfalfa,  stone  fruits,  and  general  farm 
crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam*. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Washin  ft  or  7 

34, 560 

California  12 

California  16 

14,592 

0,841 

Oregon  4 

4,736 

California  8 

832 

do 

576 

Total . . 

62,144 

For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


726  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

GRAVELLY    CLAY    LOAM    PHASE. 

Gravelly  clay  loam  soils  are  of  unusual  occurrence  in  the  River  Flood  Plain 
province,  and  have  been  encountered  only  in  one  area,  where  they  are  repre- 
sented by  a  single  type.  This  occupies  stream  terraces.  lying  well  above  present 
flood  plains,  and  Is  underlain  by  a  porous,  gravelly  substratum. 

Owing  to  its  position,  the  pervious  character  of  underlying  material,  and  to 
the  gravel  content,  drainage  is  excessive,  and  the  soil  deficient  in  power  to 
retain  moisture,  and  droughty,  although  occurring  under  conditions  of  moder- 
ately heavy  rainfall.  These  factors  are  of  sufficient  influence  to  cause  the 
gravelly  clay  loam  phase  to  depart  widely  from  the  characterises  of  the  soils 
of  the  clay  loam  group.  In  adaptation  to  crops  it  resembles  the  gravelly  loams, 
being  less  well  adapted  to  general  farm  crops  than  the  clay  loams.  Under 
irrigation  and  intensive  cultivation  it  is  suited  to  prunes,  apples,  and  the 
lighter  vegetables. 

Xasel  gravelly  clay  loam. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  loam,  carry- 
ing small  quantities  of  cobbles  and  gravel  on  the  surface,  and  frequently  inter- 
mingled with  the  soil.  This  is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  12  to  18  inches  by  a  mass 
of  water-worn  gravel  and  cobbles,  with  a  small  quantity  of  interstitial  sand  and 
finer  material  of  a  yellowish  color.  On  the  slopes  the  surface  soil  is  particu- 
larly gravelly  and  stony.  The  slopes  toward  the  stream  are  frequently  steep 
and  abrupt,  and  of  stony  character,  but  the  tops  of  the  terraces  are  level  to 
gently  undulating.  The  type  is  deficient  in  moisture-retaining  capacity.  Under 
irrigation  it  can  be  utilized  for  fruit  and  vegetables. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  gravelly  clay  loam. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Nasel  gravelly  clay  loam ...                

Washington  7 

6,656 

i  For  key  to  number  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY  LOAM  ADOBE  PHASE. 

The  clay  loam  adobe  soils  of  this  province,  while  found  in  extensive  bodies, 
are  comparatively  rare,  and  so  far  have  been  mapped  only  in  the  subhumid 
Bemiarid  coastal  valleys  of  California. 

The  adobe  characteristics  of  structure  are  highly  developed,  the  soils  being 
exceedingly  sticky  when  wet,  and  baking  and  chocking  to  a  marked  extent  upon 
drying.  Under  unfavorable  conditions  of  moisture  and  structure  they  are  ex- 
ceedingly  difficult  to  handle.  Under  favorable  conditions  and  with  efficient 
methods  Of  cultivation,  they  assume  a  friable  condition,  and  are  unusually 
Lve  of  moisture  and  productive. 

Grains  consisting  Of  wheat,  oats,  and  barley  are  most  widely  grown,  and 
under  Irrigation  the  culture  of  sugar  beets  upon  an  extensive  scale  has  been 
highly  developed.  In  well-drained  areas,  alfalfa,  apples,  potatoes,  beans. 
strawberries,  and  bramble  fruits  are  grown  with  excellent  results. 

Under  favorable  conditions  of  drainage  and  structure  the  clay  loam  adobes 
of  the  province  are  adapted  to  much  the  same  general  farm  crops  as  the  soils 
of  the  clay  foam  group,  and  under  careful  management  and  Intensive  cultiva- 
tion are  better  adapted  to  dry-farmed  crops  and  generally  somewhat  more 
rable  for  the  culture  of  small  fruits  and  vegetables.  They  require  careful 
management  and  a  heavy  farming  equipment  for  efficient  utilization. 

Pafaro  <id)/  loam  adobe.- -This  type  consists  of  a  plastic  black  clay  loam  of 
varying  depths  to  3  feet,  cracking  when  dry  Into  small  ndobe  cubes,  it  is 
underlain  by  compact,  tenacious,  and  slightly  pervious  yellow  clay  Loam  or 
silty  clay  Loam.  The  soil  differs  from  the  adobes  of  the  Stockton  series  In  the 
absence  of  n  thin,  marly,  hardpan-like  layer  between  the  soil  and  subsoil,  it 
contains  Large  quantities  of  Lime  and  humus  and  is  fairly  easy  to  cultivate 

if  tilled   :it    the   proper  time,   but    if  tOO  dry   it   breaks  up  into   Large  clods.     On 

account  of  poor  natural  drainage  it   is  often  covered  with  water  during  the 
wet  seasons,  with  consequent  damage  to  orchards  and  growing  crops,    it  is  an 

excellent  berry  soil. 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  727 

Salinas  clay  loam  adobe. — The  soil  is  of  dark-gray  to  black  color  and  of 
refractory,  compact  structure,  becoming  sticky  when  wet  and  baking  upon 
exposure.  When  in  a  favorable  moisture  condition  it  is  friable  under  culti- 
vation. The  subsoil  is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure  to  the  soil 
material  and  is  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  light-gray  fine  sandy  loam  or 
fine  porous  sand  at  depths  ranging  from  30  inches  to  3  feet.  The  type  is  of 
alluvial  origin,  the  material  of  which  it  is  composed  being  derived  from 
crystalline  and  metamorphic  rocks,  with  some  shale  and  sandstone.  It  occupies 
terraces  in  river  valleys  of  gentle  slope  and  is  usually  free  from  overflow. 
Subdrainage  is  somewhat  restricted  owing  to  the  heavy,  impervious  character 
of  the  soil  and  subsoil.  The  soil  is  retentive  of  moisture  under  proper  culti- 
vation and  is  adapted  to  grains  and,  under  irrigation,  to  sugar  beets. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  loam  adobes. 


Soil  name. 

State  or  area.1 

Acres. 

Salinas  clay  loam  adobe 

California  10 

18,400 
4,800 

Pajaro  clay  loam  adobe 

California  14 

Total 

23,200 

1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
Clay  Group. 

The  soils  of  the  clay  group  in  the  areas  mapped  in  this  province  are  of 
moderately  frequent  and  extensive  occurrence.  They  are  less  widely  dis- 
tributed than  the  members  of  the  groups  of  somewhat  lighter  texture. 

Climatic,  drainage,  and  other  modifying  conditions  vary  widely,  but  the 
soils  are  commonly  subject  to  poorly  developed  surface  or  subsurface  drainage 
and  in  some  places  to  periodical  overflow  where  not  protected  by  levees.  In  the 
more  arid  districts  a  tendency  toward  an  adobe  structure  is  frequently  devel- 
oped, the  soils  of  the  group  puddling  readily  under  inefficient  management  or 
unfavorable  conditions  of  drainage.  They  require  heavy  farming  equipment 
and  thorough  culture  to  maintain  a  condition  of  tilth  favorable  to  the  conser- 
vation of  moisture  and  the  growth  of  crops. 

In  the  humid  districts  they  are  poorly  drained  and  frequently  subject  to  over- 
flow, and  are  utilized  mainly  for  the  production  of  oats,  clover,  other  hay  crops, 
and  dairy  products. 

In  the  subhumid  districts  in  southern  Oregon  the  group  is  represented  by  a 
single  type,  characterized  by  an  impervious  hardpan  substratum,  and  much  of 
the  area  is  suitable  only  for  the  production  of  shallow-rooted  crops.  The 
deeper  areas,  or  areas  improved  by  blasting,  are  adapted  to  the  production  of 
apples,  pears,  and  small  fruits  suitable  to  soils  of  heavy  texture. 

In  the  semiarid  portions  of  California  clay  soils  have  been  recognized  in 
three  important  series  found  in  the  interior  and  coastal  valleys.  They  are 
utilized  mainly  for  pasture  and  for  the  production  of  grain  and  grain  hay 
without  irrigation.  The  better  drained  areas  of  friable  structure  are  adapted 
to  the  production  of  sorghum  and  other  forage  crops,  timothy,  rye  grass,  and 
other  grasses,  and  alfalfa  and  root  crops.  Tree  and  small  fruits  and  vegetables 
are  successfully  grown  in  exceptional  locations,  but  the  soils  of  the  group  are 
not  generally  adapted  to  these  products. 

As  a  unit  the  soils  of  the  clay  group  are  adapted  to  the  production  of  hay 
and  dairy  products,  and  under  favorable  condilions  of  drainage  and  tillage  to 
grains  and  forage  crops.  Sugar  beets  and  other  intensively  cultivated  prod- 
ucts will  succeed  under  favorable  conditions,  but  usually  find  more  suitable 
conditions  on  the  soils  of  somewhat  lighter  texture.  . 

Antelope  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  grayish-brown  to  black  sticky  clay 
from  6  inches  to  4  feet  deep,  sometimes  carrying  a  small  quantity  of  water- 
Worn  gravel,  and  underlain  by  a  thin  layer  of  iron  hardpan  and  brown  to 
yellowish-brown  beds  of  cemented  water-worn  gravel  and  sand.  The  underly- 
ing cemented  material  is  similar  to  that  found  beneath  the  Agate  series,  but 
the  surface  material  has  probably  been  modified  by  an  admixture  of  alluvium 
washed  from  higher  levels.  The  topography  is  slightly  sloping  and  the  surface 
in  places  marked  by  "  hog  wallows."     Under  irrigation  the  deeper  areas  are 


728  SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 

suitable  for  the  production  of  apples,  pears,  and  small  fruits.  Much  of  the 
type,  however  is  shallow  and  unsuitable  for  the  culture  of  deep-rooted  crops, 
although  such  areas  may  be  improved  by  blasting  the  hardpan. 

Chehalis  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  10  to  12  inches  of  a  dark-colored,  heavy, 
tenacious  clay  mottled  with  yellow  and  orange.  When  dry  the  surface  varies 
from  dark  gray  to  slate  colored,  but  when  wet  it  is  decidedly  black.  In  the  latter 
condition  it  is  sticky  and  compact  and  on  drying  becomes  sun-cracked,  hard,  and 
difficult  to  handle.  The  lower  lying  areas  carry  considerable  organic  matter. 
Small  bodies  of  a  lighter  colored  phase  have  been  included  with  this  type. 

The  subsoil  from  12  to  36  inches  usually  consists  of  mottled  gray  and  orange 
waxy  clay  overlying  a  gray  clay  of  compact  structure,  although  in  places  it  is 
dark  drab  to  slate  color,  with  slight  reddish-brown  iron  stains.  The  type  is 
uniformly  level,  is  often  flooded  and  in  most  cases  is  poorly  drained.  It  was 
originally  heavily  forested  with  fir.  cedar,  vine  maple,  alder,  and  underbrush, 
but  at  present  nearly  all  of  it  is  under  cultivation.  It  is  well  adapted  to  the 
production  of  hay  and  grain  crops.  Yields  of  from  00  to  100  bushels  of  oats  and 
about  2£  tons  of  clover  hay  per  acre  are  secured. 

Livcrmore  clay. — The  soil  is  a  compact,  dark  chocolate  brown  to  dark-gray 
clay  carrying  small  amounts  of  gravel,  the  upper  6  inches  of  soil  being  some- 
what lighter  in  texture  than  the  underlying  material.  The  subsoil  is  a  lighter 
brown  to  brown  clay  loam  encountered  at  depths  of  2\  to  3*  feet,  lighter  in 
texture  and  more  silty  than  the  soil,  but  in  places  grading  into  more  compact 
clay  loam  between  5  and  6  feet.  It  is  comparatively  flat,  with  some  slight  de- 
pressions, and  well  drained  except  in  the  lower-lying  bodies,  which  are  over- 
flowed for  short  periods.  The  type  is  generally  treeless  except  for  a  few  valley 
oaks.  It  is  utilized  mainly  for  hay  and  grain,  with  good  yields,  and  under  irri- 
gation is  suitable  for  alfalfa  and  fruits. 

Sacramento  clay. — The  soil  is  a  dark-brown  to  nearly  black  clay,  from  18  to 
30  inches  deep,  containing  much  organic  matter,  underlain  by  a  buff-colored  fine 
sandy  loam  and  silt  loam.  It  is  free  from  gravel  and  has  a  dense,  adobelike 
structure.  The  type  is  formed  by  the  mixing  of  fine  river  sediments  with  well- 
decomposed  peaty  and  other  organic  matter.  It  covers  extensive  areas  of  level 
swamp  and  overflow  lands  of  stream  deltas,  and  grades  insensibly  into  adjacent 
peat  and  adobe  lands.  It  supports  a  heavy  growth  of  willows,  tules,  or  other 
swamp  vegetation.  The  soil  is  very  productive  when  drained  and  protected  from 
tidal  or  flood  waters.  Grains,  grain  hay,  timothy,  and  other  grasses,  potatoes, 
onions,  beans,  etc.,  are  the  principal  crops. 

Tehama  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  compact,  light  grayish  brown  to  yellowish- 
brown  clay,  from  36  to  48  inches  deep,  sticky  when  wet  and  becoming  hard 
and  impervious  and  checking  upon  subsequent  exposure.  It  is  hard  to  handle 
except  under  proper  moisture  conditions.  Drainage  is  poor.  The  type  occurs 
as  elongated  or  depressed  bodies  of  inextensive  area.  The  topography  is  gently 
sloping  to  level.  The  land  is  largely  utilized,  or  is  devoted  only  to  dry  farming 
in.  With  careful  management,  under  irrigation,  it  could  possibly  be  used 
for  other  crops. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  clays. 


Soil 


8acramento  clay California  12,  23,  25. 

Chehalis  clay 


State  or  area.1 


Livorn.  

Antelope  clay I  toegOD  4 

Tehama  clay California  It".. 


Acres. 


212,928 

5,120 

1,792 
1,536 


A'3,808 

<oy  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p 
SILTY   (  r.AV    PHASE. 

i  silty  clays  h;ivo  been  mapped  mo&i  extensively  i:i  the  humid  regions  of 

m    Washington,    where    they    have    been    recognised    in    three    ioll    series 
Other  :ire:is  Included   in  tWO  distinct   s.>il  series  0CCHI  in  <h<-  suhhnmid  and  arid 

•   district!  mill   interior  valley  of  California,  :i!<»nur  streams  heading  in 
the  adjacent  mountain*  and  traversing  regions  of  comparatlTely  heavy  rainfall 

and   subject    to  erosion. 


PACIFIC   COAST   REGION.  729 

The  soils  occupy  low-lying  positions,  and  much  of  the  areas  covered  are 
subject  to  overflow  and  poorly  drained.  In  this  present  condition  they  are 
adapted  only  to  grazing. 

Where  capable  of  utilization,  they  are,  in  the  humid  districts,  adapted  to 
clover,  timothy,  dairying,  and  to  late  bramble  fruits  and  vegetables. 

In  the  more  southern  areas  of  limited  rainfall  they  are  utilized  for  pasture 
and  for  the  production  of  wheat  and  barley  without  irrigation,  and,  to  some 
extent,  sugar  beets.  The  better  drained  areas  are  well  adapted  to  this  crop,  as 
well  as  to  sorghum  and  other  forage  crops. 

The  silty  clay  loams  become  very  sticky  when  wet  and  bake  and  check  upon 
subsequent  exposure  during  hot.  dry  periods.  They  require  careful  manage- 
ment in  cultivation  and  irrigation,  and  are  with  some  difficulty  maintained  in  a 
favorable  condition  of  structure.  They  are.  however,  of  more  friable  structure 
than  the  soils  of  the  clay  group  of  this  province  and  are.  under  favorable  drain- 
age and  cultural  conditions,  better  adapted  to  small  fruits,  vegetables,  most  of 
the  forage  crops,  and  to  sugar  beets. 

A  heavy  farming  equipment  is  essential  for  their  economical  utilization.  In 
adaptation  to  the  various  types  of  farming  they  occupy  a  position  intermediate 
between  the  silty  clay  loams  and  the  clays. 

Ghehalis  silty  clay. — The  soil  consists  of  a  brownish-gray  to  bluish-gray  heavy 
silty  clay,  about  12  inches  deep,  mottled  with  yellow  and  carrying  a  high  per- 
centage of  organic  matter.  The  subsoil  is  a  bluish-gray  to  slate-colored  silty  clay, 
also  frequently  mottled  with  yellow  and  lighter  shades  of  gray.  Brown  iron 
stains  are  common  in  both  soil  and  subsoil  and  layers  of  peat  and  muck  are  fre- 
quently encountered  throughout  the  type.  The  material  is  derived  from  finer 
deposits  of  silt  and  clay  brought  down  and  deposited  in  quiet  waters  at  the 
mouth  of  streams.  The  topography  is  level,  the  greater  part  of  the  type  being 
very  little  above  high  tide.  It  is  intersected  by  a  number  of  small  brackish 
sloughs.  During  the  winter  much  of  it  is  inundated,  while  at  all  times  the  water 
table  is  so  near  the  surface  as  to  necessitate  drainage  before  crops  can  be  suc- 
cessfully grown.  When  this  has  been  done  the  soil  should  be  well  adapted  to 
truck  crops,  especially  celery  and  cabbage. 

Xascl  silty  clay. — The  soil  is  a  silty  clay  with  a  depth  of  16  to  2-4  inches.  In 
a  few  cases  a  small  quantity  of  basaltic  gravel  is  found  on  the  surface  and  mixed 
with  the  soil.  It  contains  a  large  quantity  of  organic  matter  and  is  of  some- 
what compact  structure,  checking  when  dry,  but  is  friable  under  cultivation. 
The  subsoil  consists  of  a  mottled,  light-brown,  yellow,  or  gray  clay  loam  or  clay 
underlain  at  a  depth  of  3  feet  or  more  by  a  substratum  of  water-laid  gravel  and 
cobbles.  The  surface  soil  contains  a  considerable  amount  of  decomposed  organic 
matter.  Owing  to  the  impervious  subsoil  and  level  topography  the  natural 
drainage  of  this  type  is  poor.  The  soil  is  not  at  present  subject  to  overflow 
except  under  unusual  conditions  of  flood.  It  is  rather  droughty  in  seasons  of 
deficient  rainfall. 

Pajaro  silty  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  light-yellow  or  drab  plastic  silty 
clay  varying  from  12  to  36  inches  in  depth,  overlying  a  dark  loam  or  silt  loam 
which  previously  formed  the  top  soil.  This  material  has  been  derived  from  re- 
cently weathered  shales  carried  down  by  the  Pajaro  River  and  deposited  during 
flood  seasons  in  depressions  or  low  channels  near  the  river.  When  first  deposited 
this  soil  cracks  into  large  blocks,  the  cracks  extending  to  the  underlying  lighter 
soil.  In  time  the  surface  soil,  through  weathering  and  cultivation,  becomes  less 
refractory,  and  is  used  for  barley,  sugar  beets,  and  other  crops. 

Puget  silty  clay. — This  soil  consists  of  from  10  to  15  inches  of  a  drab  to  slightly 
mottled  silty  clay  carrying  a  large  amount  of  organic  matter  in  various  stages 
of  decomposition.  The  subsoil  is  a  heavy  siltv  loam  or  silty  clay,  slightly 
mottled  with  iron  stains.  The  subsoil  is  quite  similar  in  texture  to  the  soil,  but 
contains  a  smaller  quantity  of  organic  matter.  The  topography  is  nearly  level, 
many  of  the  larger  areas  being  only  slightly  elevated  above  the  level  of  the 
stream  channels  or  above  tide.  Its  low  topographic  position  causes  many  of  the 
areas  to  be  overflowed  at  times  of  high  water,  and  it  is  often  necessary  to  dike 
the  land  near  the  mouths  of  the  rivers.  The  type  as  a  whole  has  very  poor 
natural  drainage,  and  artificial  drainage  is  usually  necessary.  The  type  is 
derived  from  the  finer  sediments  of  silt  and  ciay  deposited  in  quiet  waters  at 
times  of  overflow  or  deposited  in  the  shallow  waters  at  the  mouths  of  the  rivers. 
eventually  building  up  delta  "  flats."  When  thoroughly  drained  the  soil  is  yerf 
productive.  Oats  is  the  principal  crop  grown  and  very  larse  yields  are  obtained. 
Wheat  also  gives  very  large  yields.  Glover,  timothy,  small  fruits,  ami  vegetables 
are  grown  on  this  type  with  good  results. 


730  SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Sacramento  silty  clay. — The  type  consists  of  a  dark-gray  to  nearly  black  silty 
clay,  usually  free  from  gravel  and  6  feet  or  more  in  depth.  It  is  of  compact 
structure,  baking  and  checking  during  the  dry  season,  but  friable  under  culti- 
vation if  handled  in  a  favorable  condition  as  regards  moisture.  It  occurs  as 
inextensive  bodies  occupying  depressions  in  river  flood  plains,  is  generally  more 
or  less  subject  to  overflow,  and  is  at  present  devoted  to  dry  farming  and  crazing. 
The  more  elevated  and  better  drained  bodies  should,  however,  under  irrigation, 
be  capable  of  profitable  production  of  alfalfa,  sugar  beets,  sorghum,  and  other 
forage  crops. 

Area  and  distribution-  of  the  silty  clays. 


Soil  name.  State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Puget  silty  clay i  Washington  4, 5. 

Chehalis  silty  clay Washington  5,  7. 


Sacramento  silty  clay. 
Nasel  silty  day. . 
Pajaro  silty  clay . 


Total. 


California  2, 25. 
Washington  7. 
California  14.. 


83,968 
54,528 
32,576 
15,872 
640 


187,584 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 
CLAY    ADOBE   PHASE. 

A  pronounced  clay  adobe  structure  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  soils  of 
clay  texture  in  those  portions  of  the  River  Flood  Plain  province  occurring 
within  the  semiarid  and  subhumid  districts  of  Oregon  and  California.  The 
soils  are  of  rather  more  extensive  occurrence  and  more  widely  distributed  in 
these  districts  than  are  the  normal  clays. 

They  are  subject  to  considerable  variation  in  local  climatic  conditions, 
drainage,  character  of  underlying  material,  and  in  relation  to  irrigation  and 
other  factors  influencing  their  adaptation  to  crops.  Some  of  the  higher  lying 
bodies  are  well  drained  and  favorably  situated  for  irrigation,  while  others 
occupy  low-lying  positions  subject  to  overflow,  are  poorly  drained  and  in  places 
impregnated  with  alkali. 

The  adobe  characteristics  of  structure  are  usually  highly  developed  and  exert 
much  the  same  influence  upon  physical  character,  cultural  operations,  and 
crop  adaptation  as  with  the  clay  loam  adobes.  The  soils  when  wet  are  exceed- 
ingly tenacious,  bake,  check,  and  crack  extensively  during  hot,  dry  periods, 
and  require  the  heaviest  of  farming  equipment.  When  in  a  favorable  moisture 
condition,  however,  they  are  friable,  and  when  deeply  plowed  and  thoroughly 
tilled,  or  when  favored  by  granulated  structure,  sometimes  acquired  under 
natural  conditions,  are  unusually  retentive  of  moisture  through  protracted 
periods  of  drought. 

Under  suitable  conditions  of  drainage  and  moisture  supply,  tillage,  etc.,  they 
dapted  to  a  heavy  type  of  general  fanning.  They  are  not  usually  adapted 
to  vegetables,  or  to  fruits,  except  pears,  which  are  very  successfully  grown  where 
Local  conditions  are  favorable.  In  the  coastal  valley  districts  in  California 
extensive  areas  of  the  clay  adobe  soils  are  profitably  devoted  to  the  production 
of  sugar  beets,  growl)  mainly  by  aid  of  Irrigation.  With  careful  irrigation  and 
thorough  t  ilia  go  the  production  of  this  crop  can  probably  be  successfully  extended 
in  both  the  coastal  valley  and  interior  valley  districts. 

Antelope  day  a>\<>h<.  The  type  is  a  dark-brown  to  black  clay  adobe,  with 
brown  to  dark-brown  subsoils  underlain  by  a  substratum  of  compact,  cemented, 
gravels  separated  from  the  overlying  material  by  a  thin  layer  of  iron  hardpan 

at  a  depth  varying  from  i  to  <;  feet  or  more.    The  soil  is  <»f  dense,  refractory, 

Bdobe  Structure,  becoming  very  adhesive  when  wet  and  baking  and  checking 
upon  exposure  to  k\v\  weather.  The  position  of  the  type  usually  favors  irriga- 
tion, and  many  of  the  areas  Covered  are  adapted  to  pears  and  small  fruits. 
The  shallow  phases  are  suitable  for  deep-rooted  crops  only  after  blasting. 

Weal  <-l<i)/  adobe.-  The  soil  is  a  compact,  refractory,  black  clay  adobe.  The 
subsoil  is  a  compact  day  usually  becoming  lighter  in  color  below  3  feet,  but 
the  parent  shale  rock  may  sometimes  directly  underlie  the  dark-colored  soil 
material.    Grave]  is  rarely  present    The  type  is  subject   to  occasional  over- 

ilow.  and  has  a  slightly  sloping  topography.     It  is  adapted  to  grains,  hay  crops, 


PACIFIC   COAST  REGION.  731 

and    under    favorable    climatic    conditions,    to     pears.     Drainage    is    poorly 
established. 

Sacramento  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  gray  or  grayish-black  clay  of  adobe 
structure,  with  an  average  depth  of  from  24  to  36  inches.  The  subsoil  is  a 
dark-brown  clay  which  usually  becomes  yellowish  brown  in  color  with  increas- 
ing depth.  It  occupies  a  low  position  and  is  subject  to  overflow  at  times  of 
flood.  The  surface  is  level  and  natural  drainage  is  usually  deficient.  Alkali 
is  often  present  in  sufficient  quantities  to  be  injurious  to  shallow-rooted  crops. 
The  native  vegetation  consists  chiefly  of  alkali  weeds  and  wild  grasses.  Grain 
is  profitably  grown  on  limited  areas  protected  from  overflow. 

Salem  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  black  clay  of  heavy,  refractory,  adobe 
structure,  sticky  when  wet  and  checking  upon  subsequent  exposure.  The  sub- 
soil is  similar  in  color,  texture,  and  structure,  and  is  underlain  by  a  substratum 
of  waterworn  gravels,  in  places  cemented.  The  underlying  gravels  do  not 
usually  occur  within  the  depth  of  6  feet.  The  soil  often  contains  a  large 
quantity  of  organic  matter  and  is  poorly  drained.  The  topography  varies  from 
smooth  to  uneven.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin,  the  material  being  derived 
from  basaltic  rocks,  and  occupies  stream  flood  plains  and  terraces  usually  free 
from  overflow.  It  is  adapted  to  alfalfa  and  to  pears  under  favorable  drainage 
conditions. 

Salinas  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  dark  gray  to  black,  with  a  clay  texture  and 
compact  adobe  structure.  It  becomes  very  tenacious  when  wet  and  bakes  and 
checks  upon  exposure.  It  is  tilled  with  difficulty,  but  under  proper  manage- 
ment becomes  fairly  friable.  The  subsoil  is  similar  to  the  soil  material  but 
is  underlain  at  a  depth  of  about  30  inches  by  fine  sand  or  fine  sandy  loam  of 
light-gray  color.  The  type  is  of  alluvial  origin  derived  mainly  from  materials 
washed  from  metamorphic  and  sedimentary  rocks.  It  occupies  low,  level,  or 
depressed  areas  in  river  flood  plains  and  terraces.  Under  favorable  conditions 
of  drainage,  irrigation,  and  cultivation  the  type  is  adapted  to  dry-farmed  grains 
and  sugar  beets. 

Santa  Rita  clay  adobe. — The  soil  is  a  dark-gray  or  slate-colored  sticky  clay 
adobe  carrying  much  silt  and  little  sand.  It  is  frequently  mottled  with  bluish 
gray,  brown,  and  yellow  in  the  lower  portion,  pockets  of  fine  sand  and  silty  fine 
sand  being  of  occasional  occurrence.  The  soil  is  in  places  6  feet  or  more  in 
depth,  but  the  subsoil  is  usually  encountered  at  3  to  5  feet.  It  consists  of 
rather  compact  layers  of  slaty,  heavy,  black  clay.  The  soil  cracks  and  checks 
upon  exposure,  forming  a  friable  surface  structure  and  is  easily  cultivated. 
The  surface  is  generally  flat  or  gently  sloping.  Natural  drainage  is  restricted 
but  has  been  improved  by  ditching.  Considerable  areas  of  alkali  occur  but  the 
salts  are  mainly  concentrated  in  the  subsoils  under  which  conditions  hay  and 
grains  are  grown.  Tules  and  willows  are  found  on  undrained  areas.  Most 
of  the  type  is  under  cultivation  and  devoted  mainly  to  hay  and  grains,  and 
limited  areas  to  sugar  beets. 

Vina  clay  adobe. — The  Vina  clay  adobe  is  of  dark-gray  to  nearly  black  color 
and  consists  of  a  heavy,  compact  clay  of  pronounced  adobe  structure.     It  is 
readily  puddled  and  becomes  very  tenacious  when  wet,  and  upon  subsequent 
exposure   assumes   an   extremely   hard   condition   and   becomes   checked   wit^ 
fragments  of  various  sizes.    The  type  is  marked  by  small,  intermittent,  poo- 
defined  drainage  courses  in  the  vicinity  of  which  accumulations  of  and," 
bowlders  and  cobbles  are  often  found.     The  soil  is  underlain  to  4  feet^ 
indurated  mass   of  andesitic  gravel   and   tufaceous  material   similar  ^  t 
underlying  the  Tuscan  series,  although  a  deeper  phase  is  found  H^^at 
lower  elevations  in  the  vincinity  of  the  valley  bottoms.    The  gerg  n.f„ce  jS 
of  sloping  character  and  of  fair  drainage.     The  type  is  geueIYrepiesS   ex- 
cept in  the  vicinity  of  stream  channels  traversing  lower  K    dies      jt  jg 
utilized  principally  for  the  production  of  grain  without  iv?  f '     eraz 

ing  purposes.  Owing  to  the  usual  shallow  character,  it  ^,, „i"L^  t" 
irrigation  and  to  the  production  of  deep-rooted  crops  tr*ebS  *%11  1+^11^™ 
members  of  the  Vina  series.  are  most  of  the  other 


732 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 
Area  and  distribution  of  the  clay  adobes. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Sacramento  clay  adobe Califomia25. 

Salinas  clay  adobe i  California  10. 

Vina  clay  adobe California  16. 

Salem  clay  adobe Oregon  4 

Santa  Rita  clay  adobe California  8. . 

Antelope  clay  adobe Oregon  4 

Neal  clay  adobe do. 


Total. 


29,952 
11,580 
4,928 
4,352 
3,456 
2,432 
1,280 

57,980 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATERIAL. 

Area  and  distribution  of  the  miscellaneous  material. 


Soil  name. 


State  or  area.1 


Acres. 


Rough  mountainous  land . 

Rough  stony  land 

Dunesand 

Riverwash 


Peat 

Muck  and  peat 

Tidal  marsh 

Coastal  beach  and  dunesand 

Meadow 

Coastal  beach 

Swamp 

Rock  outcrop 


Total. 


Oregon  3 

California  2,  11,  12,  15,  16.  17,  18;  Washington  7;  Oregon  4.... 

California  5,  6,  9,  14,  24;  Oregon  3;  Washington  5 

California  1,  2,  3,  9,  10,  11, 12,  13,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  24,  25; 
Oregon  4. 

California  9,  14,  19,  22,  23;  Oregon  3 

Washington  4, 5,  7 

California  9,  14,  21;  Oregon  3;  Washington  4,  5 

Washington  7 

California  3 

Washington  4, 5 

Washington  4 

....do 


220,160 
196,735 
147,492 
124,418 

115,027 

80,512 

43,520 

7,168 

5,478 

4,352 

2,240 

512 

947,614 


1  For  key  to  numbers  in  this  column  see  p.  733. 


BUREAU    OF    SOILS 
UNITED     STATES    DEPARTMENT    OF    AC  K  ICl'LTUR  E 


BUL96.    BUREAU    OF    SOILS 


DETAIL    SURVEYS  BECONNOISSANCL    si: 


KEY  TO  AREAS  SHOWN  ON  PROGRESS  MAP— JANUARY  I,  i9i3. 


i    uitaugo  Oountj 

■_'     F.n  lilv.  -     ' 

■    ■    QHtj 

•1     Blount  County. 
:.    Bu :ta  Counts 

i;     Butlei    County. 

8    <  !1 bera  Countj 

•l.    I    lillloti    County. 

m    (  Harks  <  tounty. 
1 1    ciny  County. 

i  '.pimty. 

■  ■.  Counts 
ir,   ( luHman  County. 

D      ,i  ■..iinly. 

i  oiinly. 
L'.i     Cscuni!u;i   C.iuiTy. 

■■i     ffitov  .'I:  Countj 

<     I  Payne  area. 
23.  Hale  County. 

21.    Henry  < Nuiiit > 

■S:     llNMlsvill,.    area. 

26,  Jackson  C ty. 

.     ■■  ■ 

L'.s     Lamar  '  ■■ 

L"..    Lauderdale  County. 

80   Lee  County. 

i  lounty. 

-.V2     Madison   County. 

. 

.•:i.    Marshall   Counly. 

85    Mol Counts 

::i|     Monlgu]iier,\   <  < . n 1 1 1  \ . 

87    Perry  County. 
38    Pike  County. 

■.Y.I      ItlUMl.  ■:  |   h    < 

[0    RuBBell  County. 

II.   Slimier  County. 
IJ     Talla.leLM    County. 
t::    'l-s.  Mjm sa   County. 

obo  County. 


Sail  Elver  Valley. 


i     \  ■  i ,  i .  ■  |  i  ■ 

2   Conway  County. 

:■!     ['XvHIrvillc   area. 

;.    Mississippi  County. 

■   i  ounty. 
7.  Stuttgart  area. 

CALIFORNIA. 


til'    Kodblull    are! 

■       ■     ■ 

i:>   San  i 

■Jn     San    Cain 

22    Santa   In 


COLORADO. 

Hon  area 
2.  Greeley  area. 
:;.  I/iwcr  Arkansas  Valley. 
4.  Sun  Luis  Vallej 

CONNCCT1C1   i. 


Valley. 

2    tew   i. onrti m  C y. 

::    W hum  County 

DELAWARE 


FLORIDA. 

I  .,  i  i  [antral  <  Soasl  area 


::  Gadsden  County, 

i  Gainesville  area, 

g  Jacksonvj  lie  area. 

6  refferBon  Counl  s 

i  i  ,  on  I  tounty 

8  klarlanna  area. 

9  DcalO  area. 


1     liatnbriilgearea. 
County 

:;    Hullocb  i  tounty. 

I  '  'liallmm  County, 
r,  i  hattooga  County 
6   >  tobb  County. 


1 1.  i;raiiy  County. 

ii  i-.  County. 
16    .'-ii  Da    ■    i 


i    Knox  County . 

B       Mcl,r;,o   1    ■  ■  M  M  1  y 

0    Sangamon  Counl 


S      Tazewell  '  ' 

'     I 

m    \\  Innebago 


i,  AllenCounty. 
2,   B le  County, 

.■{..    Booiivilleana 

-I.  Greene  C itj 

r».    lluinilUm  i  'uiinu 
"  s  County. 


KANSAS. 

Allen  County. 


11.  Shawnee  Counly. 


\,i,  iik.  v\-ConUnued. 


7.  Oxford  nrea. 

S.  Pontlacarea. 

9.  Saginaw  area. 

10.  Wexford  County. 


4.  Cuodbue  County. 
5    MarahaUarea. 
«:    llice  County. 


1.  Adams  County. 

2.  Biloxi  area. 

:;    CI  irke County. 
4.  Clay  County. 
"    Crystal  Springs  a 

Forrest  County. 

Holmes  County. 


10    Montgomery  c y 

17    Ni.xubee County, 
is    Oktibbeha  County. 


-    u.  rren  County. 

i.ui  ISIANA. 

i.  Acadia  Pariah, 
■2.  Bienville  Parish. 
:;    i  laddo  Parish. 

o  Parish.  " 

W.  Carnill  Pari  she 
East  Ilatun  Rouge  Parish, 
F.ast  Feliciana  Parish. 

Lake  Charles  area. 
Lincoln  Parish. 

New  Orleans  nrea. 

Ouachita  area, 

Tangipahoa  Parish. 
Winn  Parish. 


Kent  County. 

Prince  George  Counly. 


I.  Al'hison  County. 

2    Bates  Comity. 

.'!.   Cape  Ciranleaii  County. 

•i.  Carroll  County. 

5.  Cass  County. 

<».  Ceilar  County. 


Worcester  I  lounl  v 


Plymouth  County. 


3.  ( toBs  County 


Cnu.l  Island! 
Kearney  area, 
Cinoasler  Cm: 

\i  rib  Plattea 

>    It  -M'C V. 

Sarpy  Counly. 

si  intuti  area 


NEW   JERSEY. 


1.  Albuquerque  urea. 

2.  Mesilla  Valley  area 

3.  Pecos  Valley. 


2.  Bjgflatsareu. 

4.  Dutchess  County. 
:,   Jefferson  County 


HAMPSHIRE. 

County. 


Orange  County. 


NORTH    CAROLINA. 


4.  Cabarrus  County. 
(J.  Caswell  County. 


:"     I'lirrm: 


.Y  i  'ushuetou  County. 

t;    Meigs  County. 

7.   M< nit gomery  County. 

S.   Stark  County. 

0.  Toledo  area. 
in    Westervillearea. 
11.  Wooaterarea. 


B.,l,ciCi[\   ;i,v.i 

II I  HiM'l   are, 

Klamath  Reelan 
Medfniil  are;,. 

Polk  i  ounty 
Salem  nrea. 


1.  Adams  County. 

2  Bedrord  Counts 

3.  Berks  County. 

4  Bradford  Counl  v. 

■""..  C. a  ('.unity 

li  Chester  County. 

7.  Krle  County. 

s.  Johnstown  area. 

;i.  Lancaster  area, 

to.  Lehauonarea. 

11.  Lehigh  County. 

M ■  - 1 1 f  - i>  County. 


.  Bamberg  County. 
.  Barnwell  County. 
.  Campobello  urea 
.  ChaiflBston  area 

<;   i  i:,. i  ikee  i  oun  | 


i;  Ch.uMkec 

7  CheseiC 

s  Clarf.uloi 

:>  conftiiy 


20.  York  County. 


s.  Mail  son  County. 

'.*    M<  :    ginnery  County. 
10.  0\eitoo  County. 
it    Plk.  .illearea. 
12.  Putnam  County. 
Vi    Rob.  ilson   County. 
14    Sum  ler  Counly. 

TEXAS. 

1.  Anderson  County. 


7.  Camp  County. 
9,  Corpus  Cbrfsti  s 


15.  Houston  County. 

16.  Jacksonville  area. 

l  ..   Jefferson  (.'ouutv 
is.  Laredo  area. 
19    i  ai  iCfl  Count] 

i 


"J.    Cache  Valley  area 

;:    Provoaroo 

i    sail  i  nke  Valley. 

5.  Sevier  Vallej 

ii     Wel.er  Counly  area. 


'.'  \|i|«oinatlo\  i  '..inilv 

3  Bedfon a 

■I.  CmiiijiIicII  l  '..urns 

7.  Chcslrilieiil  Counly. 

<-.  Hanoi  or  County. 

7.  I.eesluirgarea, 

i  i  lounty. 

!i.  Motitgomery  Cniuit\ 

10.  Norfolk  area, 

11.  Prince  IMumiiI  an  ;i. 


W\siii\(;hiV 


■i    Qulncy  area, 

r,    Walla  Walla  area. 

0.  Yakima  area. 

WEST  VIH 

1.  Clarksburg  area. 

2.  Huntington  area. 
;;.  Kanawha  County. 


8.  Preston  County. 
in    i  pshurCoun'tj 


Bayfield  area. 

Buffalo  i  tounty. 
Columbia  County. 
Dane  County. 
Pond  tin  Lac  County. 


S  .Ml'crsoii    Counly. 

9  3m lu  County. 

in  Kewaunee  Counly 

I  1  La  Crosse  County. 

12  Portage  County. 

i::  Racine <  tount  j 

l-l  Superior  area. 

15.  VlroQUfl  area. 

Hi  W'.iul.r.ha  Cniinly. 

17.  Wausliara  County. 


ly  .andet 

•tele  ana  »h 


to  Llcht  Deop     Cray     Dark     Dark     Dark  brown     Light 


Light    iuartz   Quar 


I 1 1 


Brown  Groy     Light 


klyeu  Light 


::i\  :r  ~rrr 


•«J»     I""  "l         "l*       to?*-  ,7?  "B    S""   Sar.   *       eglt   lata      "j        Sub-      reel?  "f"  "a"     ehal.  hard-  "f       £»*"  VZl     y.lo 

»b-     Xg."  £.ot        Tu,oa"1"^  tod"»  l"        port,   fl""   Iron     hard-   ""^   ?uT"   .nS,  ?1"C8"tlj>  J*£     BaLnT  Bella  be-        m,ly" 


filling  material   (01 


gneoue,    moti.morphlo, 


id-     Ixirk  brown     Brown     Dark  brown   to        Gruy   i 


Gray  Dark  Brown   Reddi: 


Gray    |   soil  Light  Light  Yel. 


oo 11     Gruv-   Sub. 


hin     ally     eub-      brown   tun.  "   pun        te  ti 

ron     and        soil     sub-      grav-  be-        le  ,\ 


APPENDIX  A. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published. 

ALABAMA. 


Name  of  area. 


Autauga  County,  1908. 


Baldwin  County,  1909. 

Bibb  County,  1908 

Blount  County,  1905. . . 


Butler  County,  1907 

Calhoun  County,  1908... 
Chambers  County,  1909. 
Chilton  County,  1911... 
Coffee  County,  1909 


Colbert  County,  1908. 


Cullman  County,  1908. 

Dale  County,  1910 

Dallas  County,  1905.... 


Elmore  County,  1911 . 
Etowah  County,  1908. 
Fort  Payne  area,  1903. 


Hale  County,  1909... 
Henry  County,  1908. 
Huntsville  area,  1903 . 


Jackson  County,  1911 . . 
Jefferson  County,  1908. 
Lamar  County,  1908. .. 


Lauderdale  County,  1905. 


Lee  County,  1906... 
Macon  County,  1904. 


Madison  County,  1911. 
Marion  County,  1907. . 


Marshall  County,  1911 

Mobile  County,  1911 

Montgomery  County,  1905. 


Perry  County,  1902. 


Pike  County,  1910 

Randolph  County,  1911. 
Sumter  County,  1904. . . 


Talladega  County,  1907. . 
Tallapoosa  County,  1909. 
Tuscaloosa  County,  1911. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Guin  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Orangeburg  sand 

Orangeburg  clay 

Houston  chalk 


Waverly  silt  loam 

Fort  Payne  stony  loam. 

Upshur  loam 

Orangeburg  clay 

Orangeburg  sand 


Orangeburg  sand 

Orangeburg  fine  sand , 

Leightonloam 

King  clay 

King  clay  loam 


Orangeburg  sand. 

Norfolk  clay 

Orangeburg  clay . 


Clarksville  loam 

Penn  sandy  loam 

Fort  Payne  stony  loam . 

Chattooga  loam 

Guin  fine  sandy  loam. . 


Clarksville  clay 

Hagerstown  silt  loam . 


Wabash  clay 

Norfolk  loam 

Waverly  loam 

Guin  fine  sandy  loam. 

Clarksville  loam 

Clarksville  clay  loam. . 


Houston  black  clay. 

Lufkinclay 

Orangeburg  clay 

Ocklocknee  clay 


Norfolk  silt  loam 

Guin  fine  sandy  loam . 


Norfolk  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Congaree  clay 

Congareeloam 

Norfolk  sand 

Sassafras  sandy  loam 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 

Orangeburg  clay 

Orangeburg  fine  sand . . . 


Lufkin  clay  loam. . . 
Warsaw  sandy  loam 

Waverly  loam 

Orangeburg  clay 


Cecil  slate  loam . 


Changed  to — 


Ruston  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Chalk  (Houston  material). 

Bibb  silt  loam. 
Clarksville  stony  loam. 
Decatur  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 


Do. 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 
Clarksville  loam. 
Colbert  clay. 
Colbert  clay  loam. 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Cahaba  clay. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 


Huntington  silt  loam. 
Upshur  sandy  loam. 
Clarksville  stony  loam. 
Hols  ton  loam. 
Ruston  fine  sandy  loam. 

Elk  clay. 
Clarksville  silt  loam. 

Huntington  clay. 

Kalmia  loam. 

Bibb  loam. 

Ruston  fine  sandy  loam. 

Huntington  silt  loam. 

Hagerstown  loam. 

Houston  clay. 
Susquehanna  clay. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Huntington  clay. 

Kalmia  silt  loam. 
Ruston  fine  sandy  loam. 


Cahaba  clay. 
Trinity  clay. 
Huntington  clay. 
Ocklocknee  loam. 
Norfolk  fine  sand. 
Cahaba  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 

Do. 

Do. 

Lufkin  clay. 

Cahaba  fine  sandy  loam. 
Ocklocknee  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 

Lo.iisa  slate  loam. 


733 


734 


SOILS   OF   THE   UXITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 

soils  since  the  report*   ice  re  published — Continued. 


ARIZONA. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

1 

Salt  River  Valley  area,  1900.... 

Solomonsville  area,  1903 

Yuma  area,  1904 

Pecos  sand 

Gila  fine  sand. 

Salt  River  adobe 

Gila  clay. 

Glendale  clay  loam. 
Rough  stony  land. 
Glendale  gravelly  loam. 
Glendale  fine  sandy  loam. 
Glendale  loam. 

Glendale  loess 

Salt  River  gravel 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam 

Maricopa  sand3r  loam 

Glendale  clay  loam. 
dila  fine  sandy  loam. 
Gila  loam. 

a 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam 

Glendale  loam. 

3 

Imperial  sand 

Gila  fine  sand. 

Imperial  Bandy  loam 

1 !  ila  fine  sandy  loam. 
Gila  loam. 
Gila  silt  loam. 

Imperial  fine  sandy  loam 

Imperial  silt  loam 

Imperial  loam 

Gila  clay  loam. 
Glendale  sand. 

Salt  River  adobe 

Gila  clay. 

ARKANSAS. 


Conway  County,  1907. 


Fayetteville  area,  1906.. 


Miller  County,  1903.. 
Prairie  County,  1906. 
Stuttgart  area,  1902.. 


Wabash  fine  sand 

Wabash  fine  sandy  loam, 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Wabash  clay 

Wabash  loam 

Wabash  silt  loam 

y  loam 

Sharkey  clay 


Almyra  silt  loam. 
Miami  clay  loam. 
Guthrie  clay 


Huntington  fine  sand. 
Huntington  fine  sandy  loam. 
Huntington  silt  loam. 
Huntington  clay. 
Huntington  loam. 
Huntington  silt  loam. 
Huntington  clay  loam. 
.    Miller  clay. 

!  Crowley  silt  loam. 
Do. 
Waverly  silt  loam. 


CALIFORNIA. 


Bakersfield  area,  1904 

Hanford  sand. 

Hanford  One  sandy  loam. 
Hanford  clay  loam. 

1  1  silt  loan; 

I  area,  1907 

i  a  Bandy  adobe 

Orland  One  sandy  loam 

Placentia  Bandy  loam  adobe. 
Yolo  flni  Bandy  loam. 

r  nelly  sandy  loam. 

Yolo  gravelly  Bandy  loam. 

Yolo  loam. 

iaquin  gravelly  loam 

indy  loam 

Corning  gravelly  loam. 
Corning  one  sandy  loam. 
i  orning  loam. 

Loam 

an 

Sites  line  Bandy  loam. 

Diablo  loam. 

Diablo  day  loam  -adobe. 

mdy  loam 

Columbia  fine  sandy  loam. 

■  hue  sand]  loam. 

quin  Band. 

iquin  black  adobe 

Marie                         DO  adobe. 

Rancher  fine  sandy  loam. 

Ban  Joaquin  sandy  loam  adobe. 

loam  adobe. 

Hartford  area,  IQ01 

Hanford  sandy  luain. 

Imperial  area,  1903 

B  in  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Maricopa  Olay  loam  adobe. 

<  10a  loam. 

Imperial  (lav  loan. 

[nolo  gravelly  loam. 

Indio    and. 

Indio  area,  1903 

Imperial  gravelly  loam 

Indio  fine  sand. 

odj  loam 

Indio  fine  sandy  loam. 

AEEAS   SURVEYED   AND    CHANGES   IX    COEEELATIOX. 


735 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

CALIFORNIA— Continued. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

7 

Klamath  reclamation  project 
area,  Oregon,  1908. 

Livermore  Valley  area,  1910  . . . 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam 

Yakima  sandy  loam 

Baker  fine  sandy  loam. 
Langel  fine  sandy  loam. 
Langel  loam. 
Link  clay  loam. 
Quincy  sand. 

Yakima  loam 

Yakima  clay  loam 

Yakima  sand 

8 

Contra  Costa  sandy  loam 

Vallecitos  clay  adobe 

Sites  sandy  loam. 
Daulton  clay  adobe. 
Daulton  loam. 

Vallecitos  loam 

q 

Vallecitos  stony  clay  loam 

Fresno  sand 

Daulton  stony  clay  loam. 

Lower  Salinas  Valley  area,  1901 
Madera  area,  1910 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam. 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam 

Maricopa  fine  sandy  loam. 

Oxnard  loam 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Placentia  sandy  loam 

Oxnard  clay  loam  adobe. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Placentia  clay  loam  adobe. 

Sierra  adobe 

Los  Angeles  sandy  loam 

Altamont  loam. 

Fullerton  sandy  adobe 

Maricopa  loam  adobe. 

in 

Fresno  fine  sandy  loam 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam. 

Maricopa  gravelly  sand. 
Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 

Arroyo  Seco  sandy  loam 

Salinas  shale  loam 

Oxnard  gravelly  loam. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Salinas  clay  adobe. 
Salinas  clay  loam  adobe. 

Placentia  sandy  loam 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

11 

Marysville  area,  1909 

Media  coarse  sandy  loam 

Sierra  coarse  sandy  loam. 

Media  fine  sandy  loam 

Sierra  fine  sandy  loam. 

1? 

Modesto-Turlock  area,  1908 

Pajaro  Valley  area,  1908 

Portersville  area,  1908 

13 

Oakdale  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  sandy  loam. 

Oakdale  coarse  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  coarse  sandy  loam. 

14 

Melbourne  sandy  loam. 

andy  loam. 

Pajaro  fine  sandy  loam. 
Pajaro  silty  clay. 

Santa  Cruz  sar.d •. 

line  sand. 

Melbourne  fine  sandy  loam. 

IS 

Watson ville  clay  loam  adobe 

Melbourne  clay  loam  adobe. 

Redblufl  area,  1910 

Portersville  coarse  sandy  loam . . 

Sheridan  coarse  sandy  loam. 

San  Joaquin  clay  loam. 

16 

17 

Sacramento  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Columbia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Do. 

18 

Sacramento  area,  1904 

Sacramento  gravelly  sandy  loam . 
Fresno  red  sand 

Bear  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
San  Joaquin  sand. 

San  Bernardino  area,  1904 

Sacramento  fine  sandy  loam. 

Alamo  clay  adobe. 

San  Joaquin  clay  adobe. 

Arnold  stony  loam. 

Auburn  clay  loam. 

Sierra  coarse  sandy  loam. 

gray  adobe 

Sierra  stony  loam 

Sierra  clay  loam 

Sierra  sandy  loam 

19 

do 

Hanford  line  sandy  loam. 

Hanford  clav  loam. 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 
Maricopa  sandy  loam. 

Oxnard  clav  loam  adobe. 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

736 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes   which   have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


CALIFORNIA-Continued. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

19 

San  Bernardino  area,  191)4  (con.) 

Placentia  coarse  sandy  loam 

Placentia  sandy  loam. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Placentia  clay  loam. 
Maricopa  loam  adobe. 
Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe. 

20 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam. 

San  Gabriel  gravelly  sand 

San  Gabriel  gravelly  loam 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Maricopa  gravelly  sand. 
Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 
Oxnara  clay  loam  adobe. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 
Oxnara  clay  loam. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Tidal  marsh. 

?1 

Arroyo  Seco  sandy  loam 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Redwood  clay  adobe. 
Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe. 

Do. 

22 

Stockton  area,  1905 

Hanford  fine  sandy  loam. 

Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe. 
Placentia  fine  sandy  loam. 
Placentia  loam. 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Placentia  sandy  loam  adobe. 
Sacramento  clay. 

73 

Sacramento  clay  loam 

Ventura  area,  1901 

?4 

San  Gabriel  gravelly  loam 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 

Woodland  area,  1909 

Maricopa  sand. 
Oxnara  gravelly  loam. 

Oznard  clay  loam. 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe : 

o.x nurd  clay  loam  adobe. 

Placentia  clav  loam  adobe. 

*>•> 

Sacramento  clay. 

Sites  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Sites  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam. 
Diablo  clav  loam  adobe. 

A i  buckle  loam. 

Columbia  fine  sand. 

°6 

Yuma  area,  Arizona,  1904 

<;iki  fine  Band. 

<iihi  fine  sandy  loam. 
Gila  loam. 
Gila  silt  loam. 

Imperial  fine  sandy  loam 

Gila  clay  loam. 

Glendale  sand. 

1 1  lla  clay. 

COLORADO. 


1 

'.raii'l  Junction  urea,  1905 

<  Ireeley  mm,  1904 

chipeta  clay. 

i  trend  lint'  sand. 

I  trend  sandy  loam. 

? 

Colorado  One  sandy  loam 

Benton  One  sandy  loam. 

Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  1902.. 
Sun  Luis  Vullry,  l'.MW 

Benton  loam. 

Benton  loam  adobe. 

Wade  loam. 

Wade  silt  loam. 

\v  ade  clay  loam. 

3 

Colorado  sand. 

Do. 

Colorado  sandv  loam. 

Laurel  One  sand. 

Benton  silt  loam. 

Benton  loam  adobe. 

4 

s :  1 1 1  Joaquin  black  Adobe 

\\  ;i<ic  olay. 
Alamosa  sandy  loam. 

(JneonpthfN  Valley,  1910 

Alamosa  olay  loam. 

5 

<  trend  loam! 

Grand  illty  olay  loam. 

AREAS   SURVEYED  AND   CHANGES  IN   CORRELATION. 


737 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

CONNECTICUT. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to — 

1 

Connecticut  Valley,  1903 

Windham  County,  1911 

Connecticut  swamp 

Swamp. 

Chicopee  gravel  loam 

Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  coarse  sandy  foam. 

Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam 

Windsor  sand 

Enfield  sandy  loam 

Manchester  fine  sand. 

9 

Podunk  fine  sandy  loam 

Hartford  very  fine  sandy  loam. 

DELAWARE. 


1     Dover  area,  1903 . 


Galveston  sand. 

Elk  ton  clay 

Galveston  clay.. 
Norfolk  loam — 
Norfolk  silt  loam 


Coastal  beach. 
Elk  ton  silt  loam. 
Tidal  marsh. 
Sassafras  sandy  loam. 
Sassafras  silt  loam. 


FLORIDA. 


1 

Escambia  County,  1906 

Gadsden  County,  1903 

? 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 

3 

Gainesville  area,  1904 

4 

Jacksonville  area,  1910 

f) 

0 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 

7 

Marianna  area,  1909 

GEORGIA. 


Bainbridge  area,  1904. . 
Bulloch  County,  1910.. 
Chatham  County,  1911. 

Cobb  County,  1901 

Columbia  County,  1911 . 
Covington  area,  1901. . . 
Dodge  County,  1904... 
Fort  Valley  area,  1903 . . 


Franklin  County,  1909. 
Glynn  County,  1911. .. 
Grady  County,  1908. .  . 
Hancock  County,  1909 . 

Pike  County,  1909 

Spalding  County,  1905 . 
Sumter  County,  1910. . 
Thomas  County,  1908.. 

Tift  County,  1909 

Walker  County,  1910.. 
Waycross  area,  1906. . . 


Orangeburg  sand. 


Herndon  stony  loam . 


Norfolk  sandy  loam 

do 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Selma  clay 

Orangeburg  clay 


Orangeburg  fine  sand. 


Cecil  sand 

Orangeburg  sand 

Orangeburg  fine  sand 


Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 


Porters  stony  loam. 


Tifton  sandy  loam. 
Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 
Cahaba  clay. 
Greenville  fine  sandy  loam. 


Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 


Durham  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 


IDAHO. 


Blackfoot  area,  1903 
Boise  area,  1901 

Lowiston  area,  1902 
Minidoka  area,  1907 


Yakima  sand 

Yakima  loam 

Boise  sandy  loam 

Deer  Flat  sandy  loam. . . 

Snake  River  sand 

Caldwell  sandy  loam 

Caldwell  loam". 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam 

Yakima  sandy  loam 

Yakima  fine  sand 

Yak  ima  silt  loam 

Yakima  sand 

Yakima  sandy  loam 


Winchester  sand. 
Caldwell  loam. 
Boise  silt  loam. 
Deer  Flat  fine  sandy  loam. 
Yakima  fine  Band. 
Caldwell  Bn6  sandv  loam. 
Caldwell  silt  loam. 
Walla  Walla  silt  loam. 
Moscow  loam. 
Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam . 
Caldwell  silt  loam. 
Quincy  sand. 
Quincy  sandy  loam. 


79G.19— 13 47 


738 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


ILLINOIS. 


No. 


Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to- 


day County,  1902 

Clinton  County,  1902 

Dubuque  area,  Iowa,  1902 

Johnson  County,  1903 

Knox  County,  1903 

McLean  County,  1903 . .  . . 


O'Fallon  area,  Missouri,  1904. 
Sangamon  County,  1903 


St.  Clair  County,  1902. 


Tazewell  County,  1902. 


Winnebago  County,  1903. 


Yazoo  sandy  loam 

Edgerton  silt  loam 

Kaskaskia  loam 

Yazoo  clay 

Miami  silt  loam 

Lintonia  loam 

Clarksville  stony  loam . 

Miami  line  sand 

Miami  silt  loam 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Yazoo  clay 

Kaskaskia  loam 

Miami  silt  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 

I  Kaskaskia  loam 

r  Miami  silt  loam 

McLean  silt  loam 

i  Miami  black  clay  loam . 

j  Miami  fine  sand 

|  Yazoo  clay 

I  Miami  silt  loam 

!  Kaskaskia  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 

Miami  silt  loam 

Miami  fine  sandy  loam. 

Kaskaskia  loam 

Yazoo  clay 

Miami  silt  loam 

Lintonia  loam 

....do 

Miami  fine  sand 

Yazoo  clay 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 

Mackinaw  gravel , 

Tazewell  silt  loam 

Miami  loam 

Delavan  silt  loam 

Winnebago  sandy  loam. 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  silt  loam 

Miami  gravel 

Sioux  sandy  loam 


Waverly  fine  sandy  loam. 
Miami  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Wabash  clay. 
Marshall  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Rough  stony  land. 
Lintonia  fine  sand. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Knox  sandy  loam. 
Wabash  clay. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Marshall  black  clay  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Marshall  loam. 
Marshall  black  clay  loam. 
Lintonia  fine  sand. 
Wabash  clay. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  fine  sand. 
Marshall  black  clay  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Memphis  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Wabash  clay. 
Marshall  silt  loam. 
Lintonia  silt  loam. 
Wabash  loam. 
Knox  fine  sand. 
Wabash  clay. 
Marshall  black  clay  loam. 
Judson  gravel. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Sioux  loam. 
Plainfield  silt  loam. 
Carrington  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  fine  sand. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Judson  gravel. 
Plainfield  sandy  loam. 


INDIANA. 


1 

Allen  County,  1908 

Miami  black  clay  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

? 

Miami  silt  loam 

Knox  silt  loam. 

Greene  County,  1906 

Miami  line  sandy  loam 

Lintonia  One  sandy  loam. 

1 

Bioomneld  sandy  loam 

Knox  Bandy  loam. 

Madison  County,  1903 

Knox  sand! 

Knox  sill  loam. 

Marco  fine  sanely  loam 

Lintonia  line  sandy  loam. 

Wabash  rlav  loam. 

Buntlngton  fine  Bandy  loam 

LSh  loam. 
b  Bill  loam. 

4 

Miami  Mark  rlav  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

Marion  County,  1907 

Marshall  County,  1904 

Newton  County,  1905 

ill  loam. 

Sioux  rlav  loam. 

B 

Miami  Mark  rlav  loam 

( Harrington  black  clay  loam. 

Miami  gravelly  loam 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. 

lab  loam. 

(  benango  sandy  loam. 
may  loam. 

6 

( larrington  loam. 

Mi  urn  -Ms  .ll\   landy  loam 

(  oioni  i  gravelly  Bandy  loam. 

t  lolomt  sand. 

( iarrington  blank  clay  loam. 

md. 

7 

h  sill  loam. 

M  i  urn  M  u-k  ol  iv  loam 

Carrington  black  (day  loam. 

Dunkirk  One 

i  larrin  rton  k 

md. 

loam 

Carrington  One  sandy  loam. 

AREAS   SURVEYED   AND    CHANGES  IN    CORRELATION. 


739 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  carr elation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

INDIANA— Continued. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

8 

Posey  County,  1902 

Memphis  silt  loam 

Scott  County,  1904 

Wabash  fine  sandy  loam. 

Waverly  fine  sandy  loam. 
Waverly  loam. 
Waverly  clay  loam. 
Waverly  clay. 

Yazoo  loam 

Guthrie  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Miami  sand 

Miami  silt  loam 

q 

10 

Tippecanoe  County.  1905 

Marshall  loam :  

Carrington  silt  loam. 

Knox  fine  sandy  loam. 
Knox  fine  sand. 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Miami  silt  loam - 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 

IOWA. 


Cerro  Gordo  County,  1903. 
Dubuque  area,  1902 

Story  County,  1903 

Tama  County,  1904 


Miami  black  clay  loam 

Marshall  clay  loam 

Marshall  loam 

Marshall  sand 

Lintonia  loam 

Clarksville  stonv  loam , 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Miami  silt  loan: 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  black  clay  loam 
Marshall  clay  loam — 

Marshall  loam 

Kaskaskia  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  silt  loam 

Marshall  loam 


Carrington  black  clay  loam. 
Carrington  clay  loam. 
Carrington  loam. 
v.  aukesha  sand. 
W abash  silt  loam. 
Rough  stony  land. 
Knox  sandy  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Lintonia  fine  sand. 
Wabash  ciay  loam. 
Carrington  clay  loam. 
Carrington  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  fine  sand. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Carrington  loam. 


KANSAS. 


Allen  County,  1904. 


Brown  County,  1905... 
Garden  City  area,  1904. 

Parsons  area,  1903 


Platte  County,  Mo.,  1911. 

Reno  Count v,  1911 

Riley  County,  1906 


Russell  area,  1903. 


Shawnee  County,  1911 

Western     Kansas    reconnois- 

sance,  1910. 
Wichita  area,  1902 


Sharkey  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Sedgwick  gravelly  loam. 

Sedgwick  clay  loam 

Yazoo  silt  loa'm 

Marshall  sandy  loam 

Marshall  gravelly  loam.. 

Colorado  adobe 

Colorado  sand 

Finney  clay 

Marshall  silt  loam 

Oswego  silt  loam 

Sharkey  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Oswego  loam 


Wabash  silt  clay 

Laurel  silt  loam 

Laurel  fine  sandy  loam. 

Laurel  fine  sand 

Waldo  loam 

Sedgwick  clay  loam 

Lincoln  sandy  loam 

Sedgwick  sandy  loam. . 
Benton  loam 


Protection  loam 

Russell  sandy  loam 

Clarksville  stonv  loam 

iik  clay  loam 

Sedgwick  sandy  loam 

Be  Igwick  loam". 

Miami  sand 

Miami  fine  sand 

Sedgwick  black  clay  loam. 


Wabash  clav. 

Do. 
Crawford  gravelly  loam. 
Crawford  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Carrington  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  gravelly  loam. 
Laurel  loam  adobe. 
Richfield  sand. 
Hoisington  clay. 
Richfield  silt  loam. 
Neosho  silt  loam. 
Wabash  clay. 
Crawford  clay. 
Oswego  silt  loam. 


Wabash  silty  clay. 
Arkansas  silt  loam. 
Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam. 
Arkansas  fine  sand. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Oswego  silt  loam. 
Laurel  fine  sandy  loam. 
Oswego  sandy  loam. 
Benton  stony  loam. 

Richfield  loam. 
Oswego  sandy  loam. 
Rough  stonv"land. 
Crawford  silt  loam. 
Pratt  sandy  loam. 
Tratt  loam". 
Arkansas  sand. 
Arkansas  fine  sand. 
Sedgwick  clay  loam. 


740 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


KENTUCKY. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to — 

1 

? 

Madison  County,  1905 

W abash  silt  loam 

3 

Mason  County,  1903 . . . 

Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam 

Cumberland  fine  sandy  loam. 
Cumberland  sandy  loam. 
Huntington  silt  loam. 
Holly  clay  loam. 

Rockcastle  County,  1910 

4 

S 

Scott  County,  1903 

(\ 

Union  County,  1902 

Miami  silt  loam 

Warren  County,  1904 

Sturgis  fine  sandy  loam 

Lintonia  fine  sandy  loam. 

Waved v  silt  loam 

Miami  fine  sandy  loam 

Waverly  fine  sandy  loam. 
Waverly  clay. 
Do. 

Sharkey  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Memphis  silt  loam 

T 

Huntington  silt  loam. 

LOUISIANA. 


Acadia  Parish,  1903 

Bienville  Parish,  1908 

Caddo  Parish,  190G 

Concordia  Parish,  1910 

De  Soto  Parish,  1904 

East  Carroll  and  West  Carroll 

Parishes,  1908. 
East  Baton  Rouge  Parish,  1905. 
Lake  Charles  area,  1901 


Lincoln  Parish,  1909... 

Iberia  Parish,  1911 

New  Orleans  area,  1903 . 


Ouachita  area,  1903 

Tangipahoa  Parish,  1905. 
Winn  Parish,  1907 


Orangeburg  fine  sand . 
Yazoo  clay 


Yazoo  coarse  sand. 


Yazoo  clay 

Calcasieu  fine  sand 

Calcasieu  fine  sandy  loam. 
Calcasieu  loam 


Galveston  clay 

Yazoo  clay 

Monroe  fine  sandy  loam. 
Yazoo  clay 


Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 
Sarpy  clay. 

Riverwash. 

Wabash  clay. 
Caddo  fine  sand. 
Caddo  fine  sandy  loam. 
Caddo  loam. 


Tidal  marsh. 
Sharkey  clay. 
Miller  tine  sandy  loam. 
Sharkey  clay. 


MAINE. 


Caribou  area,  1908. 
Oronoarea,  1909... 


MARYLAND. 


1 

1 

Calvert  County,  1900  .... 

Susquehanna  gravel 

Norfolk  gravel. 

Cecil  County,  1900.  . 

Norfolk  coarse  sand. 

' 

Elk  ton  silt  loam. 

; 

Easton  aroa,  1907 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Chester  loam. 

Sassafras  sand. 

Barrens  (Oouowingo  material). 

1 

1 

Harford  Comity  IMi 

iiras  sand. 

IC"Mi  '"ounty,  1900    . 

Klkton  silt  loam. 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Manor  loam. 

Chester  loam. 

Barrens  (Conowingo  material). 

1 

ElktOD  silt  loam. 

Loosburg  area,  Virginia,  1903.. 

Norfolk  gravel 

i 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 
ifras  sand. 

I 

Chester  sandy  loam. 

Manor  loam. 

Dekalb  shale  loam. 

CeoTi  loam 

Cool]  silt  loam 

Chester  loam. 
Lansdale  silt  loam. 

AKEAS   SUKVEYED   AND    CHANGES   IN    CORRELATION. 


741 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  ivhich  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


MAR  YLAND— Continued . 


No.  Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to— 


8     Prince  George  County,  1901. . . 


St.  Mary  County,  1900 . 


10     Worcester  Countv,  1903. 


Elkton  clay elkton  silt  loam. 

Leonardtown  gravelly  loam ,  Leonardtown  loam. 

Susquehanna  gravel Norfolk  gravel. 

Windsor  sand Norfolk  coarse  sand. 

Westphalia  sand Sassafras  fine  sand. 

Norfolk  loam Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam. 

Sassafras  loam Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Cecil  mica  loam Manor  loam. 

Susquehanna  gravel Norfolk  gravel. 

Windsor  sand Norfolk  coarse  sand. 

Norfolk  loam [  Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam. 

Sassafras  loam Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Norfolk  sand Sassafras  sand. 

Galveston  sand Coastal  beach. 

Elkton  clay Elkton  silt  loam. 

Galveston  "clav Tidal  marsh. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


1 

Connecticut  Valley,  1903 

Plymouth  County,  1911 

Connecticut  swamp 

Triassic  stony  loam 

Swamp. 
Wethersfield  loam. 

Chicopee  gravel  loam 

Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  coarse  sand. 
Manchester  fine  sand. 
Suffield  loam. 

Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam 

Windsor  sand 

Enfield  sandy  loam 

Elmwood  loam 

2 

Podunk  fine  sandy  loam 

Carver  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Carver  coarse  sandy  loam 

Carver  sandy  loam 

Hartford  very  fine  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  fine  sandy  loam. 

MICHIGAN. 


1 

Allegan  County,  1901 

Allegan  black  clav 

Alma  arfta,  1004, 

Kalamazoo  gravelly  loam 

Allegan  clay 

Clyde  gravelly  sand. 

Plainwell  stony  loam 

Coloma  ston5r  sand. 

Coloma  gravelly  sand. 

Allegan  fine  sandy  loam 

Coloma  fine  sand. 

? 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Cass  County,  1906 

3 

Coloma  fine  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Miami  loam. 

Mn  n  i  si  n  g  ar^a ,  1 9fl4 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 

Coloma  fine  sand. 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  loam. 

4 

0  wosso  area,  1904 

Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Cossayuna  fine  sandy  loam. 
Clyde  sandy  loam. 
Dunkirk  fine  sand. 

R 

Oxford  area,  1905 

Miami  fine  sand 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sand. 

Miami  sand 

6 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Miami  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Pontiac  area,  1903 

Miami  srravellv  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sand. 
Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

7 

M iami  loam 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

PlainweD  stonv  loam 

Allegan  gravelly  loam 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

.nd  Bandy  loam. . 

Miami  gravelly  loam 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. 

Miami  san  1 

ii  gravel 

Coloma  gravelly  sand. 

742 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

MICHIGAN— Continued. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

8 

Saginaw  sandy  loam 

Clyde  sandy  loam. 

Toledo  area,  Ohio,  1902 

Wexford  County,  1908 

Miami  sand . .". 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  gravelly  sand 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sand. 
Clyde  clay. 

| 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Dunkirk  sandy  loam. 
Dunkirk  clay  loam. 
Wabash  loam. 

Miami  loam 

10 

MINNESOTA. 


1 

Blue  Earth  County,  1906 

Carlton  area,  1905 

Crookston  area,  1906 

Marshall  silt  loam 

Carrington  silt  loam. 

Marshall  fine  sandy  loam 

Mankato  sand 

Carrington  fine  sandy  loam. 
Sioux  sand. 

2 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  fine  sand. 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Coloma  sandy  loam. 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  loam. 

Miami  sand 

Coloma  sand. 

Barnum  loam 

Kewaunee  loam. 

Barnum  stony  loam 

Kewaunee  stony  loam. 

3 

Benoit  loam.  T 

Fargo  loam. 

Marshall  area,  1903 

McLeod  sand 

Dunkirk  sand. 

4 

Sioux  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Fargo  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Rice  County,  1909 

Marshall  sandy  loam. 

Carrington  loam. 

Carrington  gravelly  loam. 

Marshall  gravel 

Carrington  gravel. 

Marshall  sandy  loam 

Sioux  sandy  loam. 

R 

fi 

Superior  area,  Wisconsin,  1904.. 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Coloma  sandy  loam. 

Miami  sand 

Coloma  sand. 

MISSISSIPPI. 


Adams  County,  1910 

Biloxiarea,  1904 

Clay  County,  1909 

Crystal  Springs  area,  1905. 

Forrest  County,  1911 

Holmes  County,  1908 

Jackson  area,  1904 

Jasper  County,  1907 


Lauderdale  County,  1910. 


Lowndes  Countv,  1911. 

McNeill  area,  1903 

Monroe  County,  1908. . 


Montgomery  Countv,  1906. 

Noxubee  Count  v,  1910 

Oktibbeha  Countv,  1907... 


Pontotoo  County  j  1908. 


Scrantoo  ari 

Smcdcsarea,  L902. . 


Wayne  Count 

Yazoo  area,  10 


Houston  chalk. 


Lintonia  loam. 


Orangeburg  loam 

Orangeburg  clay 

Orangeburg  fine  sand. . 

•  Orangeburg  sand 

( Orangeburg  fine  sand.. , 

Houston  chalk 

Neuse  clay 

Amory  line  Bandy  loam. 

i  Orangeburg  clay. 

GuiTJ  line  Bandy  loam. . 
Houston  chalk". 

Lintonia  lo  im 

lion   Ion  chalk 

Waverlj  Loam , 

Waverly  olay 

Wab  i  

<  Oktibbeha  •  nt  loam 

Orangeburg  clay 

:lk  ." 



Norfolk  loam 

Quln  tine  sandy  loam. . . 


Lintonia  loam. 

Yazoo  cl 


Lintonia  lo  im, 


Chalk  (Houston  material). 


Lintonia  silt  loam. 

Greenville  loam. 

I  Ireenville  clay  loam. 

i  Orangeburg  One  sandy  loam. 

burg  sandy  loam. 
'  Orangeburg  line  sandy  loam. 
Chalk  (Houston  material). 
Congaree  day. 
Cahaba  One  sandy  loam, 
i  Lreenville  olay  loam. 

Huston  line  sandy  loam. 

i  louston  material). 
Lintonia  silt  loam. 
Chalk  (  Houston  material). 
Bibb  loam. 
Bibb  olay. 
Trinil  j  i 
Pheba  sill  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Chalk  (Houston  material). 
Greenville  olay  loam. 
Kainha  Loam. 

Huston  line  sandy  loam. 

Lintonl  i  silt  loam. 
Sharkey  olay. 

Lintonia  silt  loam. 

Sharkey  clay. 


AREAS   SURVEYED   AND    CHANGES   IN    CORRELATION. 


743 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


MISSOURI. 


No. 


Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to— 


Atchison  County,  1909 

Audrain  County,  1911 

Bates  County,  1908 

Cape  Girardeau  County,  1910. 

Cedar  County,  1909 

Cooper  County,  1909 

Crawford  County,  1905 

Franklin  County,  1911 

Howell  County,  1902 

Jackson  County,  1910 

Laclede  County,  1911 

Macon  County,  1911 

Marion  Countv,  1910 

O'Fallon  area,  1904 


Pemiscot  County,  1910. 
Platte  Countv,  1911 . . . 
Putnam  Countv,  1906. . 
Saline  County,  1904.... 


Scotland  County,  1905. 
Shelby  County,  1903... 


Sullivan  County,  1911 . 
Webster  County,  1904 . 


Laurel  fine  sandy  loam . . . 
Sedgwick  black  clay  loam. 


Clarksville  loam. 


Miami  silt  loam. 
Miami  fine  sand. 
Yazoo  clay 


Shelby  silt  loam . 
ClarksVille  loam. 
Miami  silt  loam. 

Yazoo  clay 

Shelby  silt  loam . 

Shelby  clay 

Shelby  silt  loam . 
Shelby  sand 


Clarksville  loam. 


Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam. 
Sedgwick  clay  loam. 


Wabash  silt  loam. 


Knox  silt  loam. 
Lintonia  fine  sand. 
Wabash  clay. 


Putnam  silt  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Wabash  clay. 
Putnam  silt  loam. 
Shelby  loam. 
Putnam  silt  loam. 
Mankato  sand. 

Huntington  silt  loam. 


MONTANA. 


Billings  area,  1902 

Gallatin  Valley  area,  1905. 


Billings  sandy  loam. . 
Billings  gravelly  loam 

Billings  loam 

Billings  clay 

Yakima  silt  loam 


Wade  fine  sandy  loam. 
Wade  gravelly  loam. 
Wade  clay  loam. 
Wade  clay. 
Manhattan  silt  loam. 


NEBRASKA. 


Grand  Island  area,  1903. 

Kearney  area,  1904 

Lancaster  Countv,  1906. 
North  Platte  area,  1907. 

Sarpy  County,  1905 

Stanton  area,  1903 


Western  Nebraska  Reconnois- 
sance,  1911. 


Miami  sand. 


Marshall  loam 

North  Platte  loam 

Miami  silt  loam 

Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam. 

Elkhorn  silt  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 


Knox  sand. 

Carrington  loam. 
Cheyenne  loam. 
Knox  silt  loam. 
Wabash  fine  sandy  loam. 
Wabash  silt  loam. 
Knox  fine  sand. 


NEVADA. 

1 

Fallon  area,  1909 

Fernley  fine  sand 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

1 

Merrimack  County,  1906 

2 

Nashua  area,  1909 

744 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

NEW  JER£ 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

1 

Salem  area,  1901  

Norfolk  sand 

Sussex  area,  1911 

Sassafras  loam 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Quinton  sandy  loam 

Klkton  clay 

Windsor  sand 

Elsinboro  fine  sand 

Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam. 

Westphalia  sand 

? 

3 

Trenton  area,  1902 

Susquehanna  gravel 

Norfolk  gravel. 

Windsor  sand  

Elsinboro  fine  sand 

Sassafras  fine  sand. 

Quinton  sandv  loam 

Norfolk  sandv  loam. 

Sassafras  loam 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Cecil  loam 

Cecil  stonv  loam. 

Westphalia  sand 

Norfolk  fine  sand. 

NEW  MEXICO. 


Pecos  sand 

Pecos  gypsum 

Hondo"  meadows 

Roswell  sandy  loam 

Pecos  sandy  loam 

Pecos  conglomerate i  Conglomerate 

I 


Gila  fine  sand. 

Gypsum. 

Meadow. 

Roswell  fine  sandy  loam. 

Roswell  sandy  loam. 


NEW  YORK. 


1 

Miami  fine  sand 

Dunkirk  fine  sand. 

Bigflats  area,  1902  . . 

Miami  loam 

Genesee  loam. 

Miami  stony  loam 

Ontario  loam. 

? 

Elmira  fine  sandv  loam 

sandy  loam. 

Binghamton  area,  1903 

Dutchess  County,  1907 

Chenango  shale  loam. 
Chenango  silt  loam. 

Elmlra  silt  loam 

3 

Wabash  loam 

Genesee  loam. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  loam. . . 

Chenango  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Chenango  gravelly  loam. 
Chenango  silt  loam. 
Chenango  shale  loam. 
Chenango  fine  sandy  loam. 
1  [udson  silt  loam. 

4 

Dunkirk  silt  loam 

Dunkirk  shale  loam 

Dunkirk  fine  sandy  loam 

Rhinebeck  loam 

Huntington  iHi  Loam 

Ondawa  silt  loam. 

Merrimac  gravelly  loam 

Fox  gravelly  loam. 

Merrimac  gra\  elly  sandy  loam. . 
Merrimac  loam... ' 

l-'o\  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

•  .in. 

■i 

fi 

Livingston  County,  1908 

Long  Island  area,  1903. . . 

\\  an ni  shale  loam 

Volusia  shale  loam. 

7 

M  iami  stunv  loam ■ 

Flushing  loam. 

Lyons  area,  1 902 . . . 

\lt hi  stony  loam 

Plymouth  sandv  loam. 

Plymouth  stony  sand. 
Coastal  beach. 

1  >n    and       

Susquehanna  gravel. 

1  ,   loam 

Sassafras  loam. 

ioIy  loam 

Tidal  marsh. 

Do. 

NFortol]                    1 

Merrimac  coarse  sand. 

g 

Norf  ii:.  coar  e    indy  loam 

Men  in  to  0  >arse  sandy  loam. 
Dunkirk  stony  loam. " 

Madison  County,  1900 

old    

Dunkirk  line  sand. 

i  lenesee  loam. 

i  Ontario  loam. 

Dunkirk  line  sandy  loam. 

Dunkirk  silt  loam. 



Dunkirk  'lav. 

9 

Miami                      

Ca/eno\  ia  loam. 

Dunk  ok  line  sand. 

loam. 

nil. 

in 

1 1 

Montgomery  County,  1908 

Niagara  County,  l'liio  

Karmington  loam. 

IV 

1  hint  iii'.'toii  loam 

.in. 

1 1 

Ontario  County,  LWO 

AEEAS   SURVEYED   AND   CHANGES   IN    COKRELATION. 


745 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

NEW  YORK— Continued. 


Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to— 


Syracuse  area,  1903 . 


Tompkins  County,  1905 

Vergennes  area,  Vermont,  1904. 

Washington  County,  1909 

Westfleld  area,  1901 


Alloway  clay 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  silt  loam 

Miami  loam 

Penn  clay 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  gravelly  loam. . . 
Miami  fine  sandy  loam. 

Alton  stony  loam 

Wabash  loam 

Miami  stony  loam 

Alton  stony  loam 


Dunkirk  shale  loam 

Volusia  sandy  loam 

Dunkirk  gravelly  loam. 
Dunkirk  sandy  loam . . . 
Cassadaga  sand 


Dunkirk  clay. 

Dunkirk  fine  sand. 

Dunkirk  silt  loam. 

Genesee  loam. 

Upshur  clay. 

Cazenovia  loam. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  loam. 

Dunkirk  fine  sandy  loam. 

Ontario  stony  loam. 

Genesee  loam. 

Ontario  loam. 

Adirondack  stony  sandy  loam. 

Volusia  shale  loam. 

Volusia  loam. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Dunkirk  fine  sandy  loam. 

Meadow. 


NORTH  CAROLINA. 


Alamance  Comity,  1901. 

Asheville  area,  1903 

Cabarrus  County,  1910. . 

Cary  area,  1901 

Caswell  County,  1908. . . 
Chowan  County,  1906. . . 
Craven  area,  1903 


Duplin  County,  1905 

Edgecombe  County,  1907 . 

Gaston  County,  1909 

Granville  County,  1910 . . 


Greenville    area,    Tennessee, 
1904 


Henderson  County,  1907 

Hickory  area,  1902 

Johnston  County,  1911 

Lake  Mattamuskeet  area,  1909. 

Mecklenburg  area,  1910 

Mount  Mitchell  area,  1902 

New  Hanover  County,  1906. . . . 


Pasquotank  and  Perquimans 
Counties,  1905. 

Pitt  Countv,  1909 

Raleigh  to  Newbern,  1900 


Herndon  stony  loam . 


Caswell  sandy  loam . 

Norfolk  silt  loam 

Portsmouth  clay 

Selmaclay 

Neuseclay 

Norfolk  sand 


Fort  Payne  stony  loam . 

Fort  Payne  clay 

Fort  Payne  loam 

Decatur  clay 


Hyde  mucky  loam . 


Galveston  sand 

Galveston  fine  sand . 
Galveston  c  lav 


Richmond  Countv,  1911 . 
Robeson  County, "1908.. 
Scotland  County,  1909. . 
Statesv.ille  area,  19U1 


Transylvania  County,  1906 . 


Neuse  clay 

Norfolk  sandy  soil 

Selma  silt  loam 

Garner  stony  loam 

Goldsboro  compact  sandy  loam , 

Pocoson 

Savanna 

Selma  heavy  silt  loam 

Norfolk  sand 

Susquehanna  gravel 


Davie  clay  loam  . . . . 
Heradoi 


Porters  stony  loam. 


Rough  gullied  land. 
Norfolk  loam. 
Portsmouth  loam. 
Cahaba  clay. 
Congaree  clay. 
Norfolk  fine  sand. 


Clarksville  stony  loam. 
Conestoga  clay. 
Hagerstown  loam. 
Hagerstown  clay. 


Muck  (Hyde  mucky  loam). 


Coastal  beach. 

Do. 
Tidal  marsh. 


Congaree  clay. 
Norfolk  sandy  loam. 

Do. 
Susquehanna  gravelly  loam. 
Portsmouth  sandy  loam. 
Swamp. 

Do. 
Portsmouth  fine  sandy  loam. 
Norfolk  fine  sand. 
Norfolk  gravel. 


Louisa  loam. 
Porters  stony  loam. 


746 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  ths 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

NORTH  DAKOTA. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

1 

Cando  area,  1904. . . 

Marshall  loam 

Carrington  area,  1905 

Marshall  gravel 

Carrington  gravel. 
Fargo  loam. 

Clyde  loam 

? 

Marshall  loam 

Carrington  loam. 

Fargo  area,  1903 

Hobart  clay 

Carrington  clay  loam 

Marshall  silt  loam 

Marshall  stony  loam 

Carrington  stony  loam. 
Carrington  gravelly  loam. 

Marshall  gravelly  loam 

3 

Miami  loam 

Fargo  fine  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  sandy  loam. 

Wheatland  sandy  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam 

W  heatland  sand 

Fargo  sand. 

Marshall  clay 

Fargo  clay. 

Marshall  loam 

Fargo  loam. 

Marshall  gravellv  loam 

Fargo  gravelly  loam. 
Fargo  loam. 

4 

Grand  Forks  area,  1902 

Jamestown  area,  1903 

Miami  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam 

Fargo  silt  loam. 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Fargo  fine  sandy  loam. 

Fargo  gravelly  loam 

Carrington  gravelly  loam. 

fi 

Miami  black  clay  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

McKenzie  area,  1907 

Morton  area,  1907 

Hobart  clay 

Rough  broken  land. 

Marshall  silt  loam 

Carrington  silt  loam. 

Marshall  loam 

Carrington  loam. 

Marshall  stony  loam 

Carrington  stony  loam. 

6 

Scoria  gravel 

Rough  broken  land. 

7 

8 

Ransom  County,  1906 

Richland  County,  1908 

Western  North  Dakota  Recon- 

noissance,  1908. 
Williston  area,  1906 

Marshall  clay  loam 

Carrington  clav  loam. 

Marshall  fine  sandy  loam 

Carrington  fine  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  stonv  loam. 

Marshall  gravelly  loam 

Carrington  gravelly  loam. 

McLeod  sand 

Dunkirk  sand. 

9 

Marshall  loam 

Carrington  loam. 

in 

Marshall  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Carrington  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

n 

Fargo  clay. 

OHIO. 


Ashtabula  area,  1903. . . 

Auglaize  County,  1909. 
Cleveland  area,  1905. . . 
Columbus  area,  1902. . . 


Coshocton  County,  1904.. 


Meigs  County,  1906 

Montgomery  County,  1900. 


Toledo  area,  1902. 


Westerville  area,  1905. 
Wooster  area,  1904 


Dunkirk  gravelly  loam. 
Dunkirk  sandy  loam. . . 
Miami  black  clay  loam. 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 
Miami  gravelly  foam . . . 

Miami  loam 

Miami  gravelly  loam. . . 


indy  loam 

Miami  Loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 
Miami  gravelly  loam... 

am... 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 

Miami  clay  loam 

.nl 

ady  loan 

Miami  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 
i  ivelly  loam. .. 

YaZOO  clay 

Miami  shur    Loam 

i  well;  loam  ■  -  - 

ind... 

Miami  sand]  loam 


Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  looam. 
Dunkirk  lino  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  black  clay  loam. 
Miami  loam. 
Wabash  loam. 
Carrington  black  clay  loam. 
Chenango  gravelly  loam. 
Wabash  loam. 
Chenango  gravelly  loam. 

Wabash  sandy  loam. 

Wabash  loam. 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. 

Wabash  loam. 

Clyde  clay. 

Punk  irk  clay  loam. 

Dunkirk  sand. 

Dunkirk  sandy  loam. 

Wabash  loam." 

Carrington  black  clay  loam. 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. 

(.  clay. 
Miami  loam. 

Chenango  gravelly  loam. 
Coloma  sand. 

Dunkirk  sandy  loam. 


OKLAHOM  \. 


Oklahoma  Count] . 

mingo  area,  1906. . 


Wabash  :-il- 


AREAS   SURVEYED  AND   CHANGES   IN   CORRELATION. 


747 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

OREGON. 


Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to— 


Baker  City  area,  1903. 


Klamath  Reclamation  Project 
area,  1908. 


Marshfield  area,  1909. 


Muck 

Yakima  sandy  loam 

Maricopa  sandy  loam. . . 
Maricopa  gravelly  loam. 

Yakima  loam 

Yakima  clay  adobe 


Medford  area,  1911 
Salem  area,  1903 . . , 


Yakima  sand 

Yakima  clay  loam 

Yakima  loam 

Yakima  sandy  loam 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam . 

Myrtle  clay. : 

Riverton  clay  loam 


Salem  sandy  loam. 

Salem  loam 

Salem  clay 


Meadow. 
I  Baker  loam. 
Hutchinson  loam. 
Hutchinson  gravelly  loam. 
Caldwell  loam. 
Ewauna  clay  adobe. 

Quincy  sand. 
Link  clay  loam. 
Langel  loam. 
Langel  fine  sandy  loam. 
Baker  fine  sandy  loam. 
Melbourne  clay. 
Altamont  clay  loam. 

Salem  fine  sandy  loam. 
Salem  silt  loam. 
Aiken  clay. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


1 

Cecil  clay  loam 

Montalto  clay  loam. 
Chester  loam. 

Bedford  County,  1911 

Cecil  loam 

Cecil  stony  loam 

Montalto  stony  loam. 

? 

3 

Berks  County,  1909 

4 

Bradford  County,  1911 

f> 

Center  County,  1908 

6 

Brandywine  loam 

Manor  loam. 

Erie  County,  1910 

Norfolk  silt  loam 

Sassafras  silt  loam. 

Portsmouth  silt  loam 

Elkton  silt  loam. 

Conowingo  barrens 

Barrens  (Conowingo  material). 

7 

8 

Chemung  shale  loam. 
Cecil  stony  loam. 

9 

Lancaster  area,  1900 

Hempfield  stony  loam 

Cecil  mica  loam 

Lebanon  area,  1901 

Manor  loam. 

Edgemont  stony  loam 

Dekalb  stony  loam. 
Dekalb  shale  loam. 
Wheeling  gravelly  loam. 
Cecil  stony  loam. 
Dekalb  stony  loam. 
Dekalb  shale  loam. 
Dekalb  sandy  loam 

10 

Hagerstown  shale  loam 

Donegal  gravelly  loam 

Lockhaven  area,  1903 

Edgemont  stony  loam 

Hagerstown  shale  loam 

Dauphin  sandy  loam 

11 

Donegal  gravelly  loam 

Wheeling  gravelly  loam. 
Huntington  loam. 
Huntington  fine  sandy  loam. 
Dekalb  shale  loam. 
Montalto  clay  loam. 

Montgomery  County,  1905 

Northeastern  Pennsylvania 

Reconnoissance,  1911. 
North  western  Pennsylvania 

Reconnoissance,  1908. 
S  o  u  t  h-Central  Pennsylvania 

Reconnoissance,  1910. 
S  o  u  t  hwestern  Pennsylvania 

Reconnoissance,  1909. 
Trenton  area,  New  Jersey,  1902. 

Washington  County,  1910 

Norfolk  loam 

n 

Hagerstown  shale  loam 

Cecil  clay  loam 

Chester  mica  loam 

Manor  loam. 

Cecil  stony  loam 

Montalto  stony  loam. 

13 

14 
15 

Ledy  soils 

Murrill  soils. 

16 

Kittanning  soils 

Wheeling  soils. 
Norfolk  gravel. 

17 

Susquehanna  gravel 

Elsinboro  fine  sand 

Windsor  sand 

Quinton  sandy  loam 

Cecil  loam 

Cecil  stony  loam. 

Westphalia  sand 

18 

748 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  Itavc  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to- 

1 

Entire  State,  1904... 

Gloucester  stonv  loam 

Rough  stony  land. 
Plymouth  sandy  loam. 
Flushing  loam. 
Coastal  beach. 

A  lton  stony  loam 

Galveston  fine  sand 

Galveston  sandy  loam 

Tidal  marsh. 

Norfolk  coarse  sand 

Merrimac  coarse  sand. 

Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 


Abbeville  area,  1902 

Anderson  County,  1909. 
Campobello  area,  1903. . 
Charleston  area,  1904. . . 


Cherokee  County,  1905. 


Clarendon  County,  1910. 

Conway  area,  1909 

Darlington  area,  1902. . . 


Fairfield  County,  1911 

Georgetown  County,  1911. 
Lancaster  County,  1904 .. . 


Lee  County,  1907 

Oconee  County,  1907.. 
Orangeburg  area,  1904 . 
Saluda  County,  1909.. 
Sumter  County,  1907. . 


York  County,  1905. 


Davie  clay  loam Louisa  fine  sandy  loam. 

Cecii  sand Durham  sandy  loam. 

Galveston  fine  sand Coastal  beach. 

Galveston  clay Tidal  marsh. 

Cecil  silt  loam Louisa  silt  loam. 

Cecil  sand Durham  sandy  loam. 

Cecil  fine  sandy  loam Louisa  fine  sandy  loam. 


Norfolk  sandy  soil 

Ayden  fine  sandy  loam 

Sassafras  loam 

Orangeburg  loam 

Goldsboro  compact  sandy  loam 
Selma  heavy  silt  loam 


Cecil  fine  sandy  loam. 
Cecil  silt  loam 


Pilot  loam 

Orangeburg  sand 

Durham  fine  sandy  loam. 

Orangeburg  clay 

Orangeburg  sand 

Cecil  sand 

Cecil  fine  sandy  loam 

Cecil  silt  loam 


SOUTH  DAKOTA. 


Norfolk  sandy  loam. 
Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 
Cahaba  fine  sandy  loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Portsmouth  sandy  loam. 
Do. 


York  fine  sandy  loam. 
York  silt  loam. 

Talladega  loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
York  fine  sandy  loam. 
Greenville  clay" loam. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Durham  sandy  loam. 
York  fine  sandy  loam. 
York  silt  loam. 


Belle  Fourche  area,  1907. 
Brookings  area,  1903 


Western  South  Dakota. 
Reconnoissai 


Miami  black  clay  loam . 

Marshall  loam 

Marshall  sandy  loam... 
Marshall  stony  loam... 


Fargo  clay  loam. 
Carnngton  silt  loam. 
Carrington  sandy  loam. 
Caxrington  stony  loam. 


TENNESSEE. 


Coffee  County,  1908 


Giles  County,  1907. 


Hen  lei 

rice  Count  ■  . 


'•if.. . . . 
( Sounty,  I'hji 
Overton  Coun 
Pikevill  


Stunner 


Billsboro  silt  loam 



I  >a\  Idson  loam 

do 

my  clay 

□  in  iton;  loam.. . 
<  linen  shale  loam 

itony  loam . 


loam 

Decatur  day 


Clarksvllle  loam 

[lie  clay  loam. 


ilc  loam. 


Clarksvllle  loam . . 

loam. 


Clarksvllle  silt  loam. 
Huntington  silt  loam. 
town  loam. 
Do. 
Hagersto¥  a  itony  day. 
,  loam. 
Dekalb  shale  I 

Conasauga  shale  loam. 
.  ill.-  stony  loam. 
Conestoga  clay. 

>\\  ii  loam. 
town  Hay. 

Huntington  sill  loam. 
town  loam. 

Huntington  sill  to  un. 

Do. 

Lickdale  day  loam. 


AREAS   SURVEYED   AND   CHANGES   IN   CORRELATION. 


749 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

TEXAS. 


Name  of  area. 


Soil  name  as  published. 


Changed  to— 


Anderson  County,  1904 . 


Austin  area,  1904 . 


Bastrop  County,  1907. 
Brazoria  area,  1902 — 


Brownsville  area,  1907 . . . 

Camp  County,  1908 

Cooper  area,  1907 

Corpus  Christi  area,  1908. 

Ellis  County,  1910 

Franklin  County,  1908. . . 


Houston  clay 

Yazoo  sandy  loam 

Yazoo  clay 

Orangeburg  clay 

Austin  clay 

Lufkin  fine  sandy  loam . . . 

Yazoo  clay 

Colton  stony  clay 

Yakima  stony  clay 

Yazoo  sandy  loam 

Wabash  clay 

Galveston  sand , 

Galveston  clay , 

Calcasieu  fine  sandy  loam . 

Yazoo  clay 

Yazoo  sandy  loam 

Sharkey  clay 

Houston  black  clay 


Wabash  clay...:... 
Corpus  Christi  clay. 


Grayson  County,  1909 

Central  Gulf  Coast  Texas  Re- 
connoissance,  1910. 

Henderson  area,  1906 

Houston  County,  1905 


Wabash  clay 

Orangeburg  sand. 


Galveston  fine  sand . 


Jacksonville  area,  1903 

Laredo  area,  1906 

Lavaca  County,  1905 

Lee  County,  1905 

Lufkin  area,  1903 

Morris  County,  1909 

Nacogdoches  area,  1903 

Panhandle  Texas  Reconnois- 

sance,  1910. 
Paris  area,  1903 


Orangeburg  fine  sand . 

Yazoo  sandy  loam 

Wabash  clay 

Yazoo  loam 

Orangeburg  clay 

do 


Orangeburg  clay . 
Orangeburg  clay . 


Robertson  County,  1907. 


25     San  Antonio  area,  1904. 


San  Marcos  area,  1906 

South  Texas  Reconnoissance, 

1909. 
Southwestern   Texas    Recon- 

noisance,  1911. 

Titus  County,  1909 

Vernon  area,  1902 


Waco  area,  1905. 


Houston  silt  loam 

Houston  clay 

Vernon  fine  sand 

Orangeburg  silt  loam — 

Orangeburg  clay 

Wabash  clay 

Orangeburg  sand 

Austin  clay 

Norfolk  silt  loam 

Colton  stony  clay 

Portsmouth  sandy  loam. 

Orangeburg  clay 

San  Antonio  clay  loam. . 

Wabash  clay 

Crawford  silt  clay 

Galveston  fine  sand 


Willis  area,  1901 

Wilson  County,  1907. 
Woodville  area,  1903 . 


Vernon  silt  loam . . 

Vernon  loam 

Miller  heavy  clay. 
Yazoo  heavy  clay. 

Yazoo  clay 

San  Jacinto  clay.. 

Willis  sand 

Wabash  clay , 

Webb  loam 


Houston  black  clay. 

Trinity  fine  sandy  loam. 

Trinity  clay. 

Greenville  clay  loam. 

Houston  clay. 

Susquehanna  fine  sandy  loam. 

Trinity  clay. 

Crawford  stony  clay. 

Rough  stony  land. 

Bastrop  fine  sandy  loam. 

Trinity  clay. 

Coastal  beach. 

Tidal  marsh. 

Caddo  fine  sandy  loam. 

Miller  clay. 

Pledger  silt  loam. 

Trinity  clay. 

Victoria  clay. 


Trinity  clay. 
Do. 

Do. 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 

Coastal  beach. 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam. 
Trinity  sandy  loam. 
Trinity  clay. 
Trinity  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Do. 


Do. 


Do. 


Houston  loam. 

Do. 
Miller  fine  sand. 
Miller  silt  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
Trinity  clay. 
Orangeburg  sandy  loam. 
Houston  clay. 
Crockett  loam. 
Crawford  stony  clay. 
Victoria  fine  sandy  loam. 
Greenville  clay  loam. 
San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam. 
Trinity  clay. 
San  Antonio  silty  clay. 
Coastal  beach. 


Miller  silt  loam. 
Vernon  silt  loam. 
Miller  clay. 
Trinity  clay. 

Do. 
Houston  black  clay. 
Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 
Trinity  clay. 
Duval  loam. 


750 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 


UTAH. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

1 

Jordan  loam 

Jordan  clay  loam. 

Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Provo  area,  1903 

Bingham  gravelly  loam 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam. 

Jordan  sandy  loam. 
Jordan  fine  sandy  loam. 
Bingham  stony  loam. 

? 

Maricopa  stonv  loam 

Salt  Lake  Valley,  1899 

Jordan  sandy  loam 

Jordan  loam 

Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Bingham  sand. 

3 

Sevier  Valley,  1900 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam. 

Jordan  clay 

Salt  Lake  clay  loam 
Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Salt  Lake  sand 

4 

Klsinore  fine  sandy  loam. 
Redfield  fine  sandy  loam. 
Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Bingham  clay  loam. 

Weber  County,  1900 

Redfield  sandy  loam 

Bingham  gravelly  loam 

5 

Jordan  loam 

Himmam  loam. 

Bingham  line  sand. 

Bingham  fine  sandy  loam. 

VERMONT. 


VIRGINIA. 


1 

Cecil  loam 

Chester  loam. 

Appomattox  County,  1904 

1  vkalb  stony  loam. 

Barrens  (Conowingo  material). 

0 

Durham  sandy  loam. 

3 

Campbell  County,  1909 

Porters  olay. 

own  stony  loam. 
Hagerstow  n  sandy  loam. 

4 

5 

■  rfield  Countv,  1906 

fl 

Durham  sandy  loam. 

7 

and]  loam. 

11  loam 

Lansdale  silt  loam. 
1  lekalb  shale  loam. 

8 

Durham  sandy  loam. 
Louisa  line  sandy  loam. 

Montgomery  County,  1907 

Norfolk  area,  1008 

9 

Talladega  gravelly  loam. 
Talladega  loam. 

Pflol  Foam. 

■  i  loam 

(  umberiand  loam. 

<  handler  loam. 

10 

Mil 

Norfolk  flnfi  sand. 

i! .  loam  — 

Portsmouth  silt  loam. 
Do. 

mdy  loam. 

11 

1? 

Yoiktu-A ii  area,  LOO  .  

:  ii  beach. 

Tidal  marsh. 



AEEAS   SURVEYED  AND   CHANGES  IN   CORRELATION. 


751 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

WASHINGTON. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

1 

? 

Everett  area,  1905 

3 

Island  County,  1905 

4 

Puget  Sound    Basin,   eastern 

part,  Washington  reconnois- 

sance,  1909. 
Puget  Sound  Basin,  western 

part,     Washington,     recon- 

noissance,  1910. 

«> 

Everett  stony  loams 

Everett  stony  loam. 
Olympia  loam. 

Olympia  loams 

fi 

7 

Southwestern  Washington  re- 

connoissance,  1911. 
Walla  Walla  area  1902 

6 

Walla  Walla  loam 

Walla  Walla  silt  loam 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam 

Yakima  sandy  loam 

Do. 
Do. 

Yakima  loam 

Caldwell  loam. 

Yakima  gravelly  loam 

Caldwell  gravelly  loam. 
Yakima  fine  sandy  loam. 
Quincy  fine  sand. 
Quincy  fine  sandy  loam. 

q 

Yakima  stony  loam 

WEST  VIRGINIA. 


Clarksburg  area,  1910 

Huntington  are,  1911 

Leesburg  area,  Virginia,  1903 . 


Middlebourne  area,  1907 . . 
Morgan  town  area,  1911 
Parkers  burg  area,  1908.. . . 
Point  Pleasant  area,  1910. 

Spencer  area,  1909 

Upshur  County,  1905 

Wheeling  area,  1906 


Loudoun  sandy  loam  .. 

Cecil  mica  loam 

Cecil  loam 

Cecil  silt  loam 

Hagerstown  shale  loam. 


Chester  sandy  loam. 
Manor  loam. 
Chester  loam. 
Lansdale  silt  loam. 
Dekalb  shale  loam. 


WISCONSIN. 


Bayfield  area,  1910 

Carlton  area,  Minnesota,  1905 . 


Columbia  County,  1911 

Fond  du  Lac  County,  1911. 

Iowa  County,  1910 

Janesville  area,  1902 


Juneau  County,  1911 

Kewaunee  ( 'ounty,  1911 

La  Crosse  County,  1911 

Marinette  ('ounty   reconnois- 

sance,  1909. 
Portage  County,  1905 


Racine  County,  190G. 


Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam . 

Miami  fine  sand 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  sand 

Barnum  loam 

Barnum  stony  loam 


Superior  gravelly  loam. 


Miami  loam 

Edgerton  silt  loam 

Janesville  silt  loam 

Miami  black  clay  loam. 

Mackinaw  gravel 

Hanover  sand 

Janesville  loam 

Afton  fine  sandy  loam.. 


Miami  stony  sand 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Miami  stony  loam 

Miami  sand 

Marshall  sand 

Marshall  gravelly  loam, 

Miami  gravel..." 

Marshall  clay  loam 

Sioux  sandy  loam 

Marshall  loam 


Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  fine  sand. 
Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Miami  loam. 
Coloma  sand. 
Kewaunee  loam. 
Kewaunee  stony  loam. 

Kewaunee  gravelly  loam. 

Sioux  sandy  loam. 
Miami  silt  loam. 
Carrington  silt  loam. 

Do. 
Judson  gravel. 
Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Plainfield  silt  loam. 
Plainfield  sand. 


Coloma  stony  sand. 
Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Miami  loam. 
Coloma  sand. 
Plainfield  sand. 
Waukesha  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  gravel 
Carrington  clay  loam. 
Dunkirk  sandy  loam. 
Carrington  loam. 


752 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Areas  surveyed  and  changes  ichich  have  been  made  in  the  correlation  of  the 
soils  since  the  reports  were  published — Continued. 

WISCONSIN-Continued. 


No. 

Name  of  area. 

Soil  name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

13 

Superior  area,  1904 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Miami  sand 

Miami  loam 

Coloma  sandy  loam. 
Coloma  sand. 

14 

Waukesha  County,  1910 

Miami  sand 

Boone  sand. 

Miami  sandv  loam 

Boone  sandy  loam. 

15 

16 

Waushara  Countv ,  1909 

WYOMING. 


Billings  clay 

Redfield  sandy  loam.. 
Laramie  gravelly  loam 
Laramie  sandy  loam . . 
Laurel  sandy  loam 


Bent  clay. 

Albany  fine  sandy  loam. 
Laramie  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Laramie  fine  sandy  loam. 
Grand  sandy  loam. 


APPENDIX  B. 

Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered. 


Name  as  published. 


Changed  to — 


Name  of  area. 


Afton  fine  sandy  loam . . 

Allegan  black  clay 

Allegan  clay 

Allegan  fine  sandy  loam 
Allegan  gravelly  loam. . 

Allegan  sand 

Allegan  sandy  loam 

Allegan  stony  loam 

Alloway  clay 

Almyra  silt  loam 

Alton  stony  loam 


Alviso  clay 

Amory  fine  sandy  loam 

Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam . . 

Arnold  sandy  loam 

Arroyo  Seco  sandy  loam 

Austin  clay 

Ay  den  fine  sandy  loam 

Barnum  loam 

Barnum  stony  loam 

Benoit  loam.". 

Benton  loam 

Billings  clay 

Billings  clay  loam 

Billings  gravelly  loam 

Billings  loam 

Billings  sandy  loam 

Billings  silt  loam 

Bingham  gravelly  loam 

Bloomfield  sandy  loam 

Boise  sandy  loam 

Brandywihe  loam 

Calcasieu  fine  sand 

Calcasieu  fine  sandy  loam. . 

Calcasieu  loam 

Caldwell  loam 

Caldwell  sandy  loam 

Carrington  clay  loam 

Carver  coarse  sandy  loam. . 

Carver  fine  sandy  loam 

Carver  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Carver  sandy  loam 

Cassadaga'sand 

Caswell  sandy  loam 

Cecil  clay 

Cecil  clay  loam 

Cecil  fine  sandy  loam 

Cecil  loam 


Plainfield  sand 

Clyde  loam 

Miami  clay  loam 

Coloma  fine  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam . 

Coloma  sand . . . , 

Coloma  sandy  loam 

Miami  loam 

Dunkirk  clay 


Crowley  silt  loam 

Adirondack  stony  sandy  loam. 

Dunkirk  stony  loam 

Ontario  stony  loam 

Plymouth  sandy  loam 


Tidal  marsh 

Cahaba  fine  sandv  loam. . 
Wabash  fine  sandy  loam . 

Siskiyou  sandy  loam 

Maricopa  gravelly  loam . . 


Houston  clay . 


Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam 

Kewaunee  loam 

Kewaunee  stony  loam 

Fargo  loam 

Benton  stony  loam 

Bent  clay 

Wade  clay 

Wade  clay  loam 

Wade  gravelly  loam 

Wade  loam 

Wade  clay  loam 

Wade  fine  sandy  loam 

Wade  silt  loam 

Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam. 


Knox  sandy  loam 

Boise  silt  loam 

Manor  loam 

Caddo  fine  sand 

Caddo  fine  sandy  loam . 


Caddo  loam 

Caldwell  silt  loam 

Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam 

Wabash  clay  loam 

Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam. . 

Merrimac  fine  sandy  loam 

Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Merrimac  sandy  loam 

Meadow 

Rough  gullied  land 

Cecil  stony  loam 

Montalto  clay  loam 


Louisa  fine  sandy  loam. 
York  fine  sandy  loam . . 


Cecil  slony  loam. 
Chester  loam 


York  lo.un. . 
Louisa  loam . 


'9619—13- 


48 


Janesville  area,  Wis. 
Allegan  County,  Mich. 

Do! 
Do. 

Pontiac  area,  Mich. 
Allegan  County,  Mich. 

Do! 

Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 
Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 
Stuttgart  area,  Ark. 
Vergennes  area,  Vt. 
Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 
Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Rhode  Island. 
Pajaro  Valley,  Cal. 
Monroe  County,  Miss. 
Stanton  area.  Nebr. 
Modesto-Turlock  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Salinas  Valley  area,  Cal. 
San  Jose  area,  Cal. 
Austin  area,  Tex. 
San  Antonio  area,  Tex. 
Darlington  area,  S.  C. 
Carlton  area,  Minn. 

Do. 
Crookston  area,  Minn. 
Russell  area,  Kans. 
Laramie  area,  Wyo. 
Billings  area,  Mont. 
Greeley  area,  Colo. 
Billings  area,  Mont. 
Greeley  area,  Colo. 
Billings  area,  Mont. 

Do. 
Greeley  area,  Colo. 
Salt  Lake  Valley,  Utah. 
Sevier  Valley,  Utah. 
Bear  River  area,  Utah. 
Greene  County,  Ind. 
Boise  area,  Idaho. 
Chester  County,  Pa. 
Lake  Charles  area,  La. 

Do. 
Brazoria  area,  Tex. 
Lake  Charles  area,  La. 
Boise  area,  Idaho. 

Do. 
Carrington  area,  N.  Dak. 
Plymouth  County,  Mass. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Wcstfield  area,  N.  Y. 
Caswell  County,  N.  C. 
Lebanon  area,  Pa. 
Adams  Countv,  Pa. 
Montgomery  County,  Pa. 
Cherokee  County.  S.  C. 
Louisa  County,  Va. 
Lancaster  County,  S.  C. 
York  County,  B.  0. 
Trenton  area,  N.  J. 
Cecil  County,  Md. 
Harford  County,  Md. 
Leesburg  area,  va. 

Adams  County,  I'a. 
Albemarle  County,  Va. 
Appomattox  County,  Va. 
Louisa  County,  Va. 

753 


754 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  icith  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in   which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Cecil  mica  loam 

Manor  loam 

Cecil  Countv,  Md. 

Cecil  sand 

Durham  sandy  loam 

Harford  County,  Md. 
Leesburg  area,  Va. 
Prince  George  County,  Md. 
Lancaster  area,  Pa. 
Spalding  County,  Ga. 
Campobello  area,  S.  C. 
Cherokee  County,  S.  C. 
York  County,  S.  C. 
Appomattox  County,  Va. 
Hanover  County,  Va. 
Louisa  County, *Va. 
Leesburg  area,  Va. 

Cecil  silt  loam 

Lansdale  silt  loam 

Louisa  silt  loam 

Cherokee  County,  S.  C. 
York  Countv,  S.  C. 

York  silt  loam 

Cecil  slate  loam 

Louisa  slate  loam 

Lancaster  County,  S.  C. 
Tallapoosa  Countv,  Ala. 

Cecil  stony  loam 

Montalto  stony  loam 

Montgomery  County,  Pa. 
Adams  County,  Pa." 
Fort  Payne  area,  Ala. 

Chattooga  loam 

Holston  loam 

Chemung  stony  loam 

Chemung  shale  loam 

Johnstown  area,  Pa. 

Chester  mica  loam 

Manor  loam 

Montgomery  County,  Pa. 
Connecticut  Vallev'Conn. 

Chicopee  gravel  loam 

Merrimac  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Elk  clay 

Clarksville  clay 

Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Huntsville  area,  Ala. 

Hagerstown  loam . . . 

Lauderdale  County,  Ala. 
Lawrence  County,  Tenn. 
Fort  Payne  area,  Ala. 

Clarksville  loam 

Huntington  silt  loam 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Lauderdale  County,  Ala. 
Warren  County,  Kv. 
Webster  County,  Mo. 
i  >a\  idson  County,  Tenn. 
Lawrence  County,  Tenn. 
Montgomery  County,  Tenn. 
Pikeville  area,  Tenn. 
Howell  Count}',  Mo. 

Clarksville  stony  loam 

Rough  stony  land 

Saline  County,  Mo. 
Dubuque  area,  Iowa. 

Clinch  shale  loam 

Dekalb  shale  loam 

Wichita  area,  Kans. 
Grainger  Countv,  Tenn. 

Clyde  loam 

Fargo  loam 

Cando  area,  N.  Dak. 

Colorado  adobe 

Laurel  loam  adobe 

Garden  City  area,  Kans. 
Greeley  area,  Colo. 

Benton  loam  adobe 

Colorado  fine  sandy  loam 

Colorado  loam 

Benton  tine  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Benton-  loam 

Do. 

Colorado  sand 

Garden  ("it  v  area,  Kans. 

Colton  stony  clay 

Austin  area,  Tex. 

Congaree  clay 

Huntington  clav 

San  Antonio  area,  Tex. 
Montjmmerv  Countv,  Ala. 
Do. 

Co!i^'  tree  loam 

<  >cklucknee,  loam 

Connecticut  meadows 

Podunk  silt  loam 

Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 

Connecticut  swamp 

Swamp 

Connecticut  Valley] 

Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 

Conowingo  barrens 

Barrens  (Conowingo  material) 

•i'Iv  loam 

Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Cecil  Conn!  \  ,  Md. 

Contra  Costa  sandy  loam 

Corpus  Christ  i  clay 

Harford  County,  Md. 

( !hestei  County,  Pa. 
Albemarle  area,  Va. 
i.i\ ermore  area,  Cal. 

Corpus  Christ!  area,  Tex. 

San  KlarcOS  area,  Tex. 

Crawford  siltv  clay 

Lebanon  area,  P*a. 

Davidson  County,  Tenn. 

Qiles  Counl  v,  Tenn. 
Abbeville  area,  S.  ('. 

Btatesville  area,  x.  c. 

<  Ireenei  Hie  area,  Tenn. 

:n 

!  v  loam 

M-a,  Idaho. 

j)i-k:iii)  clay  loam 

Mckdale  olay  loam.' 

I'ikeville  area,   Tenn. 

i)i-i  iv  in  •  Hi  loam 

I'laiiiiirM    iii  loam 

Tazewell  County,  in. 

Lancaster  area.  i'a. 

Dunkirk  One  sandy  loam 

Chenango  line  Bandy  loam 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Chenango  gravell  v  loam 

.  I'a. 
Blnghamton  area,  N.  Y. 

•hio. 

Westfield  area,  N 
Blngh  imton  area,  \.  v. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

GotD  ISgO  rravelly  sandy  loam 

Big  'i  h    irea,  v  v. 
Blnghamton  area,  N.  V. 

SOIL   NAMES   CHANGED  IN   CORRELATION. 


755 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  ivas  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Volusia  shale  loam 

Westfield  area,  N.  Y. 
Do. 

Binghamton  area,  N.  Y. 
Big  flat  area,  N.  Y. 
Bingham f on  area,  N.  Y. 
Big  flats  area,  N.  Y. 
Saluda  County,  S.  C. 

Chenango  silt  loam 

Durham  fine  sandy  loam 

York  fine  sandy  loam 

Miami  silt  loam 

Lebanon  area,  Pa. 
Albemarle  area,  Va. 
Clinton  County,  111. 
Janesville  area,  Wis. 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Elkton  clay 

Elkton  silt  loam 

Holly  clay  loam 

Cecil  County,  Md. 
Harford  County,  Md. 
Kent  County,  Md. 
Prince  George  County,  Md. 
Worcester  County,  Md. 
Salem  area,  N.  J. 
Mason  County,  Ky. 
Bigflats  area/N.  Y. 
Do. 

Elmira  fine  sandy,  loam 

Elmira  shale  loam 

Chenango  shale  loam 

Elmira  silt  loam 

Chenango  silt  loam 

Do. 

Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Mass.         * 

Elmwood  loam 

Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam 

Elsinore  sandy  loam 

Sevier  Valley,  Utah. 
Pajaro  Valley  area,  Cal. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Puget  Sound  Basin,  western  part, 
Wash. 

Enfield  sandy  loam 

Manchester  fine  sand 

Everett  stony  loams 

Everett  stony  loam 

FArmhpr  sandy  Wm 

Hanford  sandy  loam 

Fargo  gravelly  loam 

Grand  Forks  area,  N.  Dak, 

Fernley  fine  sand 

Finney  clay 

WUliston  area,  N.  Dak. 

Fort  Payne  clay 

Fort  Payne  loam 

Do. 

Fort  Payne  sandy  loam 

Cossayuna  fine  sandy  loam 

Clarksville  stony  loam 

Munising  area,  Mich. 

Fort  Payne  stony  loam 

Blount  Countv,  Ala. 

Fresno  clay  loam 

Fort  Payne  area,  Ala. 
Greeneville  area.  Term. 

Fresno  fine  sand 

Bakersfield  area,  Cal. 

Laurel  fine  sand 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo, 

Fresno  fine  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  fine  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  area,  Cal. 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 
San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 

Oxnard  loam..! 

Benton  silt  loam 

Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 
Weber  County,  Utah. 

Bingham  fine  sandv  loam 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam 

Livermore  silt  loam 

Fresno  gravel 

Fresno  gravelly  sand 

Fresno  red  sand 

Fresno  sand 

Colorado  sand 

Sacramento  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 
Bakersfield  area,  Cal. 
Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Sal  inns  Valley,  Cal. 
San  Bernardino  area.  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 

Hanford  sand 

Indio  sand 

Maricopa  sand 

Bingham  sand 

Columbia  sand 

Wo1>ot  area,  Utah. 
Sacramento  area.  Cal. 

756 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 


Changed  to- 


Name  of  area. 


Fresno  sandy  loam 

Fullerton  sandy  adobe . 

Galveston  clay 


Galveston  fine  sand . 


Galveston  sand . 


Galveston  sandy  loam. 


Garner  stony  loam. . . 
Gila  fine  sandy  loam. 


Glenwood  loam 

Glendale  loess 

Gloucester  stony  loam 

Goldsboro  compact  sandy  loam. 


Grainger  shale  loam. . 
Guin  fine  sandy  loam. 


Guin  gravelly  sandy  loam. 
Guthrie  clay 


Hagerstown  shale  loam. 


Hagerstown  silt  loam. . 

Hanford  silt  loam 

Hanover  sand 

Hempfield  stony  loam. 
Herndon  stony  loam . . . 


Hill iboro  'Mi  loam. 
Hobart  clay 


Fresno  fine  sandy  loam. 


Indio  fine  sand 

Placentia  clay  loam  adobe. 
Maricopa  loam  adobe 


Placentia  sandy  loam  adobe. 
Tidal  marsh 


Hoi)'] i)  meadows... 
Hon  ton  b]  . 

Houston  chalk 


Coastal  beach . 


.do. 


Tidal  marsh. 


Susquehanna  gravelly  loam . 
GilaUoam 


Bingham  clay  loam 

Glendale  clay  loam 

Rough  stony  land 

Portsmouth  sandy  loam. 


Conasauga  shale  loam . . . 
Ruston  fine  sandy  loam. 


Ruston  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Waverly  clay  loam 

Waverly  silt  loam 

Dekalb  shale  loam 


Volusia  silt  loam 

Clarksvffle  silt  loam. .. 
Merced  silly  clay  loam. 
Coloma  sandy  loam. . . 

Cecil  stony  loam 

Porters  stony  loam 


Clarksvffle  sill  l"  mi. 
Rough  broken  land . 


Houston 


I         a   iii  loam 

Huntington  One  andy  loam . 
Huntington  loam . . . 


n 

Victoria  clay 

Houston  clay 

Chalk  (Houston  material) 


on  loam 



b  loam 

■  loam 


h  loam. 


Fresno  area,  Cal. 
Hanford  area,  Cal. 
Indio  area,  Cal. 
Ventura  area,  Cal. 
Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 
Dover  area,  Del. 
New  Orleans,  La. 
Worcester  County,  Md. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Charleston  area,  S.  C. 
Brazoria  area,  Tex. 
Yorktown  area,  Va. 
New  Hanover  County,  N.  C. 
Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
San  Jose  area,  Cal. 
New  Hanover  County,  N.  C. 
Rhode  Island. 
Charleston  area,  S.  C. 
Central  Gulf  Coast,  Tex. 
South  Texas  Reconnoissancc. 
Dover  area,  Del. 
Escambia  County,  Fla. 
Worcester  County,  Md. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
New  Hanover  County,  N.  C. 
Brazoria  area,  Tex. 
Norfolk  area,  Va. 
Yorktown  area,  Va. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Rhode  Island. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Solomonsville  area,  Ariz. 
Imperial  area,  Cal. 
Sevier  Valley.  Utah. 
Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 
Rhode  Island. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Darlington  area,  S.  C. 
(irainper  County,  Tenn. 
Hale  County,  Ala. 
Lamar  County,  Ala. 
Marion  County,  Ala. 
Monroe  County,  Miss. 
Prentiss  County,  M 

Autauga  Couunty.  Ala. 
Posey  County,  Ind. 
Stuttgart  area,  Ark. 
Lancaster  area,  Pa. 

Lebanon  area,  Pa. 

Lock  Haven  area.  Pa. 
Albemarle  area,  Va. 
Bedford  area,  Va. 
Leesburg  area.  Va. 
Bigflats  area,  N.  Y. 
Ilnntsville  area,  Ala. 
Mo  lesto-Turlock  area,  Cal. 

Janesville  area,  Wis. 
Lancaster  area,  Pa. 
Cobb  County,  Ga. 

Alamance  Countv,  N.  C. 
\  ille  area,  N.  C. 

County,  Tenn. 
Carrington  area,  \.  Dak. 
JamestoM  a  area,  N.  Dak. 

Me\. 

Brazoria  area,  Tex. 

Macon  i  oimty,  Ala. 
Autauga  County,  Ala. 
Claj  County, 
l-ow  odea  County,  Miss. 
Monroe  County,  M 

Noxubee  County.  Miss. 

< )ktil)beha  County.  I 

Anderson  County",  Tex. 
Paris  area.  Tex. 
Do. 

i  ounty,  ind. 

Y. 

Niagara  County,  \.  v. 

Marion  County,  Hid. 


SOIL   NAMES  CHANGED  IN  CORRELATION. 


757 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 


Changed  to — 


Name  of^area. 


Huntington  silt  loam. 


Hyde  mucky  loam 

Imperial  fine  sandy  loam. 
Imperial  gravelly  loam. . . 
Imperial  loam 


Imperial  sand 

Imperial  sandy  loam . 

Imperial  silt  loam 

Indian  loam 

Janesville  loam 

Janes ville  silt  loam. . . 

Jordan  clay 

Jordan  loam 


Jordan  meadows . 
Jordan  sand 


Jordan  sandy  loam. 
Kalamazoo  gravelly  loam . 


King  clay 

King  clay  loam 

Kittanning  soils 

Laramie  gravelly  loam . 
Laramie  sandy  loam . . . 
Laurel  fine  sand 


Laurel  fine  sandy  loam. 


Laurel  loam 

Laurel  sandy  loam . 


Laurel  silt  loam 

Laurel  silty  clay  loam 

Ledy  soils 

Leighton  loam 

Leonardtown  gravelly  loam. 

Leonardtown  loam 


Lewis  clay  loam 

Lincoln  sandy  loam. 
Lintonia  loam 


Los  Angeles  sandy  loam. 

Loudoun  sandy  loam 

Luflrin  clay 

Lufkin  clay  loam 

Lufkin  fine  sandy  loam. 

McLean  silt  loam.. 

McLeod  sand 


Mackinaw  grayel. 


Madison  loam 

Malade  fine  sand 

Malade  fine  sandy  loam. 

Malade  loam 

Malade  sandy  loam . 

Mankatosand , 

Marco  clay  loam 

Marco  fine  sandy  loam. . 
Maricopa  clay  loam 


Ondawa  silt  loam 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Muck  (Hyde  mucky  loam). 

Gila  loam 

Indio  gravelly  loam 

Gila  clay  loam 

Imperial  clay  loam 

Gila  fine  sand 

Gila  fine  sand  y  loam 

Gila  silt  loam 

Chandler  loam 

Plainfield  silt  loam 

Carrington  silt  loam 

Salt  Lake  clay  loam 

Jordan  clay  loam 


Kaskaskia  loam Wabash  silt  loam 


Bingham  loam 

Meadow 

Jordan  fine  sand 

Bingham  fine  sand 

Jordan  loam 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam. 
Clyde  gravelly  sand 


Colbert  clay 

Colbert  clay  loam 

Wheeling  soils 

Laramie  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Laramie  fine  sandy  loam 

Arkansas  fine  sand 

Grand  fine  sand 

Arkansas  fine  sandy  loam 


Grand  loam 

Grand  sandy  loam. 


Arkansas  silt  loam 

Grand  silty  clay  loam . . 

Murrill  soils 

Clarksville  loam 

Leonardtown  loam 

Portsmouth  silt  loam . . 

....do 

Huntington  silt  loam... 

Yolo  clay  loam 

Laurel  fine  sandy  loam. 
Lintonia  silt  loam 


Wabash  loam 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Altamont  loam 

Chester  sandy  loam 

Susquehanna  clay 

Lufkin  clay 

Susquehanna  fine  sandy  loam. 

Marshall  loam 

Dunkirk  sand 


Judson  gravel. 


Sioux  clay  loam 

Jordan  fine  sand 

Jordan  fine  sandy  loam. . 

Jordan  loam 

Jordan  sandy  loam 

Sioux  sand 

Wabash  clay  loam 

Lintonia  One  sandy  loam. 

Colorado  clay  loam 

Glendale  clay  loam 


Dutchess  County,  N.  Y. 

Greene  County,  Ind. 

Lake  Mattamuskeet  area,  N.  C. 

Yuma  area,  Ariz. 

Imperial  area,  Cal. 

Yuma  area,  Ariz. 

Imperial  area,  Cal. 

Yuma  area,  Ariz. 

Do. 

Do. 
Montgomery  County,  Va. 
Janesville  area,  Wis. 

Do. 
Salt  Lake  Valley,  Utah. 
Provo  area,  Utah. 
Bear  River  area,  Utah. 
Weber  area,  Utah. 
Salt  Lake  Valley,  Utah. 

Do. 
Weber  area,  Utah. 
Provo  area,  Utah. 
Salt  Lake  Valley,  Utah. 
Allegan  County,  Mich. 
Clinton  County,  111. 
Knox  County," 111. 
McLean  County,  111. 
Sangamon  County,  HI. 
St.  Clair  County,  111. 
Newton  County,  Ind. 
Tama  County,  Iowa. 
Colbert  County,  Ala. 

Do. 
Southwestern  Pennsylvania. 
Laramie  area,  Wyo. 

Do. 
Riley  County,  Kans. 
Grand  Junction  area,  Colo. 
Riley  County,  Kans. 
Atchison  County,  Mo. 
Uncompahgre  Valley  area,  Colo. 
Grand  Junction  area,  Colo. 
Larmie  area,  Wyo. 
Riley  County,  Kans. 
Uncompahgre  Valley  area/Colo. 
South-central  Pennsylvania. 
Colbert  County,  Ala. 
Prince  George  County,  Md. 
Norfolk  area,  Va. 

Do. 
Mason  County,  Ky. 
Portersville  area,  Cal. 
Russell  area,  Kans. 
St.  (lair  County,  111. 
Holmes  County,  Miss. 
Montgomery  County,  Miss. 
Smedes  area.  Miss. 
Yazoo  area,  Miss. 
Tazewell  Countv,  111. 
Dubuque  area,  Iowa. 
Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Leesburg  area,  Va. 
Macon  County,  Ala. 
Sumter  County,  Ala. 
Austin  area,  Tex. 
McLean  County.  111. 
Crookston  area,"  Minn. 
Ransom  Countv,  N.  Dak. 
Tazewell  County,  111. 
Janesville  are:;.  Wis. 
Madison  County,  Ind. 
Bear  River  area,  Utah. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Blue  Earth  (  ountv,  Minn. 
Greene  Countv,  Ind. 

Do. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo 
Salt  River  \  alley,  Ariz. 


758 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  ivas  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Maricopa  fine  sandy  loam 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 

Glendale  gravelly  loam 

Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 
Provo  area,  Utah. 
Baker  City  area,  Oreg. 
Solomonsville  area,  Ariz. 

Bingham  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Glendale  loam 

Bakersfield  area,  Gal. 

Glendale  loam 

Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 

Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 
Bakersfield  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 

Placentia  sandy  loam  adobe 

Baker  City  area,  Oreg. 
Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 

Story  Count v,  Iowa. 
Blue  Karth  County,  Minn. 
Ransom  County,  N.  Dak. 
Racine  County,  Wis. 

Marshall  fine  sandy  loam 

Carrington  fine  sandy  loam 

Blue  Earth  County,  Minn. 
Ransom  County,  N.  Dak. 
Newton  County,  Ind. 

Marshall  area,  Minn. 

Marshall  gravelly  loam 

Cando  area,  N.  Dak. 
Brown  County,  Kans. 
Marshi.il  area,"  Minn. 
Carrington  area,  N.  Dak. 
Ransom  area,  X.  Dak. 
Fargo  area,  N.  Dak. 

Portage  County,  Wis. 
Richland  County.  N.  Dak. 
Racine  County,  wis. 

Marshall  County,  ln»l. 
Newton  County,  Ind. 
(  erro  Gordo  County,  Iowa. 
Story  County,  Iowa. 
Tama  County,  Iowa, 
("ass  County,"  Mich. 
Blue  Earth  County,  Minn. 
Marshall  County,  Minn. 
Lancaster  County,  Nebr. 
i  lando  area,  N.  Dak. 
Carrington  area.  N\  Dak. 
Jamestown  area,  N.  Dak. 
Richland  County,  N.  Dak. 
Brookings  area,  S.  Dak. 

Marshall  gravelly  sandy  loam . . . 

Carrington  gravelly  sandy  loam . . . 

Carrington  silt  loam 

Fargo  loam 

Tippecanoe  County,  Ind. 
FargO  area,  N.  Dak. 

Marshall  Coimu  v,  Ind. 

Marshall  sandy  loam 

Cerro  « lordo  County,  Iowa. 
Brown  County,  Cans. 

Brookings  area.  S.  Dak. 

Blue  Earth  County,  Minn. 

CarringtOO  area,  N.  Dak. 
.lame-. town  area,  N.  Dak. 
Garden  City  area,  Kans. 

Carrington  area,  \\  Dak. 

Cuuctou  n  area,  \.  Dak. 

Ransom  County,  N.  Dak, 
Brookings  area,"  B.  Dak. 

Richfield  silt  loam 

Media  clay  adobe 

andy  Loam 

Dm 

Do. 

Media  sandy  loan) 

Do. 

ounty,  End. 
i  iiiom  County,  Ky. 
Dutchess  County,  N.  Y. 

Do. 

Iferrimao  gravelly  sandy  loam. . 

Do. 

Mesa  clay 

Cblpeta  olay 

Grand  Junction  aroa,  Colo. 

SOIL  NAMES   CHANGED  IN   CORRELATION. 


759 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Miamijblack  clay  loam 

Carrington  black  clay  loam 

Allen  County,  Ind. 
Madison  County,  Ind. 
Marion  County,  Ind. 

Marshall  County,  Ind. 

Newton  County,  Ind. 

Cerro  Gordo  area,  Iowa. 
Oxford  area,  Mich. 

Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Jamestown  area,  N.  Dak. 

Auglaize  County,  Ohio. 

Columbus  area,  Ohio. 

Montgomery  County;  Ohio. 

"VVesterville  area,  Ohio. 

Carrington  silt  loam 

Janesville  area,  Wis. 

Clyde  clay 

Toledo  area,  Ohio. 

Fargo  clay  loam 

Fargo  area,  N.  Dak. 
Brookings  area,  S.  Dak. 

Fargo  loam 

Marshall  area,  Minn. 

Fargo  silt  loam 

Grand  Forks  area,  N.  Dak. 

Marshall  black  clay  loam 

Knox  County,  111. 
McLean  County,  111. 

Sangamon  County,  111. 
Tazewell  County,  IU. 

Tippecanoe  County,  Ind . 

Wabash  clay  loam 

Story  County,  Iowa. 
Stuttgart  area,  Ark. 
Toledo  area,  Ohio. 

Miamfclay  loam 

Crowley  silt  loam 

Dunkirk  clay  loam 

Miami  fine  sand 

Coloma  fine  sand 

Winnebago  County,  HI. 
Cass  County,  Mich. 

Carlton  area,  Minn. 

Dunkirk  fine  sand 

Newton  County,  Ind. 
Owosso  area,  Mich. 

Saginaw  area,  Mich. 

Auburn  area,  N.  Y. 

Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 

Madison  County,  N.  Y. 
Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 

Knox  fine  sand 

Sangamon  County,  111. 
Tazewell  County,  111. 

Tippecanoe  County,  Ind. 

Tama  County,  Iowa. 
Stanton  area,  Nebr. 

Lintonia  fine  sand 

0' Fallon  area,  Mo. 

Dubuque  area,  Iowa. 
Wichita  area,  Kans. 

Arkansas  fine  sand 

Miami  fine  sandy  loam 

Coloma  fine  sandy  loam 

Cass  County,  Mich. 
Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 
Madison  County,  N.  Y. 

Dunkirk  fine  sandy  loam 

Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 

Knox  fine  sandy  loam 

Tippecanoe  County,  Ind. 
Boonville  area,  Ind. 

Lintonia  fine  sandy  loam 

Memphis  silt  loam 

St.  Clair  County,  111. 
Union  County,  Ky. 
Posey  County,  Ind. 

Waverly  fine  sandy  loam 

Miami  gravel 

Coloma  gravel 

Racine  County,  Wis. 
Winnebago  County.  111. 
Marion  County,  Ind. 
Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Judson  gravel 

Miami  gravelly  loam 

Chenango  gravelly  loam 

Columbus  area,  Ohio. 

Coshocton  County,  Ohio. 

Montgomery  County,  Ohio. 

Westerville  area.  Ohio. 

Wooster  area,  Ohio. 

Bigflats  area,  N.  Y. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  loam 

Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 
Oxford  area.  Mich. 

Miami  gravelly  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sand 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Alma  area,  Mich. 

Dunkirk  gravelly  sand 

Saginaw  area,  Mich. 

Owosso  area,  Mich. 

Miami  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Coloma  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Marshall  County,  Ind. 
Tippecanoe  County,  Ind. 
Cass  County,  Mich. 
Oxford  area,  Mich. 
Carlton  area,  Minn. 
Fargo  area.  N.  Dak. 
(I rand  Forks  area,  N.  Dak. 

Miami  loam 

Fargo  fine  sandy  loam 

Fargo  loam 

"  loam 

Auburn  area,  N.  Y. 

Lyons  area,  N.  Y. 

Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 

Miami  silt  loam 

Tippecanoe  County,  Ind. 

760 


SOILS   OF   THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


1 1       Name  as  published . 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Miami  loam  (continued) 

Sioux  loam 

Tazewell  County,  HI. 
Marion  County,  lnd. 

Sioux  sandy  loam 

Janesville  area,  Wis. 

Wabash  loam 

Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Marshall  area,  Minn. 

Columbus  area,  Ohio. 

Coshocton  County.  Ohio. 

Montgomery  County,  Ohio. 

Toledo  area,  Ohio. 

Westerville  area,  Ohio. 

Viroqua  area.  Wis. 
Oxford  area,  Mich. 

Miami  sand 

Coloma  fine  sand 

Coloma  sand 

Marshall  County,  lnd. 
Alma  area,  Mich. 

Cass  County,  Mich. 

Munising  area,  Mich. 
Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Saginaw  area,  Mich. 

Wexford  County,  Mich. 

Carlton  area,  Minn. 

Wooster  area,  Ohio. 

Portage  County,  Wis. 
Superior  area,  wis. 

Plainfield  sand 

Owosso  area,  Mich. 

Dunkirk  sand 

Toledo  area,  Ohio. 

Knox  sand 

Greene  County,  lnd. 

Posey  County,  lnd. 
Grand  Island  area,  Nebr. 

Arkansas  sand 

Wichita  area,  Kans. 

Boone  sand 

Viroqua  area,  Wis. 

Miami  sandy  loam 

Fargo  fine  sandy  loam 

Grand  Forks  area,  N.  Dak 

Wabash  fine  sandy  loam 

Posey  County,  lnd. 
Cass  County,  Mich. 

Coloma  sandy  loam 

Munising  area,  Mich. 

Oxford  area,  Mich. 

Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Carlton  area,  Minn. 

Portage  County,  Wis. 
Superior  area.  Wis. 
Toledo  area,  Ohio. 

Dunkirk  sandy  loam 

Wooster  area,  Ohio. 

Knox  sandy  loam 

Dubuque  area,  Iowa. 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio. 

Wabash  sandy  loam 

Chenango  sandy  loam 

Marion  County,  lnd. 

Boone  sandy  loam 

Viroqua  area,  Wis. 
Rhodo  Island. 

Miami  silt  loam 

Merrimac  silt  loam 

Dunkirk  silt  loam 

Syracuse  area,  N.  Y. 

Knox  silt  loam 

Knox  County,  111. 

McLean  County,  III. 
O' Fallon  area,  Mo. 

Sangamon  County,  111. 

Winnebago  County,  111. 

Boonvilk'  area,  lnd. 

Greene  County,  lnd. 

Posey  County,  End. 

Tippecanoe  county,  lnd. 

Tama  County,  Iowa. 

Union  County,  Uy. 

Dubuque  area,  lowa. 

Saline  County,  Mo. 

Sarpy  Count] .  Nebr. 

Viroqua  area,  Wis. 

Marshall  silt  loam 

Clinton  County,  ill. 

St.  Clair  County,  111. 

Miami  stony  loam  ..... 

(  a/jnuvia  loam 

•ii  County,  N.  Y. 

Syraot                  v. 

i 

Long  [aland  area,  N.  Y. 

Rhode  Island. 

Miami  Iwim 

iunty,  Midi. 

Minn. 

(  loveland  area,  Ohio. 

1  Mho. 

Portage  County,  Wis. 

Ontario  loam 

A  ulnii  n  area,  N  .  Y. 

\.  Y. 

Tompkins  County.  N.  Y. 
Poi  tage  l  ountj  ,  w  is. 

\\  [a|  T,  j                                                            

( Solon  i                     

Miller  b                              

Miller  clay. ." 

w  aoo 





r  County,  Tenn. 

Miller  dne  sandy  loan) 

< Miarinia  Parian,  La. 





dj  loam     

,  1  al. 

SOIL   NAMES   CHANGED  IN   COKKELATION. 


761 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to — 

Name  of  area. 

Meadow 

Baker  City  area,  Oreg. 
Bedford  area,  Va. 

Hagerstown  sandy  loam 

Murrill  stony  loam 

Hagerstown  stony  loam 

Do. 

Melbourne  clay 

Marshfield  area,  Oreg. 
Montgomery  County,  N.  Y. 

Farmington  loam 

Congaree  clay 

Hagerstown  stony  loam 

Craven  area,  N.  C. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Grainger  County,  Tenn. 
Dallas  County,  Ala. 
Montgomery  County,  Ala. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Rhode  Island. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Mason  County,  Ky. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Mason  County,  Ky. 
Lock  Haven  area,  Pa. 

Cahaba  clay 

Norfolk  coarse  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  gravel 

Merrimac  coarse  sandy  loam 

Cumberland  fine  sandy  loam 

Susquehanna  gravel 

Cumberland  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  loam 

Huntington  fine  sandy  loam 

Kalmia  loam 

Sassafras  fine  sandy  loam 

Prentiss  County,  Miss. 
Prince  George  County,  Md. 
St.  Mary  County,  Md. 
Calvert  County,"  Md. 
Dover  area,  Del. 

Sassafras  loam 

Sassafras  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  sand 

Norfolk  fine  sand 

Norfolk  area,  Va. 
Craven  area,  N.  C. 

Sassafras  sand 

Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Norfolk  area,  Va. 
Perry  County,  Ala. 
Cecil  County,  Md. 

Norfolk  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam 

Harford  County,  Md. 
Kent  County,  Md. 
St.  Mary  County,  Md. 
Salem  area,  N.  J. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Fort  Valley  area,  Ga. 
Dodge  County,  Ga. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 

Tif ton  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  sandy  soil 

Norfolk  sandy  loam 

Norfolk  silt  loam 

Crockett  loam 

Darlington  area,  S.  C. 
San  Antonio  area,  Tex. 

Kalmia  silt  loam 

Norfolk  loam 

Chowan  County,  N.  C. 

Sassafras  silt  loam 

Dover  area,  Del. 

North  Platte  loam 

Cheyenne  loam 

Chester  County,  Pa. 
North  Platte  area,  Nebr. 

Oakdale  coarse  sandy  loam 

Oakdale  sand 

Sacramento  coarse  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  sand 

Modesto-Turlock  area,  Cal. 
Do. 

Oakdale  sandy  loam 

Sacramento  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Oakland  sandy  loam 

Pontiac  area,  Mich. 

Ocklocknee  clay 

Macon  Countv,  Ala. 

Oktibbeha  silt  loam 

Pheba  silt  loam 

Oktibbeha  Countv,  Miss. 

Olympic  loams 

Olympic  loam 

Puget  Sound  Basin,  western  part, 

Orangeburg  clay 

Greenville  fine  sandy  loam 

Greenville  clay  loam 

Wash. 
Fort  Valley  area,  Ga. 

Autauga  County,  Ala. 
Butler  County,  Ala. 
Dallas  County,  Ala. 
Macon  County,  Ala. 
Sumter  County,  Ala. 
Jasper  County,  Miss. 
Monroe  County,  Miss. 
Oktibbeha  County,  Miss. 
Pontotoc  Countv,  Miss. 
Sumter  County.  S.  C. 
Anderson  County,  Tex. 
Houston  area,  Tex. 
Lee  County,  Tex. 
Jacksonville  area,  Tex. 
Nacogdoches  area,  Tex. 

:io:i,  Tex. 
San  Antonio  area,  Tex. 
Perrv  Countv.   \l:i. 
Coffee  County,  ai  i. 

Orangeburg  fine  sand 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Pike  l 

Grady  Count] 
Thomas  Countv,  Ga. 
Caddo  Parish,  La. 
Jasper  Cor. 

Lauderdale  County,  Miss. 
Henderson  County,  Tex. 

762 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  teas  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Greenville  loam 

Escambia  County,  Fla. 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam 

Jasper  County,  Miss. 

do 

Autauga  County.  Ala. 
Butler  County,  Ala. 
Coffee  County",  Ala. 
Dale  County,  Ala. 
Leon  County,  Fla. 
Bainbridge  area,  Ga. 
Sumter  County,  Ga. 
Lauderdale  County,  Miss. 
Orangeburg  County,  S.  C. 
Sumter  County,  B.C. 
Franklin  County,  Tex. 
Robertson  County,  Tex. 

Orangeburg  sandy  loam 

Orangeburg  fine  sandy  loam 

Miller  silt  loam 

Gadsden  County,  Fla. 
Fort  Valley  area,  Ga. 

Elder  fine  sand 

Yolo  fine  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Do. 

Oxnard  clav  loam 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 

Ventura  area,  Cal. 
San  Jose  area,  Cal. 

Pajaro  light  silt  loam 

Pajaro  fine  sandy  loam 

Pajaro  area,  Cal. 
Do. 

Pajaro  silty  clay 

Conglomerate 

Pecos  Valley  area,  N.  Mex. 
Do. 

Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 

Gila  fine  sandy  loam 

Pecos  Valley  area,  N.  Mex. 

Roswell  sandy  loam 

Pecos  Valley  area,  N.  Mex. 

Talladega  gravelly  loam 

Montgomery  County,  Va. 

Placentia  coarse  sandy  loam 

Montgomery  County,  Va. 

Do. 

Placentia  fine  sandy  loam 

C'oloma  stony  sand 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Salinas  Valley,  C 
San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 
San  Jose  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 
Allegan  County.  Mich. 

Plymouth  stony  sand 

I'ontiao  area,  Mich. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 

Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 

Podunk  fine  sandy  loam 

Hartford  very  fine  sandy  loam 

Porters  clay 

Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Bedford  area,  Va. 

Portersvllle  coarse  sandy  loam. . 

Sheridan  coarse  sandy  loam 

1'ortersville  area,  Cal. 

Portersville  area,  Cal. 

Clicsler  County.  La. 

ccon. 

Sale  in  area,  \\  J. 

Trenton  area.  \.  J. 
Montgomery  County.  Va. 

Rhlnebeck  loam 

Albany  One  Bandy  loam 

Laramie  area.  \v>  b. 
Dutchess  County,  N.  Y. 

San  Luis  Valley,  Colo. 
Do. 

Mir  lilicld  area,  <  >ret_'. 

'  ■:  loan 

Roswell  One  Bandy  loan 

\\  c  i'  m  Kansas  R-eoon 

Stockton  area,  Cal. 

Baoramento  fin'1  and 

Columbia  fine!  s:ind 

He  area,  Cal. 

Sacramento  fin''  sandy  loan 

Colombia  One  Bandy  loam 

Woodland  area,  Cal. 

Red  Bluff  area.  Cal. 

Colusa  area,  Cal. 
Redding  area.  Cal. 

Red  Bluff  area,  Cal. 

SOIL   NAMES   CHANGED  IN   CORRELATION. 


763 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Sacramento  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

Yolo  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Colusa  area,  Cal. 

Bear  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Redding  area,  Cal. 

Yolo  loam 

Colusa  area,  Cal. 

Clyde  sandy  loam 

Owosso  area,  Mich. 

Saginaw  area,  Mich. 
Salem  area,  Oreg. 
Do. 

Salem  silt  loam 

Salem  fine  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe 

San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 

Salinas  clay  loam  adobe 

Alamo  clay  adobe 

San  Jose  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 
Sacramento  area,  Cal. 

Salinas  shale  loam 

Oxnard  gravelly  loam 

Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 
Ventura  area,  Cal. 
Pajaro  area,  Cal. 

Salsipuedes  loam 

Corralitos  loam 

Salt  Lake  sand 

Oolitic  sand 

Salt  Lake  area,  Utah. 

Salt  River  adobe 

Gila  clay 

Provo  area,  Utah. 
Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 
Yuma  area.  Ariz. 
Salt  River  Valley,  Ariz. 
San  Antonio  area,  Tex. 

Salt  River  gravel 

Rough  stony  land 

San  Antonio  silty  clay  loam 

MaricoDa  gravelly  loam 

San  Gabriel  gravelly  loam 

San  Gabriel  gravelly  sand 

Ventura  area,  Cal. 

Maricopa  gravelly  sand 

San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 

Maricopa  sandy  loam 

Houston  black  clay 

San  Joaquin  black  adobe 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 
Ventura  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 
Fresno  area,  Cal. 

Wade  clay 

Maricopa  clay  loam  adobe 

Hanford  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 

Salinas  clay  adobe 

Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 

San  Joaquin  fine  sandy  loam 

San  Joaquin  gravelly  loam 

Corning  fine  sandy  loam 

Corning  gravelly  loam 

Do. 

Portersville  area,  Cal. 

San  Joaquin  red  adobe 

San  Joaquin  sandy  loam  adobe 

San  Joaquin  clay  adobe 

Fresno  area,  Cal. 

Sacramento  area,  Cal. 

Santa  Cruz  loam 

Melbourne  loam 

Pajaro  area,  Cal. 
Do. 

Santa  Cruz  sand 

Sites  fine  sand 

Santa  Cruz  sandy  loam 

Sites  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Santiago  loam. . .' 

Plaeentia  loam 

Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 

Santiago  sandy  loam 

Placentia  fine  sandy  loam 

Do. 

Santiago  silt  loam 

Hanford  clay  loam 

San  Bernardino  area,  Cal. 

Hanford  silt  loam 

Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 
San  Gabriel  area,  Cal. 

Laurel  loam 

Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Santa  Ana  area,  Cal. 
Lower  Arkansas  Valley,  Colo. 
Darlington  area,  S.  C. 

Sassafras  loam 

Cahaba  fine  sandy  loam 

Sassafras  silt  loam 

Calvert  County,  Md. 
Cecil  County,  Md. 
Harford  County,  Md. 
Kent  County,  Md. 
Prince  Georges  County,  Md. 
St.  Mary  County,  Md. 
Salem  area,  N.  J. 
Trenton  area,  N.  J. 
Perry  County,  Ala. 
Calvert  County,  Md. 
Long  Island  area,  N.  Y. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 

Sassafras  sandy  loam 

Cahaba  sandy  loam 

Savanna 

Swamp 

Scoria  gravel 

Rough  broken  land 

Sedgwick  black  clay  loam 

Sedgwick  clay  loam 

Sedwick  clay  loam 

Wichita  area,  Kans. 

Oswego  silt  loam 

Bates  County,  Mo. 

Crawford  silt  loam 

Sedgwick  gravelly  loam 

Crawford  gravelly  loam 

Wichita  area,  Kans. 
Allen  County,  Kans. 

Sedgwick  loam 

Pratt  loam 

Sedgwick  sandy  loam 

Oswego  sandy  loam 

Pratt  sandy  loam 

Selma  clay 

Selma  heavy  silt  loam 

Portsmouth  fine  sandy  loam 

Portsmouth  sandy  loam 

Craven  area,  N.  C. 
Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 
Darlington  area,  S.  C. 

Selma  silt  loam 

Norfolk  sandy  loam 

Raleigh  to  Newbern,  N.  C. 

764 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 

Changed  to— 

Name  of  area. 

Sharkey  clay 

Miller  clajr 

Miller  County,  Ark. 
Allen  County,  Kans. 
Parsons  area,  Kans. 
Union  County,  Ky. 
Brazoria  area,  Tex. 

Wabash  clay 

Waverly  clay 

Trinity  clay 

Shelby  clay 

Shelby  County,  Mo. 
Do. 

Shelby  sand 

Mankato  sand 

Shelby  silt  loam 

Putnam  silt  loam 

Scotland  County,  Mo. 
Shelby  County,  Mo. 
Putnam  County,  Mo. 
Los  Angeles  area,  Cal. 
Fresno  area,  Cal. 

Sierra  adobe 

Placentia  clay  loam  adobe 

Sierra  sandy  loam  adobe 

Sierra  clay  loam 

Auburn  ^lay  loam 

Sacramento  area,  Cal. 

Do. 

Marysville  area,  Cal. 
Sacramento  area,  Cal. 

Do. 

Sioux  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Sioux  sandy  loam 

Fargo  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Dunkirk  sandv  loam 

Crookston  area,  Minn. 
Racine  County,  Wis. 

Winnebago  County,  111. 
Woodland  area,  Cal. 

Sites  clay  adobe 

Do. 

Sites  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Sites  gravelly  fine  sandy  loam 

Colusa  area,  Cal. 
Woodland  area,  Cal. 

Arbuckle  loam 

Woodland  area,  Cal. 

Snake  River  sand 

Boise  area.  Idaho. 

Soledad  gravelly  sand 

Lower  Salinas  Valley,  Cal. 

Modesto-Turlock  area,  Cal. 

Sturgis  fine  sandy  loam 

Stockton  area.  Cal. 
Union  County,  Ky.      •'  "*' 

Superior  gravelly  loam 

Fond  du  Lac  County,  Wis. 
Calvert  County,  lid. 

Susquehanna  gravel 

Tazewell  silt  loam 

Kent  County,  lid. 
Prince  Georges  County,  Md. 
St.  Mary  County,  Md. 
Trenton  area,  N.  J. 
Raleigh  to  Nowbern,  N.  C. 
Ta/cwell  Countv,  111. 

Triassic  stony  loam 

Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 
Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 
Blount  County,  Ala. 

Upshur  loam 

Vallecitos  clay  adobe 

Do 

Vallecitos  stony  clay  loam 

Do. 

Vernon  fine  sand 

Vernon  loam 

Vernon  silt  loam 

Do 

Weatfleld  area,  N\  Y. 

Jefferson  County,  Ala. 
Conway  County,  Ark. 
Oktibbeha  County,  Miss. 

Trinity  clay 

Bastrop  County,  Tex. 
Cooper  area,  Tex. 
Franklin  Countv,  Tex. 
Houston  County,  Tex. 
Robertson  County.  Tex. 
San  Marcos  area.  Tex. 
W  ilson  County.  Tex. 
Favelteville  area,  Ark. 
Conwi                       \rk. 
Do. 

aton,  V  Y. 
Tompkins  County,  N.  Y. 

i'\illeaiea,    ' 



loam 

Wabash  loam 

iimitin  -inn  One  Bandy  Loam 

Huntington  loam 

Wabash  silt  clay 

Wabash  silt  loam 

Huntington  b!11  loam 

Rilej  County,  Kans. 
Kavelte\  ille  area,  Ark. 

Conway  l  lounty,  Ark. 

Madison  Count  v.  ky. 

Waldo  loam 

'•Valla  W  alia  loam 

Walla  \\  alia  sill  loam 

loam 

•i  i    i i  

ftferrlmac  coarse  Bandy  loam 

Melbourne  olay  loam  adobe 

toil  County.  N.  Y. 
Sumter  Count  y,  Ma. 

Wiiru  i                                     

mi  adobe 



Pajaro  area,  Cal. 
Do 

1  i;n. .. 

Melbourne  One  tandj  loam 

Bibb  olay ." 

Do 

Wavriv  olay 

Oktibbeha  County,  Miss. 

SOIL  NAMES  CHANGED  IN   CORRELATION. 


765 


Alphabetical  list  of  soils  changed  in  correlation,  with  the  new  name  and  the 
area  in  which  the  soil  was  first  encountered — Continued. 


Name  as  published. 


Changed  to — 


Name  of  area. 


Waverly  loam 

Waverly  silt  loam 

Webb  loam 

Westphalia  sand 

Wheatland  sand 

Wheatland  sandy  loam 

Willis  sand , 

Windsor  sand 


Winnebago  sandy  loam. . 
Yakima  clay  adobe 

Yakima  clay  loam 

Yakima  fine  sand 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam 

Yakima  gravelly  loam. . . 
Yakima  loam 

Yakima  sand 

Yakima  sandy  loam 


Yakima  silt  loam... 

Yakima  stony  clay . 
Yakima  stony  loam 
Yazoo  clay 


Yazoo  coarse  sand. 


Yazoo  heavy  clay 
Yazoo  loam 


Bibb  loam . 


Ocklocknee  loam. 
Bibb  silt  loam.... 
Wabash  silt  loam. 


Duval  loam 

Norfolk  fine  sand 

Sassafras  fine  sand 

Sassafras  sand 

Fargo  sand 

Carrington  sandy  loam. . 
Norfolk  fine  sandy  loam. 
Merrimac  coarse  sand . . . 


Norfolk  coarse  sand . 


Carrington  sandy  loam. 
Ewauna  clay  adobe 


Link  clay  loam 

Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam. 
Baker  fine  sandy  loam . . . 


Walla  Walla  silt  loam. . 

Caldwell  gravelly  loam. 
Langel  loam 


Caldwell  loam. 


Quincy  sand , 


Winchester  sand 

Yakima  fine  sandy  loam . 

Quincy  sandy  loam 

Langel  fine  sandy  loam.. 

Baker  loam 

Moscow  loam 

Walla  Walla  silt  loam 

Callwell  silt  loam 

Manhattan  silt  loam 

Rough  stony  land 

Quincy  fine  sandy  loam. . 

Miller  clay 

Trinity  clay 


Wabash  clay 


Waverly  clay. 

Crawford  clay. 

Sarpy  clay 

Sharkey  clay  . 


Riverwash. 


Trinity  clay 

Waverly  loam 

Trinity  loam 

Yazoo  sandy  loam :  Waverly  fine  sandy  loam. 

Trinity  fine  sandy  loam.. 

Trinity  sandy  loam 

Pledger  silt  loam 

Bastrop  fine  sandy  loam. 
Yazoo  silt  loam Wabash  silt  loam 


Lamar  County,  Ala. 
Oktibbeha  County,  Miss. 
Sumter  County,  Ala. 
Bibb  County,  Ala. 
Posey  County,  Ind. 
Union  County,  Ky. 
Wilson  County,  Tex. 
Trenton  area,  N.J. 
Prince  George  County,  Md. 
Salem  area,  N.J. 
Fargo  area,  N.  Dak. 

Willis  area,  Tex. 

Connecticut  Valley,  Conn. 

Connecticut  Valley,  Mass. 

Calvert  County.  Md. 

Prince  Georges  County,  Md. 

St.  Mary  County,  Md. 

Salem  area,  N.  J. 

Trenton  area,  N.  J. 

Winnebago  County  ILL 

Klamath      Reclamation     Project 

area,  Oreg. 
Do. 
Lewiston  area,  Idaho. 
Klamath      Reclamation     Project 

area,  Oreg. 
Lewiston  area,  Idaho. 
Walla  Walla  area,  Wash. 

Do 
Klamath      Reclamation     Project 

area,  Oreg. 
Valla  Walla  area,  Wash. 
Blackfoot  area,  Idaho. 
Baker  City  area,  Oreg. 
Minidoka  area,  Idaho. 
Klamath      Reclamation     Project 

area,  Oreg. 
Blackfoot  area,  Idaho. 
Yakima  area,  Wash. 
Minidoka  area,  Idaho. 
Klamath      Reclamation     Project 

area,  Oreg. 
Baker  City  area,  Oreg. 
Lewiston  area,  Idaho. 
Walla  Walla  area.  Wash. 
Lewiston  area,  Idaho. 
Gallatin  Valley  area,  Mont. 
Austin  area.  Tex. 
Yakima  area.  Wash. 
Brazoria  area,  Tex. 
Waco  area,  Tex. 
Montgomery  County,  Ala. 
Anderson  County,  Tex. 
Austin  area,  Tex. 
Clinton  County.  111. 
Johnson  County,  111. 
O'Fallon  area,  Bio. 
St.  i  lair  County,  111. 
Tazewell  County.  111. 
Allen  Countv.  Kans. 
East  Baton  Rouge  Parish,  La. 
Saline  County,  Mo. 
Wooster  area",  Ohio. 
Posey  County,  Ind. 
Union  County,  Ky. 
Parsons  area,  Kans. 
Concordia  Parish,  La. 
Tangipahoa  area,  La. 
New  Orleans  area,  La. 

urea.  Miss. 
Yazoo  area,  Miss. 
East  and  West  Carroll  Parishes, 

Waco  area,  Tex. 

1  ounty,  Ind. 
Houston  Count  \  . 
Clay  county,  111. 

oil  County,  Tex. 
Houston  County,  Tex. 
Brazoria  area.  Tex. 
Austin 
Brown  County,  Kans. 


INDEX  TO  SOIL  SERIES. 


Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Abernathy 

River  Flood  Plains 

310 

Bradley 

Coastal  Plains 

231 

229 
169 
116 
686 
575 

22 
624 
473 
468 
428 

56 

56 
230 
310 
576 
311 
429 
311 
686 
687 

22 
624 
645 
449 

57 
576 
311 
429 

Brennan 

do 

232 

Adams 

Glacial  Lake 

Bridger 

Rocky  Mountain 

Limestone 

473 

Adirondack 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

Brooke 

90 

Agate 

Brownsboro 

Buckley 

Pacific  Coast 

577 

do 

do 

598 

Alamance 

Piedmont 

i  Buckner 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

314 

Alamo 

Pacific  Coast 

Buxon 

314 

Alamosa 

Rocky  Mountain 

do 

,  Caddo 

Coastal  Plains 

232 

Albany 

Cahaba 

River  Flood  Plains 

Northwest   Intermoun- 
tain. 

River  Flood  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

315 

Albion. 

Great  Plains 

Caldwell... 

517 

Allen 

!  Calhoun 

Allis 

do 

315 

Alloway 

Coastal  Plains 

Camas 

688 

Altamaha 

River  Flood  Plains 

1  Cameron 

River  Flood  Plains 

Glacial  Lake 

315 

Altamont 

Caneadea 

170 

Altavista 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Canyon 

421 

Amarillo 

Capav 

Pacific  Coast 

647 

Amitfi 

River  Flood  Plains 

Cardiff 

Piedmont 

22 

Anderson 

Caribou 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

do 

117 

Antelope 

....  do... 

118 

Appling 

Piedmont  

Carroll 

do 

118 

Arago 

Pacific  Coast 

Carson 

Great  Basin 

541 

Arbuckle 

do 

Castleton 

Great  Plains 

385 

Arkansas 

Catalpa 

River  Flood  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Piedmont 

316 

Armuchee 

Appalachian 

Cazenovia 

Cecil 

;  Cedaredge 

Chandler 

118 

Arnold 

Pacific  Coast 

23 

Aroostook 

Ashland 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Rocky  Mountain 

Appalachian 

473 

57 

Auburn 

577 
312 
312 
89 
513 

117 

170 

Auglaize 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

316 

Austin 

Chastain 

316 

Athol 

Chehalis 

Pacific  Coast 

688 

Baker 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

Great  Plains 

Appalachian 

58 

Glacial  Lake 

171 

Bangor 

Chester  .. 

23 

Barbour 

312 
646 
450 
313 
383 

Chesterfield 

232 

Barron 

450 

Bassett 

Chipeta 

Rocky  Mountain 

Great  Basin 

469 

Bastrop 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Churchill . . . 

541 

Bates 

Clallam 

Pacific  Coast 

599 

Baxter 

Limestone 

90 

687 
169 

Clark  .. 

Great  Plains 

385 

Bear 

Pacific  Coast.   . 

Clarksville 

Limestone 

90 

Bearden 

Glacial  Lake. .. 

647 

Beeville 

230 
646 
617 

Climax 

do 

577 

Bella  vista 

Pacific  Coast 

Clyde 

Glacial  Lake 

171 

Bellingham 

do 

Cohassett  .. 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
Pacific  Coast 

500 

Belvidere 

Great  Plains 

383 

170  : 

Coker 

Benoit 

Glacial  Lake  .. 

647 

Bent 

Rocky  Mountain 

468  ] 

384  ! 

57 

117  1 
230 
517 

313 
231 
481 
535 
313 
313 
624 
231 
314 
231 
517 

384 

Colbert. 

91 

Benton 

Colbv 

Great  Plains. . . 

421 

Berks... 

Appalachian 

Coleman 

Pacific  Coast 

648 

Bernardstown 

1  1  and  Loessial 

Collington 

Collin 

Coastal  Plains 

233 

Berzella 

River  Flood  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Great  Plains 

317 

Beverly 

•  est    Interinoun- 
taln. 

Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

119 

Colorado 

429 

Bibb 

688 

Bienville 

58 

Billings ' 

5  Mountains 

Raflin 

. .  do . . . 

58 

Bingham 



91 

Birdsboro 

River  Flood  Plains 

River  Flood  Plains 

317 

Biscoe 





iy 

24 

Blacklock 



58 

Bladen 

!  Plains 

625 

Blanco 

River  Flood  Plains 

Couuilh' 

do... 

689 

Boeuf 

Corning 

MS.. 

do 

...do     . 

625 
648 

Boise 



Boone 



Cottonwood 

Coxville 

.'.1 

119 
385 
233 
S86 

Bozeman 

Rocky  Mountain 

Qreal  PI 

Brackett 

rd 



767 


768 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Crockett 

234 
234 
119 
317 
617 
599 
648 
577 
430 
92 
518 

59 
421 
578 
386 
689 
120 
648 

92 
649 
172 
649 
318 
234 

24 
120 
234 
121 
618 

24 
235 
690 
690 
386 
318 
235 
235 
690 
172 
549 
626 
387 
503 

387 
649 
691 
599 
518 

650 
549 
650 
173 
121 

59 
691 
692 
422 
121 
:$s7 

92 
173 
430 
818 

92 

818 

480 

319 
819 

888 

121 
287 

2.'57 

Rocky  Mountain 

482 

Crowley 

do 

Granville 

25 

Culvers 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

Grayson 

237 

Cumberland 

Greensburg 

Greenville 

Gridley 

Great  Plains 

431 

Custer 

237 

Dallas... 

do 

692 

do 

OriflFm 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

320 

Daulton 

do 

Guin 

238 

Great  Plains 

Guthrie 

Limestone 

93 

Limestone 

Hagerstown 

do 

93 

Deer  Flat 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
Appalachian 

Hamburg 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Great  Plains 

122 

Hamilton 

388 

Dekalb 

Hamlin 

River  Flood  Plains 

320 

Derby 

Great  Plains 

Hammond 

Hanceville 

238 

Diablo 

60 

Dodgeville 

Doty 

651 

389 

Dover 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

Harlev 

Coastal  Plains 

239 

Dublin 

Hartford 

Glacial  Lake 

174 

Dnffiplri 

Limestone 

Hempstead 

do 

174 

Pacific  Coast 

Henderson 

Hermosa 

Coastal  Plains 

239 

Glacial  Lake 

Great  Plains 

389 

Dunnigan 

Piedmont 

25 

River  Flood  Plains 

626 

239 

Hoisington 

Hollis 

418 

Dutchess 

Hna.stn.1  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

Limestone 

122 

Duval 

Hollv 

321 

Easton. ... 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

Hollywood 

Holston 

94 

Ebeys 

River  Flood  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

321 

Edgemont 

Edna 

122 

692 

Eld... 

Olanial  Lakfl 

174 

Elder 

do. 

do 

175 

627 

Elk 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

240 

Elkton 

175 

Ellis 

do 

Huntington 

Hutchinson 

nyde 

River  Flood  Plains 

Northwest   Intermoun- 

tain. 
Coastal  Plains 

321 

Elma... 

Pacific  Coast 

513 

240 

River  Flood  Plains 

Arid  Southwest 

322 

Englewood 

559 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
Great  Plains 

Indio 

do 

563 

,1 

on 

Piedmont 

25 

Epping 

River  Flood  Plains 

322 

60 

Evans 

do 

Johnston 

River  Flood  Plains 

323 

...do.   . 

549 

Northwest   Intermoun- 

tain. 
Pacific  Coast 

Judson 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

123 

Knlniia 

323 

Exeter 

240 

Fallon 

Great  Basin 

Pacific  Coast 

693 

Fancher . . . 

Pacific  Coast 

Kewaunee 

ial  and  Loessial 

Great  Plains 

123 

389 

Farmington 

Fayetteville 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

do 

390 

Kirkwood 

Pacific  Coast 

651 

Northwest   Intermoun- 

tain. 
Glacial  and  Loessial 

Coa-tal  Plains 

518 

Felida..     . 

do... 

123 

1  Hacial  and  Loessial 

i  treat  1'lains 

241 

i  ofllna 

Lackawanna 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

( ireal  Basin 

124 

Fort  Payne 

Fox 

323 

Lahontan 

Lake  ( inarles 

541 

]■'<>:.  I'T 

tal  Plains 

241 

'  lood  Plains 



241 

Lancaster 

390 



I  Plains  

intaln 

I.IM'.'I'I 

Northwest    [ntermoun- 

tain. 

519 



Fralta 

20 

mis 

Rock}   Mountain 

River  Flood  Plains 

:i  Plains 

483 

Gallatin 

'■'       ; it  mi 

324 

Lauderdale 

242 

do 

( ;p':i!   Plains 

450 

1'        'MS    

Pacific  Coaal 

093 



i  i  lood  Plali 



i  .ill" 

Gerald 

i.  ibaoon  . . . 

Leon 

Leonard  town..    . 



i  ■■   Lngton 

431 

Coastal  Plains 

242 



Greal  Plains 

390 

Glad  I                Ial 

124 

Glacial  and  Loe    1 

80 

i 

Lincoln 

i  Lake 

l?8 



Plains 

451 

INDEX  TO   SOIL   SERIES. 


769 


Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Series  name. 

Soil  province.           !  Page. 

Link 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
River  Flood  Plains 

519 

324 
693 
176 
176 

94 
243  i 

26  ' 
243  i 
600 
627 
176 
479 
177 

26 
125 
694 
652 
125 
125 
694 
243 
244 
694 

27 
652 

60 
578 
125 
695 
177 
483 
653 
126 
325 
695 
653 
126 

27 
244 

27 
627 

61 
244 

61 
245 
391 
500 

325 
94 
325 
695 
514 

696 
326 
178 
245 
653 
246 
127 
326 
246 
327 
579 
327 
416 
127 
246 
432 
432 
178 
600 
327 
451 
391 
654 
696 
61 

62 

Parkwood 

Coastal  Plains 

247 

28 

Pennington 

Pheba  .          

Limestone 

94 

247 

Livingston 

654 
391 
654 

do 

Pierre 

Great  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

Plainfield 

Pleasanton 

Pledeer 

178 

Pacific  Coast 

River  Flood  Plains 

628 

Coastal  Plains 

328 

Pacific  Coast 

Plummer 

247 

do 

Plymouth 

Pocahontas 

Podunk 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

127 

95 

Rocky  Mountain 

Glacial  Lake 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

328 

Point  Isabel 

248 

Pacific  Coast 

655 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Portage 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

128 

62 

..do 

Portersville 

Portsmouth 

Povgan 

655 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

do : 

Coastal  Plains 

248 

Glacial  Lake 

179 

Marys  ville 

Pratt 

Great  Plains 

432 

Puget 

697 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Northwest   Intermoun- 
tain. 

128 

Maywood 

Mecklenburg 

Medford 

505 

Randall 

418 

Pacific  Coast 

628 

Redfield... 

Great  Basin 

535 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

Red  Rock 

Northwest   Intermoun- 
tain. 

519 

655 

Rocky  Mountain 

Richfield 

Great  Plains 

433 

Richland 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

128 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Rio  Grande 

329 

Miller 

329 

Rodman 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Great  Plains 

129 

do 

Rosebud 

433 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Arid  Southwest 

559 

Coastal  Plains 

248 

Sacramento 

Pacific  Coast 

697 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

129 

St.  Catherine '. 

Salem 

329 

698 

Salinas 

do 

698 

Salkum 

do.... 

601 

Salt  Lake 

Great  Basin 

542 

698 

Northwest   Intermoun- 
River  Flood  Plains 

San  Antonio 

Sanders 

Coastal  Plains 

249 

River  Flood  Plains 

330 

San  Joaquin 

629 

do 

601 

Myatt 

River  Flood  Plains 

San  Luis 

Rocky  Mountain 

Pacific  Coast 

474 

Santa  Rita 

698 

Northwest   Intermoun- 

tain. 
Pacific  Coast 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

330 

249 

Neal 

Saugatuck 

1  Schuylkill 

I  Scott 

179 

Neosho 

River  Flood  Plains 

River  Flood  Plains 

330 

Newton 

418 

Norfolk ...      

Scottsburg 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

130 

249 

433 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

1  Senlon... 

95 

Ocklocknee 

Sequim 

Pacific  Coast 

656 

Oktibbeha 

River  Flood  Plains 

Rocky  Mountain 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

331 

Olivier 

RrVer  Flood  Plains 

Shavano 

469 

Shelby 

130 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Sheridan 

579 

O'Neill 

Sidney 

392 

Ontario 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Coastal  Plains 

Sierra 

5S0 

Orangeburg 

Orella 

Sifton 

do.... 

699 

Great  Plains 

179 

do 

580 

Glacial  Lake 

Sites.".. 

do.  . 

580 

Smithwiok 

Soda  Lake 

Spanaway 

422 

River  Flood  Plains 

533 

601 

do 

392 

656 

do 

Suffield 

180 

392 

Papakating 

Paris 

River  Flood  Plains 

Appalachian 

StimltT 

Coastal  Plains 

250 

Sunol 

:ic  Coast 

657 

79019— 13- 


49 


770 


SOILS  OF   THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Series  name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Glacial  Lake 

ISO 
250 
657 

699 
699 
331 
434 
331 
251 
95 
581 
181 
700 
618 
602 
332 
332 
332 
451 
181 
629 
181 
333 
657 
4S4 
5  1 

130 

63 
333 
452 
422 
lg] 

251 
700 

131 
333 

Wade 

Great  Plains 

452 

Susquehanna 

Sutter 

Coastal  Plains 

do 

393 

Pacific  Coa.st 

WaFcott 

G  laeial  Lake . . . 

1S2 

;.-ga 

Appalachian 

Walla  Walla 

Wallkill 

Northwest    Intermoun- 
tain. 

River  Flood  Plains 

G  laeial  and  Loessial 

G  laeial  Lake 

506 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

334 

Teller 

River  Flood  Plains 

Wallpack 

131 

Tishomingo 

Thompson 

Tifton  .. 

182 

Ri  ver  Flood  Plains 

63 

Washburn 

G  facial  Lake 

183 

Tilsit 

do 

183 

Tulo 

Pacific  Coast 

Waverly 

River  Flood  Plains 

334 

Webb... 

251 

Toutie 

Pacific  Coast 

Wehadkee 

Westmoreland 

West  port 

Wethersfieid 

Whatcom 

River  Flood  Plains 

Appalachian 

334 

do 

63 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

622 

Toxaway 

River  Flood  Plain- 
do 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

132 

602 

do 

Wheeling 

River  Flood  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

<i  labial  and  Loessial 

Glacial  Lake 

335 

Whitman 

132 

335 

Tuscan 

Pacific  Coast 

Glacial  Lake 

River  Flood  Plains 

Pacific  Coast... 

Williams 

132 

183 

Tyler 

Pacific  Coast 

65S 

252 

Uncompahgre 

Underwood 

Rocky  Mountain 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
Glacial  and  Loessial 

Winchester 

Northwest    Intermoun- 

tain. 
do 

506 
520 

Paci  fie  Coast 

602 

Upshur 

28 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Worth 

i!  and  Loessial 

Northwest    Intermoun- 
tain. 

River  Flood  Plains 

l  'aclfic  Coast 

133 

Vale. . . 

Yakima 

5.0 

do 

,  Yazoo 

Vergenne3 

Glacial  Lake 

336 

;  Yolo 

658 

York 

Piedmont 

18 

Vina 

Yuma 

Arid  Southwest 

557 

H  and  Loessial 

River  Flood  Plains 

Great  Plains 

434 

Xi  abash 

INDEX  TO  SOIL  TYPES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

River  Flood  Plains 

360 

siity  clay  loam 

do 

3G8 
288 
189 
207 
184 
140 

Coastal  Plains 

Glacial  Lake 

do 

...... do 

olacial  and  Loessial 

Pacific  Coast 

717 

do 

707 

do 

595 

do 

596 

...do 

591 

..do 

596 

43 

slate  loam 

do 

42 

Pacific  Coast 

644 

...do 

643 

478 

do          

477 

...do 

471 

..do 

442 

.do             

436 

.  do          

438 

Allen  fine  sandy  loam 

68 

Albs  clay 

do 

81 

.do 

74 

do     

77 

do           

82 

Coastal  Plains 

295 

464 

River  Flood  Plains 

374 

do             

371 

587 

clay  adobe 

.do 

597 

River  Flood  Plains 

592 

Altavista  fine  sandy  loam 

do    

347 

do          

354 

do            

343 

360 

Amarfllo  loam 

do 

442 

siltv  clay  loam 

442 

Amite  loam 

do    

354 

343 

do        

710 

do          

717 

Antelope  clav 

.  do 

727 

730 

Appling  coarse  sand 

do    

29 

coarse  sandy  loam 

do 

34 

do    

36 

do    

31 

43 

do    

640 

Arbuckle  clay  loam 

.do 

677 

fine  sandv  loam 

.  ..do 

067 

..do 

673 

..do 

665 

.  do 

670 

Great  Plains 

075 

Arkansas  clay  

.  do 

463 

do 

462 

do           

453 

do 

456 

459 

sand 

....do 

453 

silt  loam 

Appalachian 

461 

Armuchee  siltv  clay  loam 

Pacific  Coast 

80 

Arnold  clav  adobe. 

..   ..do 

597 

fino  sandy  loam 

...do 

loam 

..do 

5s7 

stony  loam 

River  Flood  Plains 

589 

771 


772 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Aroostook  loam 

sandy  loam. 

silt  loam... 

Ashland  silt  loam 

Atholloam 

Auburn  clay  loam 


Auglaize  silt  loam 

Austin  fine  sandy  loam 

Bad  Lands 

Bad  Lands  Basins 

Baker  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Bangor  loam 

sandy  loam 

stony  loam 

Barbour  gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

Barrens 

Barron  coarse  sand 

sandy  loam 

Bassett  silty  clay 

Bastrop  clay 

fine  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Bates  clay  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

Baxter  silt  loam 

Beach  gravel 

sand 

Bear  gravelly  sandy  loam 

loam 

Bearden  loam 

Beeville  fine  sandy  loam 

Bellavista  fine  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

Bellingham  silt  loam 

Belvidere  silt  loam 

Benoit  fine  sandy  loam 

Bent  clay 

Benton  fine  sandy  loam 

loam  adobe 

loam 

silt  loam 

stony  loam 

Berks  sandy  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

Bernardston  loam 

Berzelia  coarse  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Beverly  One  Band 

My  iine  sandy  loam. 

I     gravel 

Bibb  clay 

Que  sandy  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Bienville  fine  sand 

iii'ly  loam 

Billings  day 

Olay  loam 

indy  loam 



silly  clay 



...  - 



Loam 

ii'ly  loam.  . . 

i 



03 

I 

ill  loam 

Blackkx  k(  

11 

in 

Bladen  clay 





sandy  loam 

very  One  sandy  lo  i 


River  Flood  Pilans 

do 

Great  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

Great  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

Limestone 

Great  Plains 

.Northwestern  Intermountain. 

do 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

do 

do 


River  Flood  Plains 

....do 

Piedmont 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

Great  Plains 

River  Flood  Plains 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Great  Plains 

....do 

....do 

Limestone 

Glacial  Lake 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

Glacial  Lake 

Coastal  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

do. 

do. 
Great  Plains. 
Glacial  Lake. 
Rocky  Mountain. 
Great  Plains. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Appalachian 

do 

do 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Coastal  Plains 

do. 

Northwestern  Intermountain. 

do 

do 

River  Flood  Plains 

...do 

do 

do 

Coastal  Plains 



Rocky  Mountain 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Lo 

i 



do 

....do 

....do 

....do 



River  Flood  Plains 



Pacific  Coasl 



Lo 

d  Plains 





!  0 


INDEX   TO   SOIL  TYPES. 


773 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

River  Flood  Plains 

354 

Coastal  Plains 

274 

Northwestern  Intermountain .   . 

526 

do 

528 

394 

do 

398 

do 

394 

do 

396 

do 

406 

do 

403 

Rocky  Mountain 

491 

Great  Plains 

411 

Coastal  Plains 

271 

do 

269 

do 

264 

do 

274 

do 

282 

Bridger  clay  loam 

Rockv  Mountain 

479 

478 

Limestone 

105 

do     

102 

Brownsboro  coarse  sandy  loam 

Pacific  Coast 

584 

Buckley  loam 

612 

Buckner  loam 

River  Flood  Plains 

354 

361 

Caddo  fine  sand 

259 

do 

274 

loam 

do 

282 

374 

fine  sand 

do 

340 

347 

loam 

. .  .do 

354 

.do 

339 

sand 

do 

337 

sandy  loam 

. .  .do 

344 

silt  loam 

do     . 

362 

Caldwell  fine  sandy  loam 

Northwestern  Intermountain 

524 

gravelly  loam 

...do 

527 

loam 

526 

silt  loam 

...do 

528 

Calhoun  clay 

375 

Camas  gravelly  sandy  loam 

707 

silt  loam 

do 

719 

stony  gravelly  loam 

.do 

716 

375 

Caneadea  clay 

Glacial  Lake 

215 

fine  sand 

.do 

189 

gravelly  loam 

do . .                         

207 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

196 

loam 

...do 

202 

do  

210 

Canyon  loam 

426 

Capay  clay 

682 

clay  adobe 

...do 

684 

clav  loam 

do  

676 

Cardiff  slate  loam 

42 

Caribou  gravelly  loam 

155 

loam 

do 

145 

silt  loam 

...do 

157 

stonv  loam 

..do 

150 

..do  

164 

clav  loam 

.do     

162 

fine  sandy  loam 

.do     . 

142 

gravel 

.do     . 

134 

gravellv  loam 

.do 

155 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

141 

loam 

....do 

146 

sandy  loam 

....do 

138 

silt  loam 

....do 

157 

stonv  loam 

....do... 

150 

....do 

157 

Carson  clay 

Great  Basin    . 

547 

clav  adobe 

.do 

548 

clav  loam 

do 

547 

406 

Catalpa  silt  loam 

362 

siltv  clay  loam 

do 

368 

Cazenovia  loam 

Glacial  and  Loessial . . 

146 

47 

clav  loam 

do 

45 

coarse  sandy  loam 

34 

fine  sandv  loam 

...do... 

36 

...do  .. 

41 

loam 

do 

38 

774 


SOILS   OF   THE  IGNITED  STATES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Cecil  sand 

Piedmont 

29 

sandy  loam 

do..       .  . 

31 

do... 

47 

...do  

39 

33 

37 

479 

300 

70 

72 

202 

362 

340 

348 

724 

714 
729 

722 

do 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Cedaredge  clay  10am 

Rocky  Mountain 

Chalk  ( Houston) 

Coastal  Plains 

Chanrilpf  lnam                   

Appalachian 

Glacial  Lake        ...'... 

Chariton  silt  loam 

River  Flood  Plains 

do 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Chehalis  clav    

Pacific  Coast 

do 

do 

siltv  clav 

do 

silty  clay  loam 

do 

Chemung  shale  loam 

74 

Glacial  Lake 

1S9 

do 

19S 

gravelly  loam 

do 

207 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

196 

do 

202 

...do 

184 

...do 

192 

do 

209 

do 

210 

stony  gravelly  loam 

....do 

206 

Chester  fine  sandy  loam 

Piedmont 

36 

....do 

38 

...do 

31 

.  .do        

40 

2' 9 

do 

264 

Chipeta  clav                        

472 

do 

471 

Churchill  <•  lav 

547 

Pacific  Coast 

609 

.do 

611 

do     

615 

...do 

611 

Clark  clav  loam ...           

Great  Plains 

410 

401 

...do 

396 

..do 

403 

105 

.do  

97 

do          

101 

....do 

96 

....do 

98 

...do 

102 

...do 

99 

671 

...do    

597 

Clyde  clav 

do 

215 

..do 

212 

do  

189 

do 

198 

.do 

1S7 

loam 

...do 

...do 

184 

..do 

199 

.do 

210 

do    

214 

do    

196 

Coastal  ! 

i  plains 

300 

Do 

Do 

Pacific  Coasl 

782 



783 

N<>rl  huvstnn  IntiTiiiuuntain 



684 

107 

(i.i      

106 

do  

97 

do  

102 

do  

106 



108 



427 

673 

■M) 

do                 

253 

loam 



265 

INDEX   TO   SOIL   TYPES. 


775 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Collins  silt  loam 

Coloma  line  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravel 

gravelly  sand 

gravelly  sandy  loam . . 

loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

stony  sand 

Colorado  clay  loam 

gravelly  loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

Columbia  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

sand 

Colyer  silt  loam 

Conasauga  clay 

loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

Conestoga  clay 

loam 

Congaree  clay 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

Conglomerate 

Conowingo  clay 

Conway  silt  loam 

Copalis  clay  loam 

Coquillefine  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clav  loam 

Corning  fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  loam 

loam 

Corralitos  loam 

Cossayuna  fine  sandy  loam 

stony  loam 

Cottonwood  loam 

Coxville  clay 

clay  loam 

coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

very  fine  sand 

very  fine  sandy  loam. 

Crawford  clay 

clay  loam 

gravelly  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

stony  clay 

stony  clay  loam 

Crockett  clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  loam 

loam 

Crowley  silt  loam 

Culvers  loam 

stony  loam 

Cumberland  clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam.. 

gravelly  foam 

loam 

'  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Custer  loam 

silt  loam 

Dallas  coarse  sandy  loam 

Danville  clay  loam  adobe 

Daulton  clay  adobe 

clay  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

stony  clay  loam.. 

Decatur  elwrty  loam 

clay 


River  Flood  Plains 
Glacial  and  Loessial. 

.do. 

.do. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Great  Plains 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

do 

Appalachian 

.....do 

do 

do 

do 

Limestone 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains 

....do 

....do 

.do. 

.do. 

.do. 

.do. 
Arid  Southwest. 
Piedmont. 
Appalachian. 
Pacific  Coast. 

.do. 


Glacial  and  Loessial. 

do 

Great  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

do 

....do 

do 

Great  Plains 

....do 

do 

do 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Coastal  Plains 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains.. 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Limestone 

....do 


76 


SOILS   OF   THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Decatur  clay  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam... 

stony  loam 

stony  silt  loam... 
Deer  Flat  fine  sandy  loam. 

Dekalb  clay 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam... 

ravelly  loam 


era 

luu 


loamy  sand 

sand 

sandy  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

stony  loam 

stony  sand 

stony  sandy  loam. 

stony  silt  loam 

Derby  loam 

Diablo  clay  adobe 

clay  loam  adobe... 

loam 

Dodge ville  silt  loam 

Doty  silty  clay  loam 

Dover  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

stony  loam 

stony  sandy  loam. . 
Dublin  clay  adobe 

clay  loam 

clay  loam  adobe.. 

loam 

Dunesand 

Do 


Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 


Dungeness  fine  sandy  loam.... 

silt  loam 

Dunkirk  clay 

clay  loam 

coarse  sand 

fine  sand 

Jim  Bandy  loam 

gravel 

gravelly  loam 

gravelly  sand 

gravelly  sandy  loam. 

loam 

sand 

Bandy  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

stony  clay 

stony  loam 

Dnnnlgan  clay 

Donning  clay 

clay  loam 

sand 

Durantclay 

I 

line  sandy  loam 

loam 

ad 

loam. 
Iniri.  .  ad 

indy  loam 

.  loam 



Ill  loam 

lo  mi 

olaj  loam 

Loam 

loam 

i»ir.  a]  one  land  

line  sandy  loam 

loam. .  

sandy  loam 


Limestone 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Northwestern  Intermountain. 

Appalachian 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

do. 

do. 
Great  Plains. 
Pacific  Coast. 

do. 

do. 
Great  Plains. 
Pacific  Coast. 
Glacial  and  Loessial. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Pacific  Coast. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Glacial  and  Loessial. 
Glacial  Lake. 
Great  Basin. 
Greal  Plains. 
Northwestern  Intermountain. 
Pacific  Coast. 

do. 

do. 
Glacial  Lake. 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Pacific  Coast. 
River  Flood  Plains. 

do. 

do. 

Coastal  Plains 

....do 

....do 

....do 





Piedmont 







Olaoialand  i 

.do 

.do 







!  Mains 








INDEX   TO   SOIL  TYPES. 


777 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

146 

Pacific  Coast 

619 

Piedmont  

43 

292 

do 

275 

do 

282 

Pacific  Coast 

722 

do 

703 

do 

712 

do 

719 

do... 

722 

Great  Plains . . . 

403 

River  Flood  Plains 

375 

do 

348 

do 

355 

do 

362 

Coastal  Plains 

276 

do 

282 

.....do 

265 

silt  loam 

do 

288 

do 

295 

Elma  gravelly  sandy  loam 

Pacific  Coast 

707 

do 

714 

203 

Great  Basin 

552 

sand 

do 

551 

641 

fine  sand 

do 

631 

fine  sandy  loam 

....  do... 

636 

Englewood  fine  sandy  loam 

398 

do 

401 

sand v  loam 

do 

396 

silt  loam 

do 

407 

Ephrata  fine  sandy  loam 

Northwestern  Intermountain . . . 

504 

sandy  loam 

....  do 

504 

stony  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

504 

Great  Plains 

407 

Esparto  clay 

Pacific  Coast 

682 

olav  loam 

do 

678 

loam 

....  do... 

671 

..  do... 

710 

Everett  coarse  sand 

..  do 

604 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

609 

gravelly  loamy  sand 

do... 

603 

gravellv  sandy  loam 

..  do... 

607 

loam 

..  do... 

612 

..  do... 

604 

sandy  loam 

.    do 

6C6 

silt  loam 

do 

615 

stony  loam 

....do 

613 

stony  sandy  loam 

....  do... 

607 

E  wauna  clay  adobe 

530 

663 

Fallon  fine  sandy  loam 

552 

loam 

do 

553 

Fancher  fine  sandy  loam 

Pacific  Coast 

667 

Fargo  clay 

216 

clay  loam 

....  do 

213 

..  do 

190 

fine  sandv  loam 

..  do 

199 

gravellv  loam 

..  do 

207 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

..  do... 

196 

loam 

..  do... 

203 

sand 

..  do... 

185 

sandy  loam 

.  do  .. 

192 

silt  loam 

.     do     . 

210 

Farmington  loam 

147 

silt  loam 

do 

157 

Fayetteville  fine  sandy  loam 

68 

loam 

do 

70 

stony  loam 

do 

72 

Feather  loam 

Pacific  Coast .  . 

714 

silt  loam 

do 

719 

Felida  silt  loam 

do 

719 

Finney  fine  sandy  loam 

Great  Plains     . 

425 

loam 

....  do... 

427 

sandy  loam 

do 

426 

Flushing  loam 

147 

Fort  Collins  loam 

Great  Plains 

401 

Fort  Pavne  clay  loam 

105 

Fox  fine  sand 

190 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

199 

gravelly  loam 

do 

207 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

196 

778 


SOILS   OF    THE    UNITED   STATES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Glacial  Lake 

203 

do 

185 

do 

192 

silt  loam 

do 

211 

Fowler  siltv  clay  loam 

Great  Plains 

447 

River  Flood  Plains 

355 

Limestone 

99 

Pacific  Coast 

661 

do 

602 

do 

668 

do 

671 

do 

661 

:::::<£::::: 

659 

sandy  loam 

do 

663 

375 

do 

348 

do 

355 

do 

368 

477 

do 

47s 

Coastal  Plains 

283 

do 

253 

do 

265 

do 

253 

Gallatin  clav  loam 

Rocky  Mountain 

492 

do 

4^7 

do 

490 

....do 

491 

437 

Gasconade  silt  loam 

do 

407 

do 

412 

Genesee  clay  loam 

River  Flood  Plains 

371 

do 

340 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

348 

loam 

do 

355 

sand 

do 

337 

do 

344 

shale  loam 

do 

300 

do 

362 

...do 

369 

...do 

352 

Georgetown  clav 

...do 

375 

Georgeville  silt  loam 

44 

Gerald  silt  loam 

Great  Plains 

407 

572 

clay  loam 

do 

571 

...do 

570 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

570 

loam 

...do 

571 

silt  loam 

...do 

571 

do 

COS 

fin"  sandy  loam 

do 

566 

do 

567 

loam . ." 

do 

566 

do 

565 

sandy  loam 

do 

566 

bD1  loam 

do 

567 

Glenn  gravelly  loam 

Coastal  Plains 

286 

do              

.  loam 

do 

Gloucester  fine  "andy  loam 

<;ia<  ial  and  Loessial 

143 

loam 

do         

147 

I  v  loam 

uidy  loam 

do 

!  tl 

>v  loam 

...do... 

151 

StOI:                                                 l!H 

...do 

140 

Goliad  i                      am 

276 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

Qrady  fine  sandy  loam 

....do  

loam 

.do    

Grand  Urn-  -arid 

loan 

•and;  loam 

.  ..do 

sihv  clay  loam 

.  ..do 

493 

Granville  coar  e   andy  loam 

35 

Mil                                           1 

•  iiv  roam 

.do 

41 

Gravelly  soils  undifferentiated 

301 

loam 

burg  mndy  loam 



■  Plains 

439 

ille  (lay 

295 

clay  loam 

do 

292 



258 

Iv  loam 



do         .  .. 

271 

...do    . 

2f0 



indy  loam 

do 

276 

INDEX   TO   SOIL   TYPES. 


779 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Page. 


Greenville  gravelly  clay  loam... 

gravelly  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam. 

loam 

loamy  sand 

sandy  loam 

Gridley  loam. .  .*. 

sandy  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

Griffin  clay 

Guin  fine  sand 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

stony  sand 

stony  sandy  loam 

Guthrie  clay 

silt  loam 

Gypsum 

Do 

Hagerstown  clay 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam... 

loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

stony  clay 

stony  loam 

Hamburg  silt  loam 

Hamlin  silt  loam 

Hammond  silt  loam 

Hanceville  fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

stony  loam 

Hanford  clay  loam 

coarse  sand 

coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Hannibal  silt  loam 

Harley  sandy  loam 

Hartford  sandy  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam . 

Hempstead  gravelly  loam 

loam 

Henderson  stony  clay 

Hermosa  loam 

Herndon  stony  loam 

Hesson  clay  loam 

Hoffman  coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

sandy  loam 

Hollis  stony  loam 

Holly  clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

Hollywood  clay 

clay  loam 

Holston  fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam. . . 

loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

Holyoke  stony  loam 

Honcut  loam 

Honeoye  stony  loam 

Hoosic  coarse  sand 

fine  sand 

gravel 

gravelly  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam , 

Hoquiam  clay  loam 

Houston  black  clay 

clay 

clay  loam 


Coastal  Plains 

....do 

....do 

....do 

do 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains 

Coastal  Plains 

do 

do 

....do 

do 

Limestone 

do. 
Arid  Southwest. 
Rocky  Mountain. 
Limestone . 

do. 


Glacial  and  Loessial. 
River  Flood  Plains  . 

Coastal  Plains 

Appalachian 

do 

....do 

....do 

j  Pacific  Coast 

'  ....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

I  Great  Plains 

|  Coastal  Plains 

1  Glacial  Lake 

do 

Glacial  Lake 

do 

Coastal  Plains 

Great  Plains 

Piedmont 

Pacific  Coast 

Coastal  Plains 

do. 

do. 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 
River  Flood  Plains 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Limestone 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 
Pacific  Coast. 
Glacial  Lake. 

do. 

do 

do 

do 

....do 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast.. 
Coastal  Plains. 

do 

do 


780 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED  STATES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

276 

do 

299 

do 

283 

do 

299 

213 

do 

199 

do 

203 

do 

192 

do 

211 

376 

clay  loam 

do 

372 

fine  sand 

do 

340 

do 

349 

do 

359 

356 

..do    . 

344 

do 

363 

silt v  clay 

do 

378 

do 

369 

51i 

loam 

do 

515 

Hyde  clay 

Coastal  Plains 

296 

fine  sand 

do 

260 

loam 

...do 

2S3 

253 

silt  loam 

.  do 

289 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

280 

Iberia  clav 

376 

363 

siltv  clay  loam 

..  do        

369 

562 

clay  loam 

do 

561 

sand 

...do 

560 

sandy  loam 

...do        

561 

Indio  fine  sand 

.  do       

565 

do        

566 

gravelly  loam 

...do 

567 

sand 

..  do 

565 

Iredell  clav  loam 

45 

coarse  sandy  loam 

.  do               

35 

do                     

36 

loam 

do                             

38 

sandy  loam 

32 

stony  loam 

. .  .do       

40 

stony  sandy  loam 

.  do          

33 

Jackson  loam 

356 

Johnston  loam 

do         

356 

Jordan  clav 

553 

clay  loam 

553 

fine  sand 

.  do         

551 

do               

552 

loam 

do                

553 

..do        

552 

Judson  fine  sandy  loam 

143 

do    

134 

loam 

..  do         

147 

do          

158 

Kalmia  clav 

376 

do         

338 

fine  sand 

do 

340 

...do  

349 

loam 

..  do      

356 

337 

sandy  loam 

...do       

344 

silt  loam 

..  do         

868 

Kelso  siitv  clay  loam 

Pacific  Coast    

72g 

163 

One  ■  ■triv  loam 

do         

143 

do                          

155 

loam 

do                                 

147 

•tony  loam 

151 

Kfldeer  loam 



Greal  Plains 

402 

414 

lit .  1 1  iv  loam 

.  ..                    

412 

jDrkwoo  i  'in v  clay  adobe 



688 

Klamath  clay  adobi- 

530 

fiif  ■  Hii'iv  loam 

524 

loam 



526 

Kii'iT  f J  Tit-  .'-and 



137 

tin"  nandy  loam 

.  .  do                                     

148 

134 



Knox                       

..     do 

138 

iii  loam  

...  do                                     

158 

l-aca-Uri'-  clay  loam 

I'lains 

292 

INDEX   TO   SOIL   TYPES. 


781 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

147 
158 
162 
151 
349 
344 
363 
369 
547 
547 
544 
546 
546 
545 
545 
276 
284 
284 
398 
289 
524 
526 
44 
40 
487 
486 
376 
372 
364 
379 
369 
299 
454 
457 
459 
455 
710 
706 
705 
719 
349 
445 
443 
258 
260 
253 
284 
414 
158 
79 
75 
72 
199 
462 
454 
457 
459 
455 
458 
529 
340 
349 
364 
728 
725 
710 
707 
714 
7*>0 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Great  Basin 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Lake  Charles  fine  sandy  loam 

Coastal  Plains 

loam 

do 

Lamar  loam ■ 

do 

Great  Plains 

Coastal  Plaims 

loam 

do 

Lansdale  silt  loam 

Piedmont 

stony  loam 

do 

Laramie  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Laredo  clay 

clay  loam 

do 

silt  loam 

do 

silty  clay 

do 

silty  clay  loam 

do 

Lauderdale  stony  clay 

Coastal  Plains 

Laurel  fine  sanrl , 

Great  Plains 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

loam 

do 

sandy  loam 

do       

Lauren  fine  sandy  loam 

Pacific  Coast 

gravelly  coarse  sandy  loam 

do 

sandy  loam 

do 

silt  loam 

Leaf  fine  sandy  loam 

Lebanon  silt  loam 

Great  Plains 

stony  loam 

do 

Leon  coarse  sand 

fine  sand 

do 

sand 

do... 

Leonardtown  loam 

do 

Leslie  clay 

Great  Plains 

Lexington  silt  loam 

Lickdale  clay  loam 

Appalachian 

shale  loam 

do 

stony  loam 

do 

Lidgerwood  fine  sandy  loam 

Glacial  Lake 

Lincoln  clay  loam 

fine  sand 

do 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

loam 

do 

sandv  loam 

do 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

Link  clav  loam 

Northwestern  Intermountain 

Lintonia  fine  sand 

River  Flood  Plains 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

silt  loam 

do 

Livermore  clay 

clav  loam 

do 

fine  sandv  loam 

do 

gravelly  sandv  loam 

do 

loam 

do 

silt  loam 

do 

sill  v  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

713 

Livingston  loam 

Glacial  Lake 

203 

.  silty  clay  loam 

do 

214 

Lockport  clav 

do... 

°16 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

199 

stonv  loam 

do 

20(i 

Locust  silt  loain 

103 

Lomalto  clav 

2% 

do 

277 

loam 

do 

284 

Louisa  clav  loam 

45 

fine  sandy  loam 

do  .. 

37 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

do 

34 

loam 

..  do 

38 

sandv  loam 

do 

32 

sill  loam 

do 

44 

slate  loam 

do 

42 

782 


SOILS   OF    THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

296 

do 

260 

do 

277 

do... 

286 

do... 

270 

do... 

M 

sand 

do 

253 

do 

266 

do 

289 

610 

do 

614 
606 
615 
83 
164 
641 

do 

do... 

Appalachian 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Do 

do 

631 

636 

do 

630 

do 

632 

Manchester  fine  sand 

Glacial  Lake 

190 

sandv  loam 

do 

193 

Manhattan  silt  loam 

480 

203 

do 

185 

do... 

193 

Manor  loam 

Piedmont 

38 

stony  loam 

do 

40 

Mapleton  gravellv  loam 

G  lacial  and  Loessial 

155 

725 

Maricopa  clav  loam  adobe 

do 

680 

do 

668 

do... 

673 

660 

do... 

674 

sand 

do 

659 

sandy  loam 

do 

664 

158 

Marsh 

G  lacial  Lake    . 

219 

Do 

380 

164 

do 

137 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

143 

do 

147 

sandy  loam 

do 

138 

silt  loam 

do 

158 

Marysville  silt  loam 

Pacific  i 

720 

Mattamuskeet  fine  sand.  .                 

260 

do 

277 

2S9 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

do 

280 

Maverick  clay  loam 

do 

loam 

do 

284 

May  wood  fine  sandy  loam  ...           

Pacific  Coast ...                                

710 

do 

708 

loam 

do... 

715 

silt  lonm 

do...                                         ...*... 

720 

silty  clay  loam. . .                     

do... 

723 

•v 

A  rid  Southwest 

572 

554 



Do 

530 

Do 

732 

Do 

880 

loan 

46 

loain 

do 

39 

do 

32 

("oast...                   

6S4 



fine  sandy  loam 

lo    

868 

gravelly  clay  loam 

do , 

679 

in 

do 

868 

loam 

do 

871 

79 



Melbourne  day 

clay  loam  adobe 

594 

in<lv  loam 

do 

loam 

....    do 

,  loam 

do 

889 

do 

591 



159 



'oam 

798 

.'id 

Glacial  Lai 

188 

001  '                             

do 

197 

do 

199 



do 

196 



do 

185 

INDEX   TO   SOIL  TYPES. 


783 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Merrimac  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Mesa  clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  loam 

loam 

Meyer  clay  adobe 

silty  clay  loam 

Miami  day  loam 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravel 

gravelly  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Miller  clay 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

silt  i  jam 

silty  clay 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

Mocho  fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  fine  sandy  loam . 

loam 

sandy  loam 

Modesto  clay  loam 

loam 

Mohawk  clay  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

Molena  sand 

Monroe  silt  loam 

Montalto  clay  loam 

stony  loam 

Montesano  clay  loam 

silty  clay  loam , 

Montevallo  shale  loam 

stony  loam 

Montrose  clay 

sandy  loam 

Morrison  clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

stony  loam 

stony  sandy  loam 

Morse  clay 

Morton  clay 

clay  loam 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

gumbo 

loam 

silt  loam 

stony  loam 

Moscow  loam 

Moshannon  clay 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

Muck 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Muck  and  peat 

Muck  and  swamp 

Murrill  clay  loam 

silt  loam 

Myatt  clay  loam 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Nasel  gravelly  clay  loam 

silty  clay 

Naylor  silt  loam 

Neal  clay  adobe 

fine  sandy  loam 

silty  clay  loam 


Glacial  Lake 

do 

Rocky  Mountain 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

....do 

do 

do 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains  . 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 

do 

do 

Piedmont 

Coastal  Plains 

Piedmont 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

Appalachian 

— do 

Coastal  Plains 

....do 

Appalachian 

do 


....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Coastal  Plains. 
Great  Plains.. 
....do 


Northwestern  In  term  oun  tain. 

River  Flood  Plains 

...do 

....do 

....do 

Coastal  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

Glacial  Lake 

River  Flood  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

Appalachian 

Limestone 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains 

....do 

....do 

-...do 

--..do 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

--..do 

Northwestern  Intermountain . 

Pacific  Coast 

.-..do 

....do 


784 


SOILS   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 


Name.                                                              Soil  province. 

Page. 

364 
190 

Norfolk  clav  loam 1  Coastal  Plains 

292 

coarse  sand 

coarse  sandy  loam 

do 

258 
272 

I do 

I do 

260 

fine  sandy  loam 

277 

257 

do 

287 

do 

257 

do 

270 
284 

do 

...do 

256 

...do... 

254 

...do...                

266 

...do... 

289 

262 

.  do... 

.  do... 

281 

685 

260 

151 

377 

do 

372 

...do 

350 

. .  .do 

356 

...do 

337 

...do 

364 

296 

. .  .do 

293 

..do...             

277 

do . . .             

289 

365 

.do 

369 

do 

352 

595 

597 

...do 

593 

588 

. .  .do 

590 

591 

..  do...            

589 

593 

341 

365 

417 

417 

143 

155 

..  do...                

141 

..do...                 

148 

..do 

159 

.  do  

152 

554 

258 

do 

272 

do               

2(il 

do...          

277 

■lly  sandy  loam 

do 

270 

..  do...               

254 

Bandy  loam 

266 

Orman  clay 

1  litis  

448 

Orono  flue    m  I 

190 

d.,       .              

200 

grav<  lly  ■ .  ni'iy  loam 

do 

197 

do...             

211 

218 

613 

377 

do  ..          

350 

do  .               

do 

457 

399 



...do 

896 

...do 

408 

do 

II  a 

Oxpftrd  1 1 !  v  loam              .... 



In  da 

do 

ally  loam 



074 

loam 

do 

! 

do 

659 

IXDEX    TO    SOIL    TYPES. 


785 


Name.                                                                   Soil  province. 

Page. 

664 

do '. 

676 

do 

726 

do 

711 

do 

715 

do 

701 

do 

705 

do 

720 

do 

729 

69 

do 

78 

River  Flood  Plains 

377 

do                                                       

341 

do 

350 

do 

365 

Appalachian 

71 

Parkwood  fine  sandy  loam 

Peat  . .                   

277 

Glacial  and  Loessial 

164 

Do 

Do 

Glacial  Lake 

219 

301 

Northwestern  Intermountain 

530 

Pacific  Coast 

732 

Do                                                          

River  Flood  Plains 

380 

Great  Plains 

464 

Piedmont 

47 

46 

do 

41 

33 

do 

39 

32 

do 

42 

do 

44 

...do 

40 

Limestone 

107 

Coastal  Plains 

296 

do 

277 

do 

290 

685 

681 

414 

clay  loam 

Placentia  clav  loam 

do 

410 

Pacific  Coast 

678 

clav  loam  adobe 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

do 

681 

do 

668 

do 

672 

do 

664 

do!.:::.. ...  :: :::: 

666 

Plainfield  fine  sand 

190 

fine  sandy  loam 

do 

200 

loam 

...do 

204 

sand 

...do 

185 

sandy  loam 

do 

193 

silt  loam 

do 

211 

Pleasanton  clay  adobe 

Pacific  Coast 

645 

gravelly  clay  loam 

do 

643 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

...do 

634 

loam 

do 

637 

sandy  loam 

Pledger  silt  loam 

do 

633 

Rivp.r  Flood  Plains 

365 

Plummer  coarse  sandy  loam stal  Plains 

272 

fine  sand...* ..] do 

261 

fine  sand v  loam do 

277 

sand  v  loam 

do 

267 

Plymouth  sand v  loam 

niacial  and  Loessial 

139 

stony  sand 

do 

135 

stonv  sand  loam 

do 

140 

Pocahontas  silt 'loam 

Limestone 

103 

Pod  link  fine  sand  v  loam 

Kivrr  Flood  Plains 

350 

silt  loam '. 

do 

365 

297 

i  fine  sandy  loam 

669 

139 

silt  loam 

do 

159 

...do 

140 

Porters  black  loam 

Appalachian 

76 

clay 

do 

clav  loam 

...do 

80 

...do 

69 

loam 

do 

71 

do. . 

64 

sandy  loam 

do 

66 

...do 

72 

Portersville  clay  adobe 

Pacific  Coast 

685 

clav  loam  adobe 

do 

681 

79619—13 50 


786 


SOILS    OF  ITED   SI. 


.uie. 

Soil  province. 

Portsmouth  olay 



243 

coarse  sand 

coarse  sandv  loam 



279 



do 

201 



do 

do 

do 

254 

267 



290 

21b 

do 

213 

..  do 

i 

do 

185 

213 

me  sandv  loam 

t i reat  Plains 

440 

442 



do 

437 

do 

436 

...do 

447 

...do 

44s 

439 



441 



711 



780 

729 



do 

>  'id  Loessial 

159 

.do 

511 

..do 

.do 

510 

.do 

512 

do 

511 

...do 

509 

Great  Plains 

420 

639 

do 

..do 

Great  Basin 

540 

do 

53S 

do 

Red  Rock  clay        

Northwestern  Intermountain 

no 

524 



•  '.rent  Plains 

do 

AA.\ 

do 

435 

...do 



M8 



379 

Do.              



Plains 

554 

Do 

Do 

•  !  Intermountain 

Do 

River  Flood  Plains 

880 

il  dn 

River  Flood  Plains 



Do              

Do            



D  - 

Do 

Do 



801 

108 

Glacial  and  Lo                                       

137 

do 

156 

1.... 



130 

•ll  i 

do 

, 

164 

.. 

INDEX    TO    SOIL    TYPES. 


787 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Rough  .sullied  land 

Rough  mountainous  land. 

Rousrh  stonv  land 

Do * 


1)0. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 


Ruston  coarse  sandy  loam... 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam . 
loamy  sand 


sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

G  acramento  clay 

clay  adobe 

coarse  sandy  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sand 

sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay 

silty  clay  loam 

Saflord  silt  loam 

St.  Catherine  sandy  loam 

Salem  clay  adobe 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

gravelly  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

Salinas  clay  adobe 

clay  loam  adobe 

Salkum  silty  clay 

Salt  Lake  clay  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

Salty  marsh. ..'. 

Sams  loam 

San  Antonio  silty  clay 

silty  clay  loam 

Sanders  clay 

clay  loam 

loam 

silt  loam 

Sandhill 

Sands  and  Peat 

San  Joaquin  clay  adobe 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam do. 

gravelly  loam do. 

gravelly  sandy  loam do. 

loam ." do 

sand..     do 

sandy  loam do 

sandy  loan'  adobe do 

San  Juan  coarse  sandy  loam do 

San  Luis  loam Rocky  Mountain. . . 

sand do 

sandy  loam do 

Santa  Rita  clay  adobe Pacific  Coast 

loa  a do 

silty  clay  loam do 

Sarpy  clay River  Flood  Plains 

clay  loam do 

fine  sand do 

do 

loam " do 

Sarpy  sand..: do 

silt  loam do 

■  clay do 

silty  clay  loam do 

I  \  flne  sand do 

very  line  sandy  loam do 

Sassafras  fine  sand Coastal  Plains 

do 

gravelly  loam do 

loam . .' do 

loamy  sand do 

sand." 


Piedmont  Plateau. . 

Pacific  Coast 

Appalachian 

Arid  Southwest 

Coastal  Plains 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 

Great  Plains 

Limestone 

Piedmont  Plateau . . 

Pacific  Coast 

Coastal  Plains 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Pacific  Coast 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

do. 

do. 
Glacial  and  Loessial. 
River  Flood  Plains. 
Pacific  Coast. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Great  Basin 

....do 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains . 

Pacific  Coast 

Coastal  Plains 

...do 

River  Flood  Plains. 

....do 

....do 

do. 
Coastal  Plains. 
Great  Plains. 
Pacific  Coast. 

do. 


do. 

sandy  loam do. 

silt  loam do. 


788 


SOILS    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES. 


Name. 

Soil  province. 

Page. 

Glacial  Lake 

185 

Schuvlkill  line  sandy  loam 

River  Flood  Plains 

350 

419 

do-.        .     . 

419 

160 

Coastal  Plains 

261 

do 

278 

do... 

256 

...do... 

254 

..do. 

do...             

290 

446 

103 

665 

River  Flood  Plains 

377 

do 

372 

...do... 

370 

471 

148 

do 

152 

584 

do   . 

582 

397 
402 

do 

do 

396 

408 

597 

584 

do 

586 

....do 

590 

...do  .. 

583 

585 

do 

708 

216 

do...               

213 

..do 

200 

do 

208 

....do 

197 

do               

204 

do 

186 

do 

193 

lo            

211 

584 

583 

do 

581 

....do 

586 

...do 

586 

...do    ..                   

588 

do                   

583 

424 

.  ..do  

425 

534 

mo 

007 

do 

605 

: 

60| 

102 

83 

Do 

164 

881 

loam  

678 



.do 

681 

-74 



do               

670 

Buffli                      

21| 

204 

Plains 

414 

i 



411 

lilt  loam 

..do 

108 

silt  v  clay  loam 

do          

418 

Bam  tor  clay 

297 

■ton;  ola              

299 

n 



208 

s  1 1 1 1 1 1 1  loam.                         



678 

Superior  clay 

•  tlactal 

218 

do                

218 

200 

208 



do                                      

■204 

193 

186 



211 

■Ill                      



214 

I     ^&  clay  loam 

I  coarse  sandy  loam. . . 

f  fine  sand 

I  fine  sandy  loam 

^B  gravel 

l  gravelly  loam 

\  gravelly  sandy  loam. 

|A  loam 

I      ^P  sand 

^F  sandy  loam 

..Mr  silt  loam 

■  "  stony  loam 

|  stony  sandy  loam . . . 

V         Sutter  clay 

clay  loam  adobe 

loam 

sandy  loam 

Swamp 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Talladega  gravelly  loam 

loam 

slate  loam 


INDEX   TO   SOIL   TYPES. 


789 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


stony  loam. 
V  lo 


Tassajero  clay  loam 

Tehama  clay 

gravelly  loam 

silt  loam 

Teller  fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

Thompson  fine  sandy  loam 

sand 

silt  loam 

Tidal  marsh 

Do 

Do 

Tifton  coarse  sandy  loam 

sand 

sandv  loam 

Tilsit  silt  loam 

Tishomingo  gravelly  sandy  loam . 

Tolo  loam 

Tonawanda  loam 

Toutle  coarse  sandy  loam 

gravelly  coarse  sand 

very  fine  sand 

Tower  clay 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

Townsend  gravelly  sandy  loam . . 

Toxaway  fine  sandy  loam 

loam , 

Travis  gravelly  loam 

Trinity  clay 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sandy  loam 

Tripp  loam 

loamy  fine  sand 

silt  loam 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

Tunkhannock  gravelly  loam. 


Coastal  Plains 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

do. 

do 

Coastal  Plains 

Glacial  Lake 

Great  Plains 

Pacific  Coast 

River  Flood  Plains 
Rocky  Mountain. . . 

Appalachian 

do 

do 

do 

Pacific  Coast 

do 

do 

do 

River  Flood  Plains 
do 

do 

do. 

do. 
Coastal  Plains. 
Glacial  Lake. 
Pacific  Coast. 
Coastal  Plains. 

.do. 

.do. 
Limestone . 
Great  Plains . 
Pacific  Coast . 
Glacial  Lake . 
Pacific  Coast . 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

lo. 

do. 
River  Flood  Plains 

do 

do..... 

do..... 

do 

do 

do 

Great  Plains 

do 

...do 

do 

Glacial  Lake . 


Tuscan  stony  loam Pacific  Coast . 


stony  sandy  loam 
Tuscarora  sandy  loam . . . 

Tyler  sandy  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam 

Uimar  fine  sandy  loam. . 

loam 

Uncompahgre  gravelly  loam Rocky  Mountain 

loam do 


....do 

Glacial  Lake 

River  Flood  Plains 

....do 

...do 

Pacific  Coast 

do. 


Underwood  loam 

Union  silt  loam 

Upshur  clay 

fine  sandy  loam . 


sandy  loam 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

silty  clay  loam. 


Northwestern  Intermountain . 

Qladal  and  Loessial 

Appalachian 

do 

....do 

...do 

...do 

....do 

....do 


790 


F  th; 


L'SITEE 


1262  09216  8631 


Name. 


Soil  province. 


Upshur  stony  loam 

stony  sandy  loam 

I  valde  silty  clay  lo'am 

Vale  fino  sandy  loam 

gravelly  sandy  loam 

loam 

Yalent  ine  fine  sandy  loam 

loamy  saiid 

sand 

Vergennos  black  clay 

clay 

fine  sand 

fine  sandy  loam 

rally  loam 

s  elly  sand 

loam..'. 

sand 

sa ndv  loa in do 

1 1 j  loam do 

sill  loam 



ad 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

sand 

ly  loam 

silt  loa  m 

very  fine  sandy  loam 

i  t  flay 

sandy  loam 

loam 

Vina  'lay  adobe 

clay  loam 

fine  sandy  loam 

loam 

Volusia  flay  loam 

eUy  loam 

loam. 

shale  loam 

silt  loam 

'.'■air 



loam 



ndv  loam 

loam 

pi 

Loam 

'lav 

loam 

•':        ad;  loam 



'■lay  Loam 



■  in 




Appalachian 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains 

Greal  Plains 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Glacial  Lake 

...do 


...do 

Great  Plains 



....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

...do 

Coastal  Plains 

....do 

....do 

i 'oast 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Glacial  and  Loessial. 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

River  Flood  Plains  . 
....do 


....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 



....do 



....do 




ill  loam .    .do 

Loam do 

i Lee 

Northwestern  [ntermountain. 

ill  silt  v  clay  loam River  Flood  Plains 

ly  loam -ial 

de  loam do 

Loam do 

■a .do 

Glacial  Lake  




im  loam 

loam .   . 

■I 

i 





•  mi 

■11.  in, 

"ii  




I  i  ....i  Plains  . 

Lake 







River 

.      ..do 











....do 


370  J 

457  | 
456° 
460.1 
42tf] 

4«  46 

2jt03 

-\f* 

191'. 

200 

208 

204 
186 
194 
206 
211 
414 
395 
399 
402 
394 
396 

285 
731 
725 
711 
715 
163 
156 
148 
153 
160 
152 

373 
341 
351 
357 
345 

370 

353 

457 
AW 

m 

■)(!'.) 

194 

204 

1(14 

180 


